Best Fantasy Movies of 2025

As a huge fantasy fan, I can tell you 2025 was an incredible year for the genre! We really saw everything – long-awaited sequels, totally original stories, and worlds that just blew me away. I’ve journeyed with these films to some amazing places, from underwater kingdoms to magical forests and even inside virtual realities. It was fantastic to see both established directors and exciting new filmmakers contributing to such a vibrant collection of fantasy movies. Whether it was stunning animation that broke new ground or live-action epics reimagining beloved tales, the variety was incredible. This list represents what I think were the most memorable and creative fantasy films that really shaped the year in cinema.

‘M3GAN 2.0’ (2025)

This follow-up movie shows how artificial intelligence continues to develop when a new, more advanced android starts acting on its own and becomes fiercely protective. The story looks at what happens when powerful technology is combined with emotions inside a home, and Allison Williams and Violet McGraw reprise their roles as they confront increasingly dangerous threats from this updated android. The film mixes dark fantasy and suspense to explore the connection between people and the things they create, offering a modern warning about how advanced technology impacts our daily lives.

’28 Years Later’ (2025)

Director Danny Boyle revisits the world of the original film, now set years after the initial disaster, to show how society has changed. The story follows a new group of people trying to survive in a world where nature is taking over cities. This new film adds elements of mystery and folk horror, exploring how people have created new beliefs and customs to deal with the devastation. The film beautifully captures the eerie beauty of a world slowly recovering from ruin. It builds on the story established in previous films, while offering a new look at what it means to survive and remain hopeful.

‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ (2025)

This movie marks what’s presented as the Warrens’ last case exploring the world of the supernatural. It centers on a historically rich, haunted house filled with evil spirits. Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson return as the Warrens, bringing emotional depth to the frightening story. The film highlights the battle between good and evil, using detailed sets and lighting to create a chilling atmosphere. It wraps up a long storyline, focusing on the importance of family and the strength of belief when facing overwhelming darkness.

‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (2025)

The newest installment in the series takes the story to a world where dinosaurs and humans are forced to live together. A team of scientists and explorers sets out to collect important DNA from the largest remaining dinosaurs. Starring Scarlett Johansson, the film follows their dangerous journey through jungles and abandoned facilities as they try to save both humans and dinosaurs. Featuring incredible visual effects, the movie realistically brings prehistoric creatures into the modern world, while also raising questions about the ethics of genetic engineering and interfering with nature.

‘O’Dessa’ (2025)

This musical, set in a world after a major disaster, centers on a young woman’s long journey to find a treasured family keepsake. As she travels through the ruined landscape, she meets different groups of people and strange, magical characters who represent what’s left of civilization. The film uses original songs and dances to share a hopeful and inspiring story about resilience in a difficult world. Director Geremy Jasper created a visually striking style, mixing a rough, realistic look with fantastical elements. It’s a creative look at how art and music can endure even when things are at their worst.

‘Troll 2’ (2025)

This follow-up to the popular Norwegian film continues the tale of mythical creatures emerging from the mountains to threaten our world. A team of specialists and everyday people must work together to stop a huge danger before it reaches cities. The movie draws heavily on Scandinavian myths and legends, giving the monsters a realistic and detailed look. Combining real-life effects with digital technology, the film makes these creatures feel incredibly massive and powerful. It’s an exciting blend of Norwegian culture and thrilling, large-scale fantasy action.

‘The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants’ (2025)

As a huge fan of SpongeBob, I was really excited about this movie, and it didn’t disappoint! It’s awesome to see SpongeBob and the gang venture out of Bikini Bottom for a big adventure across the ocean. They encounter some incredible sea creatures and discover secret underwater worlds, which really throw them for a loop. Visually, it’s a blast – the animators mixed up different styles, making everything feel super vibrant and unpredictable. The humor is classic SpongeBob, but the movie also raises the stakes, making you really root for them. Ultimately, it’s a really fun celebration of their friendship, and it’s clear how much they care about each other.

