2025 has been a huge year for the movie industry. After years of slow recovery following the pandemic, audiences returned to theaters in record numbers. Big-budget films, exciting sequels, and new stories all drew crowds around the world. While streaming services are still important, it was clear this year that people were ready to enjoy movies on the big screen again.

In this article, we look at the top 10 highest-grossing movies of 2025 so far. From superhero blockbusters and animated adventures to surprising hits, here’s a look at the films that made the most money and why they stood out.

Top Highest-Grossing Movies First Released in 2025

The year 2025 was a massive success for the film industry. After several years of slow recovery following the pandemic, this year proved to be a turning point. Studios returned to large-scale productions, fan-favorite franchises made comebacks, and streaming services played a smaller role in major box office returns. Audiences returned to theaters in huge numbers, especially for visually stunning films and sequels with built-in fan bases. Below, we look at some of the Highest-grossing movies of 2025 and what made each of them stand out.

1. A Minecraft Movie
Box Office: $1.21 billion worldwide
The long-awaited adaptation of the popular video game finally hit theaters and didn’t disappoint. With stunning visual effects and a surprisingly heartfelt story, this family-friendly adventure drew huge crowds. It became one of the biggest video game movies of all time, appealing to both gamers and general audiences.

2. Sinners
Box Office: $930 million worldwide
An unexpected hit, this crime thriller focused on a group of flawed characters caught in a web of lies and betrayal. With gripping performances and strong word-of-mouth, it proved that original storytelling could still dominate the global box office.

3. Captain America: Brave New World
Box Office: $1.05 billion worldwide
Sam Wilson’s first solo outing as Captain America brought excitement and emotion. The film explored political conflict and personal growth while offering thrilling action sequences. It marked Marvel’s return to billion-dollar territory.

4. Thunderbolts*
Box Office: $875 million worldwide
This Marvel ensemble featuring antiheroes like Yelena Belova and Bucky Barnes created buzz for its darker tone. It attracted audiences looking for something fresh in the superhero genre, and it set up future storylines for the MCU.

5. Dog Man
Box Office: $795 million worldwide
Based on Dav Pilkey’s popular children’s book series, Dog Man was a fun, goofy, and action-packed film for kids. Its animation style and humor resonated with young audiences, making it a hit across family markets.

6. Disney’s Snow White
Box Office: $980 million worldwide
This live-action reimagining of the Disney classic received a mixed critical response but was a commercial hit. Strong international sales and curiosity about the modern update helped it near the billion-dollar mark.

7. The King of Kings
Box Office: $670 million worldwide
An animated biblical epic from South Korea, this film gained global attention for its faith-based narrative and beautiful visuals. Its success showed the growing influence of religious and international films.

8. The Accountant 2
Box Office: $610 million worldwide
Ben Affleck returned as the math genius turned vigilante in this action-packed sequel. Fans of the original were thrilled by the deeper storyline and tense sequences. It did especially well in digital sales after its theatrical run.

9. One of Them Days
Box Office: $530 million worldwide
This quirky comedy-drama captured the ups and downs of everyday life with heart and humor. The relatable characters and strong script helped it connect with audiences, making it a sleeper hit.

10. Mickey 17
Box Office: $420 million worldwide
Directed by Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson, this sci-fi thriller was visually ambitious and thematically bold. While it underperformed compared to expectations, it still found a dedicated fan base and critical acclaim.

2025 Highest-Grossing Movies

The Highest-grossing movies of 2025 prove one thing: cinema is alive and well. Audiences worldwide are ready to support films that entertain, inspire, and challenge them. Whether it’s a hero’s journey, a heartfelt family story, or a visually rich fantasy world, 2025 delivered memorable experiences for movie lovers everywhere.

As we look to the future, it’s clear that the box office will remain an important part of global entertainment, and 2025 will be remembered as the year that cinema made its big comeback.

