Mashable
How to watch Jets vs. Bills online
TL;DR: Live stream New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.
NFL Week 17 continues with a matchup between the New York Jets and the Buffalo Bills. The Jets are 4-11 and have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The Bills are 12-3 and could lock up the No.2-seed in the AFC playoff picture with a win.
The Jets lost to the Los Angeles Rams, 19-9, in their last game. The Bills have won back-to-back games over the New England Patriots (24-21) and Detroit Lions (48-42).
When is Jets vs. Bills?New York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 29. The two teams will face off at the High Mark Stadium in Buffalo, New York.
The game will air on CBS, where Bob Wischusen is expected to do the play-by-play. Anthony Becht is expected to join him in the booth.
How to stream Jets vs. BillsWe've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Jets vs. Bills:
Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealNew York Jets vs. Buffalo Bills is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).
YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.
The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get DealSling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Jets vs. Bills from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Jets vs. Bills from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealHow to watch Cardinals vs. Rams online
TL;DR: Live stream Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.
NFL Week 17 includes a Saturday battle between the Arizona Cardinals and the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals are 7-8 and have been mathematically eliminated from playoff contention. The Rams are 9-6 and currently in line to clinch the NFC's No.3-seed.
The Cardinals lost to the Carolina Panthers, 36-30 in overtime, in their last game. The Rams have won four games straight, including most recently beating the New York Jets, 19-9.
When is Cardinals vs. Rams?Arizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams takes place at 8 p.m. ET on Dec. 28. The two teams will face off at the SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles.
The game will air on NFL Network, where Paul Calvisi is expected to do the play-by-play. Ron Wolfley is expected to join him in the booth and Dani Surek will report from the sideline.
How to stream Cardinals vs. RamsWe've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Cardinals vs. Rams:
Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealArizona Cardinals vs. Los Angeles Rams is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).
YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.
The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get DealSling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Cardinals vs. Rams from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Cardinals vs. Rams from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealHow to watch Broncos vs. Bengals online
TL;DR: Live stream Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.
NFL Week 17 includes a Saturday battle between the Denver Broncos and the Cincinnati Bengals. The Broncos are 9-6 and currently hold the No.7-seed in the AFC playoff picture. The Bengals are 7-8, which puts them in the No. 10-seed and on the outside of the playoff picture looking in.
The Broncos lost to the Los Angeles Chargers, 34-27, in their last game. The Broncos sit behind the Chargers in the playoff hunt. The Bengals have won their last three games, including their most recent win over the Cleveland Browns, 24-6. It's a long shot for the Bengals to make the playoffs, but a win could take away any chances for the Broncos.
When is Broncos vs. Bengals?Denver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals takes place at 4:30 p.m. ET on Dec. 28. The two teams will face off at the Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati, Ohio.
The game will air on NFL Network, where Kevin Harlan is expected to do the play-by-play. Trent Green is expected to join him in the booth and Melanie Collins will report from the sideline.
How to stream Broncos vs. BengalsWe've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Broncos vs. Bengals:
Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealDenver Broncos vs. Cincinnati Bengals is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).
YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.
The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get DealSling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Broncos vs. Bengals from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Broncos vs. Bengals from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealHow to watch Chargers vs. Patriots online
TL;DR: Live stream Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots on YouTube TV, Peacock TV, or Sling TV.
NFL Week 17 includes a Saturday battle between the Los Angeles Chargers and the New England Patriots. The Chargers are 9-6 and the next team in line to clinch a spot in the AFC's playoff picture. The Patriots are 3-12, at the bottom of the AFC, and mathematically eliminated from any playoff contention.
The Chargers beat the Denver Broncos, 34-27, in their last game. The Broncos sit behind them in the playoff hunt. The Patriots lost their last game, and in fact, haven't won since mid-November (Week 10, against the Chicago Bears). A win over the Patriots this week will put the Chargers at a 99 percent chance to face the Baltimore Ravens in the Wild Card game.
When is Chargers vs. Patriots?Los Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots takes place at 1 p.m. ET on Dec. 28. The two teams will face off at the Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Massachusetts.
The game will air on NFL Network, where Chris Rose is expected to do the play-by-play. Ross Tucker is expected to join him in the booth.
How to stream Chargers vs. PatriotsWe've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Chargers vs. Patriots:
Most live sport: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealLos Angeles Chargers vs. New England Patriots is available to live stream via YouTube TV or the NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV (not to mention other NFL fixtures).
YouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and the NFL Network.
The NFL Sunday Ticket is an add-on for $209 per year, or four non-cancellable payments of $52.99. Sunday Ticket provides access to all NFL games, including out-of-market games and split-screen viewing.
Most affordable: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling TV Sports Plan Get DealSling TV offers its Orange & Blue package of 48 channels at $55 per month that would serve your needs for locally available NFL games. Sign up to enjoy a first-month discounted rate of $27.50.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
If you're abroad for this fixture, you might need to use a VPN to unblock your favorite streaming service. These tools can hide your real IP address (digital location) and connect you to a secure server in the U.S., meaning you can unblock live streams of the NFL from anywhere in the world.
Live stream Chargers vs. Patriots from anywhere in the world by following these simple steps:
Subscribe to a streaming-friendly VPN (like ExpressVPN)
Download the app to your device of choice (the best VPNs have apps for Windows, Mac, iOS, Android, Linux, and more)
Open up the app and connect to a server in the U.S.
Sign in to your favorite streaming service
Watch Chargers vs. Patriots from anywhere in the world
ExpressVPN is the best choice for bypassing geo-restrictions to stream live sport, for a number of reasons:
Servers in 105 countries including the U.S.
Easy-to-use app available on all major devices including iPhone, Android, Windows, Mac, and more
Strict no-logging policy so your data is secure
Fast connection speeds free from throttling
Up to eight simultaneous connections
30-day money-back guarantee
A one-year subscription to ExpressVPN is on sale for $99.95 and includes an extra three months for free — 49% off for a limited time. This plan includes a year of free unlimited cloud backup and a generous 30-day money-back guarantee.
Opens in a new window Credit: ExpressVPN ExpressVPN (1-Year Subscription + 3 Months Free) $99.95 only at ExpressVPN (with money-back guarantee) Get DealHackers take over Google Chrome extensions in cyberattack
Some companies received something worse than a lump of coal from Santa this Christmas: Hackers attacking their Chrome extensions.
Hackers hijacked a number of Chrome extensions this past week, according to a new report from Reuters. The attack was first noticed by cyber security company Cyberhaven, which was one of the companies affected by the hack.
In a blog post from Cyberhaven, the company says the cyberattack inserted malicious code into these Chrome extensions in an attempt to steal user data such as web browser cookies and authentication. The hackers appear to have specifically been looking to obtain access to social media advertising accounts, specifically Facebook Ads accounts, and AI platform credentials.
According to Cyberhaven, the hackers pushed an updated version of its Chrome extension with the malicious code to users on Christmas Eve. The company became aware of the hack on Christmas Day and immediately pushed out a fix within an hour. The company began informing users of the hack on Friday morning with an email notification.
Other Chrome extensions confirmed to have been injected with the malicious code include Internxt VPN, ParrotTalks, Uvoice, and VPNCity. Each of these Chrome extensions has tens of thousands of users, according to the public stats on the Chrome Web Store.
The attack began after a hacker successfully targeted a Cyberhaven employee via a phishing email that was sent to Chrome extension developers. The employee, believing the email was an official Google contact, clicked the email and input their login credentials on the phishing page.
Cyberhaven doesn't believe the attackers were targeting any specific companies, but rather sending out a mass phishing campaign and then going forward with any recipient that clicked through.
At this time, it's unclear as to how many users of these Chrome extensions have been affected.
Apple pulls iPhone SE and iPhone 14 from stores in the EU
Apple fans who were looking to buy an iPhone SE or iPhone 14 from the company in the EU are out of luck.
All of Apple's devices utilizing Lightning ports have now been pulled from stores.
On Saturday, Dec. 28, the European Union's new rules making USB-C the standard connection for charging smartphones, tablets, and other electronic devices officially went into effect. As a result, Apple has removed all of its Lightning-based devices from Apple Stores.
SEE ALSO: Apple explains why it will never build a search engineApple devices with Lightning ports that were still being sold by the company, like the iPhone 14, iPhone 14 Plus, and iPhone SE, were fully removed from the Apple Store on Friday, as reported by MacRumors.
The Lightning-based devices are no longer available on the online Apple Store in countries like Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, the Netherlands, Norway, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland. The Verge also confirmed the removal of these devices from Apple's EU Apple Stores.
Because the law only covers countries in the EU, Apple can still sell Lightning products in the U.S. and elsewhere.
The EU's USB-C charging mandate was approved in 2022 and forced companies to move to the standard by the end of 2024. The following year, Apple confirmed that the iPhone 15 would be the first Apple device to ditch the company's Lightning port and adopt the USB-C standard. By September 2024, Apple officially replaced every product using the Lightning port with a USB-C version.
While the iPhone 14 was succeeded by USB-C devices in the iPhone 15 and iPhone 16, the iPhone SE hasn't been updated since 2022. So, for now, those in the EU looking to buy Apple's cheapest iPhone model are going to have to wait. Apple is expected to launch a new iPhone SE in March. And, yes, this one will have a USB-C charging port.
Trump tells SCOTUS that only he can save TikTok from ban
TikTok, the popular viral video platform, is still slated to be banned in the U.S. next year. And with 2024 coming to an end, the January 19, 2025 ban date for TikTok is fast approaching.
Just weeks before Christmas, the Supreme Court of the United States agreed to hear an appeal filed by TikTok and its parent company ByteDance. The oral arguments in that case are set to begin Jan. 10.
However, President-elect Donald Trump, who will be inaugurated on Jan. 20, just one day after the pending TikTok ban, is urging the Supreme Court to just grant a stay on the TikTok ban deadline date.
Why? Because Trump humbly claims that only he can solve the issue and save TikTok from being banned.
Trump to SCOTUS: Let me save TikTokIn his message to the Supreme Court, Trump asserts a myriad of reasons as to why he's uniquely positioned to address the supposed national security concerns tied with TikTok being owned by a China-based company while simultaneously saving the platform from a ban.
In the brief, Trump drops how many followers he has on TikTok (more than 14 million) and how the platform played a crucial role in his successful reelection campaign. The president-elect makes mention of Brazil's recent ban on Elon Musk's X, formerly known as Twitter, to showcase a similar case of "historic danger" when a government bans a social media platform. In addition, Trump also cites his expertise as the founder of "another resoundingly successful social-media platform," Truth Social, to show why he has specific insight on the issues.
And, of course, Trump highlights that he's the best at making deals.
"President Trump alone possesses the consummate dealmaking expertise, the electoral mandate, and the political will to negotiate a resolution to save the platform while addressing the national security concerns expressed by the Government—concerns which President Trump himself has acknowledged," reads an amicus brief filed by Trump to the court on Friday.
Trump did want to ban TikTok but doesn't want to anymoreReaders may recall that TikTok ban talks began under the first Trump administration. In fact, Trump was on the verge of going forward with an actual TikTok ban in late 2020. TikTok went out of its way to partner with the U.S.-based Oracle to host all of its U.S.-related data to meet Trump's terms to avoid a ban.
However, after Trump lost in 2020, TikTok's pending ban was basically abandoned by the first Trump administration.
Under the Biden administration, the concerns regarding ByteDance's ownership of TikTok were renewed resulting in the latest move to force the China-based company to sell TikTok or lose its ability to operate in the U.S. Now, after utilizing TikTok for his winning 2024 reelection bid, Trump is singing a different tune about the platform.
Earlier this month, Trump met with TikTok CEO Shou Zi Chew at Mar-a-lago. Then, right before Christmas, at an event for the conservative organization Turning Point USA, shared his views on TikTok to the crowd.
"They brought me a chart, and it was a record, and it was so beautiful to see, and as I looked at it, I said, 'Maybe we gotta keep this sucker around for a little while,'" Trump said after claiming his TikTok videos receive "billions of views."
It's unclear as to what stats Trump was referring to, as his highest-performing video on TikTok was the first one he posted, which received 179 million views. Trump hasn't posted on TikTok since before the polls closed on election day.
NYT Mini crossword answers, hints for December 28, 2024
The Mini is a bite-sized version of The New York Times' revered daily crossword. While the crossword is a lengthier experience that requires both knowledge and patience to complete, The Mini is an entirely different vibe.
With only a handful of clues to answer, the daily puzzle doubles as a speed-running test for many who play it.
So, when a tricky clue disrupts a player's flow, it can be frustrating! If you find yourself stumped playing The Mini — much like with Wordle and Connections — we have you covered.
SEE ALSO: Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more: Play games on MashableHere are the clues and answers to NYT's The Mini for Friday, December 27, 2024:
AcrossFrench body of waterThe answer is Lac.
The answer is Papal.
The answer is Taco Bar.
The answer is Ages ago.
The answer is Destroy.
The answer is Rules.
