15 Most Anticipated Action Movies of 2025

Global cinema enthusiasts should prepare for an abundance of thrilling experiences on the big screen, as Hollywood is gearing up to unveil awe-inspiring action movies slated for release in 2025. Adrenaline junkies eagerly awaiting heart-pounding scenes, death-defying stunts, and iconic characters both heroic and villainous will find plenty to get excited about, as some of the film industry’s biggest names grace the marquee for these much-anticipated productions set to premiere this year.

2025 promises a plethora of thrilling movies, ranging from action-packed superhero sagas like “Captain America: Bold New World” and “Thunderbolts,” to heart-pounding action thrillers such as “A Relentless Man,” “The Accountant 2,” and “Dancer.” These films will feature notable actors like Jason Statham, Tom Cruise, and Liam Neeson, who will undoubtedly captivate viewers with their daring roles. The audience can expect to be on the edge of their seats as they vicariously experience the bravery of these characters.

15
‘Flight Risk’

January 24, 2025

As a seasoned movie critic, I’m thrilled to announce that after almost a decade since his last directorial venture, “Hacksaw Ridge,” Mel Gibson is back in the director’s chair with the pulse-pounding action thriller, “Flight Risk.” This film boasts an impressive ensemble cast, including Mark Wahlberg, Michelle Dockety, and Topher Grace.

The narrative revolves around U.S. Marshal Madelyn Harris, who finds herself assigned to escort a crucial government witness to a high-stakes trial against a notorious mob boss. However, the twist comes when she realizes that the pilot transporting them is none other than a lethal hitman hired to eliminate the informant. Buckle up for an edge-of-your-seat ride!

Wahlberg Embraces His Villainous Side

The screenplay for the movie “Flight Risk” was penned by Jared Rosenberg and made it onto the 2020 “Black List,” a collection of highly sought-after unproduced scripts in Hollywood. This action film marks Mark Wahlberg’s first villainous role in nearly three decades, as his last antagonist portrayal was in the 1996 thriller “Fear” where he played the violent sociopath David McCall. In preparation for his portrayal of the unstable assassin, Wahlberg chose to shave part of his head daily rather than using a bald cap, delighting his fans with this unique approach.

14
‘Love Hurts’

February 7, 2025

In the action-packed comedy “Love Hurts”, Academy Award-winning actor Ke Huy Quan plays Marvin Gable, a prosperous real estate agent in Milwaukee. However, Marvin’s peaceful life is turned upside down when his old partner Rose reappears, having been left for dead in the past. To protect himself from lethal assassins and his criminal brother Knuckles, Marvin must once again employ his skills as a hitman. This gripping tale continues with Quan, known for his role in “Kung Fu Panda 4”.

Quan Fully Commits to Being an Action Hero

In the movie “Love Hurts,” veteran actor Quan demonstrates his impressive physical abilities and charming personality as he battles one villain after another in exhilarating action scenes. This film will also bring Quan together with fellow “Goonies” star Sean Astin, along with former NFL player Marshawn Lynch, creating a diverse and captivating ensemble. Quan was determined to perform his own stunts for the movie, and he found it particularly meaningful when an actor fights their own battles – as he shared with ScreenRant.

It was obvious that it was either Jackie Chan, Sammo Hung, or Jet Li performing the stunts. So, I made it clear to them that if I’m going to participate, I want to handle all the fight sequences – every punch, every kick – I want to execute them personally.

13
‘Captain America: Brave New World’

February 14, 2025

After almost a decade of safeguarding the world and embodying one of Marvel’s cherished heroes, Chris Evans made the decision to retire his superhero cape and hand over the legendary shield to Sam Wilson in the movie “Captain America: A New Dawn, ” where Anthony Mackie steps into the role as the newly bestowed Captain America. He must earn the title he has received while simultaneously uncovering the truth about an international predicament and the villainous figure orchestrating the global turmoil.

Mackie Has Big Shoes To Fill as Cap

In the much-awaited superhero movie, Mackie will team up with Danny Ramirez, Giancarlo Esposito, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford. Notably, Ford will embody the role of the Red Hulk, a replacement for the late William Hurt who passed away in 2022. Regarding Sam’s exciting transition into Captain America, Mackie shared with Deadline in 2024 about his incredible journey and new phase as Captain America.

Sam’s development can be summarized as follows: He remains a counselor, continuing to assist soldiers, yet he also holds a leadership position within his local community in the country.

