5 upcoming sci‑fi movies in 2025 you can’t afford to miss

Science fiction is one of those genres that you can explore in so many different ways as a storyteller. From sci-fi movies that will make you question your very reality, to futuristic space operas grounded in reality and character drama, there's enough to never get bored. It's probably why I spend more time than I should searching out great sci-fi films that no one talks about, because I'm always looking for that next great piece of media.

While it's fun to explore science fiction from the past, I also like to keep my ear to the ground for upcoming films that have a lot of potential. And while 2025 may be nearing its end, there are a surprising number of intriguing sci-fi films still to come before the year closes out.

Tron: Ares

The long-awaited third entry is nearly here

I'll admit that I have been a bit hesitant to embrace Tron: Ares up until now, because it just looks so vastly different from the other films in the franchise. The lack of any characters from the previous film, Tron: Legacy, also initially bummed me out. Still, I'm very curious to see where this latest film takes the franchise, especially since a lot of the film ostensibly takes place in the real world.

New cast members include Jared Leto, Evan Peters, Gillian Anderson, and Cameron Monaghan. Jeff Bridges is returning in some form and reprising his role as Kevin Flynn. It's been a long time since Tron: Legacy, so I have to wonder how enthusiastic audiences will actually be to go out and see Tron: Ares. Either way, they'll get their chance when it drops in theaters on October 10.

Frankenstein

The latest adaptation of Mary Shelley's book looks incredible

I will admit to some bias when it comes to yet another adaptation of Frankenstein, because this time around, brilliant director Guillermo del Toro is at the helm. The acclaimed filmmaker has been trying to get this movie made since 2007, so it's been a long time coming. If anyone can finally capture the spirit of the book, then it is definitely del Toro.

The cast is absolutely stacked for Frankenstein, as well, with Oscar Isaac stepping into the role of the eponymous Victor Frankenstein. Jacob Elordi will take on the role of Frankenstein's monster. Mia Goth, Christoph Waltz, and Charles Dance are featured in supporting roles. Basically, if you're looking for an A-list cast to go along with your sci-fi, this is the film for you. Frankenstein will release on Netflix on October 17.

Bugonia

Another trippy sci-fi film from Yorgos Lanthimos

Bugonia looks to be one of those sci-fi films that might not actually be science fiction at all, depending on how it goes. Still, it has a great premise, and it's fueled by absurdist filmmaker Yorgos Lanthimos' trademark style. A remake of the 2003 Korean film Save the Green Planet!, Bugonia centers around Teddy (Jesse Plemons) and Don (Aidan Delbis), two conspiracy theorists who abduct Michelle (Emma Stone), a pharmaceutical CEO whom they believe is an alien intent on destroying the Earth.

Is she actually an alien, or are the two men just very unwell individuals? Well, the film may provide an answer to that. Given Lanthimos' track record, though, that might not even be a guarantee. Either way, Bugonia looks like a wild ride, and I can not wait to see what it brings to the sci-fi table, if anything at all. Bugonia releases in theaters on October 24.

Predator: Badlands

The latest entry in this long-running franchise looks to be the most epic installment yet

When director Dan Trachtenberg brought the Predator franchise back to life with 2022's Prey, I was very excited about its potential future. That excitement only grew when Trachtenberg released the animated Predator: Killer of Killers in the midst of 2025. And now we get what is potentially the most epic installment in the franchise yet in Predator: Badlands.

This latest film focuses on Dek (Dimitrius Schuster-Koloamatangi), a Predator in search of the ultimate prey to hunt. Elle Fanning also stars as a Weyland-Yutani synth named Thia who befriends Dek. This film aims to explore the alien culture of the Predator species and expand the series to levels previously unseen, and I'm eager to see what Trachtenberg has in store. Predator: Badlands will be released on November 7.

Avatar: Fire and Ash

The third film in James Cameron's epic looks to be the most ambitious

I don't particularly think that James Cameron's Avatar films have been his best, but I do appreciate just how stunning they are visually. The second film, Avatar: The Way of Water, was a visual feast for the eyes, even more than the first film. But even its story was more compelling than the original, and I'm hoping that trend will continue with Avatar: Fire and Ash.

Avatar: Fire and Ash will again focus on Jake Sully (Sam Worthington), Neytiri (Zoe Saldaña), and their family as they go up against yet another new Na'vi clan. This time around, they come face-to-face with the Ash People, Na'vi who have allied with Quaritch (Stephen Lang), everyone's favorite villain from the first two films. I'm excited to see how Cameron expands the planet of Pandora even more. Avatar: Fire and Ash will hit theaters on December 19.

There is so much sci-fi to look forward to

While I understand that science fiction, especially more complex sci-fi, doesn't exactly always do well at the box office, I'm still glad to see that studios are willing to greenlight more films. Yes, a majority of these films are part of an established franchise, but if they do well, maybe we can get some original work again in the future. But while you're waiting for these to drop, check out some immersive sci-fi shows that you can binge right now.