In 2025, cinephiles can look forward to several upcoming movies that boast compelling narratives. Like 2024, this year's schedule is chock-a-block with many options that will appeal to varied tastes and preferences. From larger-than-life productions to poignant indie offerings, 2025 will be a good year for cinephiles to get their regular dose of cinema magic in the theatres as well as on OTT platforms.
But it has to be said that even though OTT platforms have upped their games in terms of quality movies, there is still something very exciting about watching a good movie on the big screen. After all, the overall experience feels much more immersive and grandiose in movie halls.
Cinephiles looking to start their new year right should make a point to mark their calendars for the intriguing upcoming movies releasing in January 2025 on this list that they need to experience in the theatres.
Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources.
Flight Risk and nine other upcoming movies releasing in January 2025 that promise engaging plotlines
1) Den of Thieves 2: Pantera (January 10, 2025)
Directed by Christian Gudegast, this upcoming movie is the direct sequel to Den of Thieves (2018). Fans of the first movie will be happy to see Gerard Butler, O'Shea Jackson Jr. and Meadow Williams reprising their roles.
Based on the 2003 Antwerp diamond heist, the upcoming movie follows Big Nick (Butler) who is chasing after the escaped Donnie (Jackson Jr.) in Europe. While he evades the police, Donnie makes plans for a big heist.
Similar to Den of Thieves, Den of Thieves 2: Pantera also promises plenty of suspense and action. It will also be interesting to see how the movie will incorporate elements from the real-life Antwerp heist, which is often referred to as the "heist of the century".
Where to watch: Den of Thieves 2: Pantera will be released in the theatres on January 10, 2025.
2) Marked Men (January 12, 2025)
This upcoming movie is an adaptation of The Marked Men: Rule by author Jay Crownover. Sydney Taylor plays Shaw, a pre-med student who has always lived life by the rules. She has been in love with Chase Stokes' character Rule Archer for years. A temperamental tattoo artist, Rule is not looking for anything serious but one night with Shaw changes everything.
Directed by Nick Cassavetes, this upcoming movie promises to deliver a compelling romance narrative that explores complex relationship dynamics and the effort couples have to make in order to go the long run. In addition to bookworms, Marked Men will also appeal to movie lovers who are fond of endearing romances that aren't clichéd or over-the-top.
Where to watch: Marked Men will be released theatrically on January 12, 2025.
3) Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare (January 13, 2025)
Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare by Scott Jeffrey is part of the Twisted Childhood Universe (TCU). All the movies in the franchise feature popular characters from children's media but they are reimagined as merciless villains. This particular installment draws inspiration from J. M. Barrie's Peter Pan but adds horror elements to the same.
In Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare, Peter Pan and Tinker Bell have kidnapped Wendy's brother, Michael, and she has to go on a dangerous quest to bring him back. Martin Portlock and Megan Placito portray Peter Pan and Wendy Darling respectively. The upcoming movie also stars Kit Green, Peter DeSouza-Feighoney, Charity Kase, and more.
The dark tone of this upcoming movie will surely appeal to horror fans who enjoy unconventional retellings of classic tales.
Where to watch: Peter Pan's Neverland Nightmare is scheduled to hit theatres on January 13, 2025.
4) One of Them Days (January 17, 2025)
Buddy comedy movies have always found takers around the world because they are usually fun to watch and easy to relate to. This upcoming movie by Lawrence Lamont hopes to do the same thing.
Keke Palmer and SZA play friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa. When Alyssa's boyfriend unwittingly uses their rent money, they have to grasp at straws in order to pull together and pay the rent on time so as to avoid eviction. As expected, tensions are high which ultimately puts a strain on their friendship.
Viewers are hoping that the promising setting will lend itself to unexpected twists and plenty of humorous moments that will make them laugh out loud.
Where to watch: One of Them Days will be released in the theatres on January 17, 2025.
5) Wish You Were Here (January 17, 2025)
This upcoming movie marks the directorial debut of Julia Stiles who audiences may remember from 10 Things I Hate About You (1999), and Save the Last Dance (2001). It stars Isabelle Fuhrman, Mena Massoud, Jennifer Grey and Kelsey Grammer.
Fuhrman plays Charlotte who has a whirlwind night of romance with the guy of her dreams. But he starts to act distant the next morning and she is left heartbroken. But when she decides to go looking for answers, she learns a painful secret that will change her life forever.
