2025 is upon us, with a diverse selection of heavy-hitting blockbusters packed with action. Fans of intense stunts, heart-pounding action, and explosive showdowns are in for a treat, and out of all the action movies releasing in 2025, a specific selection stands out. Beloved franchises and thrillers alike are forecasted to dominate box offices, whether featuring the return of iconic characters or presenting new stories that promise to redefine the genre. As excitement builds, it's clear that these films are destined to make a sizable impact.

There are films like Ballerina and Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, standing out for their captivating plots and over-the-top productions. The long-awaited return of 28 Days Later has generated excitement, and for those looking forward to the sequel, the28 Years Later's release date, story, and cast details suggest a thrilling continuation of the beloved original. The additional returns of Jurassic World and Superman also promise to hook audiences, offering a blend of familiarity with the modern unknown. With a large selection of potential box-office busters, 2025 is shaping up to be a prominent year in cinematic action history.

10 28 Years Later

Release Date: June 20, 2025

Danny Boyle's 28 Years Later, one of the most anticipated horror movies arriving in 2025, will return to the post-apocalyptic world of the well-known 28 Days Later universe. The sequel will revisit the aftermath of the "rage virus," this time focusing on new survivors navigating the wasteland and delivering a thrilling continuation of the franchise. It aims to further delve into the consequences of living in a uniquely apocalyptic world and fans can expect returning characters and fresh new faces, all exploring the harsh reality of surviving in a chaotic world.

28 Years Later is also expected to tackle new themes as well as continue analyzing concepts like the ethics of survival and rebuilding society after devastation. Boyle's direction is gritty with a love for intense action; this is predicted to make 28 Years Later an exhilarating ride for fans of the original film. With a promising cast and deepened exploration into the psyche of survivors, 28 Years Later has huge potential to be a timeless post-apocalyptic piece.

9 Ballerina

Release Date: June 6, 2025

Ballerina is an exciting new spin-off in the John Wick franchise, following a young female assassin seeking revenge for the death of her family. Ana de Armas will shine in the lead role, and as fans know from John Wick, the world of highly skilled assassins offers endless possibilities for intense action. Ballerina is set to deliver on that front on June 6 this year. With promises to expand its predecessor's universe, Ballerina showcases the prospect of a fresh, entertaining protagonist.

Directed by Len Wiseman, Ballerina is expected to have stylish action sequences as well as intricate world-building, a common theme fans of John Wick are familiar with. This film will explore the assassin's journey of self-discovery and vengeance and will deliver a mix of ballet-inspired choreography and brutal combat, all bound to thrill audiences. Offering more of what audiences loved about John Wick but with a new perspective, Ballerina is certainly a movie to look out for.

8 Predator: Badlands

Release Date: November 7, 2025

Predator: Badlands will hopefully breathe new life into the legendary Predator franchise, heralding a new chapter of the iconic series. Set in a desolate, hostile environment and directed by Dan Trachtenberg, Predator: Badlands aspires to offer an original take on the alien hunter mythology, delivering high-stakes action and survival. Starring Elle Fanning and slated for release in the Thanksgiving season, fans can expect a fresh set of rules as the Predator encounters an equally fresh set of challenges in a barren wasteland.

The film will explore new terrain as well as add layers to the long-established Predator lore. Through a cast led by Fanning and a newfound ionate direction that focuses on survival and strategy, Predator: Badlands aims to thrill both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. It's certain to bring the same deadly tension and excitement that the original series is known for, all while introducing a continuously captivating dynamic.

7 Nobody 2

Release Date: June 25, 2025

The unexpected success of 2021's Nobody is bringing the character of Hutch Mansell back for another thrilling ride, with Bob Odenkirk returning to lead the picture. He again stars as Hutch, the seemingly mild-mannered family man with a violent past who is ready to make box-office waves. This time, Hutch will face even greater challenges as he tries to escape his past, all while navigating increasingly dangerous circumstances. Nobody 2 promises to deliver more of the intense action and dark humor that made its first installment so loved.

Bob Odenkirk trained extensively in martial arts for the first Nobody film; he dedicated over two years to training with stunt professionals to prepare for intense action sequences.

Furthermore, Odenkirk's bloody & brutal Nobody 2 return is expected to build on the success of the original film, further exploring Hutch's complex character. It'll delve deeper into the main character's journey while providing more high-octane action sequences. With Odenkirk's unique brand of humor and grit, fans can expect a thrilling continuation that amplifies the tension and stakes, making Nobody 2 a likely standout action movie of 2025.

6 Avatar: Fire And Ash

Release Date: December 19, 2025

James Cameron's Avatar: Fire and Ash will continue the epic saga of Pandora. Picking up the story from Avatar: The Way of Water, this third installment of the Avatar series will go even deeper into the planet's ecosystems and the ongoing conflict between the Na'vi and human invaders, pushing the boundaries of visual storytelling with groundbreaking special effects and stunning world-building. Fans can expect more breathtaking visuals coupled with a classic depiction of the environmental themes that define the first movie.

