Four acclaimed hits running simultaneously

Cinephiles in Bangladesh are enjoying a week that comes once in a blue moon. It is not often that multiplexes screen several big-budget, ambitious films at the same time—each managing to win over audiences as well as critics. Currently, four highly anticipated films of different genres are running in the country's multiplexes. These films have not only created a stir at the box office but have also received excellent ratings from audiences and critics alike. Let's find out more about these four films.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Genre: Action-Spy | Release: May 2025 | Box Office: US$597 million

  Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (Official Poster) | Director: Christopher McQuarrie | Lead: Tom Cruise 

Tom Cruise returns for one last mission in the concluding chapter of his lifelong passion project—the Mission: Impossible franchise. The Final Reckoning, a direct sequel to Dead Reckoning Part One (2023), serves as the grand finale of Ethan Hunt’s story. Knowing this would be Cruise’s final outing as the legendary IMF agent has heightened anticipation and turned the release into a global event.

Premiered at Cannes before its worldwide rollout, the film quickly became a box office juggernaut. Directed by Christopher McQuarrie, it pushes the action and espionage formula to new heights with breathtaking stunts and impossible odds. Currently the seventh highest-grossing film of 2025, it holds a Tomatometer score of 80% and an IMDb rating of 7.4.

Superman (3D)
Genre: Superhero (DCU Reboot) | Release: July 2025 | Box Office: US$599 million

Superman (3D) (Official Poster) | Director: James Gunn | Lead: David Corenswet

Directed by James Gunn, “Superman” has been released as the first film of the new DC Universe (DCU). This film is a reboot of the Superman series, starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, aka Superman. It is not a prequel or sequel to any previous story but rather the beginning of a completely new narrative that focuses more on Superman's humanity and his identity as Clark Kent.

James Gunn's version of Superman is optimistic, colorful, and emotional, bringing a fresh touch to the superhero genre. The film’s dazzling 3D space sequences and high-octane action have particularly resonated with Bangladeshi audiences, many of whom note its striking contrast with the darker tones of previous Superman portrayals. With a Tomatometer score of 83% and an IMDb rating of 7.3, the film has already entered the year’s top five highest earners, and some fans are calling it DC’s strongest effort yet.

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (3D)
Genre: Superhero (MCU Phase 6) | Release: July 2025 | Box Office: US$472 million

The Fantastic Four: First Steps (3D) (Official Poster) | Director: Matt Shakman | Lead: Pedro Pascal

Marvel's legendary superhero family, 'The Fantastic Four,' has finally joined the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU). This film tells their origin story, set in the 1960s, showing how Mister Fantastic, Invisible Woman, Human Torch, and The Thing become a team and a family. Set against a retro-futuristic backdrop of the sixties, the story follows Reed Richards, Sue Storm, Johnny Storm, and Ben Grimm, who gain special powers after a cosmic storm. They must not only save the Earth from the villain Galactus but also keep their bond as a family intact.

Directed by Matt Shakman, this film highlights the team's classic science-fiction adventures and their deep understanding of one another. The movie has received a massive response from audiences worldwide and is considered a major success for Marvel. As the tenth highest-grossing film of 2025, it has an IMDb rating of 7.3 and a Tomatometer score of 86%.

Weapons
Genre: Mystery-Horror | Release: August 2025 | Box Office: US$167 million

Weapons (Official Poster) | Director: Zach Cregger | Lead: Julia Garner

This is a psychological horror-thriller centered around a small town where seventeen third-grade students mysteriously disappear on the same night. Rather than relying on jump scares, the film focuses on creating slow-burn suspense and an unsettling atmosphere. It is a psychological thriller of mystery and horror that strikes at a town's collective psyche and uncovers many more terrifying secrets.

The director of 'Weapons,' Zach Cregger, previously directed the critically acclaimed and successful horror film 'Barbarian.' Therefore, expectations from movie lovers were very high for this film—a promise the director has successfully fulfilled. The film boasts a Tomatometer score of 94% and an IMDb rating of 7.9. Many are calling it the best horror film in recent times. Its unique storytelling approach and the way it presents events from multiple perspectives have been praised by critics. This film is for those who love to feel a chill and want to leave the theater with some food for thought.

A festival of genres
Four different genres, four different experiences—thrills, superheroes, sci-fi adventures, and psychological fear. Each film has earned critical acclaim for achieving excellence in its respective field and is drawing audiences to theaters. Regular moviegoers typically place films with an IMDb rating above 7 and a Tomatometer score above 80% on their "Watchlist," and a film that achieves this on both platforms is considered truly special. These films possess that special quality.

All four of the aforementioned films are currently showing at various branches of Star Cineplex this week. Also running there are Siccin-8 and Jurassic World Rebirth, although reviews for these two films from audiences and critics have not been very satisfactory. Meanwhile, at Jamuna Blockbuster, all the films are running except for Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning. The simultaneous presence of action, superhero, sci-fi, and horror is like a festival for cinema lovers. These movies have been running for the past few weeks. For those who have the opportunity to watch movies in a multiplex, this is a rare chance to enjoy four blockbusters at once—all with the special quality of being beloved by both audiences and critics.