A Preview of the Best Science Fiction Movies in 2025 & 2026

We love science fiction: whether spectacular space adventures, insane inventions or fascinating visions of the future: Hardly any genre makes us wonder more: what if...? In this article, we provide you with an overview of the most interesting movie projects that await us in the near future! Welcome to our preview of the best science fiction movies of 2025 & 2026!

Mickey 17

In January 2025, "Mickey 17" will be released with Robert Pattinson in the lead role. The movie is an adaptation of the novel of the same name by Edward Ashton. The story revolves around a clone called Mickey7, who is sent to the ice planet Niflheim to help an expedition crew. His benefit: he is replaceable. If he has an accident on a mission, a new clone with his previous memories is simply sent to take his place. But when Mickey7 disappears from the scene for a short time, he is shocked to discover that Mickey8 has already been sent to replace him. However, Mickey7 doesn't want to die yet.

"Mickey 17" is set to be an exciting sci-fi drama. It is directed by the legendary Bong Joon-ho, who is known for works such as "Parasite", "Memories of Murder" and "Snowpiercer". The movie is slated for release in cinemas on January 31, 2025.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps

Things are going to be intergalactic in the superhero film "The Fantastic Four: First Steps". The debut of the four heroes in the MCU has been a long time coming, but soon it will finally be here. The plot is set in an alternative version of the 1960s, in other words, not in the usual timeline of the other MCU movies. In the new film, the superheroes will face off against the Silver Surfer, who we already know from previous productions. However, there was a lot of talk about the cast: this time, the old Surfer's wife from the comics, played by Julia Garner, takes center stage.

The cast of the main characters is certainly impressive: Reed Richards is played by none other than Hollywood's number one daddy Pedro Pascal. His girlfriend Sue Storm has a new face too: in the new installment, she is played by British actress Vanessa Kirby. Of course, where Sue is, her brother Johnny can't be missing: The role of Human Torch is reserved for a Hollywood newcomer in the new movie: Joseph Quinn is the name of the actor, who some of you might recognize as Eddie Munson from the Netflix series "Stranger Things". Last but not least, there's Ben Grimm, better known as The Thing: he's played by "The Bear" star Ebon Moss-Bachrach.

At Disney's D23 event this year, the return of Robert Downey Jr. to the MCU was announced in the form of Doctor Doom. We are curious to see whether he will also make an appearance in the "Fantastic Four" film. After all, Doom is considered one of the main antagonists of the superhero squad. One thing is already certain, though: alongside the Silver Surfer, we will also get to see the mega-villain Galactus, played by Ralph Ineson. "The Fantastic Four: First Steps" will be released in theaters on July 25, 2025.

Tron 3: Ares

After "Tron" from 1982 and "Tron: Legacy" from 2010, "Tron: Ares", the third installment in the stylish film series, is now in the pipeline. It is about the title character played by Jared Leto - a program that ends up in the real world. Jeff Bridges is also involved, who will once again play Kevin Flynn, as in the two predecessors. However, we will have to bid farewell to the two other main characters from part 2: neither Garrett Hedlund nor Olivia Wilde will be reprising their roles.

The director is Joachim Rønning. The Norwegian previously directed "Pirates of the Caribbean: Dead Men Tell No Tales" and "Maleficent: Mistress of Evil", for example. Unfortunately, the music no longer comes from "Daft Punk", who have since broken up as a band. But there is a top-class successor: this time, Trent Reznor is contributing the soundtrack with his band "Nine Inch Nails". "Tron 3: Ares" will hit theaters on October 10, 2025.

Bugonia

In Fall 2025, we will be presented with "Bugonia", a remake of the South Korean movie "Save the Green Planet!" from 2003. The film revolves around two conspiracy ideologues who abduct an influential CEO of a big company. They are firmly convinced that she is an alien who wants to destroy the Earth.

So far, Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons have been cast in the leading roles. "Bugonia" will be directed by master director Yorgos Lanthimos, who has often worked with Stone, for example on the Oscar-winning "Poor Things". Most recently, Plemons was also seen at her side in Lanthimos' "Kinds of Kindness". "Bugonia" is a classic sci-fi comedy that is scheduled for release on November 7, 2025.

Avatar 3: Fire and Ash

With "Avatar 3: Fire and Ash", the year 2025 is coming to a close with a true highlight. The movie is almost finished and there are already some clues about the plot. The late producer Jon Landau emphasized in an interview that the story of the third part will be more complex and visually stunning with the introduction of new clans and biomes.

Director James Cameron confirmed this and revealed that the so-called Ash Clan will play a particularly important role. This clan is strongly connected to the element of fire and will show a darker side of the Na'vi. This is intended to break up the previous view of good and evil in the series.