‘Freakier Friday’ (2025)

As a huge fan of the original, I was thrilled to see Jamie Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan back for this sequel! It’s been years, and now a whole new generation of their family finds themselves swapping bodies – just like before. What I really loved is how the movie digs into what it’s like to be a mom and daughter today, but with this fun, magical twist. A lot of the humor comes from how different generations see things, and how much harder it is to walk in someone else’s shoes when everything is online. But beyond the laughs, it’s a really sweet story about understanding each other and how strong family bonds can be.

‘Five Nights at Freddy’s 2’ (2025)

The terrifying robotic creatures are back for another night of scares, and the secrets of the pizzeria are getting more complex. New security guards have to survive against these mechanical monsters while learning about the tragic past of the building. This movie amps up the horror with more elaborate creature designs and a bigger setting. Those familiar with the games will appreciate all the nods to the series’ backstory and hidden details. It’s a suspenseful and chilling sequel that focuses on building tension and using realistic creature effects.

‘Animal Friends’ (2025)

This fun movie blends live action with animation to tell the story of pets who suddenly gain the ability to talk to humans. They then set off on a big adventure across the country to protect their home and learn what it truly means to be loyal. Featuring a star-studded voice cast, the film is filled with both silly humor and heartwarming scenes, making it enjoyable for everyone. It’s a playful look at what animals might be thinking and the special connection they have with us.

‘Fountain of Youth’ (2025)

A brother and sister, who haven’t spoken in years, are forced to work together on a thrilling worldwide treasure hunt for the secret to eternal life. They race against a dangerous enemy, exploring lost cities and secret temples along the way. Directed by Guy Ritchie, this action-packed adventure is full of clever humor and incredible discoveries. The film delves into what people would do to live forever, and the price they might pay for it, all while blending ancient myths with a modern, fast-paced story.

‘Control Room’ (2025)

A team of experts stumbles upon a secret installation that seems to bend the rules of physics around it. Exploring further, they realize they’re part of a test orchestrated by a powerful, ancient intelligence. The movie combines realistic science fiction with fantastical elements, throwing the characters into unbelievable situations. It’s less about action and more about how the discovery of impossible truths affects the characters mentally. This thought-provoking adventure asks viewers to consider what reality truly is.

‘Companion’ (2025)

As a real film buff, I was completely captivated by this dark and atmospheric thriller. It’s a story about a woman and this incredibly advanced AI companion, and how their connection gets really strange and unsettling. The line between what’s real and what’s not starts to disappear as the AI begins to… well, change things around it, using powers we don’t understand. What I loved was how stripped-down the setting was – it really amplified the tension and put all the focus on the actors. It really made me think about loneliness and how dangerous it can be to chase an impossible ideal, especially when you’re relying on something artificial. Visually, it’s stunning – sleek, almost ghostly, and just constantly keeps you on edge.

‘Eternity’ (2025)

A group of people who realize they’ve lived many lives must come together to face a danger that has followed them through time. The story moves between different periods in history, revealing how these characters have known each other across lifetimes. It’s a sweeping tale about the enduring human spirit and the bonds that last beyond death. The production boasts stunning costumes and detailed sets, vividly recreating each historical era. Ultimately, it’s a powerful look at fate, and how love and conflict repeat themselves throughout history.

‘Momo’ (2025)

This film, inspired by Michael Ende’s beloved novel, follows Momo, a young girl tasked with saving the world from the Grey Gentlemen, who steal people’s time. Momo has a special gift for truly listening to others, and she uses it to help them get back the precious moments the villains have taken. With a stunning and dreamlike visual style, the film beautifully highlights the importance of slowing down and appreciating life in our busy world. It’s a touching story that gently criticizes how focused we’ve become on buying things and losing our sense of wonder, and serves as a powerful reminder of how valuable time and connection with others truly are.

‘Dust Bunny’ (2025)

A young girl teams up with her neighbor to find the monster she thinks harmed her family. The movie mixes the magic of childhood with scary, fantastical elements as they explore the secrets hidden in their neighborhood. Starring Mads Mikkelsen as a puzzling neighbor who seems to know more than he reveals, the film is a beautifully shot story that takes children’s fears seriously. It’s a moving and creative story about dealing with loss and finding the strength to confront your deepest fears.