The answer is Pet.
The answer is Laces up.
The answer is Apostle.
The answer is Cabaret.
The answer is Pager.
The answer is Lagos.
The answer is Tad.
The answer is Roy.
If you're looking for more puzzles, Mashable's got games now! Check out our games hub for Mahjong, Sudoku, free crossword, and more.
Featured Video For You The Wordle Strategy used by the New York Times' Head of GamesAre you also playing NYT Strands? See hints and answers for today's Strands.
Not the day you're after? Here's the solution to today's Mini Crossword.
Yes, Popeye can eat spinach: Everything you need to know about Public Domain Day 2025
Jan. 1 is Public Domain Day, meaning artworks from 1929 (or 1924 in the case of sound recordings) are now free for all creators to use and abuse to their hearts' content.
The works of art, music, literature, and film now entering the public domain will be yours, mine, and everyone's. You can try and do something rude or irreverent with the characters they depict, or if you want you can do something truly subversive: make them into something beautiful.
Below is a breakdown of everything you need to know about the freshly released creative works you can now treat as your own personal outline, canvas, inspiration, or collage material.
What's Public Domain Day again?We’re now entering the sixth year since a decades-long freeze on copyright finally thawed, and activists and copyright law experts — notably Jennifer Jenkins of Duke University — started trumpeting each Jan. 1 as a new de facto holiday called "Public Domain Day." 2025 is no different, with notable public domain releases dropping on New Year’s Day including still-electrifying books by Earnest Hemingway and William Faulkner, talkie films including at least one by Alfred Hitchcock, and the further unspooling of copyright protection on the bibliographies of Agatha Christie and Virginia Woolf.
SEE ALSO: How people are using Mickey Mouse in his post-copyright eraHowever, like last year when Steamboat Willie-era Mickey Mouse emerged from the public domain vault, some of the most significant pieces of freshly unshackled public domain art are the original appearances of two still-popular cartoon characters: Popeye and Tintin.
What’s the big idea with Popeye, spinach, and the public domain?Where Popeye is concerned, it’s worth immediately drilling down on what this all means for creators who want to tell their own stories about the spinach-scarfing sailor. Long story short: they can do almost anything they want with him, and yes that includes having him eat spinach.
You may have seen it reported elsewhere that derivative works exploiting Popeye’s new public domain status can’t show him using spinach as a power-up. This would be massively disappointing since the spinach ex machina moment in every Popeye fight scene is a cornerstone of the character’s iconography.
Tweet may have been deletedPopeye emerged about ten years into the long run of Thimble Theatre, a comic strip by E. C. Segar. In the 1929 installment "Gobs of Work," the extant character Olive Oyl (who has already been in the public domain for years, for the record) encounters a scrunchy-faced tough guy in sailor garb named Popeye and asks if he is in fact a sailor. His surly rejoinder, "'Ja think I’m a cowboy?" is succinct proof that Popeye’s personality emerged fully fleshed-out. The trouble, however, is that in 1929 Popeye was never shown eating spinach. In fact, the character "initially derived superhuman capabilities from rubbing the head feathers of Bernice the Whiffle Hen," Jenkins, the Duke University copyright law expert told me.
In theory, this could seriously limit what creators can do with Popeye. Not only can’t he be depicted duking it out with Bluto — who doesn’t appear until 1932 — nor saving the life of his ward, Swee’Pea — not introduced until 1933 — but he has to be strong to the finish because he... massages an exotic bird? Would that even be Popeye content at all?
Fortunately, Jenkins told me, there’s a pretty solid loophole that creators can exploit here: the copyright on a later strip from 1931 has lapsed early, and in that strip, Popeye announces in no uncertain terms that his superpowers derive from spinach:
Credit: public domainJenkins and her colleagues, she told me, pinpointed the above strip as the first reference to spinach in Thimble Theatre, and found that the copyright on that particular strip hasn’t been renewed, "so this feature actually appears to be public domain." Jenkins and company searched for the strip in legal records for Popeye, Thimble Theatre, the distributor King Features Syndicate, and everything else that could tie up the strip’s copyright status, and its copyright truly appears to have vaporized entirely.
The copyright-free status of that 1931 strip, however, doesn’t unlock the whole Popeye character until Public Domain Day. Essentially, Jenkins explained, "Everything in the 1931 comic that derives from the original 1929 Popeye (such as the character) is still copyrighted until 2025, but new details that appeared only in that 1931 comic, such as spinach power, has long been public domain, so we can bring them together next year."
That’s great news for creators who can now express themselves all they want through the Popeye character — or, more likely, churn the beloved cartoon character into a lazy and terrible slasher movie, as is their right.
Tintin in the Land of Public Domain"Tintin enters the U.S. public domain in 2025 but is still copyrighted in the E.U. until 2054, because the author died in 1983," according to Jenkins' blog post about Public Domain Day 2025. It's a relatively rare case of U.S. public domain law being less stringent than the laws abroad.
At any rate, Tintin started entirely as a work of anti-communist propaganda printed in a Belgian fascist newspaper called Le Vingtième Siècle. In the series of strips now entering the public domain, Tintin is employed as a plucky foreign correspondent for Le Vingtième Siècle deployed to Moscow, en route to which he is almost immediately attacked by a bomb-throwing Bolshevik terrorist, and then further accosted by censorious commies for being a bourgeois pig who threatens to blow the whistle on the reds and their evil exploits.
However, Tintin is every bit his adventurous self, even in this early form, and his dog Snowy is along for the ride. If you want to spin your own Tintin yarns, with or without a hard right-wing slant, nothing should stop you from following your muse.
Mickey talks!You'll recall that Mickey Mouse officially entered the public domain last year, and there was a bit of handwringing about whether derivative works were allowed to depict him in white gloves or — since he was kind of a jerk in the early films — be cheerful. And since 1928 Mickey's utterances were basically limited to whistling, it was pretty clear that he couldn't talk. This year the vise around the version of Mickey we all know and love will ease a bit, because The Karnival Kid, in which Mickey speaks his first words — "Hot dogs! Hot dogs!" — will be unlocked. And if his raspy smoker's voice in The Karnival Kid puts you off, never fear, in shorts like The Haunted House, Mickey's voice — and personality — settle into familiar and appropriately Mousey territory.
Somewhat unrelatedly, The Skeleton Dance, the first of Walt Disney's Silly Symphonies series will also enter the public domain, which is great news because The Skeleton Dance still whips.
Keep in mind, as usual, that these Disney properties still may be part of legitimate trademarks, which is different from copyright. This means it would be ill-advised, legally speaking, to open a restaurant called Mickey's Hot Dogs! Hot Dogs! in honor of The Karnival Kid. Someone might reasonably think the restaurant is affiliated with The Walt Disney Company (And come to think of it, it would be wise to tread lightly around the Popeye trademark while you're at it, for related — though somewhat different — reasons).
T.S. Eliot’s Ash WednesdayT.S. Eliot's The Waste Land has already been in the public domain for years, meaning nothing has been stopping you for complaining that "April is the cruellest month," without fear of lawyers beating down your door. Ash Wednesday, about Eliot's rough journey to faith through Orthodox Christianity is about to be available for use and adaptation too.
My suggested use for Ash Wedensday would be to intone it in a growl over slow, heavy guitars, because, like The Waste Land, most of it is, well, pretty metal:
At the first turning of the second stair
I turned and saw below
The same shape twisted on the banister
Under the vapour in the fetid air
Struggling with the devil of the stairs who wears
The deceitul face of hope and of despair.
At the second turning of the second stair
I left them twisting, turning below;
There were no more faces and the stair was dark,
Damp, jaggèd, like an old man's mouth drivelling, beyond repair,
Or the toothed gullet of an agèd shark.
If you read it in high school, you already know the deal with A Room of One's Own: It's a foundational feminist text that was spicy for its time, including the shocker of a line "Sometimes women do like women." The basic argument that a woman literally needs a quiet space to be creative — and enough money to feed herself — in order to sustain a writing career may not be breaking news, but the broader message about women's intellectual freedom is still resonant.
You can now freely riff on A Room of One's Own, making it into a documentary, a song, or some kind of experimental work of architecture.
The Sound and the Fury by William FaulknerJames Franco had to license The Sound and the Fury to make his 2014 film adaptation of Faulkner's stone-cold classic of modernist storytelling.
Unfortunately, well, the less is said about Franco's film the better. But here's the good news: you can answer Franco's whiffed adaptation with one of your own, and since it's entering the public domain in 2025, you don't even have to pay for the material.
Gershwin’s An American in Paris and Ravel’s BoléroAmong the newly copyright-free musical compositions, two masterpieces stand out: An American in Paris, a musical "tone poem" by George Gershwin, which captures the vibe of postwar life (a lot of what's entering the public domain right now is about capturing the vibe of postwar life), and Maurice Ravel's hypnotic Boléro — a composition you might not know you love. Go listen to it right now on the streaming service of your choice and tell me I'm wrong.
Boléro is also part of an interesting bit of copyright history: it became an unlikely pop hit in 1980 when it was featured in an NSFW scene in the raunchy Dudley Moore movie 10 and raked in massive royalty checks for the Ravel estate. Those days are over now, and if you want to make money from Bolero, no one else has to get a taste of the profits.
Alfred Hitchcock’s BlackmailHitchcock’s first sound film, Blackmail, is now in the public domain — so like everything else on this list it's now free for you to reinterpret or transform.
It's also just an awesome Hitchcock movie with the kind of visual flair you associate with Psycho. You don't have to be an artist to take advantage of its public domain status. You can just project it on the side of the biggest building in town and charge admission.
Salvador Dalí’s The Great MasturbatorWith a title like The Great Masturbator, you know it has to be a good painting, and boy is it ever. You almost certainly know this Salvador Dalí masterpiece, depicting an erotic and gruesome pastiche of sensual anatomy, faces, and one disturbingly latched-on grasshopper. Want to decorate the side of your minivan with it? Literally nothing is stopping you — other than maybe a sense of tact.
…And more!This has just been a list of exceptionally famous or noteworthy material. Creators can freely adapt or use anything from 1929 (or 1924 in the case of music recordings):
Literature:
Seven Dials Mystery by Agatha Christie
A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway
Red Harvest and The Maltese Falcon by Dashiell Hammett
Good-bye to All That by Robert Graves
Laughing Boy by Oliver La Farge
Is Sex Necessary? by James Thurber and E.B. White
Film:
Hallelujah by King Vidor
Pandora’s Box by G.W. Pabst
The Wild Party by Dorothy Arzner
Spite Marriage by Buster Keaton
The Broadway Melody (Oscar winner for Best Picture)
Music:
Ain’t Misbehavin’ by Fats Waller
What Is This Thing Called Love? by Cole Porter
Tiptoe Through the Tulips by Al Dubin and Joe Burke
Waiting for a Train by Jimmie Rodgers
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The best 90s movies on Prime Video for when you want to get nostalgic
The '90s are back, baby, and we don’t just mean biker shorts, middle parts, and platform shoes! '90s movies are the perfect dose of nostalgia for a time when you were too young to notice the rampant injustices of the world around you. Sorry! You grew up!
Though some '90s movies have been robbed of their rose-colored sheen by modern revelations about their cast or creators, many still hit just right. They were made in a time when all movies were meant to be seen in a theater — when budgets were big and the explosions were even bigger. In no particular order, here are the best '90s movies available via Prime Video for your next movie night.
26. Fever Pitch Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockThis British rom-com has a disappointingly low American profile, likely because we went and remade it with Jimmy Fallon and Drew Barrymore as Red Sox fans. The original Fever Pitch, itself based on a Nick Hornby book, stars Colin Firth (!!!) as a schoolteacher whose love for his soccer team, Arsenal, gets in the way of his budding romance with Ruth Gemmell. Guys and their sports, huh? If the tagline doesn’t thrill you (“Life gets complicated when you love one woman and 11 men”), then the kick of watching Mr. Darcy become a likable slob definitely will!*
How to watch: Fever Pitch is streaming on Prime Video.
25. RoundersWhen Mike McDermott loses $30,000 at a high stakes poker game, he promises his girlfriend he’ll stop the gambling for good. But when his old childhood friend, Worm, starts joining games on Mike’s credit and losing, Mike gets drawn back into the high stakes world he’s been trying to escape.
1998’s Rounders is a fun sports flick about poker; the thrill of victory and the agony of defeat on full display. Matt Damon is young and charming as the well-intentioned Mike, Edward Norton is appropriately shifty as the hustling Worm, and John Malkovich is indulgently, preposterously, delightfully campy as a temperamental Russian mobster.
How to watch: Rounders is streaming on Prime Video.
24. FernGully: The Last RainforestThat’s right, the movie that traumatized '80s and '90s kids is still around to traumatize the next generation! Crysta and her friends are fairies that care for and protect their rainforest. When she discovers humans are cutting down their trees, she accidentally shrinks one of them (the hottest one), Zak, to fairy size. As Zak learns more about the fairies, his appreciation for the forest grows, as does his determination to stop human encroachment. If that plot sounds familiar, it’s because FernGully: The Last Rainforest is more or less the '90s animated version of Avatar, but with kicky mullets, throwback slang (bodacious babe!), and Robin Williams as a rapping bat.