Global Cinema Bounces Back Strongly

2025 showed that moviegoers are hungry for big-screen experiences. Theaters around the world welcomed millions of viewers for the year’s most anticipated releases. From video game adaptations like A Minecraft Movie to superhero sagas such as Captain America: Brave New World, global audiences showed up in record numbers. This also marked the year when animated features, faith-based stories, and original concepts found commercial success alongside typical franchise powerhouses.

Streaming platforms, while still important, did not dominate the conversation the way they did in 2020–2023. Instead, theatrical releases saw stronger openings and longer box office legs, especially for family films and superhero titles.

Trends Seen in the Top Movies

One major trend this year was the dominance of franchise films. Marvel continued to perform strongly with multiple entries like Thunderbolts and Captain America: Brave New World. Audiences seemed excited about new characters and fresh storytelling angles, even if some Marvel fatigue was still present. Meanwhile, video game-based films like A Minecraft Movie finally proved that the genre could break the billion-dollar barrier, both critically and commercially.

Animated films, particularly Dog Man, proved that family-friendly content continues to bring in strong numbers. What’s interesting is how the movie used humor and simple storytelling to connect with both kids and adults. The King of Kings, though animated and religious in nature, found success due to its unique appeal and international audience support.

Original stories like Sinners and One of Them Days showed that non-franchise films still have a place at the box office if backed by strong direction, relatable themes, or social media buzz.

Strong International Markets

Another key reason for 2025’s box office success is the strength of international markets. Films like Mickey 17 and Disney’s Snow White earned more money overseas than in the U.S. This shows that global audiences are becoming just as important—if not more so—than domestic ones. Studios tailored their marketing campaigns to Asia, Europe, and Latin America, helping to boost ticket sales worldwide.

Countries like South Korea, China, and India became major contributors to box office earnings. Korean-made films like The King of Kings even became top-grossing foreign releases in North America, a trend that is likely to continue as global tastes evolve.

While some films performed as expected, others surprised both fans and critics. Sinners, for example, became a box office success despite having a lower budget and a smaller promotional campaign. It relied on strong word-of-mouth and gripping storytelling to win over audiences.

On the other hand, some high-budget films like Mickey 17 didn’t reach financial expectations. Despite being directed by the Oscar-winning Bong Joon-ho and starring Robert Pattinson, the film fell short of recouping its budget due to stiff competition and a somewhat niche sci-fi theme. Still, it received praise for its originality and visual storytelling.

The success of 2025 sets a strong foundation for the years ahead. Studios have learned that audiences crave variety: from superhero flicks and animated features to religious stories and bold new ideas. The trend of blending genres—such as comedy-horror, sci-fi-drama, and animated-action—is likely to grow.

2026 is expected to see even more high-profile releases and sequels. With the confidence gained from this year’s earnings, film production is likely to increase, and investment in theatrical experiences—like IMAX and 4DX—will probably rise.

READ MORE: 10 Unlikable Movie Characters Audiences Couldn’t Stand

In movies, we’re often introduced to characters the filmmakers clearly want us to root for—whether they’re heroes, love interests, or quirky sidekicks. But sometimes, those Unlikable Movie Characters completely miss the mark. Maybe it’s because of their annoying personalities, questionable actions, or how poorly they treat others. Whatever the reason, these characters ended up being more irritating than endearing. Let’s take a closer look at some of the most unlikable movie characters who were meant to be likable, and why audiences turned against them.

Unlikable movie characters often leave a bad taste in the audience’s mouth, but they can also bring depth to a story. These characters, though meant to evoke sympathy, frequently make us question their actions, leading to strong reactions from viewers.”

What makes a movie character unlikable isn’t just how they act—it’s how the film presents them. When characters behave terribly but are still framed as heroes, love interests, or sympathetic figures, audiences feel a disconnect. We want to care about the characters we’re following, but that becomes impossible when they act selfishly, manipulate others, or refuse to grow.

Sometimes, unlikable characters are intentionally written that way to make a point or create conflict. But when we’re meant to like them and just… don’t? That’s when movie magic fails.