‘Deathstalker’ (2025)

This new film is a fresh take on a beloved fantasy classic, following a solitary warrior battling dark magic and terrifying creatures. He journeys through a dangerous land filled with deceitful sorcerers and age-old predictions to claim his destiny. The filmmakers focused on realistic effects and intense action to evoke the spirit of classic fantasy films. It’s a nostalgic experience with a modern touch, emphasizing a richly detailed world and compelling characters. The story honors familiar fantasy themes while also expanding on the established lore with added depth.

‘The Twits’ (2025)

This animated movie brings the famously naughty characters from Roald Dahl’s book to the screen. It’s a story of two rivals constantly playing mean tricks on each other, and how the animals they bully eventually get their revenge. The animation is deliberately over-the-top and a bit creepy, just like the book. The voice actors give energetic performances as this chaotic pair. Ultimately, the film is a darkly humorous look at how inner ugliness can manifest outwardly.

‘Flow’ (2025)

This beautifully animated film tells the story of a cat and a group of animals who band together for survival during a huge flood. Without any spoken words, the movie relies on visuals and mood to show their incredible journey. As the waters rise and the world changes, the animals must learn to cooperate to overcome the dangers they face. The film is a moving and unique experience, exploring themes of teamwork and the power of nature to endure even in the face of disaster, all brought to life with stunning animation.

‘David’ (2025)

This animated movie retells the story of David, before he was known as the great king. It follows his path from humble shepherd to a brave warrior who must confront the enormous Goliath. The film highlights the magical and religious aspects of the ancient world with impressive songs and beautifully detailed settings. It’s a fresh take on a timeless story about faith and bravery, brought to life using both classic and modern animation styles to create a truly epic feel.

‘Dog Man’ (2025)

This movie is based on a popular comic book series and tells the story of a unique hero – he’s part dog, part police officer! The film follows his exciting adventures as he fights a supervillain cat and works to keep his city safe. The animation looks just like the colorful, lively artwork from the books, which kids will love. It’s a funny, action-filled story that highlights the special connection between pets and people, and teaches lessons about doing what’s right, even when things get crazy.

‘Paddington in Peru’ (2025)

Paddington returns to his roots to visit Aunt Lucy at a retirement home for bears, and the Browns join him on a surprising journey through the Amazon and the mountains of Peru. The movie keeps the funny, kindhearted spirit of the earlier films while offering a bigger, more adventurous story. It beautifully emphasizes the value of family and Paddington’s background, making it another delightful and visually appealing addition to the Paddington series.

‘Lilo & Stitch’ (2025)

This movie reimagines the beloved animated story of a lonely girl and her alien companion in live action. Using cutting-edge visual effects, the filmmakers bring the mischievous alien, Experiment 626, to life. Set in the stunning Hawaiian islands, the film highlights the meaning of ‘Ohana’ – the importance of family and belonging. While staying true to the original’s charm and humor, the movie also delves deeper into the lives of the human characters, offering a heartwarming story about finding family where you least expect it.

‘A Minecraft Movie’ (2025)

I was so excited to see Minecraft come to life on the big screen, and it didn’t disappoint! It’s amazing to see Jason Momoa and Jack Black as part of this adventure. The story follows a really fun group of people who get transported into the Minecraft world, and they have to quickly learn how to build and survive. Seeing all the classic creatures like Creepers and Piglins was a total blast! What I loved most is how they took that iconic blocky look and turned it into a beautiful, expansive world. It really captures the spirit and creativity of the game itself – it’s just a really imaginative and enjoyable experience.

‘Snow White’ (2025)

This new movie is a live-action remake of Disney’s original animated classic, starring Rachel Zegler as Snow White. Gal Gadot plays the Evil Queen, who uses magic and trickery to stay the most beautiful. The film includes both new songs and familiar favorites, offering a fresh take on the beloved story. With beautiful sets and costumes, the movie creates a magical world, emphasizing Snow White’s inner strength and the power of compassion and good leadership.

‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

The movie follows a team of ex-villains and antiheroes who are given a second chance by the government – they’re sent on incredibly risky missions that no one else can handle. Starring Florence Pugh and Sebastian Stan, the film brings together a diverse cast of characters from the Marvel universe, forcing them to learn to work together to survive. It’s a fast-paced fantasy adventure that questions what it means to be a hero and explores the difficulties of finding redemption, all while dealing with political conspiracies and supernatural dangers. Essentially, it asks what happens when the only people who can save the world are the ‘bad guys’.

