2025 was a pretty notable year for movies. Sure, there were plenty of let-downs, don't get me wrong, take War of the Worlds, for example, but I was also pleasantly surprised. Noted by many critics, was the success of the horror genre this year. Although, I am not the biggest horror fan, I do have to say that I heard a lot more about horror than almost any other genre. That being said, here are my picks for the Top 25 movies of 2025:
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I am almost scared by superhero movies as of late. Maybe it's the over-saturation of the genre, or that so many superhero movies of recent years are just plain bad. When this movie came out, it made waves, not just for the amazing cast chemistry, but also because it restored some faith in the tired Superhero genre. I really wanted to hate Superman, I'm a loyal Marvel fan, but I didn't, I actually loved it.
James Gunn's Superman is no overdone origin story, it drops Clark Kent right in the heat of things. Kent is drawn into a conflict between two countries, and in his attempt to help, he ruins his public image, giving Lex Luthor the tools he needs to bring down Superman for good. But Superman also has people and others, who are looking out for him, Lois Lane, Mister Terrific, Jimmy Olsen, and of course his dog, Krypto.
This movie wasn't just about Superman vs. Lex Luthor, but also featured internal struggles about what it means to be human. I was more than pleasantly surprised by Lois Lane as well, I was worried that her role would not travel past being Superman's girlfriend, but what I saw was a determined journalist, who had a real effect on the plot. Suffice to say I am sat for Supergirl.
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2) Sinners
Everyone, and I mean everyone was talking about Sinners back in Spring. I literally could not open my phone without seeing interviews of the cast, or sit in the lunchroom without someone saying it better take home some Oscars, and well, I agree. The movie is basically praised all around, performances, cinematography, directing. Beyond that, however, this movie successfully blends genres, that in my opinion I never thought could be blended, vampiric horror, western, and musical elements.
Set in 1932, the plot follows twin brothers, Smoke and Stack, when they return to their hometown in Mississippi. After coming into some money, stolen from a mob in Chicago, they plan to open a Juke Joint for the Black community. They soon discover, that some more sinister things are going on in town. Ryan Coogler, the director, uses the horror genre and music to emphasize themes of racism, specifically the concept of 'racial passing'.
3) Eternity
I would say that despite a few gems here and there, the slop of romcoms in recent years have been wildly disappointing. However, Eternity, a movie that I hoped would be one of those gems, blew me away. Yes, maybe the love triangle market is a little oversaturated these days, but Eternity does the trope well.
The movie stars Elizabeth Olsen, Miles Teller, and Callum Turner. It follows Larry (Miles Teller) when he dies, and awakes in this sort of airport to the afterlife, where he is tasked with deciding where he wants to spend Eternity. However, there are rules about Eternity, the most major one being, once you've chosen an Eternity you can never leave, like ever. So, Larry grapples with whether he should stay in 'purgatory' and wait for his wife, Joan. She shows up soon enough though, but she has an even harder decision: choosing between her late-husband who died at war, and waited over six decades for her or her partner of many years, Larry.
The cast has great chemistry, and didn't take itself too seriously, seeing that it is a romantic COMEDY. It has the afterlife aspect of "The Good Place" and captures the nostalgic vibe of 2000s romcoms. I really liked this love triangle because it didn't feel random or out of place.
It wasn't like one of the characters was just an obstacle for the two main characters, it was a genuine decision that Joan had to make. I saw this movie in theatres, which I encourage everyone to do for as many movies as they can, with my friend. Both of us were at the edge of our seats wondering who would Joan pick. The only thing I would say about this movie was that I wish the world-building was explored a little more, I can totally see a more drama-based or mystery movie taking place in the same world.
4) K-Pop demon hunters
Recently, K-POP Demon Hunters won best animated film at the critics choice awards. I can't go anywhere without hearing the song "Golden" from the movie. I'll be the first to admit, I went into this movie a little skeptical. Once I heard my friends quoting scenes from the movie, and memorizing song lyrics, I knew it was a must-watch.
In the movie, three girls in a super-star band, Huntrix, use their musical abilities to fight off demons. Their popularity and skills help them begin to lock away the demons for a long time, but a boy band of demons, the Saja Boys, threaten their popularity AND fans. Huntrix is tested, and work to defeat the Saja Boys, and defeat the demons.
I was fully entranced by this movie, I cared about the characters, and I could see the meaning of the story. I felt after watching it that there was this message that everyone has inner demons, but hiding this pain or trauma is not the way you should handle that. I felt that this is something that rings true, and I know so many people who could benefit from that moral.