1. Julianne Potter – My Best Friend’s Wedding (1997)

Played by Julia Roberts, Julianne was supposed to be the charming and relatable best friend. But instead of supporting her best friend Michael’s happiness, she spends the entire film scheming to ruin his wedding just because she suddenly realizes she loves him. Her selfishness is masked as romance, but her actions are manipulative and cruel—especially toward his fiancée, Kimberly (played by Cameron Diaz), who did absolutely nothing wrong. Julianne’s behavior may have been portrayed as “rom-com chaos,” but many viewers found it toxic and mean-spirited.

2. Jim Preston – Passengers (2016)

Chris Pratt’s Jim starts out as a lonely man on a spaceship who wakes up decades too early during a journey to a new planet. The real twist, however, is when he selfishly wakes up another passenger, Aurora (Jennifer Lawrence), dooming her to the same fate—just because he doesn’t want to be alone. The film tries to paint their romance as touching, but it glosses over the fact that Jim took away her future without consent. Instead of rooting for the couple, many viewers were disturbed by the power imbalance and his deceit.

3. Ferris Bueller – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off (1986)

At first glance, Ferris Bueller seems like a fun-loving teen skipping school for a day of adventure. But when you look closer, he’s actually kind of a jerk. He lies, manipulates, and drags his best friend Cameron into situations he clearly doesn’t want to be in. Ferris gets everything he wants without facing consequences, while the people around him suffer. He may be cool and rebellious, but he’s also selfish and inconsiderate.

4. Tyler – The Visit (2015)

In M. Night Shyamalan’s The Visit, Tyler is meant to be the comic relief—a teenage boy obsessed with rapping and making up weird replacement words for swearing. But instead of being funny, Tyler comes across as annoying and cringeworthy. His constant rhymes and awkward dialogue feel forced, and many viewers found his character more irritating than endearing. In a horror film, comic relief can be welcome—but not when it’s overdone.

5. Willy Wonka – Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (2005)

Johnny Depp’s take on Willy Wonka was a bold choice—and not one that everyone appreciated. Unlike Gene Wilder’s magical and warm version, Depp’s Wonka is cold, distant, and emotionally stunted. His backstory about childhood trauma is supposed to make him sympathetic, but instead, it just adds a strange darkness to the character. His behavior toward the kids is rude and often cruel, which makes him more off-putting than whimsical. Many viewers were left missing the charm of the original.

6. Laurie Strode – Halloween II (2009)

In this version of the Halloween story, Scout Taylor-Compton’s Laurie is a far cry from the brave and composed survivor played by Jamie Lee Curtis. Here, Laurie is portrayed as unstable, angry, and constantly yelling. While some of her behavior can be explained by trauma, her character is so grating and unsympathetic that it becomes hard to root for her. Instead of inspiring strength, she alienates the audience with her unpredictable and unpleasant personality.

7. Andie Anderson – How to Lose a Guy in 10 Days (2003)

Kate Hudson plays Andie, a magazine writer who dates a guy with the secret plan of driving him away as part of an article. While it’s meant to be funny, Andie’s tactics are often cruel, manipulative, and borderline emotionally abusive. From faking neediness to sabotaging dates, her behavior is outrageous—and not in a charming way. Though the movie frames it as a quirky love story, many viewers found Andie’s actions to be completely unlikable.

8. Asami Yamazaki – Audition (1999)

At first, Asami seems like the perfect woman—quiet, elegant, and mysterious. But as the story unfolds, she reveals a deeply terrifying and violent side. While she is technically not a character we’re “supposed” to like, her calm and composed introduction sets her up as a potential romantic lead. When she begins to torture and kill, the turn is shocking. Her brutal actions, although tied to her own traumatic past, are horrifying enough to make her one of cinema’s most unsettling characters.

9. Jack Torrance – The Shining (1980)

Jack Nicholson’s performance as Jack Torrance is iconic—but his character is undeniably unlikable. Even before his descent into madness, Jack shows signs of anger, impatience, and resentment toward his family. As the supernatural forces in the Overlook Hotel begin to affect him, he becomes physically and emotionally abusive. His terrifying behavior eventually escalates to attempted murder, turning him into the true villain of the story. Despite being the main character, Jack is someone audiences fear, not root for.

