A new year means new movies to anticipate. Winter is a slower release season, as the biggest movies tend to come out in summer or late fall, but there’s still plenty to look forward to.
We’re finally seeing a few original movies hit the big screen alongside the usual remakes, sequels, and spin-offs. Films like Love Hurts or One of Them Days promise new stories that we’ll hopefully see more of this year.
So grab your popcorn, and let’s look at the upcoming winter movie releases for 2025.
December
The Lord of the Rings: War of the Rohirrim
December 13, Theaters
What’s It About? A sudden attack by Wulf, a ruthless Dunlending lord, forces Helm Hammerhand and his people to make a daring last stand in the ancient stronghold of the Hornburg. Finding herself in an increasingly desperate situation, Helm’s daughter, Héra, must lead the resistance against a deadly enemy who’s intent on total destruction.
Some people may remember the cartoon Lord of the Rings movies from the 70s. This December, the world of Middle Earth returns to animated form, but this time as an anime. The film promises to explore new characters and events never before seen on screen.
Carry-On
December 13, Netflix
What’s It About? A young airline security guard is blackmailed by a mysterious passenger who threatens to smuggle a dangerous package onto a plane on Christmas Eve.
Taron Edgerton is back in a new action thriller from Netflix, joined by Sophia Carson and Jason Bateman. It has a Die Hard-style premise, but it’s unique enough to entertain. It’s already on its way to becoming one of Netflix’s biggest original films of all time.
Kraven the Hunter
December 13, Theaters
What’s It About? Kraven’s complex relationship with his ruthless father starts him down a path of vengeance, motivating him to become not only the greatest hunter in the world, but also one of its most feared.
After several delays, Kraven the Hunter finally hits theaters this December. It’s one of Sony’s last bids at a Spider-Man universe film, so we’ll see how it pans out.
Sonic the Hedgehog 3
December 20, Theaters
What’s It About? Sonic, Knuckles, and Tails reunite to battle Shadow, a mysterious new enemy with powers unlike anything they’ve faced before. With their abilities outmatched in every way, they seek out an unlikely alliance to stop Shadow and protect the planet.
Sonic the Hedgehog has been an unexpected success at the box office, with a third installment releasing in December. This time, Sonic and his friends must battle Shadow, an iconic character from the video games voiced here by Keanu Reeves.
A Complete Unknown
December 25, Theaters
What’s It About? In the early 1960s, 19-year-old Bob Dylan arrives in New York with his guitar and revolutionary talent, destined to change the course of American music. Forming his most intimate relationships during his rise to fame, he grows restless with the folk movement, making a controversial choice that reverberates worldwide.
Timothée Chalamet showed us he can sing last year in Wonka. This year, he’s doubling down on that skill by playing a young Bob Dylan as he rises to fame. People are a bit baffled by the casting, but the movie still looks like a great watch for Bob Dylan fans.
January
One of Them Days
January 17, Theaters
What’s It About? When her boyfriend takes her rent money, Alyssa and her roommate race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
There’s nothing like a fun action comedy to start the year. Starring Keke Palmer and SZA, this story about two friends having a terrible day looks hilarious and heartwarming. Plus, it’s an original concept- something we don’t see much of anymore.
Flight Risk
January 24, Netflix
What’s It About? A U.S. marshal boards a small plane to transfer a government witness to New York. As they cross the Alaskan wilderness, tensions start to rise as not everyone on the flight is who they appear to be.
Netflix once again taps into the famous talent pool with this action movie starring Mark Wahlberg and Michelle Dockery, directed by Mel Gibson. Early trailers look a bit predictable, but still worth a watch if you have a subscription.
Dog Man
January 31, Theaters
What’s It About? When a police officer and his faithful police dog get injured in the line of duty, a harebrained but life-saving surgery fuses the two of them together — and Dog Man is born. As Dog Man learns to embrace his new identity, he must stop feline supervillain Petey the Cat from cloning himself and going on a crime spree.
This best-selling children’s book finally gets an animated big-screen adaptation from Universal Pictures. The animation style looks fun and very similar to the iconic book illustrations. If you have kids, this is a great one to take them to see.
February
Love Hurts
February 7, Theaters
What’s It About? Marvin is a Milwaukee realtor who receives a crimson envelope from Rose, a former partner-in-crime whom he left for dead. He now finds himself thrust back into a world of ruthless hitmen and double-crosses that turn his open houses into deadly war zones. Hunted by his brother, a volatile crime lord, Marvin must confront the choices that haunt him and the history he never truly buried.
This new action movie looks like a great time; even better, it’s an original story. Ke Huy Quan stars as the main character, Marvin, alongside other big actors like Ariana DeBose and Daniel Wu. Trailers are already giving us John Wick meets Jackie Chan vibes.
Captain America: Brave New World
February 14, Theaters
What’s It About? Sam finds himself in the middle of an international incident after meeting with President Thaddeus Ross. He must soon discover the reason behind a nefarious global plot before the true mastermind has the entire world seeing red.
In the fourth Captain America movie, Sam Wilson finally gets to lead as the titular captain. Will he do well in the role? Only time will tell, although early trailers don’t feel promising.
Paddington in Peru
February 14, Theaters
What’s It About? When Paddington discovers his beloved aunt has gone missing from the Home for Retired Bears, he and the Brown family head to the jungles of Peru to find her. Determined to solve the mystery, they soon stumble across a legendary treasure as they make their way through the rainforests of the Amazon.
Since the first movie came out ten years ago, the Paddington movies have charmed kids and adults alike. This time, the Brown family heads to Peru for a fun adventure full of hijinks and British humor.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
February 13, Peacock
What’s It About? Bridget Jones finally has some luck in her life; she has a great job as a screenwriter, her family and a new boyfriend; the fact that he is over twenty years younger than her isn’t the only thing that is causing problems.
Another popular series getting a new installment in 2025 is Bridget Jones’s Diary. The only downside is it’s only streaming on Peacock, so you’ll need a subscription to see it.
Cleaner
February 21, Theaters
What’s It About? Hoping to expose corruption, radical activists take 300 hostages at an energy company’s annual gala in a high-rise building. Their cause soon gets hijacked by an extremist within their ranks who’s ready to kill everyone. It’s now up to a former soldier who works as a window cleaner to save the hostages trapped inside, including her younger brother.
If you’ve seen Die Hard, we’re pretty sure you can predict the plot of this movie. But with Daisy Riddley in the starring role and a director with a great track record, it might be better than the trailers look.
There’s a nice mix of films coming out this winter, from comedy to action to animation. We hope you get a chance to check one or two of them out.
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