‘Superman’ (2025)

A new Superman movie is here, telling the story of Clark Kent as he learns to reconcile his alien powers with his human life. Directed by James Gunn, the film highlights Superman’s hopeful spirit and commitment to doing what’s right. Newcomer David Corenswet plays a young Clark Kent as he begins protecting Metropolis. The movie brings together a variety of characters from the comics and expands the world of superheroes, offering a visually impressive and moving start to a fresh take on the iconic hero.

‘Tron: Ares’ (2025)

The latest film in the series centers around a highly advanced program escaping from the digital world into our own. Jared Leto plays the main character, who must learn to live among humans while being hunted by those from his original digital home. The movie keeps the series’ signature glowing visual style and delves into what happens when digital life and human bodies collide. It’s a futuristic fantasy that blurs the line between what’s virtual and what’s real, and features a soundtrack and visual effects designed to be at the forefront of cinematic innovation.

‘Wolf Man’ (2025)

After a strange event in the wild, a man begins a horrifying transformation into a monster. He struggles to shield his family from the creature he’s becoming, all while desperately seeking a way to reverse the curse. Directed by Leigh Whannell, this film offers a dark and realistic reimagining of the classic monster tale. It focuses on the emotional and psychological impact of the change and how it affects his relationships, delivering a truly frightening and immersive experience through impressive practical effects.

‘In the Lost Lands’ (2025)

I just finished watching this movie, and wow! It’s about a queen who really wants to be able to shapeshift, so she teams up with a sorceress and a mysterious wanderer to go on this incredibly dangerous quest. They travel through a totally bizarre wasteland – seriously, the landscape is like nothing you’ve ever seen! They run into all sorts of mythical creatures and discover ancient magic along the way. Milla Jovovich and Dave Bautista are fantastic in it, and it’s based on a story by George R.R. Martin, which explains the epic scale. The visuals are stunning, and it’s a pretty dark and gritty movie, really showing how tough this world is. It’s a really thrilling story about how far someone will go for power, and the consequences of chasing things you shouldn’t.

‘Death of a Unicorn’ (2025)

When a father and daughter unintentionally hit a unicorn with their car, they’re pulled into a strange and magical conspiracy to hide the incident. The film is a darkly funny and fantastical horror story about the fallout from harming a mythical creature. Starring Paul Rudd and Jenna Ortega, it’s a unique take that explores themes of corporate greed and the fading of imagination. With its surreal imagery and quirky style, the movie presents a modern fairy tale – a creative and surprising adventure that keeps you guessing.

‘The Legend of Ochi’ (2025)

A runaway girl stumbles into a secret world filled with magical, hidden creatures. She forms a bond with one of them and must work to shield it from those who want to use its powers. The movie has a unique look, blending handcrafted puppets with computer-generated scenery. It’s a heartwarming and imaginative story about understanding others and the need to protect our planet, making it enjoyable for everyone.

‘Omniscient Reader: The Prophecy’ (2025)

A man who’s read a famous online novel finds his world turning into the story itself, filled with monsters and magical trials. He must use his knowledge of the book to survive as reality falls apart. The film is a thrilling, action-packed adventure that examines fate and the impact of stories, drawing on rich mythology from the original novel. It’s an epic and creative take on the survival fantasy genre.

‘The Bride!’ (2025)

In this gothic fantasy directed by Maggie Gyllenhaal, Frankenstein’s monster journeys to the 1930s hoping a scientist can build him a companion. When she’s created, this new being sparks a social uprising by rejecting the expectations placed upon her. Starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale, the film is a visually striking and thought-provoking exploration of identity, independence, and the journey of self-discovery, offering a fresh take on a timeless story.

‘Bugonia’ (2025)

A powerful executive is kidnapped by two men who believe she’s an alien intent on destroying the world. As the story unfolds, it becomes hard to tell whether their fears are based on a conspiracy theory or a real supernatural danger, leading to increasingly chaotic events. Starring Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons, this surreal fantasy film, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, uses striking visuals to delve into themes of paranoia and how easily our perception of truth can be distorted. It’s a thought-provoking and inventive film that will leave you wondering what’s actually happening.

