Top 10 Films of 2025
Top 10 Films of 2025
In a journey from one day to the next, we have reached the end of another year. As we look forward to what comes in 2026, I take this day and think about all the big things that have been. From personal accomplishments to new journeys, what has been a staple in between all of those was the creative escape of film.
Looking back at the year in film, it is a year defined by the creative pushes and unique breaks from the norm. I think about the different adventures I escaped into, realizing it was much more than just fun times … but a year defined by memorable experiences from truly gratifying tales. What I can simply say is that 2025 was a great time for movies.
With such a great year for storytelling, it was really hard to put my top 10 list together. With so many amazing tales, these honorable mentioned should not be missed … and I recommend you checking them out:
Companion – This is a film that defines what it means to genre bend. When AI and makeshift love cross paths, we head on a journey that shows a different kind of personal worth. From its great mixing of horror and dark humor, this is a standout film for anyone wanting to see something different.
Thunderbolts* – This film stands out because it breaks what it means to be heroic. In the latest from Marvel Studios, this film blends character depth with indifference to create a journey that becomes something more. If you’re looking to see a different kind of comic book film, check this one out.
The Phoenician Scheme – Quirkiness and odd characters, a combination that if done right can lead to an unfathomable experience. This is a film where the obscurity of one’s plan leads to a chaotic journey filled with heartiness and strong familial themes. This is a great return for Wes Anderson, one that should not be missed.
28 Years Later – With this long-awaited sequel, we head back into a world ravaged by the RAGE virus. For all the calamity that reigns over the UK, it is the poignancy of humanity’s worth that grips you to the characters’ journey. A genre bending like experience, this sequel will not disappoint.
F1: The Movie – Blockbusters are a dime a dozen, but there is always a few that stand out. With its emotional collision between legacy and ambition, rubber meets asphalt when mentor and mentee find something meaningful behind the wheel. With strong leads through a visceral like adventure, this is a summer blockbuster that truly defines the cinematic experience.
Frankenstein (2025) – The ideas of a tale can become much more when there is a visionary behind the lens. With this latest Guillermo del Toro adaptation, it is a journey that becomes much more than being another monster tale. Built with strong characters focused on desire and pride, this is an adventure worth experiencing.
These honorable mentions are amazing films, ones that can make anyone’s top 10 list. With that being said, here are my Top 10 films of 2025.
10. The Naked Gun (2025) – In this new era of comedy, spoofs are hard to come by … until now. With this comedic revival, we head into a world that blends classic absurdity with modern sensibilities. With a colorful cast of characters moving through rapid-fire setups, we head on a journey that truly defines the art of self-awareness. The filmmakers took a risk with this revival, but it paid off with a great return to form for the spoof comedy.
9. Zootopia 2 – Animation is an artform that screams imaginative detail. With this latest Disney sequel, we return to the world of anthropomorphic animals through another odd setup of criminal conspiracies, friendship and what it truly means to be … one of a kind. As we scour this world with our lovable duo, Judy and Nick, this sequel is another heartfelt experience from the Mouse House.
8. Black Bag – Spy/Thrillers are (like blockbusters) a dime a dozen. The idea of clues and discovery can fall prey to predictability and plot armor, but when pushed through creative wit, it can stand out like this latest Steven Soderbergh film. In a journey that reframes the genre through intensely built dialogue, we head on a path where two spies put their relationship to the test. A twist of love and loyalty, you will be pushed through a dynamic that raises the bar for what it means to be a spy/thriller film.
7. Materialist – When it comes to romantic films, they can feel more fictional than real. Every once in a while, there is one that truly feels like real love is at hand. With this latest from Celine Song, we head on a journey that explores the complexity of modern romance through a character-driven perspective. By playing with the idea of ‘what love is’, we embark on a more human-centered tale. With strong leads that have true natural like affection, this is a romance film that stands out on its own.
6. Marty Supreme – The obscure ways that filmmakers like to tell tales can be truly fascinating. With this latest from one half of the Safdie Brothers, we embark on an unconventional character tale that highlights how a single obsession can lead to dire consequences. With strong characters (leads and secondary) we head on a chaotic journey that becomes more than the typical ‘chasing your dream’ motif. If you’re looking for a different kind of movie, this one should not be missed.
5. One Battle After Another – Movies can stand out for many reasons. From creative journeys to odd characters, what defines the experience can be much more. With this latest Paul Thomas Anderson film, it sparks that essence through a journey of unconventional complexion of realism. Through a blend of political satire within a unique character drama, we head through a slow burn narrative that predicates itself on the moral quandary of family, friendship and purpose. A bold but unpredictable film, this is a tale that truly defines the art of storytelling.
4. Rental Family – When you break from the comforts of your own reality, what new things can you see. With this genuine ‘fish out of water’ tale, we embark on a journey defined by a unique sense of human connection. As we head down a path of wholesome bonds, the filmmakers explore these relationships by complimenting them with themes about personal worth and cultural truths. I can truly say, this is an emotional experience that will have you smiling at the end.
3. Weapons – Horror is a genre that can bend and weave in many ways. No matter what the course, if the filmmakers are willing to take a risk, it can lead to experiences like this. With this latest blending of horror, mystery and drama … we head into a film that deconstructs the ideas of terror, leading to a journey that stands out with the ultimate payoff of unpredictable resonance. With strong characters, a shifting timeline and out of left field climax, this is a horror film that stands above … just like the next one on the list.
2. Sinners – The strength of storytelling comes in finding a unique bond between character and journey. With this latest from Ryan Coogler, he crafts a slow-burn character narrative that dances between historical texture and vampire inspired lore. By creating unique connections with strong characters, this film is layered by its interactions, sultry sequences and mounting tension of survival. Like Weapons … this is a horror film that stands above and emerges as a truly memorable experience.
1. Hamnet – Strong storytelling comes from those unique bonds, but the ones that truly stand out (for me) are the ones that characterizes the heart. Through the blend of raw and emotional moments, Chloe Zhao crafts a film that is defined by a journey of love, loss and self-discovery. Built by inspiration and a grounded narrative, we explore these feelings through a complexion of tragedy and inspiration. That authentic feel from this period piece is a showcase of masterful storytelling, an experience that rises above to being my number one film of 2025.
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