This year, cinema held our attention like never before with striking storytelling and haunting performances that broke through the noise of streaming.
From seductive vampires to demon-hunters to the return of the detective with the silliest accent, 2025 produced fresh new obsessions and meaningful sequels for us to feast our eyes on.
In no particular order, here are the most memorable movies we watched in 2025:
1. Sinners
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners sinks its teeth into cinematic greatness with a genre-bending film that uses one horrific night of vampire-fuelled bloodshed to explore a doomed community’s inspiring battle for identity.
With a foot-tapping soundtrack, bewitching love stories, and an ensemble of otherworldly talent, Sinners’ momentum is difficult to dethrone. It chews through the midnight carange with gunslinging action and devastating character studies. When the sun rises on this mystifying masterpiece, audiences are left to contemplate the powerful comparisons Coogler draws between creatures of the night and twisted human ideology.
2. One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another is a wild, epic adventure that is a deeply thoughtful and uncomfortable commentary about the society we live in today. It’s everything a movie should be: thrilling and hopeful with iconic needle drops that leave the audience still reeling long after the credits roll.
The characters and story are so engaging that it doesn’t feel as though three hours have passed at all. Despite being born into a world people didn’t particularly ask to be born in, One Battle After Another reminds society of its duty to pave the way for the next generation and, in not so subtle ways, to enjoy the ride.
3. Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein manages to honor adaptations that came before while delivering a refreshing take.
Themes of the duality of life and death, creation and art, and suffering and living are at the forefront of every scene. It’s gothic and moody, yet so rich in colorful symbolism. The story between the two tales of Victor Frankenstein and the Creature is captivating.
4. Hamnet
Based on the novel by Maggie O’Farrell, Chloé Zhao’s Hamnet is a beautifully tragic and tragically beautiful story of art transcending time.
Humans have always suffered, and time and time again, they turn to their creative devices. Hamnet grapples with grief, love, pain, understanding, and art. The performances are so moving that not one person will leave the experience of watching the film feeling untouched.
5. K-Pop Demon Hunters
K-Pop Demon Hunters is an unexpected cultural phenomenon that delivers precisely what its title promises and so much more.
Co-directors and co-writers Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans craft a dazzling animated feature about three K-pop superstars who secretly protect their fans from supernatural threats, anchored by the global hit single “Golden.”
What could have been a gimmicky concept instead becomes a genuinely moving exploration of identity and friendship, with emotional beats that rival Pixar’s best.
6. Sorry, Baby
A thrilling debut from writer, director, and star Eva Victor that masterfully controls the tonal blend of comedy and tragedy.
Sorry, Baby profoundly captures the difficulty of healing when the world around you won’t stop moving forward. Victor’s film is one you feel like you can hold in the palm of your hand while washing over you in the grandest sense.
7. The Secret Agent
The Secret Agent is a stylish, subversive slow burn that never lets the audience see where it’s headed.
Led by a superb Wagner Moura, this film digs deep into the oppressive regime of Brazil in the 70’s. What’s most impressive about this film, though, is the way it still manages to uplift the Brazilian people who made the survival of this regime possible.
8. The Testament of Ann Lee
Amanda Seyfried delivers the performance of her career in this musical fable about the founder of the Shakers.
Mona Fastvold’s electrifying vision tackles fanaticism without dismissing people’s need for religion. The Testament of Ann Lee is a true ode to pain and purpose.
9. F1: The Movie
Joseph Kosinski directs a thrilling script from Ehren Kruger, in this rare racing film that actually captures the visceral thrill of speed while grounding the spectacle in human drama.
Brad Pitt plays aging F1 prodigy Sonny Hayes, coaxed back thirty years after a career-ending crash to mentor hotshot rookie Joshua Pearce (Damson Idris). Shot during actual Grand Prix events with custom-built cars, the film’s unprecedented authenticity shows in every frame.
Cinematographer Claudio Miranda is outdoing himself after already wowing us years ago with his Top Gun: Maverick achievements. It’s old-school blockbuster filmmaking at its finest: propulsive, charismatic, and genuinely exciting.