How to watch: FernGully: The Last Rainforest is streaming on Prime Video.
23. Armageddon Credit: Frank Masi / Touchstone / Kobal / ShutterstockVery few movies can encapsulate the rampant American exceptionalism of the '90s like Armageddon. With a meteor barreling toward earth, the only people with the skills to save the human race are a group of blue-collar, American off-shore oil drillers led by a rugged and curmudgeonly Bruce Willis. With minimal training and the eyes of the world upon them, they’re blasted into space to drill a nuclear bomb into the meteor’s core. Of course, not everything goes to plan.
Ben Affleck is at his dreamiest as a young oil driller, hopelessly in love with Willis’ daughter, one of Liv Tyler’s most iconic roles. Packed with American flags, a star-studded cast, tons of explosions, and a bunch of wives sitting at home while their husbands become heroes, Armageddon is a classic Hollywood blockbuster. It’s a nostalgic, fun piece of action-packed fluff, and somehow, it’s an Academy–Award nominee! Don't forget: Aerosmith’s “I Don’t Want a Miss a Thing” was in the running for Best Original Song.
How to watch: Armageddon is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
22. Empire RecordsLiv Tyler, Rory Cochrane, Ethan Embry, Robin Tunney, Renee Zellweger are young employees of a failing independent record shop that band together to try and save the store. We’ve got teenage drama, nostalgic music, '90s fashion, and Rex Manning Day — Empire Records has it all! It’s a quintessential hangout comedy that embodies the spirit of early '90s and launched the careers of some of Hollywood’s biggest names. Critics hated it; teens loved it — and if that’s not a ringing endorsement, I don’t know what is!
How to watch: Empire Records is streaming on Prime Video.
21. GoldenEyeIn this installment, Bond is sent by M (Judi Dench) to St. Petersburg to investigate an electromagnetic weapon, but he soon discovers a spider web woven frighteningly close to home. Pierce Brosnan’s first turn as James Bond was his best and a necessary breath of fresh air for a franchise that had been stalling in its Timothy Dalton years. GoldenEye boasts all the Bond hallmarks: plot twists, explosions, sadistic villains, beautiful Bond girls (Izabella Scorupco), cool gadgets, sexy cars, and Bond’s own smooth, unflappable flair, which Brosnan exudes in spades.
How to watch: GoldenEye is streaming on Prime Video.
20. She’s All That Credit: Claudette Barius / Miramax / Kobal / ShutterstockA romantic comedy hall-of-famer, 1999’s She’s All That gives us one of the most iconic and absurd examples of nerdy-girl-isn’t-hot-until-you-take-her-glasses-off movie magic. Freddie Prinze Jr. is lovably smug as the high school top dawg who bets his bros he can turn any girl into the prom queen in six weeks, even social outcast Laney Boggs. That’s right, it’s a 1990s Pygmalion/My Fair Lady — and you already know how it ends!
This is a teen comedy that retains some of its edge; the teens were still allowed to be mean to each other in the '90s. Rachael Leigh Cook became a household name as the artsy high school misfit who was obviously cute long before she got contacts. Matthew Lillard, Paul Walker, Jodi Lyn O'Keefe, Kieran Culkin, Anna Paquin, Gabrielle Union, and more help cement She’s All That in the hallowed halls of rom-com history, and its soundtrack is a full-fledged nostalgia bomb. It’s time for a rewatch.*
How to watch: She’s All That is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
19. Cruel IntentionsLes Liaisons Dangereuses is a 1782 French novel where two bored aristocrats, skilled in social politics and manipulation, bet that if Vicomte de Valmont can seduce a virtuous newcomer, then the Marquise de Merteuil will sleep with him. Cruel Intentions takes this story and plops it in a world as gossipy, hierarchical, and sexy as an 18th-century French court — a NYC private high school.
Ryan Phillippe is the charmer looking for a challenge, Sarah Michelle Gellar the queen bee who dangles her sexuality over him like a carrot, and Reese Witherspoon the prudish fresh face caught in their little game. But as Phillippe’s Sebastian dedicates himself more and more to his seduction, he begins to wonder if he’s still playing a part… or does he actually have feelings for his mark? Gleefully dark and comically corrupt, Cruel Intentions is a superbly entertaining teen drama that holds up enough to have inspired a 2024 series, also on Prime.
How to watch: Cruel Intentions is streaming on Prime Video.
18. Total RecallBased on a Philip K. Dick short story (like most of the best science fiction movies!),Total Recall is a mind-bending cyberpunk exploration of the relationship between memory and the self. In 2084, Earthman Douglas Quaid (Arnold Schwarzenegger) begins having dreams about Mars, currently under the control of an oppressive regime. Looking to learn more about his visions, he visits Rekall, a company that embeds fake memories on demand. Directed by Paul Verhoeven (who also directed RoboCop, Starship Troopers, and… Showgirls?), Total Recall is a gritty, action-packed, dystopian blockbuster. It’s got its fair share of '90s machismo, but many controversial elements at its time — like a three-breasted prostitute — have become iconic with age.
How to watch: Total Recall is streaming on Prime Video.
17. Forrest Gump Credit: Paramount / Kobal / ShutterstockDirected by Robert Zemeckis and written by Eric Roth, Forrest Gump is a family-friendly comedy-drama about a big-hearted but slow-witted man who finds himself directly involved in some of the major historical events of the last half of the 20th century. Tom Hanks won an Oscar for his earnest portrayal of Forrest, and the film won five more Academy Awards, including Best Adapted Screenplay, Best Director, and Best Picture. (Plus it launched a popular casual seafood chain!) The cast here is unmissable, with Robin Wright, Gary Sinise, Mykelti Williamson, and Sally Field each shining in their respective roles. Charming, nostalgic, and sweet, Forrest Gump overcomes its sentimentality with its abundant good-heartedness.
How to watch: Forrest Gump is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
16. The Joy Luck Club Credit: Buena Vista / Hollywood / Kobal / ShutterstockBased on the best-selling novel of the same name, The Joy Luck Club should be required viewing for anyone with a mother. In San Francisco, four women, all Chinese immigrants, form a mahjong group. Over the course of the film, each woman shares her story, from their lives in China to the modern struggles they are each having with their American-born daughters. The Joy Luck Club is a lovely, moving film about the generational divide, self-respect, and most crucially, mother-daughter relationships. It’s full of heart, the kind of movie that requires a box of tissues but leaves you feeling warm and renewed.
How to watch: The Joy Luck Club is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
15. True RomanceElvis-superfan Clarence (Christian Slater) and former call girl Alabama (Patricia Arquette) fall in love, get married…. and then murder her former pimp, steal his cocaine stash, and head to California. Unfortunately for the lovebirds, there are a few people with a financial interest in their suitcase of drugs, and they’re not going to stop until they recoup their money.
Directed by Tony Scott and written by Hollywood newcomer Quentin Tarantino (!!!!), 1993’s True Romance is a dynamic, unpredictable ride. For a large portion of the film, Alabama and Clarence seem to think they’re in a romance flick — while everyone else around them is in a pulpy, violent thriller. It’s a darkly comic look at the destructive power of two idiots falling in love. Being a Tarantino film, True Romance does not shy from using the n-word, but it also has a sinister James Gandolfini, a stoned Brad Pitt, and an absolutely unhinged, and possibly offensive, Gary Oldman.
How to watch: True Romance is streaming on Prime Video.
14. Titanic Credit: 20th Century Fox / Paramount / Kobal / ShutterstockKate Winslet is Rose, a young, upper-class Brit aboard the RMS Titanic, who soon finds herself in a whirlwind romance with the handsome, charming, and penniless Jack — Leonardo DiCaprio’s star-making role. Their class difference isn’t the only obstacle their love faces, as Rose’s wealthy fiancé Cal (Billy Zane) is also on the ship. And the ship is about to run into an enormous iceberg and become the world’s most famous maritime catastrophe.
James Cameron’s Titanic is an epic in every sense of the word. The love story is melodramatic and all-encompassing, made even more urgent by the impending doom we know is waiting for the lovers. When the action hits, it is visceral, harrowing, and breathtaking: an incomprehensible disaster seen through the eyes of its human victims. There’s also a whole bit about Rose in the present as an old woman and the team trying to find the ships’ wreckage. But no one really remembers that part.
How to watch: Titanic is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
13. The Talented Mr. RipleyThe Talented Mr. Ripley walked so Saltburn could run. This iconic psychological thriller features a young Matt Damon as Tom Ripley, a poor New Yorker who finds himself in the entourage of the rich and impossibly charismatic Dickie as he lounges and carouses his way across 1950s Europe. But is it luck that brought Tom into Dickie’s orbit, or something more sinister?
Jude Law is at his Jude-est Law-iest as Dickie, exuding the effortless grace of a young, handsome aristocrat who can’t help but charm everyone meets. Gwyneth Paltrow glows as Dickie’s girlfriend, Marge, and Philip Seymour Hoffman is pitch-perfect as another of Dickie’s rich friends, who mistrusts Tom from the get-go. Based on the Patricia Highsmith novel and directed by Anthony Minghella, The Talented Mr. Ripley is a suspenseful, captivating classic.*
(If you can’t get enough of this psychosexual story, don’t miss Netflix’s excellent 2024 series, Ripley, starring Andrew Scott.)
How to watch: The Talented Mr. Ripley is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
12. The Long Walk Home Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockWhoopi Goldberg is Odessa Cotter, a maid for Miriam Thompson (Sissy Spacek), in Montgomery, Alabama, during the 1955 Montgomery bus boycotts. Unwilling to take a bus, Odessa must endure long walks to and from the Thompson home. Against the wishes of her husband and her neighbors, Miriam offers Odessa a ride a few days a week to ease her burden. If made today, the film would certainly have not opted for a white narrator to tell the story of these two well-developed women from different communities, but nonetheless, The Long Walk Home remains a complex and powerful exploration of injustice.
How to watch: The Long Walk Home is streaming on Prime Video.
11. October Sky Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockBased on a true story, October Sky is a touching drama about a West Virginian coal miners’ son (Jake Gyllenhaal), who is developing an interest in aerospace engineering. Alongside his friends and against the wishes of his father (Chris Cooper), he tests homemade rockets and teaches himself the necessary science to eventually become a NASA engineer. October Sky is a masterclass in inspirational, feel-good movie-making. It’s both sincere and emotionally complex, refusing to simplify its characters into archetypes. You’ll be left with a warm, fuzzy feeling, contemplating both your relationship with your father and how to go about building your own backyard rocket. Don’t miss Laura Dern as a truly wonderful high school science teacher!
How to watch: October Sky is streaming on Prime Video.
10. The Sixth SenseDoesn’t matter if you’re old enough to have witnessed The Sixth Sense twist first-hand, you have definitely made an "I see dead people" joke. The endurance of this movie’s cultural relevance — no matter how you feel about M. Night Shyamalan today — is a testament to just how groundbreaking it was when it debuted in 1999.
Bruce Willis is a child psychologist whose newest patient (Haley Joel Osment) claims to speak to the dead. The Sixth Sense is a breathlessly tense psychological thriller — some of us have had nightmares about Mischa Barton puking in a tent for the last 20 years — that’s as emotionally affecting as it is surprising. If somehow you haven’t seen this smart, sophisticated, and just plain excellent film, it’s time to right that wrong.
How to watch: The Sixth Sense is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
9. Reservoir DogsQuentin Tarantino’s feature-length directorial debut, Reservoir Dogs, is violent, coarse, nonlinear, and irreverent. He’s known his brand since day one. Paying homage to multiple Hollywood classics like Stanley Kubrick's The Killing, 1992’s Reservoir Dogs is chaotic and energetic, celebrated as an independent hit thanks to an intelligent script and an idiosyncratic cast (Harvey Keitel, Tim Roth, Steve Buscemi, Michael Madsen, and more). Decades later, though Tarantino’s profile and production budgets have gotten significantly bigger, this first entry, full of pluck and passion, is still one of his best.
When a diamond heist goes wrong, eight men try to determine who sold them out, using any means necessary to extract the truth.
How to watch: Reservoir Dogs is streaming on Prime Video.
