Stranger Things, Karate Kid, Iron Heart, and upcoming releases to watch out for in 2025

This year has got it all—nostalgic comebacks, fresh takes, and new heroes you won’t want to miss!

- Sakshi Deshmukh
Jan 25, 2025

offline

2025 has some serious screen magic in store. From iconic favourites making a comeback to fresh takes on stories we already love, there’s a lot to look forward to. Whether you’re hyped for the return of Stranger Things, ready to dive into a new Karate Kid adventure, or curious about what Marvel’s Ironheart has in store, there’s no shortage of excitement. Throw in some drama (looking at you, The White Lotus and The Summer I turned Pretty ) and some epic sci-fi, and it’s clear we’re in for a packed watchlist this year.

The White Lotus, Season 3

The White Lotus returns for its third season on HBO, premiering on February 16. This time, the drama, unfolds in a luxurious Thai resort, bringing a new scandal and a whole new wave of mystery. Alongside returning favourites like Natasha Rothwell, the season introduces fresh faces including Jason Isaacs, Leslie Bibb, and BLACKPINK’s Lisa. With unexpected twists and jaw-dropping moments, this season is sure to keep us glued to the screen.

The Last Of Us, Season 2

The Last of Us Season 2, is finally coming to HBO in April 2025, will take us deeper into the gritty world of Joel (Pedro Pascal) and Ellie (Bella Ramsey). Adapted from the video game The Last of Us Part II, the season introduces new characters, including Kaitlyn Dever as Abby Anderson and Isabela Merced as Dina, alongside the familiar faces we’ve come to love. Expect a darker, more intense story exploring themes of revenge, redemption, and survival in a post-apocalyptic world. With just seven episodes, the season is set to keep us on the edge of our seats. Fans of the first season can look forward to more emotional twists and jaw-dropping moments.

Mickey 17

Robert Pattinson stars in Mickey 17, a sci-fi dark comedy directed by Bong Joon Ho, the mastermind behind the Oscar-winning Parasite. Set to hit theatres on March 7, the film follows Mickey Barnes, an expendable crew member on a mission to colonise a distant planet. After dying and being cloned multiple times, Mickey’s journey takes some wild and dark comedic twists. With Bong’s signature mix of suspense, satire, and social commentary, this film promises to be as thrilling as it is thought-provoking. Along with Pattinson, the cast includes Steven Yeun and Naomi Ackie, making it a must-watch.

Karate Kid: Legends

Karate Kid: Legends is set to drop on May 30, bringing plenty of nostalgia for both Millennials and Gen Z. Directed by Jonathan Entwistle and written by Rob Lieber, this film takes place three years after the events of Cobra Kai, making it the sixth entry in The Karate Kid franchise. Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio return to their iconic roles, while Ben Wang makes his debut as the lead. The story focuses on a new generation of martial artists, with the older characters passing on their skills and wisdom. With faces like Joshua Jackson, Sadie Stanley, and Ming-Na Wen joining the cast, Karate Kid: Legends is all about the classic karate action we love.

Alpha

Alpha is all set to drop on December 25, and it’s going to be a wild ride in the YRF Spy Universe. Alia Bhatt and Sharvari Wagh take the lead as two badass female super agents. With Bobby Deol and Anil Kapoor joining the cast, this film is packed with unexpected twists and adrenaline-fueled sequences. If you’re looking for a thriller that keeps you on the edge of your seat, Alpha is definitely one to watch.

The Summer I Turned Pretty, Season 3

The Summer I Turned Pretty Season 3 is coming back with all the summer drama, romance, and emotional rollercoasters. This season will dive deeper into Belly’s (Lola Tung) complicated love life and family dynamics, all against the iconic beach setting, making everything feel even more intense. Fans can expect new love triangles, tough choices, and heartwarming moments that made the show such a hit. With a mix of old favourites and fresh twists, season 3 is sure to keep us hooked and ready for more.

Ironheart

Ironheart, a series dropping on Disney+ Hotstar on June 24, is set to introduce us to Riri Williams (Dominique Thorne), a brilliant young inventor with a homemade suit of armour. Fans are already buzzing with excitement, and there’s a lot of chatter about a possible cameo from Robert Downey Jr. as Tony Stark—though we can only hope! If it happens, it would be the perfect nod to the past and a passing of the torch to the new generation of heroes. Either way, Ironheart is shaping up to be a thrilling ride with plenty of action, tech, and surprises.

Stranger Things, Season 5

Stranger Things season 5 is on the way and fans are counting down to see how it all wraps up. After the huge cliffhanger at the end of season 4, there’s a lot to look forward to as we head towards the grand finale. Expect more supernatural chaos, emotional moments, and that signature '80s nostalgia we can’t get enough of. The cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, and Winona Ryder, will be back to bring the story to its thrilling conclusion. The release date is still TBD, but you can bet it's going to be worth the wait.

Lead image credit: IMDB

Also read: Demi Moore’s Golden Globes win proves that it’s time to take horror seriously

Also read: The best period dramas of all time