As Oscars season is nearing, it’s time to wave goodbye to the failures and triumphs of 2024’s film and turn our attention to the year ahead. As NYU students, it’s integral that we stay knowledgeable about movie culture and keep our Letterboxd profiles fresh. On the other hand, our college student budgets and New York City’s prices force us to pick and choose what theatrical releases we show up for.
Luckily for you, I took the liberty of sorting through the hundreds of trailers and teasers of films coming to a theater near you, and I have narrowed down a curated list of what releases you need to see.
“Verona’s Romeo & Juliet”
Feb. 14, 2025
Another Romeo and Juliet movie is hardly original, but the prospects of “Verona’s Romeo & Juliet” are surprisingly intriguing. This adaptation reimagines the classic tale as a pop musical featuring Rebel Wilson — known for her scene-stealing performance of Fat Amy in the “Pitch Perfect” series — as Lady Capulet. With original music, this movie is bound to be a slam dunk or an absolute dumpster fire. Either way, the film will surely deliver an entertaining and unconventional theater-going experience.
“The Monkey”
Feb. 21, 2025
“The Monkey” — based on a 1980 horror short story by Stephen King — follows twins Bill and Hal Shelburn (both played by Theo James) after they find a creepy toy monkey, triggering a series of terrifying and bloody events. Sure, King isn’t perfect, but his works have led to some fantastic movies. Films like “It” (2017), “Carrie” (1976) and “The Shining” (1980) have gone down in history as horror classics. Given the reputation of these previous adaptations, “The Monkey” has the potential to join the horror hall of fame.
“Opus”
March 14, 2025
No matter what she does, NYU alum Ayo Edebiri is and will always be that girl. From her work in “Bottoms” to “The Bear,” Edebiri has consistently delivered complex characters with stellar comedic timing and charm. Her upcoming lead role as Ariel Ecton in the culty horror comedy, “Opus,” should be no exception. Although the film has been panned by major outlets following its Sundance Film Festival debut, past Gen Z horror comedies — like the cult classic slasher “Bodies Bodies Bodies” — have similarly struggled to appeal to the mainstream media. With a uniquely Gen Z film starring a uniquely Gen Z icon, “Opus” could have something to offer that critics can’t quite see.
“Snow White”
March 21, 2025
It’s been a long time coming. Although Disney’s “Snow White” live-action trailer didn’t get an official trailer until 2024, controversies have surrounded the film since 2022, when it was announced that Rachel Zegler would be playing Snow White. First came the comments about Zegler’s race, similar to the outrage following Disney’s choice to have Halle Bailey star in “The Little Mermaid.” To make matters worse, red carpet clips of Zegler calling the 1937 film “dated” led to more internet torment from right-wing figures like Joe Rogan.
Despite their grievances, conservative pundits and Disney adults alike will definitely be turning out for this one. If you want to be involved in the niche internet discourse and hear Zegler’s angelic voice, make sure to grab a ticket.
“Death of a Unicorn”
March 28, 2025
In this A24 sci-fi horror comedy, stars like Paul Rudd, Jenna Ortega and Will Poulter are joining forces to deliver a film like no other. There’s so much to look forward to in this one: Poulter’s comedic one-liners, grotesque CGI unicorns, Rudd and Ortega playing an iconic father-daughter duo and more. If the movie can live up to its chaotic and captivating trailer, it’s on track to be one of 2025’s finest.
“A Minecraft Movie”
April 4, 2025
Who would’ve thought Jennifer Coolidge, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks and Jason Momoa would’ve ended up working on the same project? And who would’ve thought that project would be a live-action portrayal of a video game that shaped our generation? From trailers alone, the internet has agreed that “A Minecraft Movie” will perhaps be the most bizarre film of 2025. However, the immense room for error in this film honestly makes it more endearing — who knows if this project could be an epic love letter to the gamers of our generation? So grab your pickaxe, wear your armor and go see it!
“Warfare”
April 11, 2025
Kit Connor, Joseph Quinn, Will Poulter, Noah Centineo, Charles Melton — sure, all these men would make fantastic rom-com heartthrobs, but why not Navy SEALs? Written and directed by Alex Garland and Iraqi war veteran Ray Mendoza, “Warfare” plans to take audiences to the middle of an active warzone, retelling the true story of his experience. In a world engulfed in global conflict and violence, hopefully, this movie will do the horrors of war justice.
“28 Years Later”
June 20, 2025
The third installment of the “28 Days Later” film series, “28 Years Later” has captivated film lovers through its trailer alone, which features the haunting poem “Boots” by Rudyard Kipling paired with gory and intense snippets of the film. The post-apocalyptic horror, featuring names like Aaron Taylor-Johnson and Ralph Fiennes — who just snagged an Oscar nomination for his role in “Conclave” — seems to be packed with carnage, action and suspense, culminating in an intense thriller that you won’t want to miss.
“M3GAN 2.0”
June 27, 2025
This upcoming crop of films is a win for the chronically online, and “M3GAN 2.0” is no exception. A sequel to the 2022 campy horror, “M3GAN 2.0” will continue the story of AI bot M3GAN — a character who immediately went viral for her divalicious dance moves. Who cares if the movie, plot or characters are any good? It’s guaranteed to be a fun time. Also, who doesn’t want to see a robot with a blonde buss down vogue?
“Wicked: For Good”
Nov. 21, 2025
With 10 Oscar nominations, there’s no doubt that Universal Pictures’ “Wicked” was a slam dunk. Now, theater kids and film buffs alike are waiting to see if director Jon M. Chu and his star-studded cast can keep the momentum with the film’s sequel, “Wicked: For Good.” As “Wicked” ended on a complete cliffhanger, those unfamiliar with the source material are eager to see what happens next, while those who know the plot are just as eager to see how Chu and his team are going to pull it off. Needless to say, the release of “Wicked: For Good” will be the cinematic event of the year — so don’t miss out.
Contact Annie Emans at [email protected].