10. Amber Von Tussle – Hairspray (2007)

Amber is the classic “mean girl”—spoiled, racist, and completely full of herself. She uses her status as a TV star to bully others and actively opposes racial integration on the show. The movie clearly wants us to dislike her, but her over-the-top attitude and constant nastiness make her especially frustrating. Amber represents the kind of entitled person who benefits from privilege and power—and refuses to change even when she’s proven wrong.

READ MORE: Top 10 Supernatural Series Streaming on Netflix Right Now (2025)

Supernatural shows have always fascinated audiences with their spooky settings, magical elements, and mysterious plots. In 2025, Netflix offers an amazing collection of supernatural series, blending everything from ghostly tales to time travel mysteries. Whether you’re a fan of horror, fantasy, or mind-bending mysteries, these top 10 supernatural shows will keep you glued to your screen. Let’s dive into the most thrilling series you can stream right now.

If you’re someone who loves creepy stories, mysterious powers, and strange happenings, you’re in for a treat! Netflix has become a top destination for supernatural series that keep viewers hooked with eerie plots, magical twists, and unforgettable characters. From ghost stories and dark fantasies to time travel and otherworldly creatures, these shows bring the unknown right into your living room. In this article, we’ve rounded up the 10 best supernatural series you can stream on Netflix in 2025. Whether you’re a long-time fan of the genre or just looking for your next binge-worthy show, this list has something for everyone.

1. Dead Boy Detectives

• Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
• Rating: TV-MA
• Release Date: April 25, 2024
• Language: English
• Runtime: 56 mins

Dead Boy Detectives is a fun yet dark supernatural adventure about two teenage boys who refuse to move on to the afterlife. Instead, they stay on Earth and solve supernatural mysteries involving ghosts, curses, and magical threats. Along the way, they team up with a living girl who can see them and helps them navigate the world of the living. The show mixes humor with eerie moments and exciting action. It’s fast-paced, quirky, and perfect for fans who enjoy ghost-hunting stories with a twist. The chemistry between the main characters makes it both entertaining and heartfelt.

Although the show has been canceled, we still expect both main characters, Charles and Edwin, to return in The Sandman season 2, which is set to premiere in July.

2. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina

• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror, Mystery, Thriller
• Rating: TV-14
• Release Date: December 31, 2020
• Language: English
• Runtime: 60 mins

Forget everything you knew about the cheerful teenage witch. This darker version of Sabrina follows her as she struggles between her human and witch sides. She’s torn between living a normal life and embracing her dark magical destiny. The show dives deep into themes like good vs. evil, loyalty, identity, and love. From creepy rituals to encounters with demons, each episode is filled with suspense. The gothic visuals, strong performances (especially by Kiernan Shipka), and an intense storyline make it a must-watch for supernatural fans.

3. Locke & Key

• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• Release Date: August 10, 2022
• Language: English
• Runtime: 48 mins

Locke & Key follows the Locke siblings who move into their father’s ancestral home after his tragic death. The house, however, holds magical keys that grant strange powers like entering someone’s mind, traveling anywhere, or turning invisible. But with magic comes danger. An evil demon is also searching for the keys, leading to a battle between good and evil. The show is visually stunning and packed with emotional moments, especially around themes of grief, family, and courage. It’s a fantasy-horror series that blends mystery, action, and heartfelt moments perfectly.

4. Haunted

• Genre: Horror, Reality-TV
• Rating: TV-MA
• Release Date: May 14, 2021
• Language: English
• Runtime: 24 mins

Haunted offers something different. It’s a docu-style horror series where real people recount terrifying supernatural experiences from their past. These chilling stories are brought to life through dramatized scenes that feel like mini horror movies. Each episode stands alone, which makes it perfect for short, scary binges. From haunted houses and evil spirits to unexplainable events, this series dives deep into the unknown. It’s not for the faint of heart, but horror fans will love its raw and creepy vibe.

