Movies - Universal Pictures Reveals a Blockbuster-Packed 2025 Movie Schedule

By Mulder, 28 december 2024

Universal Pictures’ 2025 lineup stands as a testament to its diverse and ambitious cinematic offerings, catering to a broad spectrum of tastes and genres. From gripping horror to heartwarming animation, the year’s slate promises a rich tapestry of storytelling that will captivate audiences worldwide.

The year opens with Wolf Man, a harrowing tale directed by Leigh Whannell, whose mastery of suspense is evident in his previous successes like Upgrade and The Invisible Man. Starring Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner, the film follows a man and his family as they confront the terror of a werewolf during a full moon. With its tense atmosphere, deeply human stakes, and visceral scares, Wolf Man is poised to be a standout in the horror genre, blending Whannell’s signature style with a timeless mythological creature.

Next, Dog Man, an animated feature from DreamWorks Animation, adapts Dav Pilkey’s bestselling book series into a vibrant, family-friendly spectacle. This imaginative adventure tells the story of a police officer and his dog, who merge to become a quirky superhero. Packed with humor, heartfelt moments, and colorful animation, Dog Man is expected to charm children and adults alike, solidifying its place as one of the most anticipated family films of the year.

In Love Hurts, Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose headline an action-comedy that deftly balances heart and high-octane thrills. The story revolves around a mild-mannered real estate agent who finds his quiet life disrupted by the reemergence of a chaotic past. Combining sharp humor with expertly choreographed action sequences, the film promises a rollercoaster ride of emotions and entertainment.

Renée Zellweger returns in Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, the latest installment in the beloved romantic comedy franchise. This chapter explores Bridget’s life as a single mother navigating the ups and downs of love while balancing the complexities of family life. With its trademark mix of humor, charm, and relatable misadventures, this film will undoubtedly resonate with longtime fans and newcomers alike.

Suspense takes center stage with The Woman in the Yard, directed by Jaume Collet-Serra, a filmmaker renowned for his ability to craft gripping, edge-of-your-seat narratives. While details about the plot remain under wraps, Collet-Serra’s track record with films like The Shallows and Jungle Cruise ensures that this thriller will deliver a masterclass in tension and intrigue.

Christopher Landon’s Drop adds a layer of unpredictability to the lineup with a film that blends dark humor and suspense. Known for his work on Happy Death Day and Freaky, Landon brings his unique voice to this story, promising twists and surprises that will keep audiences guessing until the very end.

The live-action adaptation of How to Train Your Dragon reimagines the beloved animated trilogy for a new generation. Hiccup and Toothless return in a breathtaking visual spectacle that brings their Viking world to life with stunning realism. The film delves into themes of friendship, courage, and discovery, offering a fresh yet faithful retelling of a story cherished by millions.

Following the massive success of its predecessor, M3GAN 2.0 delves further into the dark world of artificial intelligence. The sequel explores the chilling consequences of an AI companion gone rogue, balancing its horror elements with poignant reflections on technology and human relationships. With a combination of thrills, scares, and moral dilemmas, M3GAN 2.0 is set to captivate audiences once again.

Jurassic World Rebirth, directed by Gareth Edwards, breathes new life into the iconic franchise. Featuring Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali, this installment ventures into the ethical and scientific challenges of harvesting dinosaur genetic material for groundbreaking medical purposes. Blending thrilling action with thought-provoking themes, the film expands the franchise’s narrative while delivering the spectacular visuals and suspense fans expect.

Animation fans are in for a treat with The Bad Guys 2, the sequel to the popular heist-comedy. Mr. Wolf and his crew embark on another adventure filled with clever twists, laugh-out-loud moments, and dazzling animation. The sequel builds on the charm and wit of the original, promising an even bigger and bolder caper.

Action enthusiasts will be thrilled by Nobody 2, where Bob Odenkirk reprises his role as Hutch Mansell. This time, his dangerous past catches up with him in ways that test his resilience and skills. With intense fight choreography, dark humor, and Odenkirk’s magnetic performance, the film is poised to be another hit in the action-thriller genre.

Jordan Peele brings his signature touch to Him, a psychological horror film exploring the mentorship between a young football player and a legendary quarterback. As their relationship deepens, eerie and unsettling events unfold, blending supernatural elements with psychological tension. Peele’s involvement ensures a deeply layered narrative that will provoke both fear and thought.

Families will delight in Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie, which brings the whimsical charm of the popular children’s series to the big screen. Gabby’s magical adventures with her feline friends unfold in a colorful and enchanting tale that will captivate young audiences while offering valuable lessons in creativity and kindness.