8. Galaxy Quest Credit: Murray Close / Dreamworks LLC / Kobal / ShutterstockTim Allen, Sigourney Weaver, Alan Rickman, Tony Shalhoub, Sam Rockwell, and Daryl Mitchell are the fictional crew of a cult TV sci-fi series, Galaxy Quest. Years after the show’s been off the air, they float from convention to convention, signing autographs and wishing their careers had gone in a different direction. Until one day, they’re kidnapped by aliens who saw their TV broadcast from across the galaxy and thought it was real! Uh oh! Now the aliens hope Tim Allen and crew can defend their planet against an invading force, while the hapless band of actors just hopes they can keep up the ruse long enough to find a way home. Galaxy Quest is a deeply silly movie that packs a sneaky emotional punch. An absolute winner, through and through.*
How to watch: Galaxy Quest is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
7. Searching for Bobby FischerSeven-year-old chess prodigy Josh Waitzkin is a natural. He picked up the rules of the game by simply watching others (like Laurence Fishbourne) play in Washington Square Park. But when his parents discover the depth of his talent, everything changes for Josh. Now he has a methodical chess teacher (Ben Kingsley) who decries his brazen style; he’s in tournaments constantly; and his dad becomes hyperfixated on Josh’s success. That’s a lot for a seven-year-old to handle. Too much, in fact.
Another winning entry in the grand Hollywood tradition of riveting chess dramas, 1993’s Searching for Bobby Fischer is the moving true story of chess whiz-kid Joshua Waitzkin. It’s also a sensitive, captivating study on achievement and the need for balance. If you liked The Queen’s Gambit, you’ll love Bobby Fischer.
How to watch: Searching for Bobby Fischer is streaming on Prime Video.
6. Run Lola RunRun Lola Run has a simple premise that translates into an impossibly gripping and entertaining action flick. Right out the gate, the movie starts at a 10: Lola has 20 minutes to find 100,000 bucks or her boyfriend will be killed. Fueled by an infectious, relentless electronic score, Lola runs through the streets of Germany to try to make her deadline — and we’re with her every breathless step along the way.
Written and directed by Tom Tykwer, Run Lola Run is an electrifying watch, with surprising moments of humanity and surrealism. Don’t let the subtitles stop you — this is one of those gems that reminds you why you love movies so dang much.
How to watch: Run Lola Run is streaming on Prime Video.
5. Fargo Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockThere aren't many films out there popular enough to inspire a very popular-in-its-own-right TV show, but Fargo — with its snowy North Dakota setting and offbeat black comedy style — has managed it with aplomb. One of the most memorable roles in Hollywood history, heavily pregnant police chief Marge Gunderson (Frances McDormand) attempts to untangle a messy murder and its links to some hired kidnappers, with things quickly spiraling in the amusingly chaotic way only Coen brothers' movies can. Complimentary characters include a spineless William H. Macy as desperate-for-money car dealer Jerry Lundegaard, a chillingly dead-eyed Peter Stormare as hired kidnapper Gaear Grimsrud, and Steve Buscemi as his slimy partner in crime.* — Sam Haysom, Deputy UK Editor
How to watch: Fargo is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
4. CluelessClueless, first of all, is iconic. Nearly 30 years have passed, but it’s still a cultural touchstone for today’s teens. Perhaps its staying power comes from its plot, directly lifted from the literal founder of the romantic comedy, Jane Austen. Like Austen’s Emma Woodhouse, Clueless’s Cher (Alicia Silverstone) acts as a matchmaker to everyone around her but can’t seem to get her own love life in order. The story alone does not fully capture the movie’s charm. Clueless is both hilarious and sweet, features unforgettable costumes, and most importantly, is filled to the brim with memorable, quotable lines. Cinema has never heard a more cutting insult than “You’re a virgin who can’t drive.”*
How to watch: Clueless is streaming on Prime Video.
3. Good Will HuntingMatt Damon and Ben Affleck have been such mainstay figures in Hollywood for decades now that it’s easy to forget how mythical and meteoric their entry into filmmaking was. But these two young, relatively unknown bros showed up in Hollywood with the script for Good Will Hunting and walked out with an Oscar and a lifetime on the A-list.
When an MIT professor (Stellan Skarsgård) puts a near-impossible math problem on his blackboard, he’s shocked to find that someone in the school has solved it... And that someone is the janitor, Will (Matt Damon). The professor helps Will, currently on parole, get permission from the court to study mathematics — provided he also receives therapy for his behavioral issues.
Good Will Hunting is a captivating and heartfelt drama that has been parodied, copied, and referenced, but never repeated. Ben Affleck is perfect as Will’s rough best friend, and Robin Williams won an Academy Award for his performance as the empathetic, unconventional, and no-bullshit counselor who just might be the one to help Will break out of his pattern of self-destruction and make something of his life.*
How to watch: Good Will Hunting is streaming on Prime Video.
2. Sense and Sensibility Credit: Moviestore / ShutterstockDirected by Ang Lee, 1995’s Sense and Sensibility is unquestionably one of the best cinematic Jane Austen adaptations to date. Emma Thompson is heavenly as the practical, thoughtful Elinor Dashwood, the “sense” to her changeable, emotional sister Marianne’s (Kate Winslet) “sensibility.” It’s a scenic, romantic, and simply lovely watch that is as poignant now as it was two decades ago (or two centuries ago!).
When their father dies, Mrs. Dashwood and her three daughters move to a small cottage in Devonshire and must concern themselves with what all 18th and 19th century women without an inheritance must concern themselves with: an advantageous marriage. Elinor is consumed by caring for others and counseling Marianne, who is absolutely besotted with John Willoughby, a total rake!!!! Will Elinor successfully manage the family's misfortunes? And will she even have time to consider love for herself?
How to watch: Sense and Sensibility is available to rent or buy on Prime Video.
1. L.A. ConfidentialA fantastically stylized, neo-noir crime thriller, L.A. Confidential is an intricate web of whodunnits and double-crosses set in a sultry, seedy 1950s Los Angeles. Everyone here is operating at the top of their ability: the cast is excellent (Guy Pearce, Russell Crowe, James Cromwell, Kim Basinger, David Strathairn, and more); the script is airtight, intelligent, and meticulously plotted; and the cinematography brings color to a moody, noir atmosphere. Even the audience is doing good work here — you’ve got to pay attention to reap the rewards of this spectacular drama that would have swept the 1997 Academy Awards had it not been competing against Titanic.
Adapted from a James Ellroy novel, L.A. Confidential follows three different cops working to rehabilitate the LAPD’s image after a series of scandals. But in rooting out corruption, they’ll uncover a complex maze of lies, celebrity, sex, and murder that puts them deeper in danger the closer they get to the truth.
How to watch: L.A. Confidential is streaming on Prime Video.
UPDATE: Dec. 27, 2024, 3:48 p.m. EST This article has been updated to include current streaming options.
2025 movie preview: All the films youll want to know about
2025 is looking to be an utterly bonkers year at the movies. New films are expected from such obsessed-over stars as Pedro Pascal, Florence Pugh, Will Ferrell, Robert Pattinson, Ke Huy Quan, and Michael B. Jordan. Celebrated directors like Antoine Fuqua, Barry Levinson, Akiva Schaffer, and Jon M. Chu have highly anticipated projects on the way. Beloved characters like Paddington, Captain America, Bridget Jones, Ethan Hunt, and SpongeBob SquarePants will pop up for fresh fun. And a barrage of sequels, reboots, adaptations, and bold new visions are already on the release calendar.
Whether you're seeking spine-tingling chills, side-splitting comedy, heart-wrenching drama, mind-bending thrills, or bone-crunching action, 2025 has cinema made with you in mind. We've scoured the trailers, casting announcements, and every scrap of entertainment news worth reading to map out what the year in movies will look like. And there are plenty of exciting options ahead of us.
Here's Mashable's 2025 movie preview, organized by release date.
JanuaryBetter ManSick and tired of bog-standard biopics? Well, let Robbie Williams and company entertain you with a rags-to-riches musical biography that plays like Billy Elliot meets Rocketman meets Planet of the Apes.
The English pop icon not only provides a cheeky narration to Better Man, but he also embraces The Greatest Showman director Michael Gracey's wild idea to transform its central subject from bad boy to rowdy chimpanzee. Actor Jonno Davies (Hunters) and the Wētā FX team collaborate to create a portrait of Williams that is as outrageous as it is riveting.
But that's not all. Better Man also boasts extraordinary musical numbers that combine Williams' hits with spirited choreography and awe-inspiring staging that turns everything from double-decker buses, glamorous yachts, and dodgy drug dens into a stage fit for a king of showmanship. As I cheered in Mashable's rave review out of TIFF 2024, "Rich in vibrant emotion, body-rocking musical numbers, daring performances, and a scorching tenderness, Better Man more than rocks. It rules."
Starring: Robbie Williams, Jonno Davies, Steve Pemberton, Alison Steadman, Damon Herriman, Raechelle Banno, Anthony Hayes, and Kate Mulvany
How to watch: Better Man opens in theaters everywhere on Jan. 10, with a Paramount+ debut to follow.
Back in ActionCraving some kick-butt comedy? Well, get ready for Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz to leap back into stunt-packed comedy with Back in Action.
Centering on a couple who were once spies and are now dedicated parents to their two children, this romp from Horrible Bosses helmer Seth Gordon pitches its heroes — well — "back in action." The film's first teaser gave a sense of the kind of fight scenes, family funniness, and enthralling chemistry its headliners share. It's a fine-looking movie, but it's especially exhilarating to see Diaz and Foxx back on screen.
Starring: Jamie Foxx, Cameron Diaz, Kyle Chandler, Andrew Scott, Jamie Demetriou, McKenna Roberts, Rylan Jackson, and Glenn Close
How to watch: Back in Action debuts on Netflix Jan. 17.
Grand Theft HamletWhat did you do during during lockdown? In January 2021, during the UK's third COVID-19 lockdown, struggling actors Mark and Sam played Grand Theft Auto Online, but in a pretty nontraditional way. They decided to stage a production of William Shakespeare's Hamlet within the game, a setting not exactly welcoming to rehearsals of soliloquies but certainly guaranteed to give their production a never-before-seen spin.
SEE ALSO: How 'Grand Theft Hamlet' evolved from lockdown escape to Shakespearean successThis documentary uses footage from their shared gaming sessions to explore the production's evolution, from concept to auditions to the big night. It also charts how Sam and Mark's friendship fared in an extraordinary time of being physically apart. In his SXSW review for Mashable, Siddhant Adlakha cheered this unusual doc, writing, "It's Theater Camp meets Punisher: War Zone, a bizarre, farcical blend of good-natured creativity and cartoonish hyper-violence that places a number of unique logistical roadblocks in the actors' paths."
Starring: Sam Crane, Mark Oosterveen, Pinny Grylls, Jen Cohn, and Tilly Steele
How to watch: Grand Theft Hamlet opens in theaters nationwide on Jan. 17.
One of Them DaysFrom Insecure producer Issa Rae, Insecure writer Syreeta Singleton, and Rap Sh!t director Lawrence Lamont, One of Them Days is a tale of female friendship in a time of financial hardship. Keke Palmer and SZA star as broke besties Dreux and Alyssa, who need to make rent by 6 p.m. or face eviction from their Los Angeles apartment. So, how can they come up with some quick cash?
A first trailer studded with stars gives some ideas. Perhaps a predatory loan? (Katt Williams warns no!) Selling your blood? Well, that's a dicier proposition when a newbie nurse played by Abbott Elementary's Janelle James comes on the scene. Even trying to get into the sneaker-selling business can be brutal. What else do these queens of comedy have in store for us in 2015? We can't wait to find out.
Starring: Keke Palmer, SZA, Janelle James, Lil Rel Howery, Katt Williams, and Maude Apatow
How to watch: One of Them Days opens in theaters Jan. 17.
Wolf ManAfter the rousing success of his rebooted Invisible Man, writer/director Leigh Whannell returns with a new vision of Wolf Man. For this fresh spin on a classic Universal Monster, Whannell begins with a familiar horror scenario: A metropolitan couple goes to the country for what should be a dreamy getaway — but turns into a dark nightmare.
Poor Things' Christopher Abbott stars as Blake, a San Francisco family man who takes his wife (Apartment 7A's Julia Garner) and child (Matilda Firth) to the house he's recently inherited, which lies in a remote, wooded part of Oregon. An accident with their moving van gets them off to an awful start. But things get worse when a roaring beast chases them through the forest, far from cell phone reception. And now dear daddy has a festering bite on his arm. What could this possibly mean for this family of three? (Nothing good.)
Starring: Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Matilda Firth, Sam Jaeger, Ben Prendergast, and Benedict Hardie
How to watch: Wolf Man opens in theaters Jan. 17.
GraftedHow far would you go to be beautiful or fit in? Director Sasha Rainbow chases this question down in the grisly horror-thriller Grafted.
This stomach-churning story of self-discovery (and self-destruction) begins with Wei (Joyena Sun), a Chinese student who travels to New Zealand on a scholarship to pursue medical research. There, she is beguiled by her popular cousin Angela (Jess Hong) and her friends, but is swiftly shunned because of her social awkwardness and a facial difference that she views as a curse. Could science give her a fresh face and a new lease on life? But at what cost?
Starring: Joyena Sun, Jess Hong, Jared Turner
How to watch: Grafted debuts on Shudder Jan. 24.
InheritanceNeil Burger (Limitless, Divergent) helms an espionage thriller about the ties that bind (and maybe suffocate).