Cameron's mastery of immersive storytelling ensures that Avatar: Fire and Ash will also awe audiences with its illustrative splendor alongside a return of beloved characters. With new alliances and challenges, the movie will explore how the Na'vi confront new threats while upholding their culture and history, gradually expanding the two prior films' background lore. This continuation of the saga promises to be an epic journey for both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike, wowing audiences a third time around.

5 Superman

Release Date: July 11, 2025

Under the direction of James Gunn, an exciting Superman reboot is set to bring a fresh perspective to the iconic superhero. With Henry Cavill's departure, David Corenswet will don the beloved cape and tights. Promising to reinvigorate the character for a new generation, Corenswet has a heavy torch to carry. Superman will kick off a new chapter in the DC Universe, focusing on Clark Kent's early days as the hero of Metropolis. This 2025 rework of a classic hero will hopefully introduce a more grounded and nuanced man of steel.

Director James Gunn has confirmed that the film will feature a younger Superman, focusing on Clark Kent’s early days, balancing his Kryptonian heritage with life on Earth.

Gunn's direction aims to humble Superman's god-like powers with his human vulnerabilities. Themes like responsibility, morality, and identity will be explored, while the film plans to focus on the protagonist's journey of self-discovery and relationship with Lois Lane, rather than the common stereotypes the franchise tends to fixate on. With a new vision for the character, one of comic book’s most enduring icons is getting a good new start, a promising spectacle to look out for in 2025.

4 Jurassic World: Rebirth

Release Date: July 2, 2025

The Jurassic Park franchise is also excitedly set to return with Jurassic World: Rebirth. This chapter will explore additional territories within the overarching familiar realm of dinosaurs, bringing back well-known characters while introducing new faces. The movie is set to dive into the consequences of human-dinosaur coexistence, with the return of Colin Trevorrow as director. Jurassic World: Rebirth promises more thrilling action and tense dinosaur chases for a 2025 summer blockbuster.

Namely, the plot of Scarlett Johansson's Jurassic World sequel will focus on the fallout from the events of Jurassic World: Dominion, further exploring ethical dilemmas and challenges faced by society as humans learn to live alongside these prehistoric creatures. Fans can expect spectacular visual effects in memorable scenes if this feature is anything like its predecessors. Alongside the exploration of human nature and the dangers of playing god, Jurassic World: Rebirth will continue the legacy of the Jurassic Park franchise while pushing it in new directions.

3 Captain America: Brave New World

Release Date: February 14, 2025

In the wake of Steve Rogers' retirement, Captain America: Brave New World will follow a new Captain America. With Anthony Mackie taking on the role of the patriotic protagonist, this film will explore Sam Wilson's evolution as Captain America. Grappling with the responsibility of carrying on Rogers' legacy while facing a new generation of threats, this Valentine's Day release will be a key installment in the MCU's next phase, featuring compelling new beginnings that will redefine the universe.

The film will explore themes of legacy, leadership, and identity through Sam and other characters. While facing powerful adversaries, fans can expect action-packed sequences from Mackie, additionally packed to the brim with emotional depth. Continuation of the larger MCU storyline will likely connect Brave New World with other major characters and events in the franchise, creating a holistic, retro, yet progressive melting pot of differing qualities that will be enriching to watch.

2 Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Release Date: May 23, 2025

Tom Cruise returns for one last ride in the Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, marking the end of Ethan Hunt's journey as he undertakes his most dangerous mission yet. As shown through its riveting teaser trailer, the action scenes have the potential to continue to push the limits of what's possible. With Cruise (of course) performing his own stunts once again, The Final Reckoning is expected to be an epic conclusion to the Mission: Impossible franchise.

The stakes have never been higher for Ethan, and this final installment aims to be a thrilling conclusion to his years of service to the Impossible Mission Force. With high-stakes action, tense drama, and surprising twists, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning will leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Eager for the conclusion of this legendary action series, audiences have everything to lose as they arrive at theaters on the film's release day of May 23.

1 Thunderbolts*

Release Date: May 5, 2025

Marvel's Thunderbolts is set to bring together antiheroes and reformed villains for their own adventure, focusing on an unlikely team who must work together to tackle a threat greater than any one of them could face alone, proving that strength does indeed exist in numbers. Thunderbolts will also introduce a new dynamic to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with characters like Yelena Belova and the Winter Soldier set to feature in this film, showcasing potential cinematic greatness in this release.

The film will explore themes of redemption, teamwork, and what it means to be a hero in the eyes of the world with an ensemble cast featuring a mix of returning characters and new faces. Thunderbolts will also most likely add intense depth and complexity as one of the biggest MCU projects coming in 2025, delivering the action and excitement fans crave while relaying an emotive, layered story to audiences. As these antiheroes confront their personal demons, Thunderbolts will showcase the darker side of the superhero genre, a trend that has become increasingly popular in action with time.