Netflix in 2025 has delivered a stellar lineup of Hollywood films, blending high-octane action, heartfelt dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, and gripping thrillers. Below is a curated list of the best new Hollywood movies available on Netflix in 2025, based on critical acclaim, audience buzz, and box-office or streaming performance, along with details on how to watch them legally. These selections reflect the latest releases and notable additions highlighted in recent reports.
Top Hollywood Movies on Netflix in 2025
1. Happy Gilmore 2
Director: Kyle Newacheck | Starring: Adam Sandler, Julie Bowen, Christopher McDonald
Plot: The long-awaited sequel to the 1996 golf comedy sees Happy Gilmore (Adam Sandler) return to the fairways to fund his daughter’s ballet career. Facing old rival Shooter McGavin (Christopher McDonald), Happy navigates nostalgia and new challenges with his signature temper and humor.
Why Watch: Critics praise its nostalgic charm, physical comedy, and fresh faces like Bad Bunny and Benny Safdie. It’s a top performer, holding the No. 1 spot on Netflix’s Top 10 list.
Where to Watch Legally: Streaming on Netflix since July 25, 2025. Included with a Netflix subscription (plans start at ₹149/month in India or $6.99/month in the U.S.).
2. The Old Guard 2
Director: Victoria Mahoney | Starring: Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, Matthias Schoenaerts
Plot: Charlize Theron reprises her role as Andromache of Scythia (Andy), leading a band of immortal vigilantes in a high-stakes action sequel. The team faces new threats while grappling with their eternal existence.
Why Watch: A follow-up to the 2020 hit, it’s lauded for Theron’s commanding performance and intense action sequences, making it a must-watch for action fans.
Where to Watch Legally: Available on Netflix since July 2, 2025. Accessible with a standard Netflix subscription.
3. KPop Demon Hunters
Directors: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang | Starring: Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo
Plot: This animated musical comedy follows a world-renowned K-pop girl group balancing fame with their secret lives as demon hunters, delivering high-energy action and catchy songs.
Why Watch: It’s Netflix’s most successful original movie of 2025, defying the typical drop-off by staying in the Top 10 for five weeks due to strong word-of-mouth and rewatchability.
Where to Watch Legally: Streaming on Netflix with a subscription. Check for dubbed or subtitled versions in multiple languages.
4. The Thursday Murder Club
Director: Chris Columbus | Starring: Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, Celia Imrie
Plot: Based on Richard Osman’s bestseller, this comedic murder mystery follows four retirees (Mirren, Brosnan, Kingsley, Imrie) solving cold cases until a real murder lands on their doorstep.
Why Watch: The all-star British cast and witty script make it a cozy yet thrilling watch, perfect for fans of classic whodunits.
Where to Watch Legally: Available on Netflix since August 2025. Included in all Netflix subscription plans.
5. My Oxford Year
Director: Iain Morris | Starring: Sofia Carson, Corey Mylchreest
Plot: A romantic drama about Anna (Carson), an American student at Oxford, whose life plan unravels when she falls for a charming local (Mylchreest) with a terminal illness.
Why Watch: Compared to Me Before You, it’s a tearjerker with emotional depth, ideal for romance fans. Critics note Carson’s star power.
Where to Watch Legally: Streaming on Netflix since August 1, 2025. Available with a subscription.
6. Havoc
Director: Gareth Evans | Starring: Tom Hardy, Forest Whitaker
Plot: Tom Hardy plays Walker, a grizzled detective diving into the criminal underworld to rescue a politician’s son after a drug deal goes wrong.
Why Watch: Gareth Evans (The Raid) delivers kinetic action, and Hardy’s intense performance makes this a standout thriller. It’s an “early spring win” for Netflix.
Where to Watch Legally: Available on Netflix since spring 2025. Accessible with a Netflix subscription.
7. Freelance
Director: Pierre Morel | Starring: John Cena, Alison Brie, Juan Pablo Raba
Plot: A former Special Forces operative (Cena) protects a journalist (Brie) during a coup in a fictional country, leading to a chaotic jungle escape.
Why Watch: Despite a 10% Rotten Tomatoes score, its 70% audience rating highlights its appeal as a light, escapist action-comedy reminiscent of ‘90s blockbusters.
Where to Watch Legally: Streaming on Netflix since August 2, 2025. Included with a subscription.
8. The Truth About Jussie Smollett?
Director: Not Specified | Starring: Jussie Smollett (interviews)
Plot: This documentary revisits the 2019 Jussie Smollett hate crime controversy, featuring interviews with police, lawyers, and Smollett himself to explore whether the incident was real or staged.
Why Watch: Produced by the team behind Don’t Fk with Cats, it’s a provocative dive into a polarizing case, sparking significant discourse.
*Where to Watch Legally*: Available on Netflix since August 22, 2025. Stream with a Netflix subscription.
9. Nonnas
Director: Stephen Chbosky | Starring: Lorraine Bracco, Brenda Vaccaro, Susan Sarandon
Plot: A heartwarming drama about a group of Italian-American grandmothers navigating life, love, and family through their shared culinary traditions.
Why Watch: Described as “simply nice,” it’s a feel-good film with a stellar cast, perfect for cozy viewing.
Where to Watch Legally: Streaming on Netflix with a subscription.
10. The Electric State
Director: Anthony Russo, Joe Russo | Starring: Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt
Plot: In a retro-futuristic wasteland, a young woman (Brown) and a smuggler (Pratt) team up with robots for an epic adventure.
Why Watch: The Russo brothers’ sci-fi spectacle promises stunning visuals and a star-studded cast, including Stanley Tucci and Giancarlo Esposito.
Where to Watch Legally: Set to stream on Netflix starting March 14, 2025. Available with a subscription.
How to Watch These Movies Legally
Watching movies legally ensures high-quality viewing, supports filmmakers, and avoids risks like malware from piracy sites. Here’s how to access these 2025 Hollywood films on Netflix:
- Netflix Subscription: All listed movies are Netflix originals or exclusives, available with a standard subscription. Plans start at ₹149/month in India ($6.99/month in the U.S.) and include HD/4K streaming, offline downloads, and multi-language subtitles. Sign up at netflix.com.
- Check Availability: Use JustWatch to confirm regional availability, as some titles may vary by country due to licensing.
- Avoid Piracy: Sites like 123movies, Putlocker, or FMovies often host pirated content, risking legal issues and data theft. Stick to Netflix’s official platform for a safe, ad-free experience.
Why These Films Stand Out
The 2025 Netflix Hollywood lineup excels in diversity and star power. Happy Gilmore 2 and KPop Demon Hunters dominate with mainstream appeal, while The Thursday Murder Club and My Oxford Year offer nuanced storytelling. Action fans will love Havoc and The Old Guard 2, and Nonnas provides heartwarming drama. These films, backed by strong casts and innovative directors, reflect Netflix’s commitment to blending blockbuster entertainment with unique narratives, making 2025 a standout year.
Sources: Netflix Tudum, Forbes, Tom’s Guide, The Hollywood Reporter, WIRED, IMDb, Rotten Tomatoes, posts on X