After the death of her mother, a young woman named Maya (Phoebe Dynevor) sees her estranged dad (Rhys Ifans) re-enter her life. But it's more a business proposition than a loving father-daughter moment. As seen in the trailer above, he offers her a gig as a spy, and when he goes missing, she finds herself on the run, trapped in a web of subterfuge, globe-trekking, and conspiracy. Will she prove to be her father's daughter? Or something greater?
Starring: Phoebe Dynevor and Rhys Ifans
How to watch: Inheritance opens in theaters Jan. 24.
PresenceDirector Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp previously teamed up for the tech-paranoia thriller Kimi. Now, they've reunited for a ghost story that's told from the perspective of the ghost.
SEE ALSO: 'Presence' review: Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp deliver a uniquely thrilling ghost storySoderbergh himself shoulders the camera, providing a first-person (or first-spirit) point of view for the whole of Presence. As I wrote in my review out of TIFF, "Presence is extraordinary for all it tells through its moving camerawork alone."
The film follows a family whose interpersonal dramas fascinate the unseen and unheard (but not unfelt!) presence that floats among them. Who is the ghost? What does it have to do with the often-bickering family of four? Presence will reveal its secrets in theaters.
Starring: Lucy Liu, Julia Fox, Callina Liang, Eddy Maday, West Mulholland, and Chris Sullivan
How to watch: Presence opens in theaters Jan. 24.
Star Trek: Section 31Paramount+ has been unfurling all kinds of Star Trek fun with series like the sometimes musical and often horny Strange New Worlds, the twisty thrills of Discovery, and the madcap animated comedy of Lower Decks. Next, Academy Award–winner Michelle Yeoh will reprise her Star Trek: Discovery role as Emperor Philippa Georgiou in the new movie Star Trek: Section 31.
The chic badass is asked to join a secret division of Starfleet that's assigned to protect the United Federation of Planets. But along the way, she'll have to face the darkest corners of the past. I mean, you had us at Michelle Yeoh.
Starring: Michelle Yeoh, Omari Hardwick, Kacey Rohl, Sam Richardson, Sven Ruygrok, Robert Kazinsky, Humberly Gonzalez, and James Hiroyuki Liao
How to watch: Star Trek: Section 31 debuts on Paramount+ Jan. 24.
You're Cordially InvitedForget Bridezillas and Bride Wars. This kooky R-rated comedy is about the hilarious mayhem that happens when you pit a devoted father of the bride (Will Ferrell) against a loyal sister of another bride (Reese Witherspoon).
When a gorgeous lakeside wedding venue accidentally double-books two nuptials, the brides-to-be (Geraldine Viswanathan and Meredith Hagner) are kept blissfully unaware as their relatives duke it out for the picture-perfect celebration of love. Coming from writer/director Nicholas Stoller, the filmmaker behind such heart-warming and hilarious comedies as Neighbors and Forgetting Sarah Marshall, You're Cordially Invited is destined to delight.
Starring: Will Ferrell, Reese Witherspoon, Geraldine Viswanathan, and Meredith Hagner
How to watch: You're Cordially Invited comes to Prime Video Jan. 30.
CompanionGive yourself over to some truly wild love with Companion. As proudly proclaimed by the twisted teaser above, this film comes from New Line Cinema, the studio behind Nicolas Sparks' romance The Notebook and the deeply deranged horror-thriller Barbarian. And Companion appears to be the love child between these two very different movies.
Jack Quaid (Star Trek: Lower Decks, Scream 5) and Sophie Thatcher (Yellowjackets, The Boogeyman) co-star as a couple engaged in a violent romance. Is this going the way of Natural Born Killers, Badlands, or True Romance? We can't wait to find out.
Starring: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén, and Rupert Friend
How to watch: Companion opens in theaters Jan. 31.
Love Me Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun play lovers in "Love Me." Credit: Bleecker StreetKristen Stewart and Steven Yeun star as will-they-won't-they lovers on a post-apocalyptic Earth in Love Me. But not in any way you might imagine based on the official still above.
Written and directed by Sam Zuchero and Andy Zuchero, Love Me is a romance not between two impossibly beautiful humans, but between two AI robots who cross paths long after humanity's left the chat. One is a buoy programmed to learn. The other is a satellite equipped with a deep vault of information about mankind — including the cached videos of a couple of influencers who relish silly onesies, date night, Friends, and Blue Apron. Naturally, these long-dead lovers become the model upon which robots try to understand relationships. It may sound bonkers or even cynical. But, incredibly, Love Me is warm, funny, and occasionally shocking, finding not only the humanity in its AI bots, but also what's real in the virtual.*
Starring: Kristen Stewart and Steven Yeun
How to watch: Love Me opens in theaters Jan. 31.
FebruaryHeart EyesJosh Ruben has steadily been carving out a name for himself in horror-comedies. In 2020, he wrote, directed, and starred in the clever and creepy anthology offering Scare Me alongside the enchantingly smirking Aya Cash. The following year he unleashed Werewolves Within, a lupine whodunnit filled with comedy notables. Now, he's taking aim at Valentine's Day with the slasher Heart Eyes.
The film's first teaser gives a glimpse of the titular killer, along with some of the tropes it'll hit — like a lovers' lane slaying. But chiefly, this preview gives a great sense of the gore in store and a glimpse at Ruben's sick sense of humor. So, date night viewing is all set.
Starring: Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Gigi Zumbado, Michaela Watkins, Devon Sawa, and Jordana Brewster
How to watch: Heart Eyes opens in theaters Feb. 7.
Love HurtsEverything Everywhere All at Once Oscar–winner Ke Huy Quan steps out of supporting roles and into the leading man position for Love Hurts. This action-comedy promises to make the most out of his moxie, as well as his skill for fight choreography and pratfalls.
To his friends and neighbors in the Milwaukee suburbs, Marvin Gable (Quan) is a mild-mannered real estate agent, quick with a smile and a heart-shaped cookie. But on one fateful Valentine's Day, his dark past comes back to haunt him. More specifically, his former partner-in-crime Rose (West Side Story Oscar–winner Ariana DeBose) resurfaces, along with plenty of trouble. Get ready for fight scenes, bonkers action, and — of course — the rousing music of THE Celine Dion!
Starring: Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, André Eriksen, and Sean Astin
How to watch: Love Hurts opens in theaters Feb. 7.
The Witcher: Sirens of the DeepThe follow-up to The Witcher: Nightmare of the Wolf, this animated adventure delves deeper into the fantastical world portrayed in Andrzej Sapkowski's Witcher novels, which spawned both the popular video game series and the Henry Cavill-fronted Netflix series. Specifically, Sirens of the Deep is inspired by a short story called "A Little Sacrifice," which can be found in Sapkowski's short story collection Sword of Destiny.
As you can tell from the trailer, this film will follow the Witcher through a new war, which involves sexy sirens, a fleet of sharks, and some high-seas action to boot. Are you ready?
Starring: Doug Cockle, Joey Batey, Anya Chalotra, and Christina Wren
How to watch: The Witcher: Sirens of the Deep debuts on Netflix Feb. 11.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the BoyFirst, there was Bridget Jones's Diary. Next came Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason, and then there was Bridget Jones's Baby. It's been 24 years since Renée Zellweger and Hugh Grant first set hearts aflame as a hot but mismatched pair of lovers, and now they've reunited for a fresh misadventure about fiftysomethings who've grown older, but not up.
Based on Helen Fielding's novel of the same name, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy catches up with its eponymous heroine as she navigates the terrain of dating as a widowed mother. (RIP, MARK DARCY!) While her old roguish flame Daniel Cleaver (Grant) is still about, she's got hot prospects in a much-younger beau (Leo Woodall) and a dashing gentleman (Chiwetel Ejiofor). But who delivered her a night of mind-blowing sex? We'll find out this Valentine's Day.
Starring: Renée Zellweger, Hugh Grant, Emma Thompson, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Isla Fisher, Josette Simon, Nico Parker, and Leila Farzad
How to watch: Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy debuts on Peacock Feb. 13.
Paddington in Peru2025 is starting off kind and polite with the marmalade-loving bear, Paddington.
The first two installments, Paddington and Paddington 2, shared his stories of coming to England, befriending the Brown family, and dodging the clutches of a tenacious taxidermist and the schemes of a self-obsessed actor. For Paddington in Peru, the eponymous hero is returning to Peru to visit his beloved Aunt Lucy (Imelda Staunton), who has gone missing in the Amazon jungle!
What part in this adventure will a chipper nun played by Olivia Colman and a swaggering treasure hunter portrayed by Antonio Banderas have to play? We can't wait to discover whatever silly shenanigans this much-anticipated family film has to offer.
Starring: Ben Whishaw, Olivia Colman, Antonio Banderas, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Jim Broadbent, Madeleine Harris, Samuel Joslin, and Carla Tous
How to watch: Paddington in Peru opens in theaters Feb. 14.
Captain America: Brave New WorldThe fourth installment of the Captain America film series dovetails as a sequel to the TV drama The Falcon and the Winter Soldier. So, you might want to begin revisiting all of the above (and four Avengers movies) ahead of Captain America: Brave New World.
In this much anticipated action-thriller, Sam Wilson (Anthony Mackie) takes on the mantle of Captain America, confronting an international incident with a superhero style all his own. Directed by Julius Onah (Luce), Captain America: Brave New World also brings Harrison Ford into the MCU as U.S. President Thaddeus "Thunderbolt" Ross. Even if you're not up on the comics, the teaser poster alone — featuring hulking red fingers palming Captain America's signature shield — promises a mighty foe sure to bring the fight-scene spectacle audiences crave.
Starring: Anthony Mackie, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas, Xosha Roquemore, Carl Lumbly, Giancarlo Esposito, Liv Tyler, Tim Blake Nelson, and Harrison Ford
How to watch: Captain America: Brave New World opens in theaters Feb. 14.
The MonkeyRemember those terrifying toy monkeys that would clang terrible cymbals while staring at you with red, beady eyes? Back in 1980, this creepy critter inspired a Stephen King short story. And in 2025, Osgood Perkins, the freaky filmmaker behind Longlegs, is bringing his film adaptation of The Monkey to theaters. For added oomph, this cheeky thriller is produced by James Wan.
Theo James stars as twin brothers Bill and Hal, who find the horrid toy in their father's attic. But no sooner does this artifact get dusted off than people begin to die. Coincidence? Or curse?
Starring: Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O'Brien, Rohan Campbell, and Sarah Levy
How to watch: The Monkey opens in theaters Feb. 21.
Last BreathIn 2019, director Alex Parkinson delivered an intense documentary about the rescue effort to save a deep sea diver trapped on a seabed with only minutes of oxygen left in his tank. Now, Parkinson is re-imagining this incredible story with a star-studded cast in a thriller sure to take your breath away. Both are named Last Breath.
While a storm rages above, a diver leagues below seems doomed. But not if his team has anything to say about it. Woody Harrelson brings his grizzled determination to a story of courage, brotherhood, and the risk of going where most men fear to tread (or swim).
Starring: Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu, Finn Cole, and Cliff Curtis
How to watch: Last Breath opens in theaters Feb. 28.
The Legend of OchiSeeking something creepy and cuddly? Meet the Ochi, a curious critter vilified by the residents of a remote village, where children are trained to hate and destroy them. But when a baby Ochi meets a brave young girl named Yuri (Helena Zengel), the fate of both communities — man and mythical beast — could be changed forever.
From the looks of its trailer, Isaiah Saxon's feature-length directorial debut boasts an immersive fantasy world, compelling characters, an adorable fanged monster to love, and Willem Dafoe. What more do you need?
Starring: Helena Zengel, Finn Wolfhard, Emily Watson, and Willem Dafoe
How to watch: The Legend of Ochi opens in theaters Feb. 28.
MarchNight of the ZoopocalypseGot kiddos who love scary stuff? Well, then mark your family's calendar for Night of the Zoopocalypse, a zombie movie sure to excite the budding horror fan in your household.
Directed by Ricardo Curtis and Rodrigo Perez-Castro, this animated offering begins in the Colepepper Zoo, where the human visitors are protected from the animal inhabitants by glass and barred enclosures. But when a strange comet drops an extraterrestrial virus into the zoo, who will protect the animals from its zombie-fying effects? Leave it to an unlikely ensemble — a wolf, mountain lion, lemur, capybara, and pygmy hippo — to not only survive but also save the day!
Starring: David Harbour, Scott Thompson, Paul Sun-Hyung Lee, and Gabbi Kosmidis
How to watch: Night of the Zoopocalypse opens in theaters March 7.
The Rule of Jenny Pen John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush star in "The Rule of Jenny Pen." Credit: IFC / ShudderIn the fall of 2024, The Rule of Jenny Pen got tongues wagging when it played the genre-loving Fantastic Fest. This freaky horror offering from director James Ashcroft (helmer of the exceptionally harrowing Coming Home in the Dark) also won the praise of the one and only Stephen King. Per Dread Central, the king of horror tweeted, "I watched one of the best movies I’ve seen this year. It’s called The Rule of Jenny Pen, and I urge you to watch it when it appears on Shudder."
