Ranking: Top 35 Films of 2025
- randazzojj123
- 3 days ago
- 35 min read
Welcome back to the blog readers. Holy hell, time is flying. It feels just like yesterday that I was talking about Conclave (2024) being my pick for Best Picture and was putting the final touches on my best and worst lists of 2024. Now, we have reached the end of 2025, and I think it was yet another incredible year for films. Now that we have reached the end, I want to take this time and rank my top 25 films of the year. Which would be my favorite? Will your favorite film appear on my list? Stick around to find out.
NOTE: I cannot promise that I will not use spoilers on this list, so read this post at your own peril. This is your official spoiler warning; you have been warned. And most important of all, this ranking is just my opinion. Feel free to discuss and share your favorite films of 2025 in the comments.
Honorable Mentions
Companion
Science fiction is one of my favorite genres, and some of the best films I have seen over the last decade have been such. I remember going into this film not knowing what to expect, but I ended up having a great time. I cannot stop gushing over the performances of Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid as our main dysfunctional "couple." The themes of toxic masculinity and control are effectively portrayed to the audience, and the action that we get is bloody (and bloody brilliant). I went in not knowing what to expect, but left having a great time, and that's what movie-going is all about.
The Accountant 2
Everyone in my circle has been singing the praises of The Accountant (2016), a film I (still) have not seen. I felt I did not need to for whatever reason. So I went into this film not really having any expectations (similar to the last honorable mention), and I had a pretty good time with this one. I think Ben Affleck gives a damn good performance as Christian Wolff and his chemistry with Jon Bernthal is next-level. I love what the film says about people on the spectrum and how their existence is not a hindrance to society. Even though the story is a bit cookie-cutter at times, it still delivered what I was hoping it would.
F1 the Movie
By far the frontrunner for the Oscar for Best Sound, I remember being pretty stoked to see this one. The director of Top Gun: Maverick (2022) teaming up with Brad Pitt to deliver us a love letter to Formula 1 racing? Sign me up for that. I loved Pitt's performance in this film, and I also loved the performance of Damson Idris. The car racing is some of the most exhilarating stuff I have seen all year, and the decision to put the cameras in the cars was genius. While the story may seem a bit derivative to Top Gun: Maverick, I still had a good enough time that I did not really care all that much.
Weapons
Zach Cregger's previous film Barbarian (2022) was somewhat of a disappointment to me, especially since mostly everybody else loved it. I was intrigued with this film from the get based on the story. Jordan Peele was so upset that he lost the bidding war for this film that he fired his manager. While I did not love it, I loved the performances from Julia Garner, Josh Brolin, and Amy Madigan (who may just shock us all and get an Oscar nomination) and the structure of the mystery. I think it could have been shorter, but beggars can't be choosers.
Good Boy
Most of the horror films I have seen have followed a similar premise or have been afraid to really reinvent themselves. When I saw the premise for this one, I knew that we would be in for something special. What I wound up walking out of was a film that was genuinely creepy and borderline distressing (in a good way). The performance of Indy is one of the best performances of the year (by any species), and the level of atmosphere that director Ben Leonberg is able to achieve is completely stunning. And the ending is one of the most haunting and emotionally walloping I have ever seen in a film. I almost broke down, no joke.
Christy
If you remember my worst films of the year list, I mentioned that there were three films I saw as part of Regal's "Mystery Movie Monday" program. Two of those films, mainly Dead of Winter and The Mastermind (both 2025) I did not like, but this one I did. Sydney Sweeney gives by far her best performance as former boxer Christy Martin, and Merritt Weaver is so unlikable as Martin's mother Joyce. The script is not afraid to get dark and uncomfortable really quickly into the film. But my gripe is that everyone else gets older but Sweeney is kept as if she was the same age. I think that took me out of the film the later into it we go.
Now that we got these honorable mentions out of the way, let us discuss my top 35 films of 2025.
35. The Roses
One film genre that can be very contentious for me is that of comedy. I personally cannot find myself enjoying many comedies because they almost never get the comedy right. One of the rare exceptions to the rule was one of my favorites in Joy Ride (2023). That film knows how to blend good comedy with a healthy level of filthy. As soon as I saw the trailer in which a gay woman mouthed "I will fuck you" to Benedict Cumberbatch, I was in. Thank goodness this film was just great fun.
I have to talk about the performances of Cumberbatch and Olivia Colman. These two are more serious actors that I did not think would be able to pull off what this film was demanding that they do. Boy, do they do it in spades, and their chemistry as a couple with an obviously failing marriage is some of the best I have seen all year. Even people like the aforementioned Kate McKinnon and Andy Samberg were solid in this film.
I have to commend writer Tony McNamara for being able to bring us comedy that not only seems grounded in reality, but feels a bit fantastical. It feels a bit like The Studio (2025-) in how it feels uncomfortable (in a good way) a lot of the time. Plus, the story, involving a deteriorating relationship is handled with a whole lot of realism and respect. I wish all comedies were treated like this one (and one I will talk about much later).
