As the 2025 awards season approaches, cinephiles have plenty to look forward to with a slate of highly anticipated films generating early buzz from Venice, TIFF, and other major festivals. From emotional biopics and politically-charged thrillers to inventive reimaginings and franchise favorites, these are the nine movies that critics and audiences are most excited about.
Hamnet
Directed by Chloé Zhao, Hamnet is an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s bestselling novel and stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal as Shakespeare and his wife Agnes. The film explores how the death of Shakespeare’s son inspired Hamlet, blending grief and genius into one of the year’s most powerful dramas. Winner of TIFF’s People’s Choice Award, it’s already seen as a major Oscar contender. Limited release begins Nov. 27, expanding Dec. 12.
Father Mother Sister Brother
Jim Jarmusch returns after 22 years with this Venice-winning relationship triptych, capturing the complex dynamics between siblings and their aging parents. With his signature dry wit, Jarmusch explores generational tension in heartfelt and surprising ways. Set for theatrical release on Dec. 24.
Frankenstein
A long-awaited dream project for Guillermo del Toro, Frankenstein earned a 13-minute standing ovation at Venice. Featuring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, the film is described as a philosophical and emotional adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic. It hits select theaters Oct. 17, with a Netflix release on Nov. 7.
A House of Dynamite
Director Kathryn Bigelow makes a bold return with this nuclear thriller that follows a potential missile crisis unfolding through multiple viewpoints. Early reactions describe it as more terrifying than horror because of its plausibility. With its Venice premiere and global release on Oct. 10, followed by Netflix on Oct. 24, it’s one of the season’s most urgent films.
Bugonia
The Favourite duo Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone team up again for this English-language remake of Save the Green Planet!. After a seven-minute ovation at Venice, this genre-bending story of paranoia, alien conspiracies, and pharmaceutical corruption is set to hit theaters Oct. 31, courtesy of Focus Features.
After the Hunt
Director Luca Guadagnino casts Julia Roberts in a role critics are calling her best since Erin Brockovich. Tackling cancel culture and academic scrutiny, the film sparked discussion after its Venice premiere and will arrive in U.S. theaters on Oct. 17. Roberts plays a college professor under fire when her past resurfaces, and the film offers a nuanced look at social justice and personal accountability.
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The Smashing Machine
Directed by Benny Safdie and starring Dwayne Johnson, this MMA biopic about fighter Mark Kerr won the Silver Lion for Best Director at Venice. The film strips away the bravado to reveal a raw, intimate portrait of an athlete battling addiction and self-doubt. Distributed by A24, it debuts Oct. 3.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Rian Johnson returns with the third installment of his Knives Out series. With Daniel Craig back as Benoit Blanc, this chapter promises another clever, twist-filled mystery. While it narrowly missed TIFF’s People’s Choice Award, it remains a fan favorite. Limited theaters Nov. 26, streaming on Netflix Dec. 12.
No Other Choice
Park Chan-wook’s dark comedy/thriller won TIFF’s international People’s Choice Award, cementing its Oscar potential. The film follows a Korean paper mill manager facing an identity crisis after an American acquisition. It’s been praised for its unpredictable narrative and social commentary. While it continues its festival run, a general release date is yet to be announced.
From auteur-driven projects to franchise thrills, 2025’s film lineup is shaping up to be one of the most exciting in recent years. With names like del Toro, Jarmusch, Bigelow, Lanthimos, and Guadagnino in the mix, expect heated Oscar debates — and a crowded theater calendar