Geoffrey Rush stars as an arrogant judge named Stefan Mortensen, who is laid low by a near-fatal stroke. Partially paralyzed and moved to a retirement home, his situation gets much, much worse when he collides with a fellow resident, Dave Crealy (Lithgow) who expertly switches from genial to malicious. With Mortensen essentially cornered, Crealy inflicts on him a twisted game he calls "the Rule of Jenny Pen," employing an odd doll as an instrument of torment. When the staff fails to step in, it's up the judge to make his own ruling, and bring down a sentence on Crealy and his Jenny.
Starring: John Lithgow and Geoffrey Rush
How to watch: The Rule of Jenny Pen opens in theaters March 7.
SinnersRyan Coogler, the acclaimed filmmaker behind Black Panther and Creed, reteams with Michael B. Jordan for Sinners, an original thriller that has the bloody whiff of a vampire myth.
Jordan stars as twins who try to leave the troubles of their lives behind by returning to their hometown. Unfortunately for them, a rancid evil has creeped in and rules the night. This first teaser is enticing, offering a period piece that promises genre thrills and a political subtext. Plus, since it's slated to be released in IMAX, Sinners seems assured to be a visual stunner.
Starring: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku, Jayme Lawson, Omar Benson Miller, and Delroy Lindo
How to watch: Sinners opens in theaters March 7.
Black BagDirector Steven Soderbergh and screenwriter David Koepp have previously bestowed on audiences the hi-tech thriller Kimi and the uniquely chilling haunted house offering Presence. Now, they're delivering the one-two punch of Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender playing married spies.
SEE ALSO: David Koepp talks 'Stir of Echoes' legacy, and why he hasn't seen 'The Sixth Sense'Sleek and sophisticated, George and Kathryn Woodhouse look the poster children of espionage. But when Kathryn is accused of betraying their nation, George will have to choose between love or country. Consider us seated.
Starring: Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Pierce Brosnan, and Tom Burke
How to watch: Black Bag opens in theaters March 14.
Alto KnightsPreviously, director Barry Levinson has collaborated with leading man Robert De Niro on a barrage of very different movies, ranging from the dark crime drama Sleepers to the political satire Wag the Dog to the madcap mobster comedy Analyze That (which Levinson produced) and the Bernie Madoff biopic The Wizard of Lies. Their latest team-up, Alto Knights, could be anything from hard-nosed pathos to a wacky comedy. However, since it's scripted by Nicholas Pileggi (Goodfellas, Casino), this is most certainly a gangster movie that places De Niro in his sweet spot. But the 81-year-old, two-time Oscar winner won't be on cruise control here.
Named for the notorious New York social club, Alto Kings will focus on the feud between warring crime bosses Vito Genovese and Frank Costello — with De Niro in both roles. Sold. Who needs a trailer?
Starring: Robert De Niro, Cosmo Jarvis, Debra Messing, and Matt Servitto
How to watch: Alto Knights opens in theaters March 21.
Snow WhiteDisney continues to turn their animated classics into live-action re-imaginings with Snow White. Starring as the eponymous princess is West Side Story's Rachel Zegler, who can be seen singing and dancing with the lovable seven dwarves in the teaser above. And that's lovely. But we're here for Gal Gadot serving face (the fairest in the land?) as the wicked queen. She shined as Wonder Woman. Now, as one of Disney's baddest baddies, Gadot is downright glorious.
With a screenplay from Barbie's Greta Gerwig and Secretary's Erin Cressida Wilson, Snow White could be a fresh take on this age-old tale. Helmed by Marc Webb (Crazy Ex-Girlfriend, 500 Days of Summer), this princess tale will likely have a dash of cutting wit to help the apple bite go down.
Starring: Rachel Zegler and Gal Gadot
How to watch: Snow White opens in theaters March 21.
AprilA Minecraft MovieFrom Jared Hess, the mind that brought us the offbeat genius of Napoleon Dynamite, comes A Minecraft Movie. And yeah, it's going get about as weird as chucking quesadillas at a llama named Tina.
Inspired by the massively popular sandbox video game, A Minecraft Movie is a live-action movie in which a band of misfits — played by Jason Momoa, Emma Myers, Danielle Brooks, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen — end up in a bizarre land that's made of cubes. There, imagination is key to the game — and survival! But fear not. Though they're stalked by hedges and square-headed hogs, our unlikely heroes have an almighty mentor/"toolbag" named Steve (Jack Black).
Starring: Jason Momoa, Jennifer Coolidge, Jack Black, Danielle Brooks, Emma Myers, Matt Berry, and Sebastian Eugene Hansen
How to watch: A Minecraft Movie opens April 4.
The AmateurRami Malek headlines this espionage thriller as Charlie Heller, a sharp and shy CIA decoder who is happy working a desk job at Langley. That is, until his beloved wife is killed in a London terrorist attack. Furious that his supervisors aren't leaping into action to track down those responsible, Charlie goes into the field on his own. To get the revenge he seeks, he'll not only have to survive a hunt for this homicidal squad, but also his colleagues trying to stop him.
From the looks of this first trailer, The Amateur offers a tense tale, studded with dramatic twists, cat-and-mouse thrills, and some ruthless — and inventive — kills. You had us at a shattering rooftop pool.
Starring: Rami Malek, Rachel Brosnahan, Caitríona Balfe, Holt McCallany, Julianne Nicholson, Adrian Martinez, and Laurence Fishburne
How to watch: The Amateur opens in theaters April 11.
DropFilmmaker Christopher Landon has made such darkly funny horror-comedies as the time-loop slasher Happy Death Day and its sequel, as well as the body-swap killer-thriller Freaky. He also wrote the screenplay for the teen twist on Rear Window that is Disturbia. He's leaving colleges and teen hysterics behind for Drop.
Written by Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach, this horror-thriller centers on a widowed mother who's back on the dating scene. But when a series of spooky anonymous texts flood her phone while she's on a first date, she has to wonder if she's being harassed by the wanna-be beau before her.
Starring: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, and Ed Weeks
How to watch: Drop opens in theaters April 11.
Mickey 17Bong Joon-ho is a modern master of genre-bending cinema, having bestowed upon viewers the gnarly yet funny serial killer thriller Memories of Murder, the humorous yet scary monster movie The Host, the wickedly entertaining eat-the-rich comedy Parasite, and the tense yet quirky end-of-the-world action epic Snowpiercer. Now, he's got his sights set on space.
Robert Pattinson stars in Mickey 17, named for the 17th printing of an earthling who has signed up to be an "expendable." For the layperson, that means Mickey has agreed to take on dangerous space jobs that could kill him. But no bother, because the company can print out a new body for his conscientiousness to inhabit if anything happens to him physically. However, when Mickey literally comes face-to-face with himself, this multiples mistake has everyone in a violent uproar. It's mayhem the way only Bong Joon-ho can imagine it.
Starring: Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette, and Mark Ruffalo
How to watch: Mickey 17 opens in theaters April 18.
Until DawnAdapted from the spooky Supermassive video game, Until Dawn follows a group of teens to a remote ski lodge for a getaway they'll never forget. It was there, one year ago, that a cruel prank led to twin sisters rushing out into the cold, dark forest, never to be seen again. With their friends reunited, the truth of what happened that night could come out — along with a vengeance streak that could end them all.
Directed by David F. Sandberg (Annabelle: Creation), this Until Dawn has recast most of the characters, though the deliciously devilish Peter Stormare will reprise his role from the game as Dr. Alan J. Hill.
Starring: Ella Rubin, Michael Cimino, Ji-young Yoo, Odessa A'zion, Maia Mitchell, Belmont Cameli, and Peter Stormare
How to watch: Until Dawn opens April 25.
MayThunderbolts*What superhero fatigue? The MCU is back again with its 36th installment, Thunderbolts*, which is sort of the Marvel version of Suicide Squad.
United by CIA director Valentine de Fontaine (Julia Louis-Dreyfus), misfit antiheroes like Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky (Sebastian Stan), Red Guardian (David Harbour), Taskmaster (Olga Kurylenko), Ghost (Hannah John-Kamen), and John Walker (Wyatt Russell) take on an even bigger Big Bad. But don't expect them to be all noble about it. They're more about the snarking and the smoldering. Lucky us.
Starring: Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, Olga Kurylenko, Hannah John-Kamen, Rachel Weisz, Wyatt Russell, Lewis Pullman, David Harbour, and Julia Louis-Dreyfus
How to watch: Thunderbolts* opens in theaters May 2.
GoldenFollowing his musical biopic filled with LEGO flare, Piece by Piece, Pharrell Williams is looking to dive deeper into his past with Golden. Set in the housing complex in Virginia Beach, Virginia, where he grew up, this musical promises to be a real dazzler. Not only does it boast a long list of stars from music, TV, and film, but also it's being helmed by Michel Gondry, the visionary behind such surreal movies as Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, The Science of Sleep, and Mood Indigo.
So, prepare for your mind to be blown and your ears to be happy.
Starring: Janelle Monáe, Brian Tyree Henry, Quinta Brunson, Da'Vine Joy Randolph, Halle Bailey, Tim Meadows, Kelvin Harrison Jr., Jaboukie Young-White, and Missy Elliott
How to watch: Golden opens in theaters May 9.
Mission: Impossible — The Final ReckoningTom Cruise returns as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning, the sequel to 2023's explosively entertaining Mission: Impossible — Dead Reckoning Part One.
Picking up where the seventh entry left off, this movie will chase Hunt as he seeks the key-like MacGuffin to topple a worrisome A.I. known as "The Entity." That means facing off against power-hungry foes, putting his loyal team at risk, plunging into a flood submarine, and lots, and lots, and lots of running. What can we say? Mission: Impossible knows what we want.
Starring: Tom Cruise, Hayley Atwell, Simon Pegg, Vanessa Kirby, Ving Rhames, Pom Klementieff, and Esai Morales
How to watch: Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning opens in theaters May 23.
Karate Kid: LegendsRalph Macchio returns as Daniel LaRusso in Karate Kid: Legends. This, the sixth film in the martial arts franchise, brings together the stories of Karate Kid 1 to 3, and the 2010 reboot, which starred Jackie Chan as a Mr. Miyagi-like mentor named Mr. Han.
In Karate Kid: Legends, Daniel and Mr. Han team up in Beijing to train a new prodigy named Li Fong (American Born Chinese's Ben Wang). But something tells me their teaching styles may not exactly align!
Starring: Jackie Chan, Ben Wang, Ming-Na Wen, Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ralph Macchio
How to watch: Karate Kid: Legends opens in theaters May 30.
JuneFrom the World of John Wick: BallerinaKnives Out's Ana de Armas headlines this John Wick spinoff, which is set during the events of John Wick: Chapter 3 – Parabellum. The film's first trailer (seen above) teases how the story of ballerina/assassin-in-training Eve collides with Keanu Reeve's puppy-avenging badass. They have friends in common, like NYC's Continental Hotel manager Winston Scott (Ian McShane). Reeves himself is also slated to pop up in Ballerina. However, as Eve looks equally adept at shooting, martial arts, and looking killer cool whether dancing or brawling, this spin-off seems certain to entertain Wick's biggest fans.
Starring: Ana de Armas, Anjelica Huston, Gabriel Byrne, Lance Reddick, Catalina Sandino Moreno, Norman Reedus, Ian McShane and Keanu Reeves
How to watch: From the World of John Wick: Ballerina opens June 6.
ElioDisney and Pixar are offering audiences a fresh vision of alien-human interaction this summer with Elio.
Named for its eponymous underdog, Elio centers on a young boy who is mistakenly identified as the head of Earth, and so is swept away to meet an extraterrestrial delegation eager to understand our planet and its inhabitants. (Good luck!) Representing not just all humans but all life on Earth puts a lot of pressure on this charismatic kiddo. But on this journey, he's sure to make strange (and silly) new friends, and find his inner strength. And hijinks. We comfortably predict spacey hijinks.
Starring: America Ferrera, Yonas Kibreab, Jameela Jamil, Zoe Saldana, and Brad Garrett
How to watch: Elio opens in theaters June 13.
How to Train Your DragonCressida Cowell's enchanting book series How to Train Your Dragon first launched a fleet of high-flying animated movies and spinoff cartoon series. Now, writer/director Dean DeBlois, who's been at the helm of these movies since the first outing in 2010, is back with a live-action re-imagining.
The Black Phone's Mason Thames will step into the shivering shoes of Hiccup, while The Last of Us' Nico Parker will play his crush, Viking girl Astrid. Gerard Butler is reprising his role as Hiccup's hard-nosed dad Stoick the Vast, while Nick Frost, Y2K''s Julian Dennison, and The Fall of the House of Usher's Ruth Codd join the cast as Vikings.
Starring: Mason Thames, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gerard Butler, and Ruth Codd
How to watch: How to Train Your Dragon opens in theaters June 13.