34. The Monkey
You know my relationship with horror films and I had been hoping for a year where most of them did not suck. I mean, there were two horror films in my top 5 in 2024 so there was some hope. Going into this film was a bit contentious because I was not the biggest fan of Longlegs (2024), so I was curious to see what Osgood Perkins would be able to pull off by adapting King. And I got another very fun time at the theater.
Theo James plays twin brothers as adults and Christian Convery plays the brothers as children. Both actors are able to bring a unique characteristic to each twin. Both can give Hal a meekness that he would not have had had he been played by any other actor, and both can give Bill a sinisterness that again, he may not have had if someone else played the character. I even liked Tatiana Maslany for the five minutes she was in the film.
The comedy in this film (since the film is a comedy horror) is both ridiculous and very good. This film was never meant to be taken seriously, and Perkins absolutely knew that when writing the film. And the horror comes in the shock value when any character is killed. Yeah, it may rely on shock value and jump scares, but I love seeing someone explode when they touch a pool that has been electrified. Or a bunch of cheerleaders in a school bus getting beheaded by a semi.
33. Last Breath
Thrillers are some of my favorite kinds of films because they make you suspend your disbelief in order to sink your heart, increase your heartbeat, and really make you feel. I remember going into this film with not a lot of buzz. Even though I love Simu Liu and Woody Harrelson, I did not know what to expect for a film based on a documentary. What I eventually got was a good time with solid performances and good tone.
I mentioned in the last paragraph that I love Woody Harrelson and Simu Liu, and getting them to be in this film was total genius. Not only do they have impeccable chemistry in their respective roles, but they are able to portray hardship, determination, and dedication at a level not may of the other people in this film (save for a breakout role for Finn Cole) could have imagined.
It is not easy for filmmakers to be able to maintain a specific tone in a film, but these filmmakers were able to do that to perfection. I found myself tense, gripping on to something, and hoping that everyone would be okay in the end. I even loved Paul Leonard-Morgan's score because it was able to match the emotions that the pictures and words were displaying. Definitely check this one out for a good time.
32. Predator: Badlands
Have you heard this one before from me? I have never seen a film in the Predator franchise. I had a feeling seeing the admittedly fun trailers that I would have to go on a Predator marathon to be able to understand the lore and the background of the Yautja (I think that's the name of the species). Thankfully, I did not need to watch a single film to have as much fun with this film as I did.
The performance of Elle Fanning (who is getting awards consideration for another film she is in) was stunning to me. She plays two synths, with one feeling like a warm and comforting friend and the other feeling like a more sinister version of the first one. And the big-league debut of Demetrius Schuster-Koloamatangi was insane. I called it isolationist darkness in my review for this film, and I stand by that statement.
The action that we get in this film, while not innovative or reinventive, is pretty awesome. You do go to this film to see a Predator kicking ass and taking names. I could say the same for the story of the film, but it kept me engaged enough as to where I had a good time watching it unfold. The real price of admission has to be the epic score, however. The two composers are people I really like, and they gave this film an other-worldly feel. I'd be down to see more from Dek and Thia.
31. Nuremberg
As you know, two of my favorite films of all time, Argo (2012) and Oppenheimer (2023), are biographical drama films. So you know that I tend to favor those kinds of films over any others. Hearing that there was one regarding the infamous Nuremberg trials that took place after World War II absolutely intrigued me, and I am satisfied that I got a great character study and some very good performances.
Russell Crowe absolutely excelled in taking on one of the most evil men who have ever lived. He brought his unique charisma to make us absolutely despise the man he plays. Rami Malek (who has become one of my favorite actors) delivers one of the most emotionally complex and multi-faceted performances I have ever seen (especially from him) and completely won me over.
I understand that it took a ton of balls to be able to show actual footage from the Holocaust in this film, and it really packs a wallop when you realize it is happening again. But the emotional balancing of the script does not always work overall. Neither do the pacing of the film and the over-excessive runtime. If the script was a bit better and the film was shorter, this film would be a lot higher on the list. I wanted more trial and less talky-talky.
30. Together
As you will see further down on this list, 2025 was the year of the horror film. Most of the ones that I saw this year definitely surprised me in the sense that I thought they were better than I thought. I remember hearing the very positive word of mouth that was coming out regarding this film, and was very happy that I enjoyed this film as much as I was. Definitely one of the bigger surprises of the year for me.
Dave Franco and Allison Brie are married in real life, so I knew that them playing a couple would be riveting stuff. Not only was it riveting, they both give excellent performances as said couple that has issues, both figuratively and literally. Their chemistry is unmistakable and the emotions that they are able to portray are wholly genuine and believable. Vulnerability and passion are the name of the game.
One thing that I did not talk about in my initial review of the film was the pacing of the film, and I do like how we go at a methodical but very intentional pace. And, the horror that we get in this film is, as I did mention in my review, was in-your-face but not overbearing. The supernatural forces at play were enough to keep me creeped out for the duration of the film, and the decision to allow them to fuse was ballsy and brilliant.
29. Mickey 17
I have a history with director Bong Joon Ho. I am a big fan of his films Snowpiercer (2013) and Parasite (2019), with the latter bringing him international attention, having won four Academy Awards, including Best Director an Best Picture. Knowing that a science fiction film would be his next was always going to intrigue me, and I really enjoyed myself on this one as well.
I may have been way off when predicting Robert Pattinson and Mark Ruffalo would be getting Oscar nominations for their performances, but my opinion on them has not wavered in the 10 months it has been since this film came out finally. Pattinson brings his own level of charisma to the roles of Mickey Barnes, and Ruffalo gets real and inspired in his role of Kenneth Marshall.
As with all of Bong Joon Ho's films, there are social issues sprawled all over this film. Bong has always been one to tell the story of the little man, and he tackles themes of ethics, fanaticism, and class disparity so well. And it is pretty chilling since those things are playing out in real time. It is very crazy when reality starts to become the fiction we consume, and it is clear that something needs to be done.
28. Kiss of the Spider Woman
Speaking of reality starting to become the fiction we consume, this remake had been on my radar when I learned that it would be getting some award consideration at the time of its release (something that it is not doing now). I also really like Diego Luna and knew he would bring it in whatever role he finds himself in. This film was pretty good, but there is one big issue that prevents it from going higher on this list.
The price of admission was going to always be Diego Luna, whose performance layers on vulnerability and hard-headedness. As the most real character in the film, I immediately found myself gravitating towards him. But this film gave me a surprise I was not expecting: a borderline brilliant performance from Tonatiuh. They really shocked me with the rawness and pure emotion that they were able to breathe into the role of Luis Molina.
Two other things I really enjoyed in this film are the music and the cinematography. The music is catchy, relevant to the plot, and not treated like a priority in sacrifice of plot (unlike what A Complete Unknown (2024) did). The cinematography is next-level and really immerses you into both worlds: military-occupied Brazil and the 60s-inspired dreamworld of the film within a film. The story is not treated with as much reverence as it could have been, and the themes really hamper the overall messaging of the film.
27. Rental Family
There is nothing like a feel-good film. You know, those films that make you want to be a better person and all that hoopla? Speaking of films that were getting award consideration at the time when they came out, this was one of the ones that I was convinces would be a nominee for Best Picture. I am so happy that I got to see this film because I left with a fat smile on my face.
There is nothing left to say about the performance of Brendan Fraser. His performance as a struggling American actor living in Japan is still one of my favorite performances of the year, and the raw charisma and emotion that Fraser is able to bring to the role is truly one-of-a-kind. Nobody else could have pulled off this role. Even Akira Emoto's performance is special for being so emotionally powerful, enough to choke me up in spots.
The main reason I was left thinking about this film until long after the credits stopped rolling is because of the themes and messaging. The main theme that Hikari lays out for us is that of grief, and the message that she tries (and very much succeeds) in portraying is that no matter what stage of grief we are in and no matter how much it may hurt, we are truly never alone in our struggles. Pretty powerful shit, if I do say so myself.
26. Novocaine
A lot of the films that you are going to see here may not be Citizen Kane (1941) in terms of their stories, but going to see them is overall just a hell of a good time. You knew I was in when I found out Jack Quaid was playing a bank manager who cannot feel pain who ventures to rescue his girlfriend, and I was not prepared to have as much fun as I did with this film.
Seriously, Quaid has been killing it in every single project I have seen him in. Between Scream (2022), The Boys (2019-26), and Companion (2025) (that appeared earlier on this list), he has been pure money. And this film is another example of this, as he blends his natural charisma with the action/general star qualities that made his father a household name. I even liked Amber Midthunder in this film.
I love what this film has to say about disabilities and how they can be redirected to become someone's superpower. I loved the frenetic action that makes wonderful use of Nathan Caine's disability and lack of ability in the action field. And the story, while basic, is still an engaging time that diverts some expectations near the mid-way point. I may have said this in the review, but I think this film goes a long way in showcasing the future of Hollywood.
25. Bring Her Back
Yet another horror film that I did not have any expectations for. Directors Danny and Michael Philippou set the world on fire with their debut film Talk to Me (2023), and all eyes were pointed to where the brothers would go next. I never got to see Talk to Me, but going from that to a supernatural horror would be an intriguing decision. Turns out, it was a damn good one at that.
This film lives and breathes in the phenomenal performance from legendary actor Sally Hawkins. I mentioned in my review that this is the most deranged and terrifying I have ever seen her, and her blending this terror with immense levels of grief leads to what I believe will be another overlooked excellent performance in horror that will not get recognized or remembered in five years.
There are two more things I want to praise in regards to this film. The first is the fact that the themes of guilt and grief are revelatory since it is done in such a brilliant way. That shit regarding the ritual was creepy as hell. I definitely do not recommend being a part of any such ritual. The second is the dark tone and atmosphere that the Philippou brothers are able to master.
24. From the World of John Wick: Ballerina
I cannot overstate enough how in love with the John Wick films I am. As soon as Theon Greyjoy killed John Wick's puppy, I was in and I have been in from the very beginning. I was both excited and nervous to know that we would be getting a film in this universe that does not follow John Wick, but I am so glad that I got to watch this film in theaters. This was dumb, stupid fun.
