July 2025 Movie Releases: A Complete Guide to Major Hits like Jurassic World, Superman, and Omniscient Reader
For movie fans, July 2025 is shaping up to be a month of celebration. From Hollywood's giant franchises to a blockbuster based on a unique Korean webnovel, the silver screen will become a battleground for a massive box-office showdown. A notable characteristic of this July's releases is their heavy reliance on existing intellectual property (IP), showing that studios are betting on "surefire hits" backed by proven fanbases.
This lineup forms an intriguing dynamic, representing not just a competition between films, but a clash of cultural source materials. We now present a unique and detailed guide to the major films scheduled for release in July 2025, complete with in-depth analysis.
July 2025 Movies: A Summer Screen Showdown, What's Your Pick?
Hello, movie lovers! In July 2025, the cinema is set to heat up with an all-time great blockbuster lineup. Legendary Hollywood franchises are making new beginnings, while a Korean film based on a webnovel with a massive fandom is throwing its hat in the ring, heralding a fierce box-office war.
The most prominent feature of this month's theater offerings is the market's focus on IP (Intellectual Property). Familiar characters in new stories are returning to audiences as studios deploy a strategy to minimize risk and target already secured fan loyalty.
Now, let's take a detailed look at the major releases that will make your heart pound in July 2025.
PART 1. Clash of the Titans: An In-Depth Analysis of Hollywood Blockbusters
The Hollywood blockbusters releasing this July are more than just simple sequels. They carry the critical mission of performing a "course correction" for billion-dollar franchises and are tasked with defining the trajectory of their respective studios for the next decade.
1.1 A New Hope for the DC Universe: Superman
Release Date: July 11, 2025 (US). Scheduled for a July 9 release in Korea.
Genre: Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi, Superhero.
Director/Writer: James Gunn.
Main Cast: David Corenswet (Superman), Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane), Nicholas Hoult (Lex Luthor).
Runtime: 2 hours 9 minutes.
Distributor: Warner Bros.
Key Points:
As the first official film of the newly rebooted DC Universe (DCU), it bears the immense responsibility of restoring faith in the DC brand after the ups and downs of the previous DC Extended Universe (DCEU).
The film's success will be the ultimate test of James Gunn's creative vision.
It has been a massive success from the marketing stage. The teaser trailer garnered over 250 million views in its first day, the highest in DC and Warner Bros. history. It was also ranked the #1 most anticipated film of 2025 on IMDb, pushing audience expectations to their peak.
The released trailer and poster move away from the dark tone of the Zack Snyder era, evoking a hopeful atmosphere reminiscent of the classic Christopher Reeve Superman while still promising large-scale action.
1.2 Life Finds a Way, Again: Jurassic World: Rebirth
Release Date: July 2, 2025. (However, Movie Insider lists July 10, showing slight variations among sources).
Genre: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi, Thriller, with horror elements.
Director: Gareth Edwards (Director of Rogue One: A Star Wars Story).
Main Cast: Scarlett Johansson, Mahershala Ali, Jonathan Bailey, Rupert Friend.
Runtime: 2 hours 14 minutes.
Distributor: Universal Pictures.
Key Points:
Set five years after the events of Jurassic World: Dominion, this film marks the beginning of a new trilogy.
Original Jurassic Park screenwriter David Koepp and director Gareth Edwards have focused on enhancing the suspense and thriller elements of the first film, moving beyond pure action spectacle.
Global superstar Scarlett Johansson stands at the center of the new trilogy, expected to breathe new life into the series as 'Zora Bennet,' a skilled special operations expert.
The appearance of new hybrid dinosaurs like the 'Mutadon' promises fresh spectacle and threats, signaling an expansion of the series.
1.3 Welcome to the Family: Marvel's The Fantastic Four: First Steps
Release Date: July 25, 2025 (US). (Not listed in Box Office Mojo's July calendar, but AP News reports July 25 and Movie Insider lists July 31, showing source variations). The Korean release date is yet to be announced.
Genre: Superhero, Sci-Fi, Action, Adventure, Family.
Director: Matt Shakman (Director of WandaVision).
Main Cast: Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, Julia Garner, Ralph Ineson.
Runtime: 2 hours 10 minutes.
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios.
Key Points:
As the official start of Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU) Phase 6, it plays a crucial role in introducing key characters and cosmic threats that will form the foundation of the upcoming MCU saga.
