Introduction
Happy New Year! Welcome to 2025! As we all brush off the cobwebs from the holidays, the media landscape is buzzing with new releases, from groundbreaking television series to highly anticipated movies. 2025 is poised to be a year that both captivates audiences and challenges filmmakers.
With an array of new releases across genres and platforms, there is something for everyone to look forward to this year, and plenty for us screenwriters to learn from!
So, join us for today’s blog as we break down the hottest upcoming releases for 2025, give you a heads up on what to look out for, and set you up for your best screenwriting year yet.
Ready? Then let’s dive in!
Why 2025 is Exciting for Media
2025 promises a vibrant slate of media releases with something for every taste! From comedy to horror, drama to sci-fi, you’re sure to find something in 2025 that piques your interest and keeps you coming back for more!
Whether you’re looking for deep psychological complexity and genre innovation, or lighter fare with young adult romance and charm, or even hard-hitting documentaries, 2025 promises to feed your viewing appetites.
Both television and film are generating a huge amount of anticipation, already striking a chord with viewers and critics alike even prior to releases.
So, what exactly is getting people talking this year? Let’s explore some of the highlights for each genre, with details on where you can watch – and when!
Genre Highlights
Here are our top picks for the hottest film and television releases for 2025!
Television
Horror | Yellowjackets
Psychological thriller/horror series Yellowjackets continues to enthrall audiences with its blend of survival drama and supernatural intrigue. The show’s layered storytelling, shifting between past and present timelines, is a masterclass in pacing and tone for any screenwriter!
We recommend studying how Yellowjackets builds tension by intertwining character backstories with a present-day mystery, ensuring that every scene serves multiple narrative purposes.
Cach season one and two of Yellowjackets on Showtime, with season three set to premiere on February 14, 2025! Not long to wait!
Can’t wait that long? Check out a first look at the new season below:
Build an ensemble cast that’s to die for with Celtx’s character profile tools.
Start today!
Sci-Fi | Severance
Once of Apple TV’s most innovative series, Severance first set pulses racing in 2022. Few shows have captured the zeitgeist quite like it. Exploring work-life balance through a dystopian lens, Severance has resonated deeply with viewers.
Its minimalist yet haunting aesthetic is combined with a tightly wound narrative structure which gives us lots of consider as screenwriters. Severance demonstrates how to craft a compelling mystery while tackling thought-provoking themes. The world created is suspenseful and somehow feels alien just as much as it does eerily familiar!Like many other projects, the production of season two of Severance was delayed due to the writer’s strike, but the wait is almost over, with a release date set for January 17th, 2025. I can hardly contain my excitement!
Of course, how could we forget the official trailer for season two?
YA/Romcom | XO, Kitty
If you’re a fan of romance and coming-of-age stories, XO, Kitty delivers heartfelt drama and light-hearted humor. A spin off from the popular To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before franchise, this series keeps the stakes personal while introducing new cultural dynamics and romantic entanglements.
For writers, this is a great series to study as it effortlessly balances relatability with escapism, showcasing its appeal to a broader audience. With one series under its belt, fans of XO, Kitty need only wait until January 16th, 2025, to get their paws on season 2, only on Netflix.
Catch the trailer here:
Documentary | Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action
The upcoming documentary on Jerry Springer promises to delve into the iconic chat show host’s polarizing legacy. Beyond the sensationalism of his program, the film aims to explore deeper questions about media ethics, public spectacle and the wider American culture.We can certainly learn a lot about the responsibility that comes with storytelling as filmmakers, especially when we’re dealing with real people and events. Jerry Springer: Fights, Camera, Action is due for release on Netflix on January 7th, 2025.
Check out the official trailer below:
Film
Action/Adventure | Superman
With superhero movies dominating the big screen for the last few years, it wasn’t going to be long until we saw another installment of the Superman franchise. Due for release on July 11th, 2025, we’re sure to be treated to another masterclass in character development in an extraordinary world!
The movie will explore Clark Kent’s journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his adoptive human family in Smallville. We’re sure to expect huge action sequences combined with a very human story.
Musical | Wicked: For Good
It seems the hype around 2024’s biggest cinematic release will never die down, especially since the second half of the Wicked story is due to land in November 2025.
It’s a true lesson for us as writers on how adaptations can absolutely hit the ball out the park. Set in the years surrounding Dorothy Gale’s arrival in Oz, Wicked tells the origin story of the Wicked Witch of the West.
After learning that the Wizard of Oz’s powers weren’t all that they seemed, Elphaba and Glinda’s friendship is sure to be tested – as is our patience as we wait eleven months to get foot on the yellow brick road once again.
Horror | M3GAN 2.0
The killer doll is back, and there’s a lot of mystery surrounding her and the next installment in the franchise. All we know is that the original cast is due to return, with a release date of June 27th, 2025.