Ana de Armas has never really been known to be an action star, especially since she is also an Oscar nominee. Being in this film absolutely changed my opinion on that because she kicked serious ass. Plus, she can bring those serious acting chops that she was Oscar-nominated for. Also, who doesn't love Keanu Reeves? Probably the nicest guy in Hollywood and knows how to kill it whenever asked to.
While the story may not be the best in the entire John Wick universe, it definitely knows how to keep the audience engaged. Plus, I really like how John Wick is treated like the threat he obviously is. But I love how the scriptwriters chose to not insult the audience based on something that was said at the beginning of the film. I just love this film, man. Give me John Wicks 5-10 for all I care.
23. One Battle After Another
I am so ready for all the more hardcore cinephiles to be present in the comments complaining that I don't have this film in the top 3 of the year. Listen guys, movies hit us all in different ways. I'm sure there is someone out there that likes Madame Web (2024). If that is the case, I am jealous of that person. But the truth is, I did not love this film as much as almost everybody else did.
I did love the performances, especially from Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti. The two play a father-daughter combo that works extremely well in this screwball-type film. DiCaprio brings chaotic desperation and a certain stewardess to his role, while Infiniti uses her film debut to show some power that not many people her age can have. I mentioned that she was acting circles around Sean Penn in my review!
Some of the other things I found myself enjoying in this film would have to be the cinematography (spotty but efficient by design is what I called it in my review), and the music (expertly crafter by Jonny Greenwood). My main issues with this film have to be with the story and the runtime. This film is too long, and I think that the story is disjointed enough that it hinders my enjoyment of the film. I do respect all the award love it is getting, however.
22. The Naked Gun
I told you we were not done with comedies this year, and it definitely does not end here. I may never have seen a film in the Naked Gun franchise, but I am old enough to be able to respect the legend known as Leslie Nielsen. When I heard Liam Neeson was taking on the reins, I was both intrigued and excited to see this film. The filmmakers absolutely did not disappoint.
Neeson's performance as the son of legendary Police Squad detective Frank Drebin is literally perfect. There is nothing else I could say regarding this performance. He is able to masterfully recreate the deadpan, slapstick humor that Nielsen was known for, and the supporting cast round out one of the more oddball casts of the year. Pamela Anderson, Paul Walter Hauser, CCH Pounder, Kevin Durand, Cody Rhodes, and Busta Rhymes?
I have seen clips of the old Zucker-Abrahams-Zucker (ZAZ) slapstick humor, and I believe that this film perfectly embodies the spirit of those early films. I definitely think it is because the director is a member of the Lonely Island, and Seth MacFarlane is one of the producers. And even though I believe the story is a bit derivative to Kingsman: The Secret Service (2015), it does not matter in a film like this. I laughed my ass off.
21. The Life of Chuck
You could also be forgiven for saying that this was the year of the Stephen King adaptation, since this is the second of four on this list (the third one is coming up real soon). This is also the one that I had the least expectations going into since I am not familiar with the short story. I do have to say that I was pretty impressed with what I saw from famed horror director Mike Flanagan.
There were no performances that really stood out to me on this list (which is a first for a film on any of my lists), but I do want to give special mention to Mark Hamill. Near the end of the film, he gives a monologue about the importance of math, and I felt seen in a film for one of the first time (since I love math desperately). Also, Tom Hiddleston is pretty solid for the five minutes he is in the film (despite getting top billing), and his dance scene is mesmerizing.
Despite not having standout performances, the real strength of the film is its storytelling and thematic depth. While the messaging and themes will not be for everyone (as is the case for every film ever made), it is a beautifully crafted meditation on the preciousness of life where each frame contributes to a larger human story. The "reverse narrative" structure and lighthearted tone invites quiet reflection rather than spectacle.
20. Avatar: Fire and Ash
I saw Avatar (2009) three months before The Way of Water (2022) was released, and I saw The Way of Water after I had made my lists for 2022. Therefore, this is the first time I get to have an Avatar film in my list. I have enjoyed this franchise and what it has to say regarding imperialistic tendencies, so best believe I was looking real forward to this film. While it is my least favorite of the three, I still had a great time.
While the entire cast (including Sam Worthington and Zoe Saldaña) is on their A-game yet again in this franchise, the two people I mentioned in my review as being standouts were series regular Stephen Lang and newcomer Oona Chaplin. Their fire, determination, and passion were absolutely warranted in this film, and their twisted chemistry together did not go unnoticed.
Stop me if you have heard this one before: an Avatar film has amazing visual effects and will most likely win Best Visual Effects at the Oscars in March. I mean, it's true. Plus, Simon Franglen's score reminds us of the late great James Horner while carving its own path. I do think the film's biggest detriment is the runtime (as I think this one feels like its length) and its familiarity to The Way of Water. Don't be fooled into thinking I will not be seated for a potential fourth and fifth installment in this franchise.
