As the summer blockbuster season fades away, the excitement for upcoming genre films grows. Notable directors like Guillermo del Toro, James Cameron, and Edgar Wright will soon be delivering new visions to captivate audiences before 2025 reaches its end. With a mix of major franchises and unique indie projects on the horizon, now is the perfect time to reflect on 20 upcoming movies that film fans should definitely keep an eye on.
At io9, we thrive on sci-fi, fantasy, and horror films, so while we appreciate dramatic works like One Battle After Another, we’re focusing on the thrilling genre flicks that excite us the most.
20. Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
I wasn’t particularly thrilled by the first film, yet I’m eager to delve deeper into the game’s lore in this sequel. Fingers crossed it enriches the mythology!
19. Now You See Me, Now You Don’t
This film not only boasts an unforgettable title but also promises to deliver fresh magic in the beloved Robin Hood-inspired franchise. We can’t wait to see what’s in store!
18. Keeper
Osgood Perkins is back with a third feature in just over a year, following the success of The Monkey and Longlegs. We’re confident this new project will be just as compelling.
17. Anaconda
What can be better than a parody of the classic snake film, starring Jack Black and Paul Rudd? It promises a hilarious adventure filled with giant snakes and big laughs.
16. Good Boy
This unexpected gem has caught our attention by offering a novel take on the horror genre—told from the perspective of a dog. We’re eagerly anticipating this fresh twist!
15. Him
Sports and genre films are rarely intertwined, but this Jordan Peele-produced movie about a football star joining a cult is sure to grab attention.
14. The Long Walk
Directed by The Hunger Games‘ Francis Lawrence, this adaptation of a Stephen King classic promises a brutal survival challenge. We expect nothing less than gripping suspense!
13. Black Phone 2
The return of The Grabber is intriguing, and we’re excited to uncover how the story develops in this sequel. More scares and twists would make it even better!
12. The Conjuring: Last Rites
As intended, this final chapter from the Vera Farmiga-Patrick Wilson series features a terrifying case that may end their paranormal investigations. We would love to see if this film lives up to its bold claims.
11. Wicked For Good
Fans of the stage musical know the second act isn’t quite as thrilling. However, we’re hopeful that director Jon M. Chu will elevate this sequel beyond expectations.
10. Mortal Kombat II
The last Mortal Kombat movie was an exhilarating experience, and if the sequel matches that energy, it promises to be a highlight of the season.
9. Good Fortune
This Aziz Ansari-directed film combines fantasy and comedy, featuring an angel (played by Keanu Reeves) who helps two men swap bodies. Given the talent involved, we hope it fills the void of upcoming comedy.
8. Tron Ares
The return to the Tron universe has been a long time coming. Fans are eager to see if this film will revive the magic and legacy of the franchise.
7. Zootopia 2
The original Zootopia is a masterpiece, and though expectations are high, we’re hoping this sequel might surpass its predecessor like Toy Story 2 did.
6. Avatar: Fire and Ash
This upcoming installment from James Cameron promises to be a cinematic spectacle, generating plenty of anticipation among fans while we also look forward to other unique offerings in the months to come.
5. Bugonia
Director Yorgos Lanthimos has a track record of delivering unforgettable films. This new project, featuring Emma Stone as a kidnapped CEO thought to be an alien, looks intriguing.
4. A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
Kogonada’s next film features Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell embarking on an enchanting adventure. There’s an air of uniqueness about this one that excites us.
3. Predator: Badlands
After stunning entries like Prey, expectations are running high for this third installment. A twist on the Predator story sounds like it has a lot of potential!
2. The Running Man
With Edgar Wright returning to the sci-fi genre to adapt this gripping Stephen King story, anticipation is at an all-time high. Glen Powell in the lead adds to our excitement!
1. Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro is unmistakably one of the most captivating filmmakers today. His adaptation of this classic tale has all the makings of a timeless masterpiece that we’re eager to experience.
What films are you looking forward to? Have we overlooked any titles worth mentioning? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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