28 Years LaterFirst, there was 28 Days Later, then 28 Weeks Later. Now, director Danny Boyle and screenwriter Alex Garland are back with 28 Years Later, delivering a devastating new dose of dystopia on a zombie-laden (well, infected-persons-laden) planet.
The film's first trailer reveals human civilization has been chucked back to humbler times, from Teletubbies for leisure to archery for survival. The infected still run and terrorize. But other horrors abound in the ravaged new world, including strange masked figures, gunfire fights, and mountains of human skulls.
Starring: Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer, Ralph Fiennes, Jack O’Connell, and Cillian Murphy
How to watch: 28 Years Later opens June 20.
M3GAN 2.0Among Mashable's most anticipated movies of 2025 is Blumhouse's sequel to M3GAN. Sure, the killer AI doll bit it at the conclusion of the first movie. But that ending definitely left room for her to return. Will it be in the M3GAN vs M3GAN face-off we dream of? Will she step up her dance moves to make M3GAN 2.0 a full-blown horror musical? It's too soon to say.
But good news already abounds: M3GAN's director Gerard Johnstone and writer Akela Cooper are back for this enticing sequel, as are Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, and Jenna Davis, who provides the killer doll's perfectly prim yet menacing voice. And thrilling news for Kiwi comedy fans — Jemaine Clement (Flight of the Conchords, 2014's What We Do In the Shadows) is joining the fun in an undisclosed role. Will he be friend or foe to M3GAN 2.0?
Starring: Allison Williams, Jenna Davis, Violet McGraw, Timm Sharp, Aristotle Athari, and Jemaine Clement
How to watch: M3GAN 2.0 opens June 27.
F1Brad Pitt drives into the high-octane world of Formula One racing with F1. Starring opposite The Banshees of Inisherin's Kerry Condon and Being the Ricardos' Javier Bardem, Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a former pro driver who comes out of retirement to mentor a new prodigy on the scene (Damson Idris).
Reuniting Top Gun: Maverick's director Joseph Kosinski and writer Ehren Kruger, F1 is sure to offer action, macho drama, and a hero who doesn't know the meaning of the word "quit."
Starring: Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Javier Bardem, Kerry Condon, Tobias Menzies, and Shea Whigham
How to watch: F1 opens June 27.
JulyJurassic World RebirthThe Jurassic Park franchise roars on, this time leaving behind Chris Pratt, Bryce-Dallas Howard, and the first film's iconic trio of Sam Neill, Laura Dern, and Jeff Goldblum. As this sequel's title suggests, Jurassic World Rebirth brings in a new group of kids and grown-ups who should know better to mess with dinosaurs at their own peril.
SEE ALSO: 'Jurassic World: Dominion' review: A big, dumb animal that deserves extinctionSet five years after Jurassic World: Dominion, the seventh installment in the Jurassic Park film series will follow an expedition to a tropical region, where three mighty prehistoric beasts could hold the cure to some of humanity's woes. Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali lead a star-studded cast, but we're most excited about the return of Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp (Presence, Kimi, Death Becomes Her) to the series. Teaming with The Creator helmer Gareth Edwards, this dynamic duo could make these movies watchable again!
Starring: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, and Manuel Garcia-Rulfo
How to watch: Jurassic World Rebirth opens July 2.
Superman View this post on InstagramOn Instagram, writer/director James Gunn shared this first look at David Corenswet as Superman, signaling a reset for Warner Bros. superhero movies. Say goodbye to the DCEU and hello to the DCU, a relaunched franchise that will build from Superman.
The official logline for this reboot is as follows (courtesy of Variety): "[Superman] tells the story of Superman’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent of Smallville, Kansas. He is the embodiment of truth, justice, and the American way, guided by human kindness in a world that sees kindness as old-fashioned."
Starring: David Corenswet, Rachel Brosnahan, Nathan Fillion, Isabela Merced, Edi Gathegi, Anthony Carrigan, and Nicholas Hoult
How to watch: Superman opens in theaters July 11.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps Tweet may have been deletedThe Fantastic Four are getting rebooted and ushered into the MCU in 2025. While the plot details of this superpowered quartet's new adventure are under wraps, fans have plenty of reason to shriek in anticipation from the cast alone. Director Matt Shakman managed to cast three of the internet's boyfriends in The Fantastic Four: First Steps.
Stranger Things' Joseph Quinn will play the fiery Johnny "The Human Torch" Storm. The Bear's Ebon Moss-Bachrach will give gruff but lovable a new go as Ben "Thing" Grimm. And Pedro Pascal of The Last of Us will swagger into the role of Reed Richards, aka Mr. Fantastic. Rounding out the foursome as Sue "The Invisible Woman" Storm is The Crown's Vanessa Kirby. And with Robert Downey Jr. coming back to the MCU — not as Tony Stark but as Fantastic Four foe Doctor Doom — might we anticipate he'll pop up here?
Starring: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn
How to watch: The Fantastic Four: First Steps opens in theaters July 25.
AugustThe Naked GunYep. They're rebooting Naked Gun. And if you — like me — grew up with the dynamically dopey Leslie Nielsen as Detective Sergeant Frank Drebin, you might be dubious of any attempt at recasting. To that I say: They got Liam Neeson. And by "they," I mean The Lonely Island's Akiva Schaffer, co-writer/co-director of Popstar: Never Stop Never Stopping. If anyone could recapture the magic of this trilogy, it's the bonkers brains behind one of the best mockumentaries of all time
Plus, Neeson is no stranger to turning his tough guy persona into cop-centered comedy. In The Lego Movie, he expertly pivoted between voicing the two-faced Good Cop/Bad Cop. In Derry Girls, he played Chief Constable Byers, who was befuddled by the rants of the annoying Uncle Colm. And if you want to go way back, he played a horny, homicidal, and hilarious ghost in 1988's haunted house comedy High Spirits. Simply put, we're optimistic about this curious comedic reboot.
Starring: Liam Neeson, Paul Walter Hauser, Kevin Durand, Pamela Anderson, Danny Huston, and Cody Rhodes
How to watch: The Naked Gun opens Aug. 1.
Nobody 2In 2021, Better Call Saul star Bob Odenkirk turned action hero in Nobody, a dark comedy about a former assassin turned office worker who falls back into that violent life — whether he likes it or not. Well, one good turn (at the box office) deserves another, so Odenkirk is reprising his role as Hutch Mansell, former contract killer. Much of the old gang is back, in fact, including Connie Nielsen as Hutch's wife, Becca, and RZA as his brother, Harry. New to the team is The Shadow Strays director Timo Tjahjanto, who's taken up the helm. So anticipate action that is jaw-dropping, if not downright jaw-breaking.
Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone, Colin Hanks, and John Ortiz
How to watch: Nobody 2 opens Aug. 15.
Thread: An Insidious TaleThe Lambert family isn't the focus of this spin-off film, though it's still set within the world of Insidious. Following the horrors in Insidious: The Red Door, Thread: An Insidious Tale will star Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani as a pair of grieving parents who attempt to travel back in time to prevent the death of their daughter. How does The Further factor in? We'll see this summer.
Starring: Mandy Moore and Kumail Nanjiani
How to watch: Thread: An Insidious Tale opens Aug. 29.
SeptemberThe Conjuring: Last RitesCritics may have eye-rolled over The Conjuring: The Devil Made Me Do It, but the third movie in the Ed and Lorraine Warren franchise made bank at the box office. So, Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga will return as the Christian couple who combat supernatural evils through faith.
The Devil Made Me Do It director Michael Chaves is back at the helm, with The Conjuring 1 and 2 helmer James Wan producing. What case from the Warren Files might they plumb next?
Starring: Vera Farmiga and Patrick Wilson
How to watch: The Conjuring: Last Rites opens in theaters Sept. 5.
Downton Abbey 3Downton Abbey creator Julian Fellowes reteams with Downton Abbey: A New Era director Simon Curtis for the third spin-off movie from the deeply adored English drama series. Also back will be much of the cast we've come to love for their upstairs posturing and downstairs drama.
Starring: Hugh Bonneville, Dominic West, Elizabeth McGovern, Michelle Dockery, Laura Carmichael, Jim Carter, Phyllis Logan, Robert James-Collier, Joanne Froggatt, Allen Leech, Penelope Wilton, Lesley Nicol, Michael Fox, Raquel Cassidy, Brendan Coyle, Kevin Doyle, Harry Hadden-Paton, Sophie McShera, Douglas Reith, and Dominic West
How to watch: Downtown Abbey 3 opens in theaters Sept 12.
Saw XIThis frightening slasher franchise is going strong. Following the critical acclaim and box office success of Saw X, director Kevin Greutert returns with an 11th installment that promises to be grisly. Beyond graphic violence and gnarly kills, we're not sure what else to expect at this point. But Saw fans don't need anything else to be marking their calendars.
Starring: TBD
How to watch: Saw XI opens in theaters Sept. 26.
The Bride!The Wolf Man isn't the only Universal Monster getting a makeover in 2025. Maggie Gyllenhaal pulls double duty as writer/director of The Bride! — an intriguing re-imagining of the iconic 1935 classic The Bride of Frankenstein. Pulling inspiration from James Whale's sequel to Frankenstein and the original sci-fi novel of Mary Shelley, Gyllenhaal carves a new chapter for her bride.
Set in 1930s Chicago, The Bride! follows a murdered young woman (Men's Jessie Buckley), who is resurrected by Dr. Euphronius to be the romantic partner to his monster (Christian Bale). But this revived heroine has more than love on her mind, and she evades police while engaging in a fight for radical social change. Let's go, ghouls!
Starring: Christian Bale, Jessie Buckley, Peter Sarsgaard, Annette Bening, and Penelope Cruz
How to watch: The Bride! opens Sept. 26.
OctoberMichaelDirector Antoine Fuqua has collaborated with stars like Denzel Washington and Will Smith on such intense dramas as The Equalizer trilogy, Training Day, and Emancipation. Now, he's turned his focus to the life story of the celebrated and controversial King of Pop, Michael Jackson.
Stepping into the pop icon's moon-walking shoes is Jaafar Jackson, his 28-year-old nephew, son of Jermaine Jackson. Backing him up are Colman Domingo and Nia Long as Michael's parents, Joe and Katherine Jackson. And setting the stage is John Logan, three-time Academy Award–nominated screenwriter of Hugo, The Aviator, and Gladiator. Which is all to say, on paper, this is a compelling prestige pic, and Lionsgate moving its release from April to October could suggest they see it as an award season contender.
Starring: Jaafar Jackson, Nia Long, Colman Domingo, Laura Harrier, Larenz Tate, and Miles Teller
How to watch: Michael opens in theaters Oct. 3.
Tron: Ares View this post on InstagramA stand-alone sequel to 2010's Tron: Legacy, Tron: Ares stars Jared Leto as the titular character. Per Disney's official logline: "Tron: Ares follows a highly sophisticated Program, Ares, who is sent from the digital world into the real world on a dangerous mission, marking humankind’s first encounter with AI beings."
AI has been at the center of a slew of recent movies, including AfrAId, Atlas, The Creator, and M3GAN. What will Disney's sci-fi drama from Joachim Rønning, helmer of Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales, have to say about it? That's a mystery we can't solve just yet.
Starring: Jared Leto, Greta Lee, Cameron Monaghan, Evan Peters, Gillian Anderson, Jodie Turner-Smith, Arturo Castro, Hasan Minhaj, and Jeff Bridges
How to watch: Tron: Ares opens in theaters Oct. 10.
The Black Phone 2A decade after the sick thrills of Sinister, director Scott Derrickson, screenwriter C. Robert Cargill, and leading man Ethan Hawke reunited for 2021's The Black Phone, a grisly adaptation of a Joe Hill short story. It's a twisted tale of stranger danger involving ghost boys, a captive kid, and Hawke as The Grabber, a villain who channels his mercurial moods into chilling masks.
At this time, it's hard to say where this haunting tale can go next. But we're ready to find out.
Starring: Ethan Hawke, Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, and Miguel Mora
How to watch: The Black Phone 2 opens in theaters Oct. 17.
Mortal Kombat 2Cue the battle music! Director Simon McQuoid is reuniting with the cast of his 2021 live-action reboot Mortal Kombat for a sure-to-thrill sequel. Based on the wildly popular video games from Midway Games, this film series follows Cole Young (Lewis Tan), a down-on-his-luck mixed-martial artist whose secret lineage pulls him into a world of super-powered battles for the future of the Earthrealm.
Reprising their roles in Mortal Kombat 2 are Hiroyuki Sanada, Jessica McNamee, Tadanobu Asano, and Mehcad Brooks. New to the cast isn The Boys' Karl Urban, who's set to play the cocky and charismatic Johnny Cage. Game on!
Starring: Hiroyuki Sanada, Lewis Tan, Jessica McNamee, Karl Urban, Tadanobu Asano, and Mehcad Brooks
How to watch: Mortal Kombat 2 opens in theaters Oct. 24.
NovemberPredator: BadlandsIn 2022, writer/director Dan Trachtenberg delivered a fresh spin on the Predator franchise with Prey, a human-versus-alien movie set in 1719 Great Plains. In 2025, he returns with Badlands, the ninth installment of this ferocious sci-fi series.