12
‘Novocaine’

March 14, 2025

In the upcoming action comedy titled “Novocaine“, Jack Quaid – the rising star from “The Boys” – steps into the limelight as Nathan Caine, a timid and inexperienced bank teller. After the woman he adores (Amber Midthunder) is unexpectedly abducted, Nathan decides to embark on a daring rescue mission. Despite being an introverted reserved individual, Nathan is determined to do whatever it takes to ensure his beloved’s safe return. Interestingly, Nathan possesses an unusual ability – he cannot feel pain, which he cleverly utilizes in this perilous adventure.

A Wild & Zany Thrill Ride For Audiences

In a surprising twist of fate, an ordinary man, who happens to be born with an extraordinary genetic condition that renders him insensitive to physical pain, finds himself in the midst of a bank robbery where his girlfriend is taken hostage. Instead of shying away from this peculiar trait, Nathan chooses to leverage it as he chases after the criminals responsible for this crime. The creators of the film “Novacaine” characterized the wild comedy as a relentless, nerve-wracking action thriller, brimming with warmth, wit, and high-octane excitement that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

11
‘A Working Man’

March 28, 2025

In the action-packed film titled “A Working Man“, Jason Statham returns for another high-octane journey. This time, he collaborated with director David Ayer once more to portray the captivating tale of Levon Cade, a former Royal Marines Commando who has found tranquility as a construction worker. However, his peaceful existence is disrupted when his boss’s daughter gets kidnapped by human traffickers. To save her, he reactivates his formidable skill set. As Cade delves deeper into the crime, he uncovers a chilling conspiracy involving the government and the criminals behind it.

Statham & Ayer Make Movie Magic Yet Again

According to Chuck Dixon’s novel “Levon’s Trade”, the screenplay for its movie adaptation was penned by both Ayer and Sylvester Stallone. Originally planned as a TV series, it was later transformed into a film featuring none other than Jason Statham. In the upcoming movie titled “A Working Man”, Statham will share the screen with well-known actors like David Harbour and Michael Peña. This cinematic treat serves as an exciting prelude for fans who eagerly await Statham and Ayer’s collaboration on the anticipated sequel to “The Beekeeper”.

10
‘The Amateur’

April 11, 2025

In the film titled “The Amateur“, Academy Award-winning actor Rami Malek plays Charles Heller, a gifted CIA cryptographer. After tragically losing his wife in a terrorist attack, he vows to track down her killers. To do so, Heller bravely manipulates the agency into training him as a field operative. This adaptation of Robert Littell’s novel highlights Charles’ daring determination to find the terrorists responsible for the heinous act and bring them to justice.

The Amateur Adaptation Finally Hits the Big Screen

Work on a screen adaptation of “The Amateur” started back in 2006, and at one point, Hugh Jackman was set to play the character Charles Heller, seeking revenge. However, the project seemed to halt until February 2023 when Rami Malek was cast as the main character and James Hawes confirmed as director. This action-thriller marks the second time Littell’s novel has been brought to life by Hollywood, with John Savage and Christopher Plummer starring in the 1981 adaptation of the captivating bestseller.

9
‘The Accountant 2’

April 25, 2025

Following his memorable performance as a brilliant accountant and expert marksman, Ben Affleck returns in the sequel, “The Accountant 2“, where he takes on the role of Christian Wolff once more. This time, the story follows Wolff being enlisted to aid Treasury agent Marybeth Medina (played by Cynthia Addai-Robinson) in tracking down those responsible for the assassination of her superior Ray King (J.K. Simmons). In this mission, Wolff teams up with his brother Braxton (portrayed by Jon Bernthal), working together to seek retribution.

Ben Affleck’s Exciting Action Trilogy

In 2016, “The Accountant” was both critically acclaimed and financially successful, earning over $155 million and receiving accolades for its dynamic action scenes and Ben Affleck’s powerful portrayal. Following its initial run in theaters, a sequel was swiftly announced. Director Gavin O’Connor initially envisioned “The Accountant” as a trilogy, intending to delve deeper into Wolff’s narrative after the second film. The third and concluding installment is expected to be a buddy film, described as being like “Rain Man” on steroids.

8
‘Thunderbolts*’

May 2, 2025

In the blockbuster spectacle Thunderbolts, Marvel’s charming band of misfit and anti-hero characters are unwillingly uniting to safeguard the world from malevolence. Notable actors like Sebastian Stan, Florence Pugh, and David Harbour reappear in their roles from the MCU as Bucky Barnes, Yelena Bolova, Alexei Shostakov, among others, joining forces with reformed supervillains from the franchise. Together, they undertake perilous missions on behalf of the government to repay for their past transgressions.

Bucky Emerges as the Leader of the Antiheroes

Bucky steps up as the unofficial leader for the disorderly group, aiming to mold the riotous rebels into a cohesive unit for the benefit of the world. In his portrayal in Thunderbolts, Stan likens him to Jack Nicholson’s character Randle McMurphy in One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, as both had to find ways to guide and unite the peculiar personalities in the ’70s film. Notably, Lawrence Fishburne and Rachel Weisz are set to reprise their roles as Bill Foster and Melina Vostokoff, respectively, following their appearances in Ant-Man and the Wasp and Black Widow.

7
‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’

May 23, 2025

In “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”, Tom Cruise is gearing up to confront the world’s most wicked criminals yet again. This is the eighth movie in the popular action-spy series, where our daring IMF agent, Ethan Hunt, and his dedicated team of operatives will be working tirelessly to thwart the menacing rogue AI known as the Entity. The Entity was initially encountered in “Dead Reckoning Part One”, and its continued presence poses a grave threat to the very survival of humanity and the world itself.

Cruise Is Back For More Death-Defying Stunts

In a row with its precursor, “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning” was one of the costliest films ever produced, boasting an impressive budget of $400 million. Its premiere was delayed on several occasions due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike and the lackluster box office performance of “Dead Reckoning Part One,” which struggled to rival the cultural influence of the “Barbenheimer” phenomenon. Contrary to some expectations, Cruise has expressed his intent to continue portraying Hunt even into his late ’70s, mirroring the longevity of legendary actor Harrison Ford’s role as Indiana Jones.

6
‘Ballerina’

June 6, 2025

As a movie critic, I found myself utterly captivated by the electrifying fifth chapter in the beloved John Wick series, aptly titled Ballerina – a spin-off that serves as a bridge between the pulse-pounding events of movies three and four. The film stars none other than Ana de Armas, who mesmerizes audiences as Eve Macarro, an ambitious ballet dancer turned lethal assassin, seeking vengeance for her slain father. In this gripping tale, she immerses herself in the deadly traditions of the Ruska Roma to hone her skills and confronts the formidable Chancellor (portrayed by Gabriel Byrne), as she embarks on a relentless quest for justice.

De Armas Follows in Reeves’ Butt-Kicking Footsteps

The captivating aspects of the film “Ballerina” were incorporated into “John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum”, as Unity Phelan’s portrayal of a ballerina was briefly featured in the blockbuster. Later, Ana de Armas was chosen to play Eve Macarro in 2022, immersing herself wholeheartedly into the demanding stunts and preferring to perform them independently as often as she could, similar to Keanu Reeves’ approach throughout the franchise. De Armas discussed her grueling training during a 2023 interview on “The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon”.

Just recently, Keanu and I were practicing an intricate stunt sequence, and this guy was somersaulting and tumbling me around while performing breathtaking feats. And I thought to myself — I have no more room for complaints. He’s doing it, and he really is the best.

5
’28 Years Later’

June 20, 2025

Prior to his Oscars victories and portraying a cherished crime boss in Peaky Blinders, Cillian Murphy was striving for recognition on the silver screen and notably partnered with director Danny Boyle in the heart-pounding movie 28 Days Later, where the 2002 horror sensation follows bicycle messenger Jim as he encounters a horrifying realization that a catastrophic virus has decimated the world, causing its victims to resemble the undead. 28 Years Later revisits this eerie realm and advances nearly 30 years since the Rage Virus initially struck society.

Boyle’s Epic Return to the Horror Franchise

Jodie Comer, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Ralph Fiennes have signed on for a thrilling sequel to the series, with Shane Meadows returning to direct following his absence from 28 Weeks Later (2007). This new chapter will see Jim, played by James McAvoy, make his triumphant return as the main character. The story unfolds as a group of survivors leave their fortified island refuge and explore the devastated mainland, where they confront the full terror and ruthlessness of the virus head-on.

4
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’

July 2, 2025

As a movie enthusiast, I’d be thrilled to share my thoughts about the upcoming sequel to the 2022 blockbuster sensation, “Jurassic World Dominion.” Titled as “Jurassic World Rebirth,” this sci-fi action flick promises an exhilarating ride with a star-studded cast including Scarlett Johansson, Jonathan Bailey, and Mahershala Ali.

Five years after the earth-shattering events of “Dominion,” we find ourselves following the journey of Zora Bennett, a cover operation expert, who teams up with brilliant paleontologist Dr. Henry Loomis and team leader Duncan Kincaid. Together, they embark on a top-secret mission to extract genetic material from dinosaurs that could potentially save human lives. This intriguing tale continues the Jurassic World saga in an exciting new direction.

Rebirth Lands a ‘Jurassic Park’ Screenwriting Veteran

Following the global phenomenon of “Dominion”, the studio swiftly began development for a sequel, aiming to explore fresh territories with an entirely new ensemble. Screenwriter David Koepp and executive producer Steven Spielberg sought to rekindle the atmosphere of the original Jurassic Park trilogy. After a 25-year hiatus, Koepp found himself drawn back to the timeless dinosaur franchise, sharing his motivation for returning.

The opportunity to begin anew with minimal constraints, especially since dinosaurs are involved… It was truly rewarding to collaborate exclusively with Steven [Spielberg], craft a novel tale, introduce fresh characters, and explore a distinct narrative style.

3
‘The Naked Gun’

August 1, 2025

After establishing himself as a fierce and tenacious action star in Hollywood, Liam Neeson is now exploring lighter roles and has taken on the character of Frank Drebin Junior in the humorous crime spoof comedy “The Naked Gun”. This film will be the fifth installment in the long-running franchise, known for its comedic genius, Leslie Nielsen. The upcoming movie serves as a sequel that continues the story, focusing on Neeson playing Nielsen’s son, who shares his father’s knack for bumbling law enforcement.

Seth MacFarlane Helps Reimagine the Hilarious Franchise

Seth MacFarlay, famous for his work on TV shows like Family Guy, devised the plot for a revival of a hilarious franchise. He subsequently invited Liam Neeson to star in the movie after working together in the 2014 western comedy A Million Ways to Die in the West. Akiva Schaffer, known for his roles as director and producer, is steering this reimagining. Notable actors such as Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, and Danny Huston are among those who will bring the outrageous and zany spirit of the groundbreaking series to life.

2
‘Nobody 2’

August 15, 2025

After his remarkable stint as a notorious defense attorney on television, Bob Odenkirk moved onto the silver screen and delivered an outstanding portrayal of a former hitman now family man in the 2021 film Nobody. This movie revolved around Hutch Mansell, a seemingly ordinary office worker who is dragged back into his shadowy past as a professional killer when his family becomes the target of a vicious crime lord. In Nobody 2 , we follow up on Hutch’s journey and delve deeper into his wife’s mysterious background, uncovering her questionable past and shady origins following a home invasion shedding light on her hidden connections.

Odenkirk’s Back for Another Beat Down

In the sequel, we won’t explore Hutch and his devoted wife Becca (portrayed by Connie Nielsen), and their enigmatic past will remain unexplored. However, the sequel will delve into the couple’s early days together and the story of how they first crossed paths. Following a near-fatal attack on their home, Hutch uncovers startling secrets in Becca’s past that challenge the foundation of their relationship. The film aims to emulate the success of its predecessor, which amassed over $57 million at the box office and garnered an impressive 84% approval rating from critics on Rotten Tomatoes.

1
‘Mortal Kombat 2’

October 24, 2025

In continuation of the infamous and graphically violent Mortal Kombat game series, Mortal Kombat 2 continues from where its 2021 version ended. The story revolves around MMA fighter Cole Young (Lewis Tan), who is on a mission to find Johnny Cage, a renowned action star and martial arts expert (Karl Urban). Cole seeks his assistance in defending both their realms and safeguarding Earthrealm. Despite his fame, Cole aims to persuade the actor to participate in the ruthless tournament that pits them against Outworld and its ruthless leader Shang Tsung (Chin Han).

Karl Urban Joins the Bold & Gory Adaptation

Following the triumphant debut of Mortal Kombat in 2021 and enthusiastic fan response, the studio expressed aspirations to develop a profitable franchise centered around the iconic video game characters. Writer Jeremy Slater is pulling no punches with the brutal and thrilling sequel, intending to incorporate some of the series’ quirks while maintaining an unpredictable narrative that will keep longtime gamers guessing. The Boys star Karl Urban has taken on the role of the larger-than-life character Cage, who is expected to play a significant part in the action-packed sequel.

2025-01-13 07:33

15 ‘Flight Risk’