19. The Running Man
I told you this was the year of Stephen King. This is the third of four King adaptations that appears on this list, and I do think it is the second best. I have become more and more of an Edgar Wright fan, with his film Baby Driver (2017) being awesome. I remember the reviews for this film being more mixed than I would have liked, but the film is an adrenaline-pumping thrill ride from start to finish.
Glen Powell has been excelling in every role he has been in for me as of late. This film is no different, because the character of Ben Richards feels like it was written with Powell in mind. This guy has a natural charisma about him that lent him perfectly to this role, and I believe that he was able to rise up to the source material and give it justice for all it was worth. I even really enjoyed Colman Domingo and Josh Brolin in their roles.
While I do think the action (while not top notch and at the level of something like John Wick) is pretty damn solid for what it is, I do think that the film did have a few issues that prevented it from being a top-10 film. One of them would have to be the piss-poor editing that we get in the climax. I still get nightmares reminiscing about that plane fight in the climax. Also, the film did feel a bit long. Just some nitpicky stuff.
18. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning
I may not have seen the first three films in the Mission: Impossible franchise, but I have been in ever since I saw Ghost Protocol (2011). And in my humble opinion, the films have just been getting better and better. Christopher McQuarrie has taken this franchise in a bold direction that has made this franchise not only accessible, but fucking awesome at the same time. This film is no exception.
In another rarity for these lists, there is no performance that really stood out to me in this film. I do want to take this paragraph and praise some other aspects of this film that I greatly appreciate. The action and stunts that we get in this film are just chef's kiss, with that whole submarine sequence giving me phobias I did not know I had. And the final airplane scene was one of the most exhilarating sequences I have ever seen as a film fan.
I want to take this moment and deliver my deepest appreciation for Tom Cruise and his deep respect for the film industry. His unwavering support for the theatrical experience has allowed for some of the best moments to take place. And I cannot wait to see where his non-action future takes him, especially since he has that film Digger (2026) coming out this year. It will be fun.
17. Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere
It doesn't take a brain surgeon or a rocket scientist to be able to know that rock music is the only legitimate genre of music (this was obviously just a joke, so don't come for me). Hearing the Boss was getting the biopic treatment that his contemporaries have gotten was always going to be interesting, especially since the director also did Out of the Furnace (2013) and Black Mass (2015).
Jeremy Allen White absolutely embodied the role of Bruce Springsteen, all the grief, the trauma, the regret, the pain, and the complexities that come with the Boss. This was one of the more transformative performances I saw all year. Additionally, Stephen Graham brings all the conviction and anguish that comes with playing the alcoholic and distant father of Bruce, and he was a revelation.
This is not your typical biopic, in the sense that there are some pretty intense themes in this one. The main two that I found myself gravitating towards were mental health and the drawbacks of fame. This made the character work, especially from Allen White that much more impactful, as was the focus on the characters rather than the music, something A Complete Unknown (2024) did the opposite of. Wonderful film.
16. Final Destination Bloodlines
Told you that this was the year of horror. I have never seen a film in the Final Destination franchise, although the films are pretty popular but never received all too well. I remember not being the most excited for this film, since I did not know what to expect going in, and I definitely remember other people being more excited for this film. Well, I am happy that I had as much fun with this film as I had.
While nobody else really stood out in terms of performances (although it was good to see Tony Todd one final time since his passing), Kaitlyn Santa Juana brings a reality and a groundedness to her character that resonates through the screen. She was so grounded that I found myself rooting for her. And I thought, while upsetting since I loved her character, that it was ballsy to kill her and her brother off.
The kills that we get in this film are some of the most inventive kills I have ever seen in film. Everything from the lawnmower one to the dumpster one to the MRI/vending machine combo (my personal favorite) were more creative and more awe-inducing. And the humor that we get is real, it is grounded, and it is relatable. And I want to end this film's mini-review by saying one more time: rest in peace to Tony Todd.
15. Thunderbolts*
Who knew that we would get a collective therapy session at the picture films in 2025? The idea for this film baffled me at first, because what would this collection of misfits be able to do in a film together? How could you combine Bucky Barnes, Red Guardian, Yelena Belova, and Taskmaster in one film and make it work with the director of Paper Towns (2015)? Solution: it was awesome.
Florence Pugh delivers a career-best performance as Yelena, and she becomes one of the embodiments of mental health that really resonated with me in the end. Her "Daddy, I'm so alone" monologue described me to a tee and was getting me choked up. Lewis Pullman does the same thing as Bob / Sentry and explains isolationism and loneliness to perfection. I felt Bob's pain.
The aforementioned themes regarding mental health were powerful, poignant, and ever-so-relevant in today's society, and that comes down to the clever writing. Writers Eric Pearson and Joanna Calo really understood what the assignment was, and they were able to craft a script that really lends itself to an issue a lot of people can relate to. And yes, I cannot wait to see the "New Avengerz" in Avengers: Doomsday (2026).
14. The Smashing Machine
Each subsequent film on this list furthers my claim that 2025 was a fantastic year for film. Hearing that Benny Safdie would be directing a biopic about former UFC fighter Mark Kerr was going to intrigue me. Hearing Dwayne "The Rock" Johnson would be playing Kerr in a drastic shift in the kinds of films he normally takes on made me even more excited for this film. And boy, was I right to be.
