The Top 10 Films of 2025

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Another year has flown by! 2025 was an odd one for films – we saw some great surprises, a few disappointments, and the usual mix of blockbuster hits and unexpected flops. A few films are gaining momentum during awards season, and just like last year, the year started slowly but finished strong.

It’s that time of year again – December – when movie critics like me playfully debate and choose our ten favorite films of the past year. You’ll notice some overlap with other critics’ lists, but I found many of the most hyped movies disappointing. So, my picks might be a little different, and that’s what makes it interesting! Let’s skip the introductions and get straight to my list. I always like to start by mentioning films that almost made the top ten, starting with numbers eleven through twenty…

  • #20 – “The World Will Tremble” [REVIEW]
  • #19 – “Rebuilding” [REVIEW]
  • #18 – “A House of Dynamite” [REVIEW]
  • #17 – “Wake Up Dead Man” [REVIEW]
  • #16 – “F1” [REVIEW]
  • #15 – “Nuremberg” [REVIEW]
  • #14 – “Weapons” [REVIEW]
  • #13 – “Avatar: Fire and Ash” [REVIEW]
  • #12 – “Song Sung Blue” [REVIEW]
  • #11 – “Sentimental Value” [REVIEW]

And now my Top 10 Films of 2025

I’ve found myself appreciating Noah Baumbach’s “Jay Kelly” more and more since my initial viewing. It’s a film with surprising layers, revealing greater emotional impact the more you think about it. While it contains many of Baumbach’s familiar touches, it’s also notable for its larger scope, expansive story, and a style reminiscent of classic Hollywood films. George Clooney effortlessly portrays a version of himself, and Adam Sandler gives what is arguably his strongest performance in years. [REVIEW]

Steven Soderbergh’s earlier film, “Black Bag,” is a gripping spy thriller that deserves awards consideration. The movie benefits greatly from its two leads, Cate Blanchett and Michael Fassbender, who share fantastic on-screen chemistry, thanks to sharp writing by David Koepp. Soderbergh complements this with his signature visual style, creating a truly captivating experience. It’s a winning combination.

Ari Aster’s new film, “Eddington,” is a darkly funny and provocative movie that tackles the deep divisions in American society. Set during the COVID-19 pandemic, this unique neo-Western doesn’t shy away from political commentary, skewering all sides with both shocking violence and biting humor. It’s a truly exceptional film that manages to be both hilarious and unsettling, offering a blistering look at the consequences of our national divide and exploring much more beneath the surface.

Everyone seems to be praising another Anderson film this awards season, and this time it’s Wes who’s delivered a standout. Even when his movies aren’t perfect, Wes Anderson always manages to be engaging, and “The Phoenician Scheme” is a success. It’s instantly recognizable as an Anderson film with his signature style, but it also feels surprisingly heartfelt. The cast is fantastic, a mix of fresh faces and familiar favorites, and everyone perfectly captures the film’s quirky and playful spirit. [REVIEW]

Wow, “Violent Ends” really came out of nowhere – easily one of the year’s best surprises. This independent film, written and directed by John-Michael Powell, is a tough, richly detailed piece of work. Billy Magnussen delivers what I think is the best performance of his career, and James Badge Dale is absolutely terrifying. What’s really striking is how specific the film feels to its location, and the story itself is a compelling blend of crime, family issues, and a drive for revenge. It all comes together beautifully – the direction, the visuals, and the themes all feel carefully considered and it’s ultimately a really gritty and heartbreaking film.

A24 had a strong year for films in 2025, but “Warfare” stood out as their best, in my opinion. This realistic war movie deserves more attention. Co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, an Iraq War veteran, the film presents a real-time account of a Navy SEAL platoon whose mission goes wrong. They find themselves stuck in a house surrounded by enemy forces, and the story is based on Mendoza’s experiences and accounts from others. With meticulous detail, compelling storytelling, and a fantastic cast, “Warfare” is a truly memorable film. [REVIEW]

It’s hard to imagine a more ideal pairing than director Guillermo del Toro and the story of “Frankenstein.” The source material perfectly suits del Toro’s unique storytelling and visual approach. The film boasts a fantastic cast, with Oscar Isaac as Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the Creature. However, it’s del Toro himself who truly shines, delivering an adaptation that surpasses expectations and draws more deeply from Mary Shelley’s original 1818 novel than most other films. This adaptation is bursting with creativity and sets a new high bar for “Frankenstein” movies. [REVIEW]

It’s surprising that “Anemone” didn’t get more attention. It’s another example of a truly great film being overlooked. While some people didn’t like it, I was completely captivated by Daniel Day-Lewis’s powerful performance. He fully embodies a very complex character, and he’s supported by a fantastic, yet often overlooked, performance from Sean Bean. “Anemone” is a deep, layered, and sometimes intense character study that deserves to be seen.

Richard Linklater’s film, “Nouvelle Vague,” is deeply inspired by the classic French New Wave cinema. While it has a contemporary feel, the film truly embodies the style and independent spirit of that movement. It’s a specialized film that won’t appeal to everyone, but it’s beautifully crafted by a passionate and daring filmmaker with a distinct vision. [REVIEW]

“Train Dreams” was the most moving film of 2025 for me. With confident direction from Clint Bentley and a career-best performance by Joel Edgerton, the film beautifully captures the life of a lone man on a personal journey. It’s a quiet, thoughtful, and visually stunning experience where the director’s visual storytelling is as powerful as the dialogue. This is masterful filmmaking that will stay with you long after it ends. [REVIEW]

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2025-12-30 18:59