Can we take a moment to gush about how cinematic video games have become? I mean, no shade to the pixel-hitboxes of the past, but these days, gaming feels like binge-watching an epic Netflix series you actually get to control. And 2025? Oh, it’s looking like the year for cinematic gaming. I’m talking jaw-dropping visuals, immersive storytelling, and games that’ll have us reaching for tissues. The games coming out this year have me hyped, and if you’re anything like me (constantly toggling between sobbing over cutscenes and screaming at plot twists), you’re about to lose it too. These are the most cinematic games coming in 2025 that’ll leave us all emotionally compromised in the best way possible.

1. Death Stranding 2: On The Beach

Hideo Kojima is back to remind us that no one does “what the heck is going on???” better than he does. Death Stranding 2 takes us deeper into that eerie, hauntingly beautiful dystopia we fell in love with in the first game. This time, Norman Reedus returns as Sam Bridges (aka the delivery guy of our dreams) alongside Dakota Fanning and some bizarre electric guitar-wielding villain vibes.

Why am I obsessed already? First off, the trailers are like two-minute emotional rollercoasters. The haunting landscapes feel like nature stole the show, while the cryptic storytelling makes me buckle up for truly wild twists. Plus, that "should humanity even be connected?" theme really hits differently in our hyper-online world. Kojima's mix of personal, thought-provoking narratives with unmatched cinematic flair? Unmatched. If you love unraveling metaphors and vibing with stylish visual direction, this one’s got your name all over it.

2. Ghost of Yōtei

Do you hear that? That’s the sound of me dramatically unsheathing my (imaginary) katana in anticipation of Ghost of Yōtei, the sequel to Ghost of Tsushima. This one moves the timeline forward to 1603 and introduces us to Atsu, a new feisty protagonist who happens to be a female samurai from Hokkaido. Gender wins + swordfights? Sign me up!

What’s insane about this game already is Sucker Punch’s ridiculous attention to detail. Instead of making it “just another sequel,” they’re pushing player choice even further. Every decision, every slash of your blade can alter how Atsu’s story unfolds. And the graphics? From snowy mountains to sprawling, flower-filled plains, it’s giving Studio Ghibli meets Kurosawa vibes. If you’re looking for a story that’ll pull at your heartstrings while visually blowing your mind, this one’s going to be a whole experience.

3. Grand Theft Auto VI

Stop. It’s happening. It’s actually happening. We've waited almost a decade for Grand Theft Auto VI, and Rockstar is pulling us back into the chaos of Vice City. If the rumors are true (okay, leaks, but whatever), we’re strapping in for a Bonnie-and-Clyde-style story, complete with rooftop chases, gator attacks, and beaches that scream "Miami but with drama".

What makes GTA so cinematic? Rockstar is the king of crafting insane open worlds and filling them to the brim with dynamic storytelling. Their cutscenes are basically Hollywood blockbusters compressed into mini-movies, and the humor… unmatched. From the looks of it, GTA VI plans to double down on everything we love about the series but cranked to 11—with better character depth, next-level lighting systems, and emotional arcs we did not see coming.

4. Crimson Desert

Imagine the bleak beauty of Game of Thrones mashed up with the freedom of The Witcher 3, and you’ve got Crimson Desert. Pearl Abyss is taking everything they’ve learned from games like Black Desert Online and using it to create an open-world masterpiece that's not just stunning but also endlessly customizable.

The landscapes feel straight out of a dream. Picture densely packed market towns, sweeping mountain ranges, and battle sequences that look like they were plucked from a medieval epic. Plus, they’re balancing action-packed combat with moments for players to slow down and soak up the world. Feels like one of those games where you’ll try to take a screenshot every five seconds, only to realize the entire thing is wallpaper-worthy.

5. Elden Ring: Nightreign

Yes, Elden Ring is back, and I am spiritually unprepared. Nightreign builds off the iconic, soul-crushing Elden Ring but shifts the focus to co-op storylines and a roguelike twist. FromSoftware is bringing all the dark fantasy vibes back with detailed environments and intense boss fights that feel more like cinematic events than gameplay.

This one’s perfect if you’ve got gamer friends who love a challenge because surviving Nightreign demands teamwork. By day, you’ll prep with your squad, gathering gear and formulating strategies. By night? You’re battling the most nightmarish bosses to exist. Pair all that with Elden Ring's signature eerie visuals, and you’ve got a game that’ll have everyone buzzing.