By Lucas Kloberdanz-Dyck
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With 2024 behind everyone, people can start focusing on the new year, specifically, what movies they should watch. The prospect of new movies gets every fan excited in the new year, but action movies, in particular, garner the most hype, and for good reason. The epic thrills and daring fights of action films are unparalleled, and there will be plenty of new action films in the year 2025 for fans to get excited about.
This list will only include primarily action films, basing the ranking on anticipation/excitement and how good of an action movie it could be, meaning the film could be phenomenal but not as an action movie. With so many great movies coming out this year, some big names just missed this list, including Thunderbolts* and Jurassic World Rebirth, proving that these ten upcoming films must be on everyone's watchlist.
10 'Valiant One' (2025)
Directed by Steve Barnett
War movies are always exciting and some of the best every year. For example, Alex Garland's Civil War in 2024 wowed fans with its dangerously real but fictional story. Valiant One uses a similar idea but instead follows a group of American soldiers stranded in North Korea after their helicopter crashes. A young and inexperienced soldier must now lead the group, trying to escape the country safely and unnoticed to avoid war.
While Valiant One isn't the biggest movie of 2025, it has certainly received some excitement for its unique plot, which is sure to have massive stakes. With a promising young cast and a first-time director, this movie has the potential to shock many fans with new talent. Valiant One is a thriller war film with plenty of action to keep fans entertained and an incredibly suspenseful plot that will hook the audience throughout.
9 'Novocaine' (2025)
Directed by Dan Berk and Robert Olsen
Action movies are much more diverse now, with the genre's stars taking various shapes and sizes with unexpected jobs. Novocaine continues the trend, following a sheltered bank executive who must rescue his girlfriend after a group of bank robbers kidnap her. With the rare condition, congenital insensitivity to pain, which allows him not to feel pain, he goes on a revenge-fueled quest to save the love of his life.
Most fans know Jack Quaid as Hughie from the hit TV show The Boys and were dying to see the actor star in a major film. Novocaine finally sees Quaid take up the action star role, which, while unconventional, could work wonders. The trailer looks exciting, with plenty of fun moments and intense fights. Novocaine's premise also allows for many unique situations, an aspect the film will surely heavily lean into.
- Runtime
- 24 minutes
- Writers
- Lars Jacobson
Novocaine is due in theaters on March 14, 2025.
8 'Mortal Kombat 2' (2025)
Directed by Simon McQuoid
Movie adaptations of video games have improved, with shows like The Last of Us and movies like Sonic The Hedgehog 3. After the first movie in 2021, Mortal Kombat 2 is the long-awaited sequel, set to premiere in October 2025. While no official synopsis is available, fans can assume it will have a plot similar to that of video games. The film is also set to star Karl Urban as Johnny Cage.
Even though fans don't know much about this film, they know it will deliver on the fights and gore, which is evident from the first film. Mortal Kombat 2 promises more gore, violence, and action, with an expansive roster of new and returning characters. No one expects this movie to be a masterpiece, but they are eager for a good time and enjoyable action movie that raises the stakes; Mortal Kombat 2 will surely have that in spades.
Mortal Kombat 2 is due in theaters on October 24, 2025.
7 'Tron: Ares' (2025)
Directed by Joachim Rønning
Many might have forgotten the Tron franchise, especially after the disappointing TRON: Legacy. Now, Disney is back with a new sequel, Tron: Ares, which fans don't know how to feel about without a trailer or much information. However, with a star-studded cast and proven director, Tron: Ares has excellent potential.
The prospect of a new Tron alone is reason enough to get excited about Tron: Ares. However, fans may be skeptical, especially after the last movie, which was nothing to write about. Still, with its fascinating world and unique sci-fi elements, this franchise is long overdue for another sequel. Director Joachim Rønning shared a promising update, so while fans don't know much, they can expect an epic action-packed return for the franchise.
