Here are some of the most popular and talked-about movies released in 2025, based on box office performance, critical acclaim, audience buzz, and cultural impact as of mid-December 2025. These dominated headlines, charts (like IMDb’s MOVIEmeter), and discussions throughout the year—superhero reboots, horror hits, animated sequels, and original blockbusters.
1. Superman (directed by James Gunn)
The launch of the new DC Universe, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman, Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, and Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor. It was the most anticipated and popular film of the year per IMDb, blending hope, action, and classic heroism while overcoming superhero fatigue.
2. Captain America: Brave New World (Marvel Studios)
Anthony Mackie steps fully into the shield as Sam Wilson/Captain America, facing off against Harrison Ford’s Red Hulk. A key MCU entry with strong reviews and solid box office.
3. Thunderbolts* (Marvel Studios)
An antihero team-up featuring Florence Pugh as Yelena Belova, Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes, and more. Praised for its character-driven story and positive reception despite MCU challenges.
4. The Fantastic Four: First Steps (Marvel Studios)
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon Moss-Bachrach as the retro-styled superhero family battling Galactus. A fresh MCU reboot with high excitement.
5. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (directed by Christopher McQuarrie)
Tom Cruise’s epic conclusion to the franchise, packed with insane stunts and global action. A massive crowd-pleaser.
6. Jurassic World Rebirth (directed by Gareth Edwards)
Scarlett Johansson leads a new era of dinosaur adventures. Strong box office and fan love for the franchise revival.
7. Wicked: For Good (Part 2, directed by Jon M. Chu)
The highly anticipated follow-up to the 2024 hit, with Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo. Musical magic continued to dominate.
8. Avatar: Fire and Ash (directed by James Cameron)
The third installment in the Pandora saga, exploring new tribes and conflicts. Visual spectacle at its peak.
Other massive hits included animated powerhouses like Zootopia 2, Ne Zha 2 (record-breaking globally), horror standouts like Sinners (Ryan Coogler/Michael B. Jordan vampire epic) and Weapons (Zach Cregger’s cultural phenomenon), plus originals like F1 (Brad Pitt racing drama) and Marty Supreme (Timothée Chalamet ping-pong biopic).
2025 was a banner year for blockbusters, originals, and franchise revivals—plenty of variety!
For collages of more 2025 posters and highlights: