Best Upcoming Thrillers in 2025

As a seasoned film critic with over three decades of experience under my belt, I must say that the lineup for 2025 is nothing short of breathtaking! With a diverse array of genres and a plethora of talented actors gracing our screens, it’s going to be a year filled with suspense, mystery, and heart-stopping action.

2025 is just around the corner, bringing a wealth of exciting movie premieres! There are sequels, live-action adaptations, and numerous fresh tales that we can’t wait to enjoy in the upcoming year. Movie enthusiasts are already making predictions about which films will be box office champions, which will surprise us as hidden gems, and which may not meet expectations.

In the lineup, you’ll find numerous exhilarating thriller movies that promise to elevate your pulse and make you jump out of your seat. Ranging from direct-to-streaming platforms to large cinema releases, thriller enthusiasts won’t be left wanting in 2025. However, with a multitude of films vying for the audience’s attention (and cash), it can be challenging to decide which ones are worth the wait. Here are our top 13 picks of the thrillers we can hardly wait to watch in 2025.

13
‘The Running Man’

November 7, 2025

Stepping into the realm of Stephen King adaptations once more, I eagerly await the arrival of “The Running Man” – a thrilling tale set in the not-so-distant future of 2025 (originally penned in 1982). In this dystopian society, brutality has become the norm and is vividly depicted through the ominous title game show. Contestants are tasked with outrunning lethal adversaries known as Hunters to claim their prize money.

Bringing Dystopia Back

Glen Powell has been experiencing a fantastic streak over the past couple of years, and he’s set to keep that going in 2025 as he takes on the role of Ben Richards, the main character in “The Running Man.” Adaptations of works by King are generally strong, so it will be thrilling to witness how this dystopian world is portrayed. With a fresh release date to steer clear of the competition from “Wicked: For Good,” this production looks promising for success.

12
‘Dark Nuns’

January 24, 2025

The South Korean suspenseful drama, “Dark Nuns,” delves into the realm of supernatural terror, serving as a sequel to the 2015 thriller known as “The Priests.” This chilling tale centers around Sister Junia and Sister Michaela, who are compelled by a mysterious evil force possessing a young boy, seeking to heal him.

Fans Are Hopeful

For the upcoming movie “Dark Nuns,” there’s fresh talent working backstage, but given the success of the first film and the talented lead actresses, Song Hye-ko and Jeon Yeo-been, fans are optimistic that it will retain the same eerie charm. With their extensive acting backgrounds, these two ladies have the potential to deliver chilling performances.

11
‘A Working Man’

March 28, 2025

Sylvester Stallone is approaching his 60th year in the film industry and shows no signs of slowing down, even when he’s not on-screen. He recently collaborated on the script for a thrilling action movie titled “A Working Man“. This film was penned by Levon, a former undercover agent who now works in construction. In this story, Stallone might need to reactivate his old skills to save his boss’ teenage daughter.

A Potential Comfort Watch

Jason Statham has been cast as the character Levon. The storyline seems reminiscent of movies like Taken and other action thrillers. However, given Statham’s prominence in contemporary thrillers, he provides a sense of familiarity for fans of this genre. With their past collaboration on the underappreciated film Homefront, there’s a possibility that Stallone and Statham could create another hit together.

10
‘F*** Marry Kill’

March 2025

Thrillers don’t just stick to a grim, intense mood all the time. For those who prefer a blend of humor and high-speed narratives, F*** Marry Kill could be an ideal choice. The story revolves around Eva, a young woman who engages in casual dating through apps. Along with her friends, she is deeply fascinated by true crime. When they discover that a serial killer is stalking victims via dating apps, Eva becomes fixated on unmasking whether one of her dates could be the culprit.

Probably Silly, But Still Fun

Lucy Hale has experienced a successful career since her time on “Pretty Little Liars.” In this new role, she’ll be able to draw upon the mystery aspect of that show as she narrows down potential romantic interests. Initially scheduled for both streaming and cinematic release in December 2024, the date has been pushed back to 2025.

9
‘Drop’

April 11, 2025

The story revolves around Violent, a widowed mother who’s venturing into dating again. She’s apprehensive about her date with a man named Henry, who appears to be an ideal match. Initially, the date goes smoothly. However, as she begins to receive menacing and threatening text messages, she questions whether seemingly charming Henry harbors a darker side.

Let’s Wait & See

Meaghann Fahy is set to portray Violet. Her talent as an actress is undeniable, having earned her an Emmy nomination for her role in HBO’s “The White Lotus.” However, the real proof of the project’s quality lies in its script. As of December 2024, a trailer has not been released yet. Therefore, thriller enthusiasts are keeping a watchful eye on this production with a mix of anticipation and caution.

8
‘Companion’

January 31, 2025

The movie titled “Companion” is a psychological thriller that has sparked curiosity among many viewers, based on its peculiar trailer. From the short clip, it appears a woman named Iris visits a lakeside mansion with a wealthy man she’s connected to. The atmosphere is filled with flowing drinks, dancing guests, and echoes of laughter. However, the festivities take a dark turn as people begin to meet untimely deaths.

What’s Going On Here?

The movie is subtly presented as a romance, yet one that no one would willingly participate in. The trailer effectively portrays the unsettling atmosphere without revealing the entire plot. Fortunately, it’s set to release at the end of January, so those who enjoy thrillers won’t have to wait long for the mystery posed by the trailer to be resolved.

