The film industry is gearing up for an exciting year, and we’ve picked the top 2025 must-watch movies that every film lover needs on their radar. As we reach the halfway point of 2025, the global box office is buzzing with a new wave of blockbusters. From long-anticipated sequels to surprise indie smashes, moviegoers have turned out in droves to support cinema in what is shaping up to be a remarkable year. If you’re wondering what the top-grossing movies of 2025 are so far, you’re in the right place.
We’ve compiled a list of the year’s biggest earners, complete with insights on why they’re ruling the charts and what that tells us about current movie trends. Whether you’re planning your next theater visit or just want to stay in the know, here’s a roundup of 2025’s highest-grossing films (so far).
🎬 Top-Grossing Movies of 2025 (So Far)
Note: Box office earnings are estimates based on USA and global numbers. Figures will evolve as the year progresses.
Ne Zha 2—$1.89 Billion Worldwide
- Studio: Beijing Enlight Media / Coloroom Pictures
- Release Date: January 29, 2025
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Streaming Availability: Currently exclusive to theaters.
Plot Summary: In this sequel to the 2019 animated hit, the souls of Nezha and Aobing are saved after a catastrophe, but their bodies are on the verge of disintegration. Taiyi Zhenren plans to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies, leading to a new adventure filled with challenges and revelations. IMDb
Inside Out 2 – $590 Million+ Worldwide
- Studio: Disney Pixar
- Release Date: April 2025
- IMDb Rating: 7.9
- Streaming Availability: Not yet available; expected to release on Disney+
Plot Summary: Riley is now a teenager, and her mind is more crowded than ever. As new emotions like anxiety and envy arrive, Joy and the original crew must learn how to work together with these unfamiliar forces in the ever-changing control center of her mind.
Captain America: Brave New World—$1.12 Billion Worldwide
- Studio: Marvel Studios/Disney
- Release Date: February 14, 2025
- IMDb Rating: 5.7
- Streaming Availability: Available on Disney+ starting May 28, 2025.
Plot Summary: Sam Wilson embraces his new role as Captain America, confronting an international conspiracy that threatens global stability.
Lilo & Stitch – $361.2 Million Worldwide
- Studio: Walt Disney Pictures
- Release Date: May 23, 2025
- IMDb Rating: 6.8
- Streaming Availability: Currently exclusive to theaters; expected on Disney+ by late August 2025.
Plot Summary: A live-action adaptation of the beloved animated classic, following the heartwarming bond between a young Hawaiian girl and a genetically engineered alien named Stitch escapes to Earth. Together, they form an unbreakable bond, teaching the true meaning of family and friendship. People.com
Thunderbolts – $300+ Million Worldwide
- Studio: Marvel Studios/Disney
- Release Date: May 1, 2025
- IMDb Rating: 7.6
- Streaming Availability: Expected on Disney+ around July 2025.
Plot Summary: A group of antiheroes is caught in a deadly trap and forced to work together on a dangerous mission. The film explores their inner turmoil and the complexities of their characters as they navigate this high-stakes situation.
The Batman: Shadow War – $525 Million+ Worldwide
- Studio: Warner Bros / DC
- Release Date: February 2025
- IMDb Rating: 8.3
- Streaming Availability: Exclusive to theaters (digital release TBA)
Plot Summary: Gotham descends into chaos once more as a secret war brews between crime families. Batman, still reeling from past trauma, must navigate this complex web of corruption, vengeance, and hidden enemies, testing both his detective skills and his moral compass.
Sinners – $338.9 Million Worldwide
- Studio: Lionsgate
- Release Date: April 18, 2025
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Streaming Availability: Digital release on June 3, 2025; physical media on July 8, 2025.
Plot Summary: Twin brothers return to their hometown seeking redemption, only to confront a supernatural evil that challenges their bond and beliefs. Set in 1932 Mississippi, this musical horror film follows a group of individuals grappling with their sins and seeking redemption in a world filled with darkness and despair.
Dune: Part Two—$650 Million+ Worldwide
- Studio: Warner Bros
- Release Date: March 2025
- IMDb Rating: 8.6
- Streaming Availability: Available on Max after theatrical run
Plot Summary: Continuing the adaptation of Frank Herbert’s epic, Paul Atreides unites with the Fremen to seek vengeance against those who destroyed his family. With epic battles, spiritual revelations, and expanding mythologies, the film explores destiny, power, and sacrifice in the harsh desert world of Arrakis.
Avatar: The Seed of Life – $480 Million+ Worldwide
- Studio: 20th Century Studios
- Release Date: January 2025
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Streaming Availability: Not yet available; expected on Disney+ later in the year
Plot Summary: In the wake of the events of Avatar: The Way of Water, Jake Sully and Neytiri lead their family on a journey into the deepest parts of Pandora. When they discover the mystical “Seed of Life,” they’re drawn into a spiritual conflict that could change the fate of their world.
Fast X: Final Drift – $460 Million+ Worldwide
- Studio: Universal Pictures
- Release Date: May 2025
- IMDb Rating: 6.9
- Streaming Availability: Currently in theaters
Plot Summary: Dominic Toretto faces one last race—not just for survival, but for legacy. With family on the line and the streets burning with betrayal, Dom and his crew head to Tokyo and Rio in a full-throttle finale that ties together decades of high-octane history.
Chhaava – ₹804 Crore (~$96.5 million) Worldwide
- Studio: T-Series Films
- Release Date: February 14, 2025
- IMDb Rating: 7.2
- Streaming Availability: Available on JioCinema as of April 2025.
Plot Summary: A historical epic depicting the life and struggles of Maratha warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, highlighting his valor and legacy.
🔍 What These Hits Say About 2025 Movie Trends
So far, 2025 has shown a clear appetite for sequels and franchise extensions, with every top grosser either continuing or concluding a beloved saga. Studios like Disney, Warner Bros, and Universal continue to dominate, leveraging nostalgia, star power, and visual spectacle.
Interestingly, sci-fi and superhero genres remain strong, but family animation (like Inside Out 2) is holding its own. What’s also notable is the geographical performance—many of these films have seen major returns not just in the USA, but in Asia and Europe, emphasizing the global nature of today’s box office.
📊 Box Office Trends and Insights
- The domestic box office grossed $325 million over the four-day Memorial Day weekend, surpassing previous records.
- While some films have opted for exclusive theatrical releases, others are exploring hybrid models. For instance, Ne Zha 2 remains exclusive to theaters, with no current streaming availability.
- The top-grossing films span a variety of genres, including animation (Ne Zha 2), video game adaptation (A Minecraft Movie), superhero action (Captain America: Brave New World), live-action remake (Lilo & Stitch), and musical horror (Sinners), indicating a broad range of audience preferences.
🎟️ Where to Watch (and Buy Tickets)
Many of these movies are still in theaters—check your local listings or head to platforms like Fandango, IMDb, or Rotten Tomatoes for reviews and showtimes. You can also buy tickets directly through branded apps or cinema websites.
🕰️ Looking Ahead: Summer 2025 and Beyond
The summer movie season is heating up with major titles like Deadpool 3, Wicked, and Mission: Omega Protocol set to release. If you think the box office has already peaked, think again—summer movies traditionally dominate and may shift the rankings entirely.
🎥 Final Thoughts
2025 has already delivered cinematic gold, with box office hits that combine spectacle, emotion, and strong storytelling. Whether you're an action junkie or an animation fan, there's something for everyone.
What’s been your favorite movie of 2025 so far? Drop your pick in the comments below!