5. The Fall of the House of Usher

• Genre: Drama, Horror
• Rating: TV-MA
• Release Date: October 12, 2023
• Language: English
• Runtime: 57 mins

Inspired by Edgar Allan Poe’s famous short story, The Fall of the House of Usher is a dark and twisted tale about a powerful family that faces its own haunted past. As mysterious deaths begin to occur, secrets are revealed, and the family’s world starts to crumble. With eerie visuals and strong performances, this series blends classic horror with modern storytelling. It’s not just about ghosts—it’s also about guilt, legacy, and the price of power. If you enjoy slow-burn horror and family drama with a supernatural edge, this one’s for you.

6. Dark

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
• Rating: TV-MA
• Release Date: June 27, 2020
• Language: German (with subtitles or dubbing)
• Runtime: 60 mins

Dark is one of the most mind-blowing supernatural series ever made. It begins with a missing child case in a small German town, but quickly turns into a complex story involving time travel, parallel worlds, and family secrets. It challenges viewers to think deeply about fate, identity, and the consequences of our actions. With multiple timelines and rich characters, the show creates an immersive and thrilling experience. It’s best to watch this one closely—every detail matters. Dark is perfect for fans who love mysteries and sci-fi mixed with supernatural twists.

7. The Haunting of Hill House

• Genre: Horror
• Release Date: October 12, 2018
• Language: English
• Runtime: 50 mins

The Haunting of Hill House is a haunting tale about a family who lived in a creepy old mansion as children and are now dealing with its lasting effects as adults. The show switches between their past and present, showing how the trauma of their childhood still haunts them—literally and emotionally. It’s a deep, emotional story wrapped in ghostly horror. The series touches on themes like grief, mental illness, and family bonds, making it more than just a scare-fest. The storytelling is beautiful, and the scares are unforgettable.

8. Midnight Mass

• Genre: Drama, Horror, Mystery
• Rating: TV-MA
• Release Date: September 24, 2021
• Language: English
• Runtime: 40 mins

Created by Mike Flanagan (also behind Hill House), Midnight Mass is a powerful and haunting story about faith, miracles, and darkness. When a mysterious new priest arrives in a small island town, strange things start happening—people are healed, but there’s a sinister secret behind it all. The show builds tension slowly, focusing on deep conversations and spiritual struggles. It’s a mix of horror and human drama, with powerful messages about belief, forgiveness, and redemption. It’s more thoughtful than scary but still filled with chilling moments.

9. Wednesday

• Genre: Comedy, Crime, Family
• Rating: TV-14
• Release Date: November 23, 2022
• Language: English
• Runtime: 45 mins

Wednesday follows the iconic Wednesday Addams as she begins school at Nevermore Academy, a place for children with unusual abilities. There, she uncovers secrets about her family, learns to control her psychic powers, and investigates a monster killing people nearby. Jenna Ortega shines as Wednesday, giving the character a sharp and smart edge. The show mixes mystery with humor and gothic style, making it one of Netflix’s most stylish supernatural series. It’s spooky but fun, and perfect for teens and adults alike.

Wednesday has garnered a hugely devoted fanbase since airing in 2022. Its much-anticipated second season premieres August 6.

10. Stranger Things

• Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
• Rating: TV-14
• Release Date: July 1, 2022
• Language: English
• Runtime: 51 mins

No list of supernatural series is complete without Stranger Things. Set in the 1980s, it begins with a boy’s disappearance and leads to the discovery of a hidden dimension called the Upside Down. As the story grows, more monsters appear, and the group of kids faces bigger and scarier threats. What makes Stranger Things special is its mix of horror, nostalgia, friendship, and mystery. The show has created a massive fanbase and continues to be one of Netflix’s biggest hits. If you love suspense and monsters with heartwarming moments, this is a must-watch.

READ MORE: Top 10 Must-Watch Horror Movies on Netflix