The bold aesthetic choice of a 1960s retro-futuristic setting visually differentiates it from other MCU films, actively embracing the 'Silver Age' sensibility of the original comics.
As the marketing tagline "Welcome to the family" suggests, the film is expected to focus deeply on the bonds of 'family'.
PART 2. The Korean Counter-Attack: The Power of Webnovel and Webtoon-Based Films
The Korean film industry's answer to the fierce Hollywood offensive is summarized in one massive project. The movie adaptation of Omniscient Reader is a symbolic case demonstrating the maturation of Korea's IP adaptation strategy.
2.1 When the Story Becomes Reality: The Epic Fantasy Omniscient Reader
Release Date: July 23, 2025.
Genre: Fantasy, Action, Blockbuster.
Director: Kim Byung-woo (Director of The Terror Live).
Main Cast: Ahn Hyo-seop (Kim Dokja), Lee Min-ho (Yoo Joonghyuk), Chae Soo-bin, Shin Seung-ho, Nana, Jisoo (BLACKPINK).
Production Budget: Approximately ₩30 billion (approx. $22 million USD).
Original Work: The webnovel of the same name by author duo singNsong.
Plot: On the day a novel that ran for over a decade concludes, its world becomes reality. The story follows the sole reader, 'Kim Dokja,' as he teams up with the novel's protagonist, 'Yoo Joonghyuk,' to survive in the apocalyptic world.
Key Points:
Based on a global mega-hit webnovel, this film is a symbolic example of Korean IP adaptation aimed at the international market from the planning stages, backed by a massive budget and a cast of Hallyu stars.
Its biggest challenge and opportunity is satisfying the enormous and loyal fanbase of the original webnovel. Every aspect of casting, costume, and plot adaptation will be under the sharp scrutiny of fans.
The combination of high-concept thriller master Kim Byung-woo and a ₩30 billion budget raises expectations for large-scale destruction scenes and fantasy action.
2.2 Chills, Thrills, and Warmth: Zombie Daughter
Release Date: July 2025 (Exact date unconfirmed).
Genre: Comedy, Drama.
Director: Lee Gil-seong.
Main Cast: Jo Jung-suk, Choi Yu-ri, Lee Jung-eun, Cho Yeo-jeong, Yoon Kyung-ho.
Original Work: The webtoon of the same name by Lee Yoon-chang.
Plot: A story about the struggles of a single dad trying to protect his daughter, who has been infected by an unknown zombie virus.
Key Points:
Based on a popular webtoon, this film continues the major trend in the Korean film industry of adapting web-based IP.
PART 3. A Guide to the Diverse Films Flavoring the Month
While July's cinema is a feast of blockbusters, a diverse lineup is also prepared to satisfy all audiences. Animation, independent films, and international art-house movies are carefully programmed to target specific demographics that blockbusters might not cover.
3.1 Worlds of Imagination: The Animation Lineup
Smurfs: Releasing July 18, 2025. An adventure, animation, comedy, fantasy, and musical film, this is a new installment in the popular series for families and animation fans. Natasha Lyonne, Hannah Waddingham, Kurt Russell, and John Goodman are part of the main voice cast.
The Bad Guys 2: Releasing July 30, 2025. Primarily targets family audiences during the summer vacation.
Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's...: Releasing July 9, 2025. Another option for family audiences.
Detective Conan: The Phantom of the One-Eyed Man: Releasing July 16, 2025.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Mugen Castle Arc: Releasing in July 2025. This will once again prove the immense box-office power of the Japanese animation franchise in Korea.
My Neighbor Totoro: Limited screening on July 19, 2025. A chance to see the Studio Ghibli classic on the big screen again.
3.2 Chills and Thrills: Other Major International Genre Films
I Know What You Did Last Summer: Releasing July 18, 2025. A reboot of the 1997 film, highly anticipated by horror fans. Stars Madelyn Cline, Chase Sui Wonders, and Jonah Hauer-King.
Eddington: Releasing July 18, 2025. A comedy-drama-western from A24 starring Joaquin Phoenix, Emma Stone, and Michael Ward. Runtime is 2 hours 28 minutes.
Skillhouse: Releasing July 11, 2025. A wide-release horror film starring Neal McDonough, 50 Cent, and Anna Platt.
3.3 Small Films, Big Emotions: Korean Independent & Arthouse Cinema
Against the splendor of blockbusters, Korean independent films with deep dramas are waiting to capture the audience's hearts.
