2025 and 2026: What to watch: A mix of blockbuster movies, promising television series, and eagerly awaited revivals in 2025 and 2026. Here's a close look at the most relevant content worth watching in 2025 and 2026.
Movies in 2025 and 2026
Superhero Movies:
The Marvel Cinematic Universe expands with yet another addition: Thunderbolts sets their release in May 2025. Reuniting some of the MCU's anti-heroes and villains, this movie celebrates an intense team-up, a potentially darker, more gritty and edgy take on the genre. Fantastic Four is soon to follow in July 2025 as it marks the biggest addition to the MCU. That is courtesy of Matt Shakman's direction of Marvel's iconic quartet, certainly something old and new fans of the superhero universe have been waiting for
DC will release Superman: Legacy in July 2025 as part of James Gunn's newly rebooted DC Universe, hopefully telling the story of Clark Kent's inner fight as he tries to settle his role on Earth and Krypton, with all signs currently being hopeful and inspiring for the future of DC.
Franchise Films and Sequels:
In May 2025, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning reboots Tom Cruise. The culmination of the Ethan Hunt saga is going to be much action with surprises in the way of the lengthy plot developments that are going to be brought about its conclusion. For the prehistoric creature fan, Jurassic World: Rebirth comes in July as fresh storylines in the Jurassic Park universe come to life.
Family and Animation:
Disney is bringing Lilo & Stitch to life with a live-action adaptation, expected to retain the heartwarming, family-centred themes of the original while introducing it to a new generation. Universal’s How to Train Your Dragon will also get a live-action adaptation in June 2025, bringing back beloved characters like Hiccup and Toothless in a realistic setting.
Horror and Thriller:
Horror fans will find plenty to enjoy in 2025, with 28 Years Later, the latest instalment in the 28 Days Later franchise, releasing in June. Building on the themes of survival and resilience, this movie is poised to attract new viewers along with longtime fans. The Conjuring 4, arriving in September, continues the spine-chilling tales from paranormal investigators Ed and Lorraine Warren, while Saw 11 will bring its characteristic psychological terror back to theatres.
TV Shows in 2025-2026
Popular Anime and Manga Adaptations:
Netflix’s One Piece was a smash hit in 2023, and fans eagerly await Season 2, set to release in 2025. Following Luffy’s ongoing adventures, the new season promises more action-packed scenes and character development as it dives deeper into the vast world of the Grand Line
Returning Netflix Series:
Sweet Magnolias, a fan-favourite for its portrayal of friendships and community, will return with its fourth season in 2025. This season will address unresolved storylines, character growth, and romantic developments. XO, Kitty Season 2, another Netflix teen drama set to return in 2025, continues the story of Kitty’s romantic adventures, expanding on themes of love, identity, and self-discovery that resonated with young audiences.
Fantasy and Sci-Fi:
Stranger Things fans have been eagerly awaiting the fifth and final season, which is projected to release in 2025. The Duffer Brothers are reportedly planning a powerful conclusion to the beloved series, wrapping up the stories of Eleven, Mike, and the rest of the Hawkins gang as they face their ultimate showdown with Vecna and the Upside Down
My Life with the Walter Boys will continue the series of teenage drama and romance. Based from the hit YA novel, the show will focus on family, loss, and growing up, and season 2 is set to premiere in 2025.
The 2025-2026 slate gives an idea of how the cinema and television world aims to bring new stories while revisiting some old favorites. Comic book and action fans will get the Marvels and DCs, while the young have family-friendly films and animation. Horror is coming in hot with both new and returning franchises. For the streaming side, it's Netflix on top for many of its popular series adaptations, returning shows, and new young adult dramas. Here, for all superhero and horror fans, but also for fans of touching dramas, something's bound to catch your eye.