Johnson actually became a character for the first time in his acting career, because I could not see him playing Kerr, aside from some very "Rocky" mannerisms. He brings layers to the character that I never expected from him. Emily Blunt also is able to rise up and deliver yet another stellar performance as Dawn Staples, bringing grief, pain, and regret the likes of which I have never seen. And their Jungle Cruise (2021) chemistry is on full display.
Maceo Bishop's cinematography is award-worthy and is able to match the kinetic and frantic energy of the script, as is the score from Belgian-Caribbean artist Nala Sinephro, who infuses a sinister-like jazz feel to the score. Even the licensed music is diverse and paints a whole picture of the story. I know it probably will not, but I would love to see this film get more love at the Oscars than it will.
13. How to Train Your Dragon
As you know, and to borrow from my good friend Langston Fleury, animation is not my bag. I had three films on my list last year with one of them, The Wild Robot (2024) actually making my top ten. This year was not as good for the genre (especially since I did not see a certain one), but this appears to be the start of a new renaissance for live-action adaptations of animated films. This is by far my biggest surprise of the year.
Mason Thames kicked off his legendary 2025 by stepping into the role of Hiccup. In this role, he flaunts off his improved age by delivering a bravado that his younger self did not have. He was able to match the heart and charisma that Jay Baruchel was able to back in the day. And I have a soft spot for Gerard Butler, so seeing him step into the role he originated in 2010 was such a delight. There is something about him actually embodying this character that makes it work for me.
I have to commend the effects department for making dragons that feel similar to their animated counterparts, but could absolutely be real in our world. Plus, the themes of accepting differences and how everyone has something to share with the world are relevant whether you are 9 or 90. Believe me when I tell you, How to Train Your Dragon 2 (2027) is one of my most anticipated films of next year.
12. Wicked: For Good
I know that last year, I did the whole "terrible song title placement" thing for the first Wicked (2024), and I promised myself I would not do it again to save you from the heart troubles. So this year, I promise to only do the ones that make sense. Thank goodness I saw this film, because I couldn't be happier that it was just as good. See, that one was good. More to come.
I have a trio of excellent performances to discuss this time around, and two of them are the usual suspects. Cynthia Erivo is just as electric as Elphaba / the Wicked Witch of the West, bringing a bravado that no good deed goes unpunished with her in command. Ariana Grande takes on the role of the girl in the bubble once more, and delivers a performance more raw than anything I could have hoped for. And Ethan Slater was just as wonderful leading the march of the witch hunters to the box office.
Every day, more wicked forces try to sew doubt into our minds, and the themes of fighting for what you love and the dangers of "hive-minders" are more prevalent, especially with the Wicked Witch of the East (aka the cunt in Washington D.C.) spreading more division and hate. I may not be that girl (again), but I can recognize those themes, the great music, and that there's no place like home. And Wicked, as long as you're mine, I can have the honor of saying I have been changed...well, for good. Hope that was better.
11. Roofman
I had a funny feeling going into 2025 that we were going to get a film that defied a bunch of expectations. Everybody had their opinions as to which film that would be, but I had a feeling it was going to be this film. Channing Tatum has only gotten better as an actor, and I have been paying more attention to the films that he has been taking on, with Fly Me to the Moon (2024) getting into my top ten of the year. This film reminds me of that film in a lot of ways.
This time around, Tatum takes on the role of Jeffrey Manchester, the thief known as the "Roofman" for robbing a bunch of McDonald's locations by accessing their roofs and hiding out in a Toys "R" Us. And when I say takes on, I really mean takes on, because he uses his natural bravado and charisma to create a lovable, yet flawed character. I even liked Kirsten Dunst's endearing performance as Leigh Wainscott.
I loved the script that Derek Cianfrance and Kirt Gunn give us because they are able to transform a crazy true story into a lighthearted, fun, and entertaining watch for people of all ages. Not only that, but this is a far funnier film than I expected it to be. The comedy was poignant, it was real, and it was wacky (in all the right ways). I think this is the best film Tatum has ever done, and he's boutta make a name for himself (again).
10. Superman
Now we get to the films that I really loved. It is a proven fact that I am a staunch supporter of James Gunn. Ever since I saw Guardians of the Galaxy (2014), I have liked to loved every project I have ever seen from him. Now that he was taking over a dying DC, the results were always going to be looked at with a magnifying glass. I am so fucking happy that I loved this film as much as I did.
All of the performances, especially from Nicholas Hoult and Edi Gathegi (and of course, the bestest boy in Krypto) were excellent, the actors were perfect fits for their characters, and immense praise needs to go to David Corenswet for taking on the role of the Man of Steel with such a grace, such a passion, and such a power that I was totally stunned. I remember thinking to myself that this could not be the same guy who played the dick in Twisters (2024) a year prior.