5) Thunderbolts*
Thunderbolts successfully revived my faith in Marvel. In the same fashion as Superman, it was very much about being human. Sure, it put together a team of Marvel characters relatively unknown to the average watcher, but I do not think it took away from the movie all that much.
It sets off with the anti-heroes of Marvel delivered to a death trap: Yelena, The Red Guardian, John Walker, Ghost, Taskmaster, and of course the mysterious human, Bob. With help from, Bucky Barnes/The Winter Soldier, the group form a team to combat a foe who preys on their deepest insecurities and fears.
Featuring some of the most relatable, heart-touching scenes in the latest phase of Marvel, this movie is a must-watch. Complete with amazing work by Florence Pugh and Lewis Pullman, gut-wrenching father-daughter scenes, and of course, Bucky Barnes' return after his adventures with Sam Wilson AKA The Falcon AKA Captain America.
6) Marty Supreme
The marketing team of Marty Supreme has got to be full of geniuses; this movie was already on my for you page before it even came out. A24 pulled out the big guns for this one, with a movie starring Timothee, it's no use Joe, Chalamet, Gwenyth Paltrow, Odessa A'zion, Koto Kawaguchi, and some unpredictable names, Mr.Wonderful from Shark Tank (Kevin O'leary), and Tyler, The Creator. Timothee Chalamet won best male actor in a musical or comedy at the Golden Globes, proving he may be the one to look out for at the impending Oscar Awards. If you don't watch Marty Supreme for the impressive performances by the cast, then maybe you should for what is clearly becoming a moment in the industry, especially with the Marty Supreme jacket being the latest in fashion.
For those who do not know, the plot line follows Marty Mauser in 1950s New York who dreams day-in day-out of becoming a world-class table tennis player. He gets himself involved in a world of trouble in his chase for glory, but it makes for an even better watch.
7) Zootopia 2
The second installment of Zootopia is FINALLY here, nine years later. I watched the first movie in the theatres with my parents, and I loved every second of it, and at 16 I love it just as much.
Zootopia 2 follows Judy and Nick, officially (police) partners, tracking down Gary De'Snake all over Zootopia. As they go undercover to solve the big mystery, their partnership is tested. This movie expands Zootopia even more; I would watch as many of these movies as they release. The chemistry between the two leads is unmatchable, and the story is solid enough for people of all ages to enjoy.
8) Sorry, Baby
Another A24 movie on the list because not only are they dominating at the box-office, but also I predict they will at the Oscars. A directional debut by the amazing, Eva Victor, follows Agnes who has gone through a traumatic event, but with the help of a friend, starts to live life again. The movie explores isolation, friendship, and focuses more on the aftermath of, as referred to in the movie, 'the bad thing', rather than what that thing actually was. This helps emphasize how recovery is not exact, or better yet-- linear, but more something you choose every day.
Though it deals with difficult topics, this film is surprisingly funny because the protagonist uses humor as a coping mechanism.
9) Hamnet
Hamnet is a story of grief following Agnes and William Shakespeare, who lost their son to the plague. Agnes, a healer, has to muster the strength to care for their surviving children, while William is inspired to write his masterpiece, Hamlet. This is an adaption of the 2020 novel by Maggie O'Farrell.
This movie is directed by Oscar winner, Chloe Zhao and stars Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal. Jessie Buckley is the highlight of the movie, she portrays grief and strength in a way that dominates the screen. Not only that, but the setting itself, filled with lushing green fields and 16th century England is a sight to behold.
10) Frankenstein
I think most know the story of Frankenstein, but for a quick recap, a scientist, Victor Frankenstein, brings to life a monster in his daring experiment. The course of the movie follows the downfall of both Victor and his creation. Frankly, the movie is beautiful, not just the story itself, but the visuals.
It unveils so many questions about human existence, that are especially important in today's political climate. To me, this movie is a study of violence, and our affinity towards it. Though we value morality, we hunt and betray what is different.
Jacob Elordi, in particular, is praised for his performance as the creature. He makes viewers sympathetic towards him, as we witness the atrocities inflicted against his character. I guess, we are pushed to question, who was the monster, and when/are humans are monsters?
11) F1
The F1 movie smashed at the box office, and featured some epic racing scenes. While criticized for being a little unrealistic, I found the movie very entertaining, absolutely worth my time. I guess, the movie is built for everyone to enjoy: upbeat soundtrack, great performances, and visually pleasing.