In spite of new antagonists, Colonel Quaritch remains the main one. And the Sully family continues to be the focus of the plot, though no major time jumps in comparison to part 2 are expected due to the back-to-back filming. New characters include Varang, who will be played by "Game of Thrones" actress Oona Chaplin. David Thewlis and Michelle Yeoh are among the future cast, although Yeoh will not make an appearance until "Avatar 4".

Besides the new cast members, many familiar faces from the previous films are also returning, including Sigourney Weaver, Sam Worthington, Zoe Saldana, Stephen Lang and Kate Winslet. There will even be more underwater scenes, in keeping with the Sullys' stay with the Metkayina.

While it was long rumored that the title of the third movie could be "Seed Bearer", we have known since August that it will actually be called "Fire and Ash". Cameron promised that part 3 will take viewers to new, unexplored regions of Pandora. The adventure should not only be visually impressive, but also deeply moving.

"Fire and Ash" was originally planned as one film together with "The Way of Water". However, due to the abundance of material, Cameron decided to split the story into two films. "Avatar 3" will be released in movie theaters on December 19, 2025.

Avengers 5: Doomsday

With "Avengers 5: Doomsday", the year 2026 begins with a blast. For the first time in 7 years after "Endgame", the new and old Avengers join forces again to fight an overpowering enemy. Originally, the Avengers' antagonist, Kang, had been known for quite some time. However, after actor Jonathan Majors was convicted of domestic violence, a new villain had to be found. For this, the makers of the MCU resorted to clever ideas and presented "Iron Man" actor Robert Downey Jr. as Doctor Doom.

Thanks to the multiverse, this can indeed be explained in the story: According to insider Alex Perez, it is supposed to be a variant of Doom that does not originate from Earth-616. Doom is apparently trying to create the so-called Battleworld. At the end of the Multiverse saga, there will be a huge event in which the Avengers will have to face off against the X-Men. This will also involve an epic battle between Wolverine and Hulk. How much of this will be seen in the first of the two upcoming Avengers movies remains to be seen. "Avengers 5: Doomsday" is set to open in theaters on May 1, 2026.

The Mandalorian and Grogu

In mid-2026, "The Mandalorian and Grogu" will be released, an eagerly awaited movie. This is the first "Star Wars" movie to be released since Episode 9. So far, we know the two protagonists mainly from the Disney+ series "The Mandalorian", which is regarded as a highlight of the franchise by many fans.

Not much is yet known about the plot. However, it is assumed that it will take place after season 3. The focus could therefore be on the renewed rise of the Mandalorian people. What is clear so far is that Pedro Pascal will once again assume the leading role as Din Djarin.

Like some episodes of the series, the movie will be directed by Jon Favreau. He is once again co-writing the screenplay with Dave Filoni, who fans have high hopes for. In fact, it will not just be one movie: Another one will eventually bring the entire Mandoverse together. But first things first: "The Mandalorian and Grogu" is due to be released in cinemas on May 22, 2026.

Star Wars 10: New Jedi Order

In late 2026, we can probably expect another "Star Wars" movie with the provisional title "New Jedi Order". However, the project is already being met with extreme criticism among fans. The plot is set 15 years after the events of Episode 9. At the center: once again Daisy Ridley in the role of Rey. She has rebuilt the Jedi Order after her final battle, but a dark threat seems to be looming yet again.

There is already speculation as to whether Mark Hamill will once again slip into the role of Luke Skywalker to assist Rey as the Force Ghost. Unfortunately, not much is known about the movie in general. The only thing that is certain is that after the last unpopular movies about Rey, it will have a hard time winning over fans.

The fact that production has been very difficult so far doesn't help either: the first screenplay was written by Damon Lindelof and Justin Britt-Gibson, both of whom have since left the project. "Peaky Blinders" creator Steven Knight has taken over for them. Oscar winner Sharmeen Obaid-Chinoy, who previously directed several episodes of "Ms. Marvel", is the director. An exact release date is currently unknown after several postponements - however, it is speculated to be set for December 18, 2026.

Dune 3: Messiah

There are many indications that we can expect the finale of Denis Villeneuve's "Dune" trilogy at the end of 2026. The director actually wanted to take a break from the franchise and shoot a smaller film in between. However, the director has now announced a major IMAX event movie for distributor Warner Bros. and production company Legendary Pictures, also on December 18, 2026 - it seems as good as certain that this will be "Dune 3: Messiah".

The story is to be an adaptation of the second novel by Frank Herbert. It finally dispels the impression that the main character Paul is a shining hero.