After the prolonged Covid-19 pandemic and the writers’ strike, Hollywood’s film industry experienced a slowdown, with many projects put on hold. Audiences seemed to struggle to recover after years of not going to theaters. However, the 2023-2024 period shows promising signs as several films have crossed the $1 billion mark again, signaling a blockbuster year ahead in 2025 with a plethora of hits returning to the box office.
Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King is a prequel to the classic animated film The Lion King (2019), telling the story of Mufasa, Simba’s father. The film follows Mufasa’s journey from a lone orphaned lion to the legendary king of the Pride Lands. Additionally, the backstory of the villain Scar and his descent into darkness will also be revealed in this installment.
With a box office gross of over $1.6 billion from The Lion King five years ago, expectations are high for Mufasa: The Lion King to achieve similar success. The film’s visual effects have made significant progress, showcasing more realistic and vibrant character designs. Moreover, the story of Mufasa and Scar has been long anticipated by fans.
Captain America: Brave New World
2023 was a low point for Marvel Studios as both The Marvels (2023) and Ant-Man and the Wasp: Quantumania (2023) underperformed at the box office. This year, the studio has only released Deadpool & Wolverine, which has little connection to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). Following a series of successful TV shows, 2025 marks Marvel Studios’ return to the big screen with two consecutive blockbusters: Captain America: Brave New World and The Thunderbolts.
Captain America: Brave New World is set after the mini-series The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, where Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) has become the new Captain America. He uncovers a conspiracy to assassinate newly elected President Thaddeus Ross (Harrison Ford). However, there is a larger scheme at play aimed at altering the world order. The film’s trailer has excited viewers with the introduction of Red Hulk – a malevolent version of Hulk boasting immense power.
Snow White
Perhaps the most controversial blockbuster of 2025 is Snow White, a live-action adaptation of the classic Disney animated film Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs. The story revolves around Snow White (Rachel Zegler), who is envious of her beauty by the Evil Queen (Gal Gadot) and is plotted against. She escapes into the woods, where she is taken in by seven dwarfs.
Since the project was announced, Snow White has sparked controversies over the appearance of the lead actress Rachel Zegler, who is perceived as less beautiful than Gal Gadot. Additionally, her darker skin has been criticized as inconsistent with the character’s original “snow-white” description. Comments disparaging the original version as outdated or criticizing her detractors have added to the mixed opinions surrounding the film.
The Amateur
Based on the novel of the same name by Robert Littell, The Amateur follows Charles Heller (Rami Malek), a CIA computer encryption specialist. After losing his wife in a terrorist attack in London, Charles seeks out personal connections to train and exact revenge while confronting his former agency.
This action-thriller with espionage elements is notable for its star-studded cast, including Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Jon Bernthal, Michael Stuhlbarg, and Laurence Fishburne. Many fans express excitement to see Rami Malek play a computer specialist, reminiscent of his role in the acclaimed series Mr. Robot. Furthermore, Charles’ method of intellectual assassination versus typical high-skill action adds a fresh twist to this genre.
Thunderbolts
Thunderbolts is the second blockbuster from Marvel Studios in 2025. The film marks the debut of the Thunderbolts team, which includes notorious MCU assassins such as Black Widow/Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Winter Soldier/Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), Ghost/Ava Starr (Hannah John-Kamen), and U.S. Agent/John Walker (Wyatt Russell). According to rumors, they will face off against Sentry, played by Lewis Pullman.
Like DC’s Suicide Squad, Thunderbolts features a unique group of superheroes who engage in villainous acts, harbor personal agendas, and lack unity. However, dire circumstances force them to collaborate. Fans are eagerly anticipating the explosive emotional and comedic interactions among the characters, alongside thrilling street-style combat scenes.
Lilo & Stitch
Many generations of Vietnamese audiences are likely familiar with the animated series Lilo & Stitch. This is one of Disney’s largest franchises, encompassing both a television series and several films. However, the upcoming 2025 version will be its first live-action adaptation. After the release of character images, viewers immediately praised the film for its faithful and adorable designs.
The plot of Lilo & Stitch revolves around the evil alien scientist Dr. Jumba Jookiba, who creates malicious creatures. However, experiment number 626 escapes from the planet and flies to Earth in a spaceship. A young girl named Lilo mistakes experiment 626 for a dog, names him Stitch, and adopts him. With his wild nature, Stitch causes chaos, but through Lilo’s love, he gradually learns the true meaning of family and friendship.
Elio
Elio is poised to be Disney’s ace in the animated category for 2025. For centuries, humanity has sought other forms of life beyond space, and finally, in this film, the universe responds. The protagonist is Elio, a boy who is underestimated by everyone, possessing a rich imagination, who accidentally gets transported to the Communiverse, an intergalactic organization with representatives from across the universe.
Mistaken for Earth’s ambassador and completely unprepared for the pressure, Elio must adapt to bizarre extraterrestrial beings, confront formidable challenges, and discover who he truly is. Elio is likely to restore Disney’s standing in animated films after a year overshadowed by Dreamworks.