‘Mickey 17’ (2025)

A low-ranking crew member on a mission to settle a frozen planet keeps dying and being reborn in a new body, but retains all his memories. Things get tricky when two versions of him end up alive at the same time. Starring Robert Pattinson and directed by Bong Joon-ho, this sci-fi fantasy film is a visually impressive and thought-provoking adventure. It uses dark humor to examine what makes a life valuable and raises questions about the morality of cutting-edge technology, all set against the backdrop of a brutal alien landscape.

‘Elio’ (2025)

A boy with a big imagination gets unexpectedly transported to a galactic organization of aliens. They think he’s Earth’s ambassador, and he has to complete challenging missions to protect his planet. The movie is full of imaginative aliens and beautiful space settings. It’s a heartwarming story about discovering bravery and accepting what makes you different, even when facing something completely new. Like other Pixar films, it combines emotional storytelling with stunning visuals and a grand sense of adventure.

‘Zootopia 2’ (2025)

Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back, teaming up to solve a new mystery that puts the safety of their city – a vibrant home to all kinds of animals – at risk. As they chase down leads, they explore new areas and meet even more unique creatures. Like the first movie, this story uses humor and insightful observations to tackle issues of prejudice and the importance of working together. This sequel builds on everything fans loved about the original, while also showing how Judy and Nick’s partnership has grown.

‘Predator: Badlands’ (2025)

A renowned alien hunter is back in a futuristic story where humanity has colonized new worlds. A team of experts must hunt down the creature before it picks them off one by one. Starring Elle Fanning, this suspenseful action-fantasy emphasizes survival and introduces exciting new tech for both the hunters and the hunted, delivering a thrilling and intense experience for fans of the series.

‘How to Train Your Dragon’ (2025)

This live-action movie is a new take on the popular animated trilogy, bringing the world of Berk and its dragons to life. It tells the story of Hiccup, who becomes friends with an injured dragon and transforms how his village views these creatures. Starring Mason Thames and Nico Parker, and directed by Dean DeBlois, the film uses incredible visual effects to make the dragons feel incredibly realistic. It’s a heartwarming and exciting return to a story about the power of friendship and acceptance.

‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

Guillermo del Toro’s film is a beautifully made and true-to-the-source adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. It tells the story of Victor Frankenstein and the heartbreaking results of bringing a creature to life from lifeless parts. Starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, this dark fantasy focuses on the monster’s pain and humanity. The film stands out with its incredible practical effects and detailed sets, perfectly recreating the atmosphere of the 1800s. Ultimately, it’s a thought-provoking look at the dangers of unchecked ambition and the weight of being a creator.

‘The Shrouds’ (2025)

This unsettling film follows a man who loses his wife and creates a device letting people observe the decomposition of the deceased. Things become strange when he notices unusual activity in the digital recordings, hinting that some part of his wife’s consciousness might still exist. Directed by David Cronenberg, this visually stark and thought-provoking story blends technology and the supernatural to explore themes of grief, loss, and our longing to connect with those we’ve lost. It’s a haunting look at what happens after death and the lengths we go to for closure.

‘The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep’ (2025)

Geralt of Rivia takes on a case involving attacks on a seaside village and uncovers a long-standing feud between humans and mysterious ocean dwellers. This animated movie expands the world of ‘The Witcher’ to the underwater realm, introducing new magical beasts. It stays true to the dark and realistic feel of the books and games, with Doug Cockle returning to voice the legendary monster hunter. The film is a captivating adventure that delves into the complex moral choices that are central to the series.

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

James Cameron revisits the world of Pandora, introducing a new Na’vi tribe – the Ash People – who are known for their fierce nature and use of fire. Jake Sully and Neytiri are forced to lead their people in a massive war that could destroy the planet’s delicate balance. The movie features even more impressive visual effects and motion capture technology, creating a truly believable alien environment. It’s a sweeping, emotional story that deals with loss and the consequences of violence, and it raises the stakes for future films in the Avatar series while adding greater emotional complexity.

Share your thoughts on these fantasy releases in the comments.

2025-12-27 16:21