The 25 Best And New Movies To Watch Right Now: Late 2025 Blockbusters & 2026's Most Anticipated Films

The cinematic landscape is exploding with fresh, must-see content, and as of December 15, 2025, the film calendar is packed with major releases spanning blockbuster sequels, highly anticipated mysteries, and critically acclaimed dramas. This comprehensive guide dives deep into the films you need to watch right now, covering everything from the massive December 2025 holiday releases to the biggest, most talked-about blockbusters slated for 2026. Get ready to update your watchlist with the freshest and most unique movie releases that promise to dominate the box office and critical conversations. The end of 2025 is setting the stage for one of the most exciting years in recent film history. With major franchises returning and acclaimed directors debuting new projects, the topical authority of this list is focused on giving you the most current and verified details on the films that matter most. We've gathered the essential intelligence, cast lists, and plot hooks for the films that are generating the most buzz, ensuring your movie-going plans are fully optimized for the best new entertainment.

The Blockbuster Blitz: Must-See New Movies for Late 2025

The final weeks of 2025 are dominated by massive sequels and long-awaited franchise entries. These are the new movie releases that are guaranteed to be the biggest conversation starters at the box office.

1. Avatar: Fire and Ash (2025)

The third installment in James Cameron’s epic sci-fi saga, Avatar: Fire and Ash, is one of the most anticipated films of the decade.

• Release Date: December 19, 2025
• Genre: Action/Adventure, Sci-Fi/Fantasy
• Key Detail: The film, also known as Avatar 3, is scheduled for a lengthy 3-hour and 15-minute runtime, promising another immersive journey into the world of Pandora.
• Topical Authority: This sequel is expected to further explore the different cultures and environments of Pandora, following the immense success of The Way of Water.

2. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)

Detective Benoit Blanc returns for his third baffling case in Rian Johnson's acclaimed murder-mystery franchise.

• Starring: Daniel Craig (as Benoit Blanc), Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Kerry Washington
• Plot Hook: The master detective is drawn into a baffling death that occurs inside a quiet church, setting the stage for another star-studded, twist-filled whodunit.
• Key Detail: The film’s title, Wake Up Dead Man, suggests a darker, perhaps more gothic, tone than its predecessors.

3. Five Nights at Freddy's 2 (2025)

The sequel to the surprise horror hit of 2023 is set to bring the terrifying animatronics back to life, continuing the supernatural nightmare.

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• Starring: Josh Hutcherson (Mike), Piper Rubio (Abby)
• Plot Hook: The story is set to follow Abby Schmidt as she reconnects with her animatronic friends, with the narrative potentially revealing the origins of the franchise's dark events, or focusing on a new security guard, Jeremy Fitzgerald, in 1987.
• Genre: Horror, Supernatural Mystery

4. The Chronology of Water (2025)

A major literary adaptation and a significant directorial debut that has garnered early critical praise.

• Director: Kristen Stewart
• Starring: Imogen Poots, Thora Birch, Jim Belushi
• Plot Hook: Adapted from Lidia Yuknavitch's autobiographical bestseller, the film is a psychological drama exploring a woman's journey to find her voice amidst trauma.
• Release Detail: This critically acclaimed drama was released in early December 2025.

The Most Anticipated Films and Blockbusters of 2026

The year 2026 is already shaping up to be a massive year for cinema, with a slew of sequels, reboots, and original blockbusters scheduled to hit theaters. The following are the most anticipated films that will define the year.

5. Greenland 2: Migration (2026)

The disaster-thriller sequel sees the return of the Garrity family following the devastating comet strike.

• Starring: Gerard Butler (John Garrity), Morena Baccarin (Allison Garrity)
• Plot Hook: The surviving family must leave the safety of the Greenland bunker and embark on a perilous journey across the decimated, frozen wasteland of Europe.
• Genre: Disaster, Action-Thriller

6. The Supergirl Movie (2026)

Part of the new DC Universe slate, this film will introduce a fresh take on the iconic Kryptonian hero, Kara Zor-El.

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• Key Detail: This is a major tentpole release for DC and is expected to set up future storylines within the interconnected universe.
• Topical Authority: The film is a crucial entry in the superhero movie releases of 2026.