Whatever happens, M3GAN 2.0 is sure to be a hit with fans, who flocked to the movie theater for the film’s creative kills and twisted sense of humor.
Romcom | Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy
Can you believe this is the fourth Bridget Jones movie? This time, the beloved character is a single mother who has recently been widowed. The stakes have been upped for Bridget as she juggles being a single parent and her career – and then she meets Roxster, a much younger man. The final installment in the Bridget Jones franchise, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy is due to be released just in time for Valentine’s Day on February 13th, 2025.
Check out the hilarious trailer here:
Drama | The Last Showgirl
Set to release this month, The Last Showgirl, starring Pamela Anderson, is generating a huge buzz. The film explores resilience and reinvention, sure to strike a chord with both critics and viewers! Hopefully, this should help us out with those pesky New Years’ resolutions!
Want a taster? Of course you do! Here’s the trailer:
What Writers Can Learn
Across all these releases in film and television, we can already feel the power of well-crafted storytelling. Whether it’s the slow-burn tension of Yellowjackets, the intricate world-building of Severance, or the multi-layered beloved characters like Bridget Jones, each of these examples offers valuable lessons in pacing, character development, and thematic exploration.
By studying how these elements come together, we can feel inspired in our own work, motivating us to hone our craft and ultimately push boundaries! After all, isn’t that what creativity is all about? Take the mystery of Severance and how the writers deliberately unravel it across season one, only dropping significant details when absolutely necessary. In contrast, the fast-paced emotional beats of XO, Kitty highlights the awkwardness of young romance. It’s important to experiment and find the balance for our own stories.
Get inspired and start your next hit with Celtx.
Your ultimate screenwriting and pre-production companion!
Emerging Trends in Media
As writers, it’s crucial for us to keep up to date with what’s hot in Hollywood and the trends that are taking the industry by storm.
One of the emerging trends for 2025 is the blending of genres. Shows like Yellowjackets seamlessly weave horror and psychological drama, while Severance combines sci-fi with workplace satire. By taking what works and flipping it on its head or adding a new angle, writers are always coming up with fresh and exciting concepts.
Cross-genre innovation like this allows filmmakers to explore complex themes while keeping audiences engaged with the tried and tested. We should always be considering how we can mix genres in our own writing to create new, dynamic stories.
As well as blending genres, writers are really diving character-led narratives. From the intimate journeys in The Last Showgirl, to the evolving relationships in XO, Kitty, character driven narratives remain at the forefront of storytelling.
With the world becoming even more unstable, audiences crave authenticity and emotional resonance more than ever. It’s essential that we as writers focus on crafting multi-dimensional and relatable characters.
With authenticity also comes responsibility in how we’re telling our stories. With the upcoming release of documentaries such as the Jerry Springer film, it’s more important than ever to tell stories ethically, especially when dealing with polarizing topics.
In an era where audiences are more critical of how stories are told, particularly those based on real events, we must approach our work with care and integrity.
How can Celtx help?
So, you’re ready to write your first script of 2025, but are struggling to get started? Or maybe you just need that spark of inspiration? Well, look no further. For writers looking to sharpen their skills and stay inspired over the coming year, Celtx is here to help!
With our range of invaluable tools and resources, we can support you from initial idea to final draft and beyond. For that first spark of inspiration, why not check out our pre-loaded library of example scripts and read along with your favorite classic movie?
By reading these example scripts while watching the corresponding movie, you’d be surprised at the deep understanding you’ll gain on how stories are constructed! It’s one of the best ways to learn about screenwriting, whether you’re a complete beginner or a seasoned writer. There’s always something new to learn!
Additionally, Celtx’s collaborative features are perfect if you’re working within a writing team. Brainstorm and refine your projects as well as use our organizational tools to help streamline your overall writing process! If you’re eager to explore even more scripts, resources such as The Black List and Simply Scripts offer a wide range of screenplays. Combined with our tools here at Celtx, you’ll have a comprehensive approach to learning and growth throughout 2025.
Final Thoughts
The media landscape of 2025 is rich with opportunities for inspiration and innovation. The year’s upcoming releases highlight evolving trends, from genre fusion to increased ethical storytelling. There are sure to be countless lessons for us writers along the way!
Of course, AI continues to play a role in content creation, from script analysis to collaborative tools. These advancements, like them or not, present both opportunities and challenges. It’s important that we embrace technology without losing sight of the humanity that makes storytelling so impactful.
So, as you settle into 2025, remember to watch with a writer’s eye. Analyze the techniques used in new releases, question the filmmaker’s choices, and, most importantly, let these stories inspire your own! You never know – your story may be the one the world is waiting for!
So, what are you waiting for? 2025 could be your year – you just have to begin!
Start writing your screenplay with Celtx today.
Loved this article? Try these next!
- What is a Call Sheet? [with Examples & Templates]
- What Does a Producer Do? (In Film)
- External Conflict in Films: Analysis and Key Examples