Doenjang-i: Releasing July 2, 2025. A comedy.
Spring Night: Releasing July 9, 2025. Starring Han Ye-ri and Kim Seol-jin, it portrays the desperate and pitiful love story of two wounded souls. Its quality was recognized with an invitation to the Berlin International Film Festival.
When Summer Passes: Releasing July 9, 2025. A coming-of-age drama exploring the worlds of adults and children through the encounter between a boy who moves to a small town and a pair of troublemaking brothers.
The Secret Garden: Releasing July 23, 2025. A poetic film depicting the connection between nature and generations through the friendship of a retired botanist and a girl who raises silkworms.
Okinawa Blue Note: Releasing July 23, 2025. Starring Kim Dong-wan and Hwang Seung-eon, this is a romance about a novelist and a webtoon artist with the same name who meet in Okinawa.
3.4 Global Passport: Noteworthy International Films
The Ladies of the Balcony: Releasing July 2, 2025. A comic revenge story directed by and starring French actress-director Noémie Merlant.
The Piano Accident: Releasing July 2, 2025. An absurd comedy from the unique French director Quentin Dupieux.
The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero: Releasing in July 2025. A major Chinese martial arts action film directed by Hong Kong cinema legend Tsui Hark and starring top star Xiao Zhan.
3.5 The Return of Timeless Masterpieces: Re-release Lineup
Cinema Paradiso: Re-releasing July 2, 2025. It will once again unfold a story of pure love and nostalgia for cinema on the big screen.
Thelma & Louise: Re-releasing July 30, 2025. Ridley Scott's monumental road movie and a landmark of female-led narrative.
Swallowtail Butterfly: Re-releasing in July 2025. A work that highlights director Shunji Iwai's unique aesthetics, allowing audiences to feel the sensibility of 90s Japanese cinema.
Streaming Platform Exclusives: Enjoy Blockbusters from Home
Some films will be released exclusively on streaming platforms without a theatrical run.
Heads of State: Streams on Prime Video starting July 2, 2025.
The Old Guard 2: Streams exclusively on Netflix starting July 2, 2025.
Happy Gilmore 2: Streams exclusively on Netflix starting July 25, 2025.
July Box Office Outlook and Features
Fierce Competition: July 2025 is expected to see a fierce "Korean Films vs. International Films" competition. The showdown between Korean films based on webnovels/webtoons and major international sequels will be a particularly interesting point to watch.
IP-Centric Market: The majority of July 2025 releases are sequels, reboots, or adaptations based on existing intellectual property (IP). This shows a risk-averse strategy from studios, betting on "surefire hits" with proven fanbases.
Potential for Date Changes: Final release dates and details may vary slightly by source, and the final schedule is subject to change. It is important to check the latest information from reliable sources like Box Office Mojo, Movie Insider, and AP News.
Market Polarization and a Box-Office Litmus Test: While giant "event movies" dominate discourse and screen time, smaller films with original screenplays may have to find their audience in niche markets. Whether this trend is a sustainable strategy or risks inducing audience fatigue will be tested by the box-office results of July 2025.
Conclusion: Curating Your Perfect July Movie Calendar
July 2025 will be a rich and intense month where four giant IP blockbusters collide head-on, with strategic counter-programming for every type of moviegoer. In the domestic Korean market, Superman and Omniscient Reader are expected to engage in a fierce battle for the top box-office spot, while Jurassic World: Rebirth and The Fantastic Four: First Steps are also projected to claim significant shares.
Faced with such diverse options, here is a customized movie guide to enrich your July:
For the Adrenaline Junkie: Superman, Jurassic World: Rebirth, The Legend of the Condor Heroes: The Great Hero
If You Crave an Epic Fantasy: Omniscient Reader, The Fantastic Four: First Steps
When You Need a Heart-Wrenching Drama: Spring Night, When Summer Passes, The Secret Garden
For a Weekend Outing with Family: The Bad Guys 2, Doraemon the Movie, Smurfs
A Trip Through Time for Classic Film Lovers: Cinema Paradiso, Thelma & Louise, Swallowtail Butterfly
The box-office results of July 2025 will pose important questions for the future of the film industry. Will James Gunn's DC Universe successfully take off? Can a Korean webnovel-based film truly stand shoulder-to-shoulder with Hollywood's biggest franchises on the global stage? The answers will shape the landscape of the film industry for years to come.
We hope you will join in this exciting movie showdown and enjoy the best of July on the big screen!