Gunn wrote the ideal Superman film with this installment. This is a Superman brimming with positivity, with hope, and with so much relatability. The quote that always stuck with me was when Superman was described as "kindness in a world that thinks of kindness as old-fashioned." The DCU looks like it is in good hands, and I cannot wait to see what the future of the franchise looks like in the coming years.
9. Drop
You could make an argument that this was my biggest surprise of the year, but I always had a feeling that this was going to be fun. Especially since this was the first film I saw in the big three-film weekend at the start of April (The Amateur (2025) was the second, and I did not like that one that much), I was looking forward to seeing it. I have not found myself loving a thriller as much as I had with this one.
The lead performances of Meghann Fahy and the future Batman (aka Brandon Sklenar) were absolutely awesome. Fahy delivers a level of dread but subtle vulnerability hitherto undreamt of, and sold me on her character. Sklenar delivers a similar level of vulnerability but also a warmness that only he can. And together, the two of them are unstoppable together.
I have to air out a level of appreciation for Jillian Jacobs and Chris Roach (and director Christopher Landon) for being able to create a darker kind of tone that is able to be maintained for the entire duration. And, the themes that are used in this film, from the dangers of modern technology to the increased frequency of abuse and domestic violence, are handled with so much grace and reverence. I loved this film.
8. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
This one hurts a little bit, since both Knives Out (2019) and Glass Onion (2022) were top five films in the years they came out. I am not the biggest fan of the murder mystery genre, but there is something about these films that feels like crack of the highest order. I obviously was excited for this film, however, and went into it with an open mind. While it may be my least favorite of the franchise, it was still so much damn fun.
I know his previous 2025 film was not as good as this, but Josh O'Connor is electric in this film as an assistant priest who has a different view of the church as his superior. Glenn Close brings determination and passion to her role that I found enticing until the end. Josh Brolin's fiery 2025 concluded with a hell of a vitriolic performance that will send shivers down your spine due to the realness. And of course, Benoit Blanc is awesome as always.
The main mystery that we get this time around is one that will absolutely make you think and reflect on the position of faith. Whether you are on the side of Brolin's priest, O'Connor's priest, or Blanc himself, it is basically a sign to reflect on reality. Rian Johnson's script is as sharp, as witty, and as close to real life than I am really willing to admit. If you are reading this Rian, please give us like 7 more of these films because I love them all.
7. The Fantastic 4: First Steps
By far, this is the best superhero film of the year (of course, this is just my opinion). I have been waiting for someone to make a decent Fantastic Four film basically my entire life. Fantastic Four (2005) and Rise of the Silver Surfer (2007) were pretty disappointing, and FANT4STIC (2015) was just terrible. And not only is this the best superhero film of the year, it is bar none the best Fantastic Four film we have ever had.
Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Joseph Quinn, and Ebon-Moss Bachrach are the perfect quadruple duo to be able to take on the role of Marvel's first family, with Pascal's Reed Richards already becoming one of the best characters in the MCU, and Ralph Ineson's performance as Galactus was plain, downright terrifying. One line: "Clever little bugs." Holy shit.
I am in love with the visual effects (and it seems like this is the best looking Marvel film in a long time, especially the design of Galactus). I love Michael Giacchino's score, some of his best work and should be getting more love than it is, and the story regarding togetherness and family and mortality is a timeless one that is crafted with so much love and reverence. I cannot wait to see them again in Avengers: Doomsday as well.
6. Black Bag
I think most of the entire top six could easily fall in my biggest surprises of the year, especially this film. As you may remember in my worst films of the year list, I was not the biggest fan of Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp's previous collaboration Presence (2025). Although the trailer for this was intriguing, I cannot say I was entirely salivating over seeing this film. Until I saw it and absolutely loved it.
I have been waiting for a long time to be able to say these words: Michael Fassbender is absolute fucking dynamite in this film. As is Cate Blanchett, who plays his wife. The two of them (as does the whole cast) plays off of each other in a film that does not feel like a film at all: it truly does feel like these characters are playing off of each other in a West End stage play, and it was mesmerizing the entire brisk 94-minute runtime.
Speaking about the stage play feel, the script is crafted in such a way that I felt both thrill and calm, and it was incredible to watch the mystery play out in real time. So many twists, so many turns, and the main story is absolutely riveting. I hope in the future we get more films like this, because it was absolutely a pleasure to get to watch this modern masterpiece. I just wish I could watch it again.
5. Marty Supreme
Who knew I would be so riveted by a film about ping pong of all things? This is a film I was always going to be looking forward to because obviously, my boy Timothée Chalamet is in this film. After one of my favorite pundits said he hated this film, I knew I would continue to be unwavering in my support of my boy and his film. Thankfully, I disagreed with him because I absolutely loved the chaos we got.
Timothée Chalamet, the man you are. Already nagging the Critics' Choice and Golden Globe awards for his performance as Marty Mauser, he creates one of the most lovable, but at the same time hateable characters I have seen in a long time. And the screwball supporting cast that includes Gwyneth Paltrow, Tyler, the Creator, Fran Drescher, and "Mr. Wonderful" Kevin O'Leary were amazing as well.