Tron: Ares
Not Yet Rated
Sci-Fi
Action Adventure- Release Date
- December 19, 2025
Cast
-
Jared Leto
- Writers
- Jesse Wigutow
Tron: Ares is due in theaters on October 10, 2025.
6 'Captain America: Brave New World' (2025)
Directed by Julius Onah
Marvel has been in a weird place for a while, but helped them regain their popularity. Their next film is Captain America: Brave New World, featuring Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) as the new Cap. Sam struggles to fill the shoes of the Star Spangled Man, but when an international incident sweeps up the country, he must put a stop to the schemes.
While multiple reshoots and test screenings have some fans worried, Brave New World looks phenomenal, with the fan-favorite Mackie already owning the part of Captain America. The action in the trailer looks stunning, making audiences excited to see how Sam's fighting style will change. But the biggest draw is Red Hulk, making Brave New World one of the most anticipated movies of the year, which will surely score big at the box office.
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Captain America: Brave New World
4 10
6.5/10
- Release Date
- February 14, 2025
- Cast
- Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Liv Tyler, Giancarlo Esposito, Rosa Salazar, Takehiro Hira, Tim Blake Nelson, Shira Haas, Carl Lumbly, Danny Ramirez, Rachael Markarian, Jacqueline Loucks, Tony Mareno, Zo'Anne Mckinstry, Phuong Kubacki, Colby Lopez, Xosha Roquemore
- Writers
- Dalan Musson, Malcolm Spellman
Captain America: Brave New World is due in theaters on February 14, 2025.
5 'Karate Kid: Legends' (2025)
Directed by Jonathan Entwistle
While it is Cobra Kai's slogan, Karate Kid should take the "never dies" moniker, considering the number of revival sequels. After the success of Cobra Kai, fans get their first movie since 2010, which will follow a new prodigy looking to start a new life in America but struggling to forget his past and fit in. To hone his skills and protect his friends, Li Fong (Ben Wang) learns from the two best Karate masters.
This movie combines nostalgia with a new era of young talent and impressive martial arts by bringing in two Karate Kid alumni, Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan. With Cobra Kai being such a big show, fans are excited to get more from this universe, this time with a serious tone and better fighting. The trailer set the vibe nicely, demonstrating remarkable technique and stunts, setting Karate Kid: Legends up as one of the best action movies of the year.
Karate Kid: Legends
Not Yet Rated
Action Drama- Release Date
- May 30, 2025
- Director
- Jonathan Entwistle
- Writers
- Robert Mark Kamen, Christopher Murphey, Rob Lieber
- Cast
- Ralph Macchio, Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Joshua Jackson, Ming-Na Wen, Sadie Stanley, Aramis Knight, Wyatt Oleff, Shaunette Renée Wilson, David Robitaille
Karate Kid: Legends is due in theaters on May 30, 2025.
4 'Nobody 2' (2025)
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto
Most fans know Bob Odenkirk as Saul from the phenomenal TV show Better Call Saul, which is why many were surprised when he starred in the action movie Nobody. The first film was a shocking success, leading to a sequel about to wow the world again in 2025. While fans don't know much about the story, they can expect him to re-enter the world of Hitmen.
The first movie featured some of the most imaginative and creative fight scenes audiences have seen in a long time, sparking an instant interest in a sequel promising more action. The new director, Timo Tjahjanto, made one of the best action movies of 2024, The Shadow Strays. Thus, the sequel to Nobody is off to a promising start, with the pledge that Tjahjanto will continue this trend and make one of the best action movies of 2025.
Nobody 2
- Release Date
- August 15, 2025
- Director
- Timo Tjahjanto
- Writers
- Umair Aleem, Derek Kolstad, Bob Odenkirk, Aaron Rabin
- Cast
- Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone, Colin Hanks, John Ortiz, RZA
Nobody 2 is due in theaters on August 15, 2025.