This stand-alone adventure will star Elle Fanning, who memorably confronted a mysterious monster in 2011's Super 8. Little is known about the plot, beyond a casting call: "the two main storylines delve into the intricate bond of two very different sisters, [and] their familial ties are put to the ultimate test as they pursue divergent paths and missions."
Starring: Elle Fanning
How to watch: Predator: Badlands opens Nov. 7.
BugoniaAs a team, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone have previously unleashed such challenging and enthralling cinema as The Favourite, Poor Things, and Kinds of Kindness. On their 2025 plate is this remake of the South Korean sci-fi comedy Save the Green Planet, retitled Bugonia.
Adapted by The Menu's screenwriter Will Tracy, this curious comedy centers on a couple of conspiracy-obsessed guys who kidnap a powerful CEO. Why? They believe she is an alien hellbent on annihilating planet Earth.
Starring: Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons
How to watch: Bugonia opens Nov. 7.
Now You See Me 3Nine years after Now You See Me 2 thrilled audiences with its blend of heist hijinks, devious deceits, and practical magic, the Horsemen are back. What are these charismatic and trouble-chasing magicians up to? Well, we have no idea just yet. But look at how the deck is stacked with an all-star cast! Add to that Zombieland helmer Ruben Fleischer, and crackling action-comedy seems assured.
Starring: Jesse Eisenberg, Woody Harrelson, Mark Ruffalo, Dave Franco, Isla Fisher, Lizzy Caplan, Dave Franco, Morgan Freeman, Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, Ariana Greenblatt, and Rosamund Pike
How to watch: Now You See Me 3 opens in theaters Nov. 14.
The Running ManThis 2025 offering isn't just a remake of the 1987 Arnold Schwarzenegger action movie The Running Man. It's also a reunion of Twisters stars Glen Powell and Katy O'Brian, and of Scott Pilgrim vs. The World's leading man Michael Cera and director Edgar Wright. So, there's a lot of charm coming in this dark tale, based on a 1982 Stephen King novel.
If the original movie adaptation is anything to go on, The Running Man will be set in a future dystopian America, where a totalitarian police state rules — even over art, media, and reality TV. Thus, a falsely convicted cop is forced to participate in a deadly, prime-time game show called The Running Man to snatch his chance at freedom. That is, if he can survive. What will Wright and company bring to this concept in an age where reality TV has given us not only hours of entertainment but also the rise of Joe Rogan and Donald Trump? We're eager to find out.
Starring: Glen Powell, Josh Brolin, Lee Pace, Katy O'Brian, William H. Macy, Emilia Jones, and Michael Cera
How to watch: The Running Man opens in theaters Nov. 21.
Wicked: Part TwoFor better or for wicked, we're in the middle of one long intermission. With Wicked: Part One, director Jon M. Chu brings the Broadway hit to the silver screen, full of star power courtesy of Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande as unlikely besties Elphaba and Glinda. But Wicked: Part One climaxes with "Defying Gravity," leaving fans to wait an entire year before seeing Act II!
Along with the return of its dazzling leading ladies, Wicked: Part Two will also welcome back the dashing Jonathan Bailey, the sinisterly suave Jeff Goldblum, and hordes of flying monkeys. But as this story veers into the more familiar terrain of The Wizard of Oz, what fresh magic might Chu — who's previously wowed us with musicals like Step Up 3D and In The Heights — have in store?
Starring: Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, Jonathan Bailey, Jeff Goldblum, Michelle Yeoh, Marissa Bode, and Ethan Slater
How to watch: Wicked: Part Two opens Nov. 21.
Zootopia 2Zooptopia's Jared Bush returns for this much-anticipated sequel that will usher audiences back into the wild, eponymous metropolis.
Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman reprise their voice roles as determined bunny cop Judy and wily but kind fox Nick. In their new adventure, the odd couple will be on the tail of a mysterious reptile, drawing them into new neighborhoods within their wooly city. Will their friendship survive another rocky ride through Zootopia's shady underbelly?
Starring: Jason Bateman, Ginnifer Goodwin, Ke Huy Quan, Fortune Feimster, and Shakira
How to watch: Zootopia 2 opens in theaters Nov. 26.
DecemberFive Nights at Freddy's 2In 2023, director Emma Tammi's live-action adaptation of the popular video game franchise Five Nights at Freddy's kicked butt at the box office. Now, the sequel is coming to level up the creepy fun.
We can safely assume that with Josh Hutcherson returning as plagued security guard Mike Schmidt, the sequel will take us back to Freddy Fazbear's Pizza. There, rotting animatronics with a grisly origin stalk the rooms. But with their father/foe slain in the first movie, what fresh mayhem might they raise now?
Starring: Elizabeth Lail, Josh Hutcherson, Matthew Lillard, and Piper Rubio
How to watch: Five Nights at Freddy's 2 opens in theaters Dec. 5.
Avatar: Fire and AshFollowing the box office success of Avatar: The Way of Water, Avatar: Fire and Ash is poised to take Christmas 2025 by storm!
James Cameron's third installment of his ambitious sci-fi film series will return audiences to the world of Pandora, where the Na'vi battle against human military forces to preserve their environment and culture. Little is known about the plot at this point, though we can expect this sequel to continue exploring new new corners of the planet and other Na'vi communities. Plus, Everything Everywhere All at Once star Michelle Yeoh is joining the ensemble as human scientist Dr. Karina Mogue. All promising details. But will Cameron answer our burning questions from his last stunner?
SEE ALSO: 6 burning questions we have after 'Avatar: The Way of Water'Starring: Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldaña, Sigourney Weaver, David Thewlis, Stephen Lang, Giovanni Ribisi, Michelle Yeoh, and Oona Chaplin
How to watch: Avatar: Fire and Ash opens in theaters Dec. 19.
The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePantsWho lives in a pineapple under the sea — and is coming up on his fifth feature film? SpongeBob SquarePants!
First, there was The SpongeBob SquarePants Movie, then Sponge Out of Water, Sponge on the Run, and Saving Bikini Bottom: The Sandy Cheeks Movie. Now, with The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants, the lovable chuckler will set forth on a new adventure, traveling the expanse of the oceans to confront the ghost of the Flying Dutchman! Expect things to get silly — and spooky!
Starring: Tom Kenny, Clancy Brown, Brian Doyle-Murray, Bill Fagerbakke, Rodger Bumpass, Mr. Lawrence, and Carolyn Lawrence
How to watch: The SpongeBob Movie: Search for SquarePants opens in theaters December 19.
UPDATE: Dec. 19, 2024, 1:05 p.m. EST This article has been updated to reflect the latest release information.
How to watch Iowa State vs. Miami without cable
The Pop-Tarts Bowl might have been viral last year for it's adorable, edible mascot, but this year? There's an extra spin on the game...the mascots of the two teams participating: the Iowa State Cyclones and the Miami Hurricanes. Can you hear the weather puns now? The weather bowl will take place on Saturday, December 28, and is scheduled to start at 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT.
Iowa State was a Top 25 team, including being No. 18 in the College Football Playoff, but the Cyclones fell short in the Big 12 championship to Arizona State. The Sun Devils went on to take the No. 4-seed in the CFP playoffs, earning a first round bye. Miami is also a top 25 team, pulling the No. 13 spot in the CFP field. Unfortunately, Miami fell short of the 12-team playoff. The Hurricanes were upset by Syracuse in the final game of the regular season, eliminating themselves from the Atlantic Coast Conference Championship.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Iowa State vs. Miami football kickoff time and networkThe Iowa State vs. Miami football game is scheduled for a 3:30 p.m. ET/12:30 p.m. PT start on ABC on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Best streaming services for Iowa State vs. Miami football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Iowa State vs. Miami football game on ABC.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch Louisiana Tech vs. Army without cable
The No. 22 Army Black Knights (11-2) will face the Louisiana Tech Bulldogs (5-7) in the Radiance Technologies Independence Bowl in Shreveport, Louisiana. The game is scheduled for 9:15 p.m. ET/6:15 p.m. PT on Dec. 28.
The Black Knights have had an up and down season that didn't stop when they earned a bowl game. Originally, Army was set to face Marshall. But, a coaching change led to a large number of Marshall players hitting the transfer portal, and the team waiving their bowl game appearance. Then, LA Tech was subbed in.
But, the Black Knights had ups and downs before that, becoming a ranked team and winning the American Athletic Conference. Then, they lost to Navy in America's game.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable Louisiana Tech vs. Army football kickoff time and networkThe Louisiana Tech vs. Army football game is scheduled for a 9:15 p.m. ET/6:15 p.m. PT start on ESPN on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Best streaming services for Louisiana Tech vs. Army football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the Louisiana Tech vs. Army football game on ESPN.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
How to watch BYU vs. Colorado without cable
The Valero Alamo Bowl becomes the Big 12 bowl in 2024 for two teams that could have been. The BYU Cougars will face the Colorado Buffaloes, and their Heisman Trophy-winner, at the Alamodome in San Antonio. The matchup is scheduled to start at 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT on Dec. 28.
Both BYU and Colorado had significant wins, at 10-2 and 9-3 respectively. The Cougars and the Buffalos both spent time in the top 25 and in the College Football Playoff rankings. Both were situated in a four-way tie atop the Big 12, but were bested by Arizona State and Iowa State, who went on to face each other in the championship. Colorado has one more significant win though: the Heisman Trophy winner Travis Hunter. The odds are favoring Deion Sanders and his Buffaloes.
SEE ALSO: How to watch college football without cable BYU vs. Colorado football kickoff time and networkThe BYU vs. Colorado football game is scheduled for a 7:30 p.m. ET/4:30 p.m. PT start on ABC on Saturday, Dec. 28.
Best streaming services for BYU vs. Colorado football gameYou need to choose a streaming service to watch college football without cable or satellite TV. We've found some of the best streaming services to consider for the BYU vs. Colorado football game on ABC.
Most live sports: YouTube TV Opens in a new window Credit: YouTube TV YouTube TV $49.99/month for your first two months (save $46) Get DealYouTube TV's base plan is $49.99 per month for two months for new subscribers ($72.99 per month regularly). The base plan includes over 100 live TV channels, including ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Fox Sports 1, and NBA TV.
Most channels: Sling TV Opens in a new window Credit: Sling Sling Orange Plan Get DealSling TV suggests the streamer's Orange Plan for the game, which costs $20 for the first month and $40 monthly after that.
Sling TV’s sports channels feature ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPN3, ESPNews, ESPNU, FOX, FS1, FS2, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Best for single game: FuboTV Opens in a new window Credit: FuboTV FuboTV Pro plan Get DealFuboTV offers you more than 250 channels of live TV and the option to watch on 10 screens at once. You can try FuboTV with a seven-day free trial period.
FuboTV’s sports channel offerings include ABC, ACC Network, Big Ten Network, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, FOX, FS1, FS2, Golf Network, Marquee Sports Network, Monumental Sports, NBC, NFL Network, and SEC Network.
Cloud storage done right: FolderFort’s 2TB lifetime plan is on sale at 78% off
TL;DR: Grab a lifetime pass to FolderFort's 2TB storage plan and enjoy secure, fast, and reliable cloud storage, available for £87.54 (reg. £398.02) through 12 January.
Opens in a new window Credit: FolderFort FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan: Lifetime Subscription £87.54 at the Mashable Shop£398.02 Save £310.48 Get Deal
Digital storage is critical in just about everyone's daily lives, and having enough space has become an irritating and expensive endeavor. FolderFort's lifetime deal could be the ideal solution, with 2TB of storage that guarantees 99.99% uptime, fast upload speeds, and BackBlaze encryption. Pay only once for a lifetime of secure cloud storage — on sale for £87.54 (reg. £398.02) at the Mashable Shop. That's a 78% discount.
In addition to the 2TB plan, you can also buy a lifetime pass to the 250GB plan starting at just £31.83, a 62% discount.
You can create as many users and workspaces as needed, making it a flexible solution that grows with your storage needs. Whether you're working solo or managing a team, FolderFort adapts to your storage requirements effortlessly.
FolderFort's Pro Plan includes file versioning, allowing you to retrieve previous versions of your documents easily. The built-in file viewer supports a wide range of file formats, making it convenient to preview files without downloading them. Plus, it offers seamless integration with popular apps, which could enhance your efficiency.
When comparing FolderFort to other cloud storage providers, the value is clear. Many services offer limited storage or require monthly subscriptions, adding up over time. With this deal, you get secure, reliable storage with a simple one-time purchase. It’s a deal that provides peace of mind and long-term savings, making FolderFort a smart choice for your digital storage needs.
Whether you're managing personal files or collaborating on projects, FolderFort offers a high standard of reliability and security.
Normally £398.02, Mashable readers can get a lifetime subscription to a FolderFort 2TB Cloud Storage Pro Plan on sale for £87.54 for a limited time.
StackSocial prices subject to change.