The movie follows a former Formula 1 racer, Sonny (Brad Pitt), as he leaves retirement to lead his old friend's team, that is on the verge of dismantlement. At the same time, he starts a sort of rivalry with his younger teammate, Joshua (Damson Idris). Sonny receives heat for his unconventional strategies, and Joshua struggles to accept his place, and pressure from those around him.
I genuinely had no idea where this movie was going at some times, in a good way. It was an easy watch in the sense that it's something the family can see together.
12) Sentimental Value
Sentimental Value is a family drama that depicts a complicated dynamic between a father and his daughters. It follows Gustav, who is attempting a comeback in his filmmaking career, and offers one of his estranged daughters a role in it. Though she turns it down, she and her sister discover he has cast a young Hollywood star (Elle Fanning) in the role, and must navigate their complex family relationship on top of the introduction of the new star.
I would acknowledge that this film is specifically geared towards adults, and deals with deep-rooted family trauma. It is a frontrunner at the Oscars, and for good reason. It features brilliant performances by the whole cast!
13) One of Them Days
Keke Palmer and SZA in one move, yes please! This is a hilarious movie that follows roommates and best friends, Dreux and Alyssa who go on a wild goose chase to get enough money to pay rent before time is up when they discover Alyssa's boyfriend has blown their money. This movie has to be watched with your friends, there is simply no other way. I guarantee you'll laugh out loud.
14) Materialists
Though marketed like one, I wouldn't exactly call this movie a romcom. The highly anticipated 'love-triangle' between Lucy (Dakota Johnson), Harry (Pedro Pascal) and John (Chris Evans) fell flat at times, but was still an overall memorable movie. Essentially, it is about Lucy, a successful matchmaker in New York City torn between the numbers and her heart. However, there is a subplot that explores the dangers of dating, and how Lucy grapples with that fact, and learning to express herself past what's on the page.
I think from the start of the movie, it is easy to determine who Lucy is going to end up with, but the more interesting storyline actually stems from her working-relationship with her client. The movie sets out to be realistic with a look at dating expectations in the modern era, especially concerning how factors like money impact relationships.
Although I wouldn't say this was the best movie of the year or anything, I do think it is worth the watch. If anything for the beautiful New York setting, and how everything is captured on film. You will never catch me saying no to a solid A24 movie.
15) Rental Family
Rental Family probably flew a bit under your radar, but it is such a heartwarming movie. The movie follows an American actor in Tokyo who feels lost, until he starts working at a Japanese "rental family" agency. There, people play stand-in-roles for their clients. However, the lines between performance and reality blur for the actor, as he confronts ideas of connection, morality, and belonging.
When I think about this movie the first thing that comes to mind is the casting choices. Brendan Fraser is a highlight, but so is the idea itself. Maybe, it falls slightly flat in execution, but what this movie does achieve is encouraging viewers to reach out, reconnect. This is especially relevant in our time of constant self-involvement, whether that be by disappearing behind TikTok videos for hours, or keeping you airpods in while out with friends.
16) Wake up Dead Man: Knives Out
Here is the third installment of the Knives Out, murder mystery, franchise. Benoit Blanc is back at it, but this time with a new case, and a whole new cast of eccentric people. In this story, a seemingly impossible death takes place at a church, while a priest is framed, radicals look amongst one another for answers. Josh O'Conner (Challangers) is really a stand-out here as Father Jud.
I enjoyed this movie, though I think it is very hard to top Glass Onion: Knives Out. It wrestles with complexities of faith, radicalism, and forgiveness. It's a good watch if you like a solid "who did it?"
17) Warfare
Warfare is a war movie about a navy SEALS platoon on a surveillance mission gone wrong. They find themselves fighting for survival. The story is rooted in the actual memories of the co-director, Ray Mendoza.
The movie is hyper-realistic, it's violent, it's maybe a little nauseating. Though, it's an important watch because it captures what real war is like. Every scene tells the viewer that real moments are shaping this movie, and that real experiences are being depicted.
This movie, as I described earlier is quite gory, and aims to make the viewer uncomfortable. I recommend this to people who are interested in history and current events.
18) How to Train Your Dragon
When I was younger the How to Train Your Dragon franchise literally defined my life. I watched all the movies and series, collected figures of dragons, and cried my eyes out at How to Train your Dragon 3. I have to admit, I'm skeptical of a live-action, part of the magic of the franchise was the animated visuals, and what were they going to do about the dragons?
Were they going to look realistic? I get it though, Dreamworks saw an opportunity to re-invite people to the franchise, and gain a whole new audience. However, it doesn't reinvent anything, in fact it basically recaptures the animated film, just with a new cast and visuals.