7
‘Hurry Up Tomorrow’

May 16, 2025

Tomorrow brings an upcoming adaptation titled “Hurry Up Tomorrow“, which is inspired by The Weeknd’s studio album of the same name and Stephen King’s novel “Misery“. Details on the plot are yet to be revealed, but fans can look forward to seeing The Weeknd (known as Abel Tesfaye) along with Jenna Ortega and Barry Keoghan in this project.

Get Ready for the Discourse

In another creative venture, The Weeknd delves deeper into the acting realm, penning and appearing in a series titled “The Idol” on HBO. Despite mixed reviews from both audiences and critics, this endeavor generated numerous intriguing debates. While some weren’t fond of his initial foray into Tinseltown, it certainly stirred up some thought-provoking conversations. Let’s hope that “Hurry Up Tomorrow” follows suit, maintaining its intrigue rather than being dull.

6
‘From the World of John Wick: Ballerina’

June 6, 2025

Under the moniker of “Ballerina“, this high-octane thriller is a spin-off within the “John Wick” movie series. The character Eve Macarro, portrayed by Ana de Armas, embodies both a ballerina and an assassin. Forced into a criminal underworld as a child, she now seeks to employ her skills to mete out justice upon those responsible for the death of her father.

Shallow But Entertaining?

From the previews, it’s hard to tell if the movie will feature significant ballet elements or if it’s primarily a backstory. What is certain is that there will be plenty of fight sequences. Whether this film turns out to be all action without depth is yet to be determined, but fans of Ana de Armas are eagerly anticipating the experience.

5
‘Now You See Me 3’

November 14, 2025

Now You See Me 3 marks the third movie in the thrilling heist series, Now You See Me. It’s been close to a decade since audiences were treated to the magical performances of The Four Horsemen on stage. Remarkably, all the primary actors are reprising their roles for this installment, including Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Isla Fisher, and Dave Franco.

Took ‘Em Long Enough

Fisher won’t be part of the sequel, but fans are excited for her return in the third movie. We don’t know where the storyline will head, but as usual, it promises to be an entertaining mix of suspense and humor without getting too intense. The acting chemistry is phenomenal, and the new cast members have us eagerly counting down the days until November 2025.

4
‘Black Bag’

March 14, 2025

As a fervent admirer, I can’t help but express my excitement about the upcoming spy thriller, “Black Bag,” masterfully crafted by the esteemed Palme d’Or-winning director, Steven Soderbergh. In this captivating tale, we follow Kathryn and George Woodhouse, a devoted couple who just so happen to be undercover intelligence agents. When George is assigned to unravel a perplexing crime, with Kathryn at the heart of the investigation, his loyalty is put to the ultimate test.

Can We Trust Her?

As a passionate cinephile, I can hardly contain my excitement about Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender stepping into the roles of an enigmatic crime-fighting duo. Blanchett’s portrayal of Kate promises to be a captivating blend of depth and paradox, far from straightforward or one-dimensional. This gripping tale won’t be tied up neatly within the first few minutes; instead, it will unfold like a riveting game of cat-and-mouse, offering us intricate characters that will leave us pondering long after the credits roll.

3
’28 Years Later’

June 20, 2025

28 Years Later serves as the third installment in the post-apocalyptic horror-thriller series known as 28 Days Later, which was initially launched in the 2000s. For devoted fans, it’s been quite a wait. In this film, we delve into a world where a virus has necessitated quarantine for society. However, their tranquility is disrupted when one faction decides to defy these restrictions.

Don’t Make Us Wait Any Longer

18 years after the initial movie, merely announcing a sequel was already generating conversation. However, the trailer added fuel to the fire and created even more buzz. A quick glimpse of a gaunt zombie sparked debate among viewers about whether Cillian Murphy, who starred in the original film, might be reprising his role. The outcome remains uncertain, so moviegoers will have to visit cinemas in June to discover the truth.

2
‘Last Breath’

February 28, 2025

“Last Gasp” – A heart-pounding survival thriller featuring Woody Harrelson, Finn Cole, and Simu Liu. Drawing from real-life events, this gripping tale revolves around a group of deep-sea divers embarking on a perilous mission. When a sudden storm disables their power source, leaving one team stranded hundreds of feet beneath the surface, it falls to their comrades above to brave the elements and rescue their colleague.

In Good Hands

Harrelson is an experienced actor who often selects high-quality productions, while Cole and Liu are steadily rising in popularity within the film industry. If the trailer serves as any indication, this film promises to keep audiences on tenterhooks. Even if you’ve already watched the documentary and know the ending, these actors have proven they can evoke the sustained tension essential for a gripping thriller.

1
‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’

Date Unknown

The “Knives Out” franchise skillfully merges elements of mystery and suspense. While it focuses on intricate characters akin to a detective story, it also includes elements typical of a thriller such as homicide, deception, and high-stakes situations. In the third installment titled “Wake Up Dead Man“, Daniel Craig reprises his role as the renowned private investigator Benoit Blanc.

Putting the Pieces Together

Filmmaker Rian Johnson is set to revisit us for this eagerly awaited sequel, though the storyline remains a mystery. However, given Johnson’s track record, fans are confident that they’re in store for an engaging, suspenseful, and intricate viewing experience. Alongside Craig, fans are equally keen to see how Josh O’Connor, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, and other key players from the ensemble cast will contribute to this self-contained storyline.

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2024-12-28 19:02