The horror continues with The Black Phone 2, a sequel to the spine-chilling thriller that captivated audiences. With Scott Derrickson returning as director, the film dives deeper into its supernatural narrative, delivering haunting visuals and intense scares that linger long after the credits roll.

Musical fans can look forward to Wicked: For Good, the continuation of the untold story of the witches of Oz. With its exploration of friendship, identity, and the magical world of Oz, the film expands on the enchanting lore of the first installment while delivering powerful performances and stunning visuals.

Finally, Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 rounds out the year with more terror in the eerie world of animatronics. Building on the success of the first film, this sequel promises to heighten the suspense and thrills, appealing to fans of the popular video game series and horror aficionados alike.

Universal Pictures’ 2025 slate is a masterful blend of genres and narratives, showcasing its commitment to delivering unforgettable cinematic experiences. Whether through edge-of-your-seat thrillers, heartwarming family adventures, or thought-provoking dramas, the studio ensures that there is something for everyone to enjoy.

Line up 2025 : 

Wolf Man

Directed by Leigh Whannell
Written by Leigh Whannell, Corbett Tuck
Based on The Wolf Man by Curt Siodmak
Produced by Jason Blum, Ryan Gosling
Starring  Christopher Abbott, Julia Garner, Matilda Firth, Sam Jaeger, Benedict Hardie, Ben Prendergast, Zac Chandler, Beatriz Romilly, Milo Cawthorne
Cinematography : Stefan Duscio
Edited by Andy Canny
Music by Benjamin Wallfisch
Production companies : Blumhouse Productions, Motel Movies, Waypoint Entertainment, Cloak & Co.
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : January 15, 2025 (France, January 17, 2025 (United States)
Running time : 102 minutes
Synopsis : What if the person you love turned into a barely recognizable creature? A family man living in San Francisco, Blake inherits his childhood home, an old farmhouse deep in Oregon, when his father disappears and is pronounced dead by the authorities. With his marriage on the rocks, Blake convinces his wife Charlotte to move to his Oregon home with their young daughter Ginger. But when Blake, Charlotte and their daughter arrive near the farm, they are attacked in the middle of the night by an invisible animal: trying to escape, they barricade themselves inside the house to protect themselves from the prowling beast. But as the night progresses, Blake begins to metamorphose into an unrecognizable creature...
Notes: Directed by Leigh Whannell (Upgrade, The Invisible Man), this horror film stars Christopher Abbott and Julia Garner. The story follows a man protecting his family from a werewolf terrorizing their remote home during a full moon. Anticipated to deliver a blend of suspense and visceral scares.

Dog Man

Directed by Peter Hastings
Based on Dog Man by Dav Pilkey
Produced by Karen Foster
Starring  Pete Davidson, Lil Rel Howery, Isla Fisher, Poppy Liu, Stephen Root, Billy Boyd, Ricky Gervais
Music by Tom Howe
Production company : DreamWorks Animation
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : January 31, 2025 (United States), April 9, 2025 (France)
Running time : 89 minutes
Synopsis : When a policeman and his faithful canine companion are both wounded in the line of duty, a surgical operation as senseless as it is miraculous binds them together forever, giving birth to the one who will henceforth be known as Dog Man. Since then, he's been just as dedicated to serving his country as he is to retrieving what's thrown at him, sitting quietly or rolling on the ground. He strives to prove himself under this new identity to better impress his superior, by putting an end to the exactions of the infamous Petey the Cat. Never short of bad ideas, the feline has recently found nothing better than to clone himself in order to double his capacity to commit crimes. But things get complicated when Lil Petey, his very young clone, falls into the clutches of a common enemy. To save the little kitten, dog and cat reluctantly join forces in a race against time. They discover that family ties can bring together even the most hostile enemies.
Notes: A DreamWorks Animation feature, adapted from Dav Pilkey's popular book series. This family-friendly animated movie centers on a police officer and his loyal dog who merge into a superhero. Expect humor, heart, and quirky characters that appeal to kids and adults alike.

Love Hurts

Directed by Jonathan Eusebio
Written by Matthew Murray, Josh Stoddard, Luke Passmore
Produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Guy Danella
Starring  Ke Huy Quan, Ariana DeBose, Daniel Wu, Marshawn Lynch, Mustafa Shakir, Lio Tipton, Rhys Darby, André Eriksen, Sean Astin
Cinematography : Bridger Nielson
Music by Dominic Lewis
Production company : 87North Production
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : February 7, 2025 (United States), February 26, 2025 (France)
Synopsis : A realtor is pulled back into the life he left behind after his former partner-in-crime resurfaces with an ominous message. With his crime-lord brother also on his trail, he must confront his past and the history he never fully buried.
Notes: This action-comedy stars Ke Huy Quan and Ariana DeBose. It follows a real estate agent who is dragged back into his tumultuous past. A mix of humor and high-energy action, the film promises to keep audiences laughing while delivering exciting sequences.

Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

Directed by Michael Morris
Written by Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer, Abi Morgan
Based on Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy by Helen Fielding
Produced by Tim Bevan, Eric Fellner, Jo Wallett
Starring  Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, Colin Firth, Hugh Grant
Cinematography : Suzie Lavelle
Edited by Mark Day
Music by Dustin O'Halloran
Production companies : StudioCanal, Miramax, Working Title Films
Distributed by Universal Pictures (United States and United Kingdom), StudioCanal (France)
Release date : 13 February 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : Bridget Jones is fifty-two years old and has two children. After the death of Mark Darcy, with whom she spent ten happy years, she's back on the hunt for the perfect man. But it's not so easy to get back on the bachelor market. Bridget's misadventures have lost none of their spice!
Notes: Renée Zellweger returns as Bridget Jones in this fourth installment of the beloved romantic comedy series. The film explores Bridget’s life as a single mother navigating new romantic adventures while balancing family life.

Black bag

Directed by Steven Soderbergh
Written by David Koepp
Produced by Casey Silver, Gregory Jacobs
Starring  Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, Pierce Brosnan, Tom Burke
Cinematography : Peter Andrews
Edited by Mary Ann Bernard
Music by David Holmes
Production company : Casey Silver Productions
Distributed by Focus Features (United States), Universal Pictures[1] (International)
Release date : March 12, 2025 (France), March 14, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : When intelligence agent Kathryn Woodhouse is suspected of betraying the nation, her husband - also a legendary agent - faces the ultimate test of whether to be loyal to his marriage, or his country.
Notes : The Insider, directed by Steven Soderbergh, is an upcoming espionage thriller starring Michael Fassbender as George Woodhouse, a seasoned spy whose loyalty is tested when his wife Kathryn, played by Cate Blanchett, is accused of treason. Crafted by screenwriter David Koepp (Mission: Impossible), the film promises a gripping narrative filled with tension, betrayal, and moral dilemmas. Featuring a stellar ensemble cast, including Regé-Jean Page, Naomie Harris, and Pierce Brosnan, the movie dives deep into the personal and professional challenges of espionage. Scheduled for release in March 2025, The Insider is set to be a high-stakes, character-driven exploration of loyalty and sacrifice.

The Woman in the Yard
Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra
Written by Sam Stefanak
Produced by Jason Blum, Stephanie Allain
Starring  Danielle Deadwyler, Okwui Okpokwasili, Russell Hornsby, Peyton Jackson, Estella Kahiha
Cinematography : Pawel Pogorzelski
Production companies : Blumhouse Productions, Homegrown Pictures, Ombra Films
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : March 28, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : A woman in black appears on a family's front lawn and delivers a chilling warning. No one knows where she came from, what she wants, or when she will leave.
Notes: Directed by Jaume Collet-Serra (The Shallows, Jungle Cruise), this thriller keeps plot details under wraps, but with Collet-Serra’s signature suspenseful style, it’s expected to deliver edge-of-your-seat moments.

Drop
Directed by Christopher Landon
Written by Jillian Jacobs, Chris Roach
Produced by Michael Bay, Jason Blum, Brad Fuller, Cameron Fuller
Starring  Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Jeffery Self, Gabrielle Ryan Spring, Violett Beane, Jacob Robinson, Ed Weeks
Music by Bear McCreary
Production companies : Blumhouse Productions, Platinum Dunes
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : April 11, 2025 (United States), April 23,2025 (France)
Running time : 152 minutes
Synopsis : A widowed mother's first date in years takes a terrifying turn when she's bombarded with anonymous threatening messages on her phone during their upscale dinner, leaving her questioning if her charming date is behind the harassment.
Notes: Directed by Christopher Landon (Happy Death Day, Freaky), this suspenseful thriller is set to surprise audiences with its dark humor and unexpected twists.

