The most anticipated movies coming out in May 2025

Theatrical release poster of Final Destination: Bloodlines, Mission Impossible – Final Reckoning, The Thunderbolts, and Lilo and Stitch. Photo Credit- Liam Saul/Instagram

May 2025 is shaping up to be a feast of movies, kicking off the summer movie season with a list that brings thrilling actions, chilling horror, family-friendly remakes, and quirky comedies. From long-awaited franchise sequels to bold new visions, this month promises something for every movie lover. From producers statements and remarks, fan excitement on social media, and critics. This piece is set to explore the most anticipated films set to appear on screens in May 2025.

Mission Impossible – The Final Reckoning (May 23, 2025)

Tom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in what has been stated to be the explosive finale to the Mission Impossible saga, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. After Dead Reckoning Part One (2023) dazzled fans with jaw-dropping stunts, The Final Reckoning elevates the stake. The trailer shows aerial dogfights, underwater sequences, and a vehicular destruction that rivals its previous installments. Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, and Vanessa Kirby reprise their roles, joined by newcomers Hayley Atwell, Pom Klementieff, and Hannah Waddingham as a mysterious operative.

Fan anticipation is sky-high. However, some fans worry the franchise’s shift from Part One to Final Reckoning shows a quick conclusion to the franchise. With a reported $290 million budget, this action epic aims to deliver a worthy send-off for Ethan Hunt, blending heart-pounding set pieces with emotional stakes. Expect theaters to be packed for this Memorial Day weekend juggernaut.

Thunderbolts (May 2, 2025)

Marvel’s Thunderbolts kicks off May with a bang, uniting the MCU’s antiheroes and misfits in a tough, team-up thriller directed by Jake Schreier. Florence Pugh leads as Yelena Belova, reprising her role in the Black Widow, alongside Sebastian Stan (Bucky Barnes), David Harbour (Red Guardian), Wyatt Russell (John Walker), Olga Kurylenko (Taskmaster), Hannah John-Kamen (Ghost), and Lewis Pullman as the obscure Bob/Sentry. Julia Louis-Dreyfus’ Valentina Allegra de Fontaine pulls the strings, setting this ragtag crew on a high-stakes mission.

The buzz is intensifying everyday, with several fans calling it a new dawn for the MCU. Pugh’s charisma and the ensemble’s chaotic chemistry have fans on social media buzzing. The trailer hints at dark humor and explosive action, drawing comparisons to DC’s The Suicide Squad. Critics, however, question if the MCU can rebound from recent flops, and some social media users worry about overcrowding with so many characters but hey we have seen that go down well with the Avengers, so let us not give up hope. Still, Thunderbolts’ early May slot and star power make it a must-see, set to challenge other superhero movies coming out later in 2025.

Final Destination: Bloodlines (May 16, 2025)

The Final Destination franchise returns for its sixth installment, celebrating its 25th anniversary with Bloodlines, directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein. Brec Bassinger stars as Stefanie, a college student haunted by nightmares, who seeks to alter her family’s gruesome fate. Tony Todd reprises his iconic role as William Bludworth, guiding her through the series’ signature elaborate death traps. A teaser showcasing a tattoo artist’s grisly demise and a trailer featuring a deadly family cookout have fans so much interested.

Horror movie lovers are thrilled, spotlighting Bloodlines among most anticipated movies in May. Social media posts praise the “insane traps,” though some note the series’ inconsistent track record, like Final Destination 5 earning 63% on Rotten Tomatoes compared to The Final Destination getting 28%, so expectations are somehow high. The film’s blend of nostalgia and fresh blood positions it as a horror, likely drawing genre fans eager for creative destruction.

Lilo and Stitch (May 23, 2025)

Disney’s live-action remake of Lilo & Stitch lands on Memorial Day weekend, directed by Dean Fleischer-Camp. Maia Kealoha stars as Lilo, a Hawaiian orphan, with Chris Sanders returning as the voice of Stitch, the mischievous alien. The cast includes Sydney Elizebeth Agudong, Billy Magnussen, Tia Carrere, Courtney B. Vance, Hannah Waddingham, and Zach Galifianakis. After Snow White’s moderate critical reception, Disney is banking on Stitch’s global popularity to drive box office success.

Fan reactions are mixed. Fans are pleased with Stitch’s “adorable” live-action design, but some fear it won’t capture the 2002 original’s heart. Critics praise Fleischer-Camp’s indie sensibility, hoping it brings authenticity to the Hawaiian setting. With a family-friendly slot and strong brand recognition, Lilo and Stitch is set to draw multigenerational audiences, though it faces stiff competition from Mission Impossible which is to be released same weekend.

Friendship (May 30, 2025)

For those craving something unconventional, Friendship, a dark comedy from A24, closes out May with a fresh take on male bonding. Directed by Andrew DeYoung, it stars Tim Robinson as Craig, a suburban dad obsessed with his charismatic neighbor Austin (Paul Rudd). Their budding bromance spirals into chaos as Craig’s clinginess threatens his life. Kate Mara and Jack Dylan Grazer round out the cast, adding emotional depth.

Friendship earned interest for its hilarious and insightful look at friendship and family. Social media users call it a “comedy gem,” with Robinson’s manic energy and Rudd’s charm increasing anticipation. Some critics, however, warn its niche humor may not resonate widely. Friendship offers a quirky, laugh-out-loud alternative, likely drawing hipster crowds and comedy enthusiasts.

Conclusion

May 2025 is a small example of modern cinema’s diverse collection, from superhero movies (The Thunderbolts), to franchise fare (Mission Impossible, Final Destination), live-action remakes (Lilo & Stitch), and family comedies (Friendship). May’s anticipated movies shows studios’ post-COVID push to reclaim box office glory and a return to the usual after the 2024’s Writers Guild strikes which created a breakdown in the movie industry. Fans on social media are vocal, highlighting Mission Impossible’s trailer buzz.

From Cruise’s death-defying stunts to the awkward charm of MCU’s latest rag-tag team, these films promise thrills, chills, and heartfelt moments. Whether it is the gloomy traps in Final Destination or the songs in Lilo and Stitch, one thing is certain, May 2025’s cinematic movies are set to make memories.