3 'Superman' (2025)
Directed by James Gunn
Over a decade after Man of Steel and a few years after the end of the DCEU, James Gunn is reviving the franchise with the DCU. Creature Commandos kicked things off in December, but Superman will be the first movie, really starting this new universe. While viewers don't know the exact plot, it will focus on Superman facing his Kryptonian heritage in an age with plenty of superheroes.
It's about time the world's most popular superhero gets another fantastic movie. While fans don't know if it will be good, everyone will be shocked if it isn't at least decent. Gunn has consistently delivered incredible superhero movies, and it isn't likely he will disappoint fans here. The Superman trailer showcased large-scale action with a mixture of impressive visual effects and stunts, plus a heavy dose of emotion, making it the biggest superhero movie this year.
Superman
Sci-Fi
Adventure- Release Date
- July 11, 2025
- Director
- James Gunn
- Writers
- James Gunn, Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster
- Cast
- David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nicholas Hoult, Edi Gathegi, Nathan Fillion, Anthony Carrigan, María Gabriela de Faría, Isabela Merced, Skyler Gisondo, Sara Sampaio, Terence Rosemore, Pruitt Taylor Vince, Wendell Pierce, Neva Howell, Beck Bennett, Mikaela Hoover, Paige Mobley, Frank Grillo, Will Reeve, Alan Tudyk, Stephen Blackehart
Superman is due in theaters on July 11, 2025.
2 'Ballerina' (2025)
Directed by Len Wiseman
John Wick is one of the most incredible action movie franchises of all time, delivering innovative fights and extensive worldbuilding. With the main series seemingly ending with the fourth film, the franchise is expanding with multiple spin-offs, including Ballerina. Eve Macarro (Ana de Armas) trains as a ballerina assassin, but she goes on a quest for revenge after her father's death.
The John Wick movies have been a highlight of action for years now. While Chad Stahelski isn't back in the director's chair, he is still producing new movies in the same universe. Ballerina's director, Len Wiseman, also has a track record for action flicks, a great sign for any blossoming series. The trailer showcased the franchise's staple creativity with action-packed fights and stunts, signaling that it will be a worthy spin-off with multiple John Wick stars appearing in Ballerina.
Ballerina
PG
Action Thriller- Release Date
- June 6, 2025
- Runtime
- 89 minutes
- Director
- Len Wiseman
- Cast
- Ana De Armas, Keanu Reeves, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Anjelica Huston, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane, Lance Reddick, Gabriel Byrne, David Castaneda, Anne Parillaud, Sharon Duncan-Brewster
- Writers
- Shay Hatten, Derek Kolstad
Ballerina is due in theaters on June 6, 2025.
1 'Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning' (2025)
Directed by Christopher McQuarrie
The Mission: Impossible franchise is one of the biggest in the world, with seven movies spanning over two decades. All of that is about to end with Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, the apparent final film and epic conclusion of the franchise. Serving as a direct sequel to Mission: Impossible - Dead Reckoning, this movie continues the plot, where Ethan Hunt (Tom Cruise) looks to stop a dangerous AI system from destroying the world.
No other action movie could top The Final Reckoning in 2025. The Mission: Impossible franchise always delivers the highest-quality action, and this one is likely to provide. As this movie is the finale, the hype and anticipation are even higher, with many fans eager to learn how this franchise will end. The Final Reckoning will go out with a bang, as fans can see in the thrilling trailer with some impressive Mission: Impossible stunts.
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
PG-13
Action AdventureCrime
- Release Date
- May 23, 2025
- Director
- Christopher McQuarrie
- Writers
- Christopher McQuarrie, Erik Jendresen
- Cast
- Tom Cruise, Pom Klementieff, Vanessa Kirby, Hayley Atwell, Hannah Waddingham, Simon Pegg, Ving Rhames, Esai Morales, Henry Czerny, Holt McCallany, Nick Offerman, Angela Bassett, Shea Whigham, Charles Parnell
Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is due in theaters on May 25, 2025.
NEXT: The 10 Best Movies Turning 5 in 2025, Ranked
- Action
- Mission: Impossible 8
- Ballerina
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