7. Toy Story 5 (2026)

Pixar's beloved animated franchise returns for a fifth installment, continuing the adventures of Woody, Buzz, and their friends.

• Release Detail: Scheduled for a June 2026 release, this sequel is a guaranteed family blockbuster.
• Genre: Animated Family Film

8. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple (2026)

The next chapter in the groundbreaking zombie/infected horror franchise is set to terrify audiences in early 2026.

• Release Date: January 16, 2026
• Genre: Horror, Post-Apocalyptic Thriller
• Key Detail: This third film in the series will continue the story of a world ravaged by the 'Rage' virus, making it a key entry in the horror movies 2026 list.

The Buzzworthy and Critically Acclaimed Movies of 2025/2026

Beyond the major blockbusters, a number of unique and critically hailed films have already made waves or are poised to become major critical darlings in the coming year. These films offer a deeper look into diverse genres and compelling storytelling.

9. The Naked Gun (2025)

A highly anticipated reboot of the classic comedy franchise, bringing the slapstick humor to a new generation.

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• Release Detail: This reboot is part of a trend of reboots and revivals hitting theaters in late 2025.
• Genre: Comedy

10. Wicked: For Good (2025)

The second part of the highly anticipated film adaptation of the Broadway musical.

• Key Detail: Following the first part, this movie is a major musical event for the holiday season.
• Genre: Musical, Fantasy

11. Masters of the Universe (2026)

The live-action adaptation of the iconic He-Man fantasy franchise is one of 2026’s biggest fantasy movie releases.

• Genre: Fantasy, Action

12. The Devil Wears Prada 2 (2026)

A surprise sequel to the beloved fashion-world dramedy, promising a return to the high-stakes world of Runway magazine.

• Release Detail: Scheduled for a May 2026 release.
• Genre: Comedy-Drama

13. Scream 7 (2026)

Ghostface returns for yet another bloody chapter in the enduring slasher series.

• Key Detail: The franchise continues its successful modern run with a new installment slated for a 2026 release.
• Genre: Slasher, Horror

14. Eddington (2025)

An Ari Aster film that has been named one of the best movies of 2025 by critics.

• Director: Ari Aster
• Genre: Drama, Dark Comedy

15. Sinners (2025)

A critically acclaimed film that appeared on multiple "Best of 2025" lists.

• Key Detail: Highlighted for its strong narrative and direction, making it a must-watch for fans of independent cinema.

Your Ultimate 2025/2026 Movie Watchlist: More Key Entities

To ensure you have a complete overview of the best and new movies, here is a list of additional significant titles and entities that will be shaping the cinematic conversation over the next year and beyond:

• Mickey 17 (2025): Bong Joon-ho's highly anticipated sci-fi film starring Robert Pattinson.
• Mortal Kombat 2 (2025): The sequel to the video game adaptation, continuing the martial arts tournament.
• Tron Ares (2025): A return to the visually stunning sci-fi world of Tron, starring Jared Leto.
• Predator: Badlands (2025): A new entry in the iconic sci-fi horror franchise.
• The Mandalorian and Grogu (2026): The Star Wars series makes the jump to the big screen.
• Jumanji 3 (2026): The next installment in the successful adventure comedy series.
• Untitled Steven Spielberg Project (2026): The legendary director has a mystery project slated for a 2026 release.
• Coyote vs Acme (2026): The long-delayed, highly-praised Looney Tunes movie is finally set for a 2026 release.
• Ella McCay (2025/2026): A film attracting buzz for both 2025 and 2026 release schedules.
• Minions 3 (Mega Minions) (2026): The next animated adventure from the Despicable Me universe.

The end of 2025 and all of 2026 are truly a goldmine for movie lovers. Whether you are craving the epic scope of a sci-fi blockbuster like Avatar: Fire and Ash, the thrilling mystery of Wake Up Dead Man, or the chilling horror of Five Nights at Freddy's 2, the calendar is full of new movie releases that demand your attention. Keep a close eye on these titles, as they represent the best and newest in cinematic entertainment.