10. A House of Dynamite
Kathryn Bigelow directs, and Noah Oppenheim writes A House of Dynamite — a nerve-shredding procedural thriller that asks the impossible question: what happens in the 18 minutes between detecting an incoming nuclear missile stateside and preparing for impact?
Told through three overlapping perspectives — military officials, the white house, and national security advisors — the film forgoes traditional resolution to examine the crushing weight of decisions made under ultimate pressure.
Bigelow’s characteristic verité style makes every briefing room sequence feel terrifyingly plausible, and the deliberately ambiguous ending is precisely the point. This isn’t about easy answers, but about professionals confronting an unthinkable scenario with chilling credibility.
11. Superman
While films about the Caped Crusader aren’t new, this Superman installment still manages to feel fresh and exciting.
David Corenswet (Superman/Clark Kent) and Rachel Brosnahan (Lois Lane) teaming up with others to defeat Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luther with a more modern take on the classic, reminded us of the magic that superhero films bring. We are captivated by the underdog story centered on human rights and feel all the emotional through points on a level rarely seen in the genre anymore.
12. I Wish You All the Best
The film adaptation of Mason Deaver’s novel brings to light the lived experiences of a non-binary individual in a time when the world doesn’t seem willing to understand.
This coming-of-age story is perfectly executed thanks to the emotional depth and nuanced acting talents of Corey Fogelmanis, who plays the main character, Benjamin. Even if you aren’t a part of the Queer community, this story contains themes that will still resonate from finding yourself to complicated family dynamics and found family.
I Wish You All the Best takes you on a journey that gleefully reminds you that even when it’s hard, being yourself is the best version you can be.
13. The Long Walk
The Long Walk is riveting and sometimes almost too hard to watch. Based on the novel by Stephen King, director Francis Lawrence is able to effectively translate the story to the big screen.
Featuring a cast of up-and-coming actors, led by fantastic performances from Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson, this is without a doubt one of the best movies of the year.
14. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Rian Johnson once again strikes gold in the Knives Out franchise with Wake Up Dead Man.
Another standout cast and the great Daniel Craig back again as Benoit Blanc make this a fun whodunnit that will keep you guessing until the end.
15. Twinless
One of the biggest surprises of the year comes in the form of Twinless.
Written, directed, and co-starring James Sweeney, who effortlessly puts together a fine film with a lot of depth and heart. Dylan O’Brien gives arguably the best performance of his career, playing dual roles and showcasing his dramatic talents like never before.
16. Wicked: For Good
Act II of this musical is known for not being as good as Act I. However, Wicked: For Good exceeds all expectations by delivering a visually stunning film with heartfelt, incredible performances from the cast.
Cynthia Erivo has a unique spin on Elphaba, making her the best version of this character yet. The new songs elevate the narrative and add more diversity to Act II’s songs. There is a reason Wicked: For Good is the biggest movie of the year, and it absolutely deserves the title.
17. The Naked Gun (Schaffer)
As a reboot of a well-known film franchise, The Naked Gun works perfectly. It creates a world in which it makes sense that these characters exist and commit the same funny mistakes its predecessors did.
Liam Neeson brings an extra special touch to the movie, proving to audiences around the world that he is much more than an action guy.
18. The Thursday Murder Club
Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie are the perfect team to solve crimes.
Whether you’re familiar with the books or not, The Thursday Murder Club takes you on an interesting ride that keeps you on the edge of your seat until the end. By the time the movie is over, you will be left wanting more and praying that a sequel is in the making.
19. My Mom Jayne
Mariska Hargitay’s directorial debut is a perfect blend of heart, tragedy, and gut-wrenching storytelling.
Diving into the life of Jayne Mansfield while simultaneously learning more about the woman who has kept the Law & Order universe alive is the ride of a lifetime. This documentary will make you cry while reminding you exactly what matters the most in life.
—
Contributions by: Adam Patla, Alicia Gilstorf, Jake Peffer, Lara Rosales, Mads Misasi, Quinn Que, Samantha Barker, Sarah Novack
