By Emily Russell
With the Golden Globes coming to an end and a new year rolling in, we are one step closer to more anticipated films being released. An interesting array of genres, film styles, and new adaptations will be coming up on the big screens. If you haven't heard or seen the news on them (or if you just want more information…) check out this list and become informed:
28 Years Later
Release date: June 20th, 2025
Director: Danny Boyle
Genre: Horror/Thriller/Science Fiction
28 Years Later is the highly anticipated 3rd film in the “28” series (28 Days Later, 28 Weeks Later). The franchise follows a London biker (played by Cillian Murphy) who after being in a coma for a month, wakes up to find his city deserted due to a virus let loose from a medical research facility, the city's remaining civilization has turned into zombie-like creatures who torment Jim (Cillian Murphy) as he searches for life and safety. The second movie focuses more on the military side of the story but still circles the same virus. The upcoming 28 Years Later is once again centered around the society and its survivors but this time, they’ve adapted to live amongst the infected. With a 75 million dollar budget, the film is said to be one of the best upcoming horror films with presumably good effects and an original storyline. The film will have a part two released in 2026 following the storyline.
Frankenstein
Release date: 2025 (no official month or day)
Director: Guillermo del Toro
Genre: Science Fiction/Horror/Gothic
Frankenstein has been heavily anticipated since its initial announcement of production. Its popular cast includes Jacob Elordi, Mia Goth, and Oscar Isaac, who plays Dr. Frankenstein. The movie is said to follow Dr. Pretorius as he tracks down Frankenstein's supposedly dead monster. The film is adapted from Mary Shelley's popular 1818 novel Frankenstein. The original novel was a commentary on the dangers of biological experimentation and the threats of unorthodox tests in the science field.
Wicked: For Good
Release date: November 21st, 2025
Director: Jon M. Chu
Genre: Musical/Fantasy
Wicked: For Good is the second installment of the movie adaptation Wicked. From book to Broadway musical to the big screen, Wicked has become a quick fan favorite with its adored leads, Arianna Grande and Cynthia Erivo. The film resumes from the last movie's final scene and is the final part of the series. Known for its great musical numbers and colorful effects, I can only imagine the uproar the second movie will cause.
F1
Release date: June 25-27 2025
Director: Joseph Kosinski
Genre: Sports/Action
Based around the Formula One World Championship, F1 follows Sonny Hayes (played by Brad Pitt) as he comes out of retirement. In 1990, the driver crashed during a race, forcing him out of the racing world. When an F1 team leader asks him to prepare Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris) for an apex Grand Prix team, Sonny reconnects with his passion for the sport. Director Joseph Kosinski is known for iconic films such as Top Gun: Maverick. Because of this, many critics believe this film will have a similar energy, and with such a packed cast this movie has sparked the attention of not only dedicated F1 fans but movie lovers everywhere.
How to Train Your Dragon (live-action)
Release date: June 13, 2025
Director: Dean DeBlois
Genre: Fantasy/Adventure
From the famous film series How to Train Your Dragon, this live-action adaptation has long-time fans and movie enjoyers everywhere on the edge of their seats with anticipation. If you are unfamiliar with the series premise, the original movie/movies follow a young Viking boy named Hiccup on his journey to become a dragon hunter. Along the way, he finds a hurt dragon and they develop a heartfelt friendship. This causes controversy among his family and his village members. The live-action will follow the same plotline with Mason Thames as Hiccup along with Nico Parker who plays Astrid (Hiccup's love interest and fellow Viking).
Mickey 17
Release date: March 7th 2025
Director: Bong Joon-Ho
Genre: Science fiction/comedy
Mickey 17 (adapted from the novel of the same name by Edward Ashton) follows Robert Pattison as Mickey Barnes. After volunteering to be an employee for a space expedition, Barnes discovers one catch: he’s completely expendable. Each mission he’s sent on is purposely set to be a death trap. However, after one Mickey dies, another is imposed with the same body with memories regenerated. Steven Yeun, Mark Ruffalo, Toni Collette, and Naomi Ackie will be starring alongside Pattinson.