By Ainsley Lambert

I hope you cleared your calendar and are in the mood for hot buttery popcorn. From A-list movies to hidden gems, your watch list is about to be stacked. It is finally time to talk about the biggest drops of this year. Trailers have already broken multiple records with viewers on the edge of their seats! Whether you enjoy nail-biting plots or a good cry session, this 2025 lineup will satisfy your needs. 

Traveling into the world of Zootopia, elephants are serving ice cream with their trucks on your left while there is an otter stealing a giant donut on your right. “Zootopia 2” is the sequel to the original “Zootopia.” On Nov. 26 in theaters, you can experience Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde investigating a mysterious new reptilian animal in Zootopia who causes chaos right from their arrival. This family friendly movie is a mystery thriller set in the animated world. If you have not already watched it, the trailer is out now and only 17 days until released! This is a great pick if looking for kids and families with a good twist of intelligence to keep adults engaged. 

You raise the phone, take a fast step back, step forward, step back and swing. Halloween may have just ended, but there is always room for more scary movies. “Black Phone 2” is the 2025 sequel to “The Black Phone” (2021). This movie takes place four years later after Finn– spoiler alert– escaped the original villain. The black phone menace returns while Finn’s sister has visions of three boys being stalked at winter camp. For those who crave creepy killers and jumpscares, this sequel is a must watch for horror fans. This movie was released Oct. 17 and is still in theaters. Don’t miss out on Finn’s story. 

Movies are great but you can’t binge them like you can with a television show. The grand finale of “Stranger Things 5” is almost here and this is what you need to know. The volumes come out in three releases with the first one being Nov. 26 then Dec. 25 for Volume 2 and the Finale Dec. 31. There have been hints of a time jump and that the story will take place in Hawkins and the Upside Down dimension. There is a lot of nostalgia for the final season because the first season aired nine years ago. We all grew up with the characters so this is an emotional season. You can experience sci-fi/horror/drama all in one and I recommend putting this on your to watch list. 

Boarding an international plane to Germany, “Maxton Hall 2” brings romance, secrets and boarding school drama. Season 2 premiered on Prime Video Nov. 7 and has already been renewed for season 3. This is a good watch if you are looking outside the big U.S. blockbusters. We will follow Ruby and her life at the boarding school. James Beaufort is a bump in the road as an arrogant millionaire who despises Ruby. This is a good watch if you enjoy a high school romance with drama. 

From the heart pounding thrillers to long-awaited sequels, these upcoming movies and shows will assure something great for everyone. Whether you are streaming from your home or going to the theaters, the next life of these stories will keep you entertained and wanting more!

(Courtesy of Google)