When it comes to movies, the first impression doesn’t always come from a trailer or word of mouth—it often starts with the poster. A well-designed movie poster can instantly capture the essence of a film, spark curiosity, and leave a lasting impact. Over the years, certain posters have become as iconic as the films they represent, blending art, marketing, and storytelling into a single image.
In this post, we’ll dive into some of the most memorable and influential movie posters created this year. From minimalist designs to bold, chaotic visuals, these posters have not only promoted films but also shaped creativity. Whether you're a film buff, a design enthusiast, or someone who simply loves beautiful imagery, these posters offer a fascinating glimpse into the art of visual storytelling. Let’s explore the posters that made us stop, stare, and sometimes even frame them on our walls!
Deadpool & Wolverine
The Deadpool and Wolverine poster, where Deadpool playfully appears reflected in Wolverine’s iconic claws, cleverly combines humor and grit, staying true to both characters. Wolverine's claws, traditionally symbolizing his raw power and intensity, take on a humorous twist with Deadpool’s face amusingly peering out from the reflection, adding his usual playful, irreverent vibe. This approach not only teases the contrast between Wolverine’s stoic intensity and Deadpool’s chaotic humor but also hints at the offbeat dynamic fans can expect from the two in any shared screen appearance.
Visually, the poster makes use of stark contrasts: the cool metal of Wolverine’s claws against Deadpool's bright red costume is eye-catching and mirrors the contrast between the characters’ personalities. Wolverine’s expression remains serious, adding a grounded element to Deadpool's comical surprise, which enhances the humor without compromising Wolverine's iconic toughness. This is a standout example of how a simple, well-thought-out design can convey a story and build hype, particularly for fans eager to see these characters interact in the movie.
Smile 2

The poster for Smile 2, featuring Naomi with a haunting smile covering her face, is an eerie and memorable visual that effectively captures the unsettling tone of the film. The design focuses on Naomi’s face, with an exaggerated, almost unnatural smile overlaying her features, immediately conveying a sense of discomfort. This plays on one of the most universal emotional expressions—the smile—transforming it into something disturbing and unnatural, which reflects the sinister psychological horror the movie promises.
The poster’s minimalism, focusing heavily on Naomi’s haunting expression with a shadowy, subdued color palette, enhances the creepy atmosphere. The design invites the viewer to look closely, almost daring them to make eye contact with Naomi, which adds an element of personal confrontation, making it more intense. The distortion of a normally joyful expression into something threatening gives the poster a uniquely unsettling impact, making it both memorable and effective in its simplicity. This image resonates as it taps into a primal fear, evoking the kind of horror that lingers, fitting the psychological terror that Smile 2 aims to deliver.
Borderlands
The Borderlands movie poster, showing the main characters holding hands, provides a rare touch of tenderness that contrasts with the harsh, chaotic world fans know from the game series. The poster hints at a strong bond between the characters, signaling that even in a brutal, post-apocalyptic setting, moments of connection and unity persist. The hand-holding gesture offers a symbol of camaraderie and shared struggle, key themes in the Borderlands universe, where partnerships and alliances often help characters survive the chaos of Pandora.
Visually, the poster uses a stark, gritty color palette that mirrors the game’s distinctive aesthetic, filled with muted, earthy tones and bold outlines. This style grounds the image firmly in the Borderlands world while adding an emotional undertone, likely intended to attract both fans of the games and newcomers by promising depth beyond the typical action-driven storyline. This powerful, minimalist design choice is effective at capturing attention and evoking curiosity about the characters' relationship and the role it will play in the film’s storyline.
Bad Boys: Ride or Die
The Bad Boys: Ride or Die movie poster with Will Smith and Martin Lawrence standing side by side, layered with overlapping text, captures the franchise’s signature energy while visually emphasizing the partnership between the two main characters. The bold design choice of letting the title text overlay their figures gives the poster a modern, dynamic feel that reflects the action-packed and fast-paced nature of the Bad Boys series. It conveys confidence and familiarity, appealing to fans who already know and love the banter-filled chemistry between Smith’s and Lawrence’s characters.
Both actors stand confidently, each exuding the charismatic personality that fans expect, with Smith’s intensity contrasting with Lawrence’s more laid-back expression. This subtle contrast brings out their unique roles within the duo while highlighting their synergy, a central theme in the Bad Boys films. The overlapping text also provides a layered visual effect, giving a sense of depth and action that suits the tone of the movie and keeps the focus firmly on the characters. This poster is bold, memorable, and successfully taps into the nostalgia for the original movies while building excitement for the latest chapter.
Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire
The Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire poster, featuring Godzilla and Kong running toward the viewer, is a powerful visual that instantly grabs attention and builds excitement. This design effectively conveys the energy and intensity of the movie, with both titans charging forward, suggesting a climactic battle and a sense of impending action. The close-up perspective creates a feeling of immediacy, immersing the viewer as if they are in the path of these colossal forces.
The poster’s color palette uses intense, contrasting hues, with shades of fiery orange and deep blue, creating a visually dramatic contrast between Godzilla and Kong. This dual-tone design reflects their distinct elemental associations—fire and water—which fans recognize as part of their characters. The background is dark and chaotic, with debris and clouds suggesting destruction, adding to the sense of an epic clash that feels larger than life.
In reviewing these recent movie posters, from the clever humor of Deadpool and Wolverine to the chilling intensity of Smile 2, each design highlights the unique tone and themes of its respective film. The artistry and thought behind each poster not only capture attention but also convey essential elements of the movies’ stories and atmospheres, engaging both fans and newcomers alike. Posters like Borderlands balance harshness with moments of connection, while Godzilla x Kong immerses viewers in the epic clash of titans, setting expectations high.
In the world of movie marketing, these posters stand out as visually impactful works that go beyond mere advertisement—they give us a glimpse into the characters, stakes, and experiences awaiting us in theaters. Whether through humor, horror, or high-stakes action, each of these posters achieves what the best ones do: they entice, excite, and prepare audiences for the cinematic journey ahead.
Comments
Post a Comment