The movie is about Hiccup, a young viking who just can't bring himself to kill dragons, like every other person he knows. He forms a close bond with a dragon, Toothless, which unravels everything he has been taught to hate about dragons, and implores him to change things in his community.
19) Friendship
Friendship, as my dad describes it, is a weird movie, and I mean really weird. It follows, average dad, Craig, who meets his new neighbor, Austin. As Craig and Austin form a close friendship, Craig grows an unhealthy obsession. Their friendship is cut short, but Craig's craving for an actual friend may ruin both his and Austin's life.
When I was watching this movie, I was constantly at the edge of my seat, biting my fingernails to see what absolutely insane thing Craig was going to do next. I thought this movie was an interesting look at male friendships, and the 'loneliness epidemic.' This movie was a recipe for pure discomfort. It defines itself as a comedy, but has the heart-racing qualities of a thriller.
20) Weapons
Weapons, one of the horror movies that defined 2025. When every child from the same classroom, apart from one, vanishes at exactly the same time, the town is left wondering who was behind this mysterious event. This movie has a really interesting premise, and is worth a watch.
It takes viewers along for a journey, and there's a high chance you will be screaming at the TV because you solved the big mystery before any of the characters. But, the jump scare never fails.
21) 28 Years Later
Surprisingly, a significant portion of this post-apocalyptic horror was shot on the iPhone 15. This film is the follow-up to the 28 Days Later franchise. Essentially, it follows the survivors of "Rage", a highly-contagious virus that turns its victims into killers within seconds, after it spread across Britain. This installment of the series highlights the survivors almost three decades after the Rage hit, and one of the group leaves their island sanctuary to discover secrets, horrors, and mutations in the infected and survivors.
22) Wicked: For Good
I remember seeing the first Wicked Movie with my mom, and the Broadway musical with my friends. Everyone was waiting at the edge of their seats for the second installment, as seen by the slop of Wicked related content on my for you page.
The second movie may not have gotten many nods during awards season, but the music speaks for itself. Sure, maybe the first movie was better, but I really can't think of 2025's film run without Wicked. The story itself highlights public perception, and its value, but also how so often the public doesn't really have the whole truth. That message is so so important today, in my opinion, and that message needs to be delivered, and it's all the more digestible when Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo are singing about it.
23) It's Never Over, Jeff Buckley
I was not sure how many documentaries were allowed on this list, so I only added one. This documentary is about Jeff Buckley, who had a recent resurgence in the mainstream, and how he interacted with/created art before his tragic death in 1997. The documentary blends unreleased footage, voice messages, and interviews with people in Buckley's life that inspired and encouraged his art.
I saw this in the theatre, expecting to be surrounded by people sipping matcha and fiddling with tangled wired earbuds, worried that this documentary would fall victim to the performative pandemic. But I wasn't really bothered by anything around me because I was so entranced by what was happening on-screen. I know, documentaries are so boring sometimes, but I promise you this one is worth it.
24) Freakier Friday
There are so many remakes and sequels these days that every time I see promo for another one, I get this queazy feeling in my stomach. However, I don't have a whole lot of complaints about Freakier Friday. Anna is getting married, and she and her mom are learning how to navigate a blended family, when an identity swap strikes again.
Don't go into this movie expecting something wildly different than the first installment; it really is just a fun time, seeped in nostalgia. The new cast are amazing additions, and the scenes between Jamie Lee Curtis and Chad Micheal Murray are highlights.
25) Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy
Sometimes you feel like people are just milking a movie or series: Riverdale should've ended after season two. After the third Bridget Jones, I thought it was over, what is the need for another movie? I was so wrong. Bridget Jones: Mad about the Boy made me laugh, made me cry, and made me rewatch every movie in the series.
This entry of the series follows Bridget as a single mother of two after her husband, Mark Darcy dies. She is thrown into the modern dating scene, and torn between love interests once again. It features the return of Daniel Cleaver (Hugh Grant), who develops a close friendship with Bridget and her kids, and a love confession so good I swooned.
I found myself relating, still after all these years, to Bridget, as she navigated the sea of very confusing modern relationships. All the characters have grown up, even Daniel, which also means that the story carries more emotional weight. But maybe that is what made it so compelling, and the perfect way to follow-up the now iconic story.
Conclusion
I know 2025 has been over for almost a month, but award season is still in full swing. I think the best way to look back on a year is through the movies that were released. Yes, you can tell we are living in a time that craves nostalgia, even for something we never experienced, but we are also full of exciting new ideas. I encourage everyone to watch these movies, even though 2026 has already begun!