How to Train Your Dragon

Written and directed by Dean DeBlois
Based on How to Train Your Dragon by Will Davies, Dean DeBlois, Chris Sanders, How to Train Your Dragon by Cressida Cowell
Produced by Marc Platt, Dean DeBlois, Adam Siegel
Starring  Mason Thames, Gerard Butler, Nico Parker, Nick Frost, Julian Dennison, Gabriel Howell, Bronwyn James, Harry Trevaldwyn, Ruth Codd, Peter Serafinowicz, Murray McArthur
Cinematography : Bill Pope
Edited by Wyatt Smith
Music by John Powell
Production companies : DreamWorks Animation, Marc Platt Productions
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : June 11, 2025 (France), June 13, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : The live-action Dragons in the World of Vikings film follows the adventures of young Hiccup, who befriends a wounded dragon, Toothless.
Notes: A live-action adaptation of the beloved animated trilogy. The film brings Hiccup and Toothless’ story to a new dimension, focusing on their enduring friendship and epic adventures in a richly detailed Viking world.

M3GAN 2.0 
Directed by Gerard Johnstone
Written by Akela Cooper
Based on Characters by Akela Cooper, James Wan
Produced by Jason Blum, James Wan, Allison Williams
Starring  Allison Williams, Violet McGraw, Jenna Davis, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Ivanna Sakhno, Timm Sharp, Aristotle Athari, Jemaine Clement
Production companies : Blumhouse Productions, Atomic Monster, Divide/Conquer
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : June 25, 2025 (France), June 27, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : M3GAN 2.0 is the forthcoming sequel to the 2022 science fiction horror film M3GAN, directed by Gerard Johnstone and written by Akela Cooper. The film sees the return of Allison Williams as Gemma and Violet McGraw as Cady, continuing the narrative of the AI-powered doll, M3GAN, whose initial creation led to unforeseen and deadly consequences. While specific plot details remain under wraps, the sequel is expected to delve deeper into themes of artificial intelligence and its impact on human relationships, expanding the story's scale and scope. The film is scheduled for release on June 27, 2025
Notes: The sequel to the hit sci-fi horror M3GAN. This installment delves deeper into the AI doll’s dark capabilities while exploring the ethical dilemmas of artificial intelligence and human connections.

Jurassic World Rebirth
Directed by Gareth Edwards
Written by David Koepp
Produced by Frank Marshall, Patrick Crowley
Starring  Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Luna Blaise, David Iacono, Ed Skrein
Cinematography : John Mathieson
Production companies : Amblin Entertainment, The Kennedy/Marshall Company
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : July 2, 2025 (United States, France)
Synopsis : Five years post-Jurassic World Dominion, an expedition braves isolated equatorial regions to extract DNA from three massive prehistoric creatures for a groundbreaking medical breakthrough.
Notes: Directed by Gareth Edwards (Rogue One, Godzilla), this new chapter in the Jurassic saga features Scarlett Johansson and Mahershala Ali. It explores a team harvesting dinosaur genetic material for groundbreaking medical advancements, with thrilling consequences.

The Bad Guys 2

Directed by Pierre Perifel
Based on Characters by Aaron Blabey
Produced by Damon Ross
Starring  Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Craig Robinson, Anthony Ramos, Awkwafina, Danielle Brooks, Natasha Lyonne, Maria Bakalova, Zazie Beetz, Richard Ayoade, Lilly Singh, Alex Borstein
Music by Daniel Pemberton
Production company : DreamWorks Animation
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : July 30, 2025 (France), August 1, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : The animal criminals struggle to adjust to their new life as good guys. Soon, they're pulled out of retirement and forced to do “one last job” by an all-female team.
Notes: The animated sequel to the heist-comedy hit. Mr. Wolf and his gang return for another action-packed adventure, promising humor, clever twists, and stunning animation.

Nobody 2
Directed by Timo Tjahjanto
Written by Derek Kolstad, Aaron Rabin, Bob Odenkirk, Umair Aleem
Produced by Kelly McCormick, David Leitch, Bob Odenkirk, Marc Provissiero, Braden Aftergood, Chad Stahelski
Starring  Bob Odenkirk, Connie Nielsen, RZA, Christopher Lloyd, Sharon Stone, Colin Hanks, John Ortiz, Mckenna Grace, Chris Pine
Cinematography : Callan Green
Production companies : 87North Productions, Odenkirk Provissiero Entertainment, Eighty Two Films
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : August 13, 2025 (France), August 15, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis :  Suburban dad Hutch Mansell, a former lethal assassin, is pulled back into his violent past after thwarting a home invasion, setting off a chain of events that unravels secrets about his wife Becca's past and his own.
Notes: Bob Odenkirk reprises his role as Hutch Mansell in this action-packed sequel. With his deadly past catching up to him again, the film is expected to deliver brutal fight scenes and dry humor that thrilled audiences in the first film.