From the trailer, it seems like this upcoming movie will deliver in terms of capturing genuine love that stands strong even in the face of the biggest adversities. Cinephiles who wear their hearts on their sleeves wouldn't be able to resist this one.
Where to watch: Wish You Were Here is scheduled to hit theatres on January 17, 2025.
6) Wolf Man (January 17, 2025)
Leigh Whannell's movie, Wolf Man is a reboot of The Wolf Man which was released back in 1941. In this upcoming movie, Christopher Abbott plays Blake who relocates his family from San Francisco to Oregon after inheriting his childhood home.
But the family gets attacked by a werewolf during a full moon night and Blake begins to transform after being clawed. His wife, Charlotte, portrayed by Julia Garner, and daughter Ginger (Matilda Firth) then have to find a way to survive.
This upcoming movie promises to deliver all the chills and thrills that viewers look for in movies focusing on creatures and monsters. It also helps that the title has the Blumhouse tag thanks to Jason Blum joining the team as one of the producers, alongside Ryan Gosling.
Where to watch: Wolf Man will be released in the theatres on January 17, 2025.
7) Flight Risk (January 24, 2025)
Like Wish You Were Here, this upcoming movie is also directed by a movie star, specifically Mel Gibson. In Flight Risk, Michelle Dockery plays Madelyn Harris who has to escort a government witness to trial. But once in the air, it becomes obvious that the pilot, portrayed by Mark Wahlberg, is not who is says he is. He is in fact a hitman sent to assassinate the informant.
In addition to being a respected actor, Gibson has directed several successful movies in his career including Braveheart (1995) and The Passion of the Christ (2004). Therefore, cinephiles have faith that he will be able to capture the tension and suspense that come with the intriguing setting of the upcoming movie.
From the fast-paced trailer, it becomes evident that Flight Risk will have plenty of intense action scenes that are sure to keep the viewer invested till the very end.
Where to watch: Flight Risk is scheduled to hit theatres on January 24, 2025.
8) Companion (January 31, 2025)
Of late, a lot of movies have presented romantic narratives that are darker and grittier. This upcoming movie directed by Drew Hancock takes a similar route. In the lead is Sophie Thatcher who people will remember from The Boogeyman (2023), and Heretic (2024). And starring alongside her is Jack Quaid who became a household name after playing Hughie Campbell in The Boys (2019).
In the upcoming movie, a weekend trip to a lakeside estate turns deadly for Iris (Thatcher) and her friends after the death of a billionaire.
From the suspenseful trailer, it seems like this upcoming movie will particularly appeal to fans of psychological thrillers. It also looks like it will have its fair share of violence and gore. Given that it is a thriller, the audience will be hoping that the plot progressions are written and paced in such a way that the tension is maintained throughout its runtime for the best viewing experience.
Where to watch: Companion will be released theatrically on January 31, 2025.
9) Dog Man (January 31, 2025)
Based on Dav Pilkey's children's graphic novel series, this upcoming movie by Peter Hastings stars voices by Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, Poppy Liu, and more. It is centered around a human police officer named Knight and his dog Greg who get injured together on the job. After a life-saving surgery, they become Dog Man and must save everyone from the supervillain Petey the Cat.
As Dog Man is a well-known character, audiences will be happy to see him on the big screen. The striking animation style and the wacky characters are certainly going to appeal to viewers of all ages. Cinephiles looking for a humorous watch to start their new year will certainly not go wrong with this anticipated upcoming movie.
Where to watch: Dog Man will be released in the theatres on January 31, 2025.
10) Valiant One (January 31, 2025)
Directed by Steve Barnett, this upcoming movie stars Chase Stokes and Lana Condor in the lead. It is centered around a team of non-combat tech specialists who were on a routine mission. But something goes wrong and their helicopter goes down in North Korea. Stokes' character, Captain Edward Brockman has to lead the team to safety without starting a war.
Cinephiles should particularly keep an eye out for Condor. The young actress won hearts around the world when she played the shy yet endearing protagonist, Lara Jean Covey in the To All the Boys film series. As she will be playing a complex character in a more mature setting, her fans will be hoping that she can bring the right depth that adds to the intense narrative of this upcoming movie.
Where to watch: Valiant One is scheduled to hit theatres on January 31, 2025.
These upcoming movies releasing in January 2025 are perfect for cinephiles who want to enjoy cinematically compelling stories on the big screen.