Him
Directed by Justin Tipping
Written by Zack Akers, Skip Bronkie
Produced by Jordan Peele, Win Rosenfeld, Ian Cooper, Jamal Watson
Starring  Marlon Wayans, Tyriq Withers, Julia Fox, Tim Heidecker, Jim Jefferies, Guapdad 4000, Tierra Whack
Production company : Monkeypaw Productions
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : September 19, 2025 (United States), September 25, 2025 (France)
Synopsis : A promising young athlete is invited to train with the star of a soon-to-be-retired team.
Notes: Produced by Jordan Peele, this psychological horror follows a young football player mentored by a legendary quarterback. However, as their relationship deepens, eerie and unsettling events unfold.

Gabby’s Dollhouse: The Movie
Directed by Ryan Crego
Written by Adam Wilson, Melanie Wilson LaBracio, Ryan Crego
Based on Gabby's Dollhouse by Traci Paige Johnson, Jennifer Twomey
Produced by Steven Schweickart, Jason Clark, Marcei A. Brown, Jessica Malanaphy
Starring  Laila Lockhart Kraner
Edited by Craig Herring
Production companies : DreamWorks Animation, Catchlight Studios
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : September 26, 2025 (United States), October 8 2025 (France)
Synopsis : During a road trip with her grandmother Gigi, Gabby's doll's house, her most prized possession, falls into the hands of an eccentric woman, Vera. Gabby sets off on an adventure in the real world...
Notes: An animated adaptation of the popular children’s series. The story expands on Gabby’s whimsical adventures with her cat friends, making it a delightful choice for families.

The Black Phone 2
Directed by Scott Derrickson
Written by Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
Based on The Black Phone by Joe Hill
Produced by Jason Blum, Scott Derrickson, C. Robert Cargill
Starring  Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, Jeremy Davies, Ethan Hawke
Production companies : Blumhouse Productions, Crooked Highway
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : October 15, 2025 (France), October 17, 2025 (United States)
Synopsis : In The Black Phone 2, Finney and Gwen face the lingering horrors of their past as new supernatural disturbances arise, pulling them back into a chilling world connected to The Grabber's legacy. With a haunting blend of suspense and terror, the siblings must confront sinister forces tied to the iconic black phone, as well as secrets buried in their own lives, to uncover the truth and stop a new, lurking evil before it claims more victims. This sequel expands the eerie narrative with deeper character explorations and the unsettling return of the Grabber's twisted influence.
Notes: The chilling sequel to the supernatural horror hit. With Scott Derrickson returning as director, the story delves deeper into the eerie and haunting elements established in the original film.

Wicked: For Good
Directed by Jon M. Chu
Written by Winnie Holzman, Dana Fox
Based on Wicked by Stephen Schwartz, Winnie Holzman and Wicked by Gregory Maguire
Produced by Marc Platt, David Stone
Starring  Cynthia Erivo, Ariana Grande, Jonathan Bailey, Ethan Slater, Bowen Yang, Peter Dinklage, Michelle Yeoh, Jeff Goldblum
Cinematography : Alice Brooks
Edited by Myron Kerstein
Music by John Powell (score), Stephen Schwartz (score and songs)
Production company : Marc Platt Productions
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : November 21, 2025 (United States), November 26, 2025 (France)
Synopsis : Follows Elphaba, the future Wicked Witch of the West and her relationship with Glinda, the Good Witch of the North. The second of a two-part feature film adaptation of the Broadway musical.
Notes: The continuation of the beloved musical adaptation. It explores the evolving friendship and identities of Elphaba and Glinda while delving further into the magical world of Oz.

Five Nights at Freddy’s 2
Directed by Emma Tammi             
Produced by Jason Blum, Scott Cawthon
Written by Scott Cawthon, Seth Cuddeback, Emma Tammi            
Starring  Josh Hutcherson, Elizabeth Lail, Matthew Lillard, Piper Rubio      
Music by The Newton Brothers
Cinematography : Lyn Moncrief
Production companies : Universal Pictures, Blumhouse Productions
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date : December 3, 2024 (France), December 5, 2024 (United States)
Synopsis : Anyone can survive five nights. This time, there will be no second chances.
Notes: The sequel to the successful video game adaptation. Fans can expect more terrifying animatronics and spine-chilling encounters in this next chapter of the horror franchise.

This lineup showcases Universal Pictures’ commitment to delivering diverse entertainment experiences in 2025, from high-energy thrillers and horror to heartwarming animations and beloved franchises.