There are some people out there that did not like the scatterbrained nature of this film, but I thought it lent itself to the story. Marty Mauser is someone that I described in the review who goes on a self-destructive odyssey to prove that he can be the best. That is exactly what this film is, and I loved every minute of it. The score, cinematography, and the writing are all points of praise, and here's to hoping that my boy gets his long-deserved Oscar.
4. Good Fortune
This is a massive milestone for the blog, since this is the first time a comedy has ever cracked my top five of a given year. This film has been in the works for a long time, since director Aziz Ansari's original directorial debut was shelved due to an assault allegation against star Bill Murray. I have been looking forward to this since footage was shown at the 2024 CinemaCon (not attended by me by the way), and let's just say the wait was well worth it.
Seth Rogen had a fire 2025, between his excellent comedy The Studio (2025-) and this film. He was fire in this film as the wealthy billionaire in question, and Ansari was lovely in his role as a down-on-his-luck struggling man. But the real MVP of this film was Keanu Reeves, who turns in a rather odd comedic performance that is real, emotional, and absolutely works in the context of the film.
Ansari being a comedian is one of the reasons why I believe that the comedy in this film works so well. I still love Reeves's interaction with Sandra Oh's character. It is relatable, and it is relevant in this society we are living in. And the story and message regarding the haves and have-nots was really touching and handled with so much grace. This comedy feels important, and the fact that barely anyone saw it is a crime against humanity.
3. Warfare
Putting my top three together this year was a fucking challenge, because any of these films could have been the top one. This one was, for a long time. I remember being pretty mild on co-director Alex Garland's previous film Civil War (2024), but hearing about this film got me excited as hell. War films get a bad rap, but I was waiting for the next one to emphasize how terrible war is. This was it.
Everyone in the all-star cast give all-time performances in the film. From Joseph Quinn's heartbreaking and soul-sinking performance to the breakouts of guys like Michael Gandolfini, Kit Connor, Charles Melton, and D'Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, this cast is another reminder that this is the future of Hollywood. I said it in April and I will say it again: this film absolutely should be a Best Casting frontrunner at the Oscars.
As the final film I saw in that big April weekend I have been talking about, I cannot praise this film enough for what it did. I think it was one of the best-made films of the entire year. Everything from the cinematography to the choreography to the sound design (where is this film in that category, by the way?) to the ballsy decision to not feature a score, this film feels like a perfect anti-war film. Plus, using the actual testimonies of co-director Ray Mendoza's former platoon was a necessary, but brilliant touch.
2. Sinners
A film that is going to get a lot of love as the years go by, this was one of the ones circled on my calendar. Ryan Coogler directing? Yes, please. Michael B. Jordan taking on two roles at once? Take my money. It being a vampire horror/musical film? Empty my bank account. I still cannot make heads or tails of my experience in that theater, but I know that this film was a masterpiece in the flesh.
B. Jordan brings something different to the two characters he plays, and both are as engaging as the other. Smoke and Stack are some of the best characters put to screen all year, as is Delroy Lindo's fire-charged performance as Delta Slim. Hailee Steinfeld, Wunmi Mosaku, and Jack O'Connell round out an all-star cast that could win the Oscar for Best Casting.
The combination of music, drama, and horror was an inspired one, because all three are necessary to the DNA of this film. It is not as good if we are not watching in awe at the "I Lied to You" scene one minute, caring about Smoke and Stack running the juke joint the next, and the vampires wrecking fools and singing catchy songs in the next. This film is going to be remembered for a long time because of how brilliant it is. Definitely watch it because you will be changed.
1. A Minecraft Movie
Even though my least favorite film of the year changed about 2 days before I made this list, this was always the plan so I chose not to deviate from it. At this point, I have decided that the running gag will continue as long as Hollywood keeps making films like Meg 2: The Trench (2023), Madame Web (2024), A Minecraft Movie (2025), and the film that wound up being in the same conversation as the former two films: War of the Worlds (2025). Oh, and by the way, CHICKEN JOCKEY!!!!!!! Annoyed yet? I've been tortured by that shit for nine fucking months (and that stupid "six-seven" meme). Onto the real top film of the year, and it may be one you did not expect.
1. The Long Walk
I think the reason that this film was able to jump Warfare and Sinners (both 2025) is because it is a film that will totally haunt you long after you leave the theater (or turn off your television). I had been excited for this film since I heard about it, because it would most likely act as a quiet reflection on our current society as written by Stephen King in the 1980s. I cannot believe what I walked out of.
I absolutely have to commend the performances of Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson. The two of these guys together (along with the rest of the cast) do something these post-apocalyptic and dystopian films never do: develop a level of brotherhood and unity between the leads, and the chemistry between Hoffman and Jonsson is truly the emotional linchpin of the film. Even Mark Hamill's villainous turn was spectacular.
The themes and messaging of the film is completely relevant, especially when you learn our current political climate is beginning to remind me of films like this. Class, totalitarianism, and desire to join together and do some good are the main ones that resonated with me, and the very violent nature of the film and dark tone will stay with you for a long time. I still remember how shaken I was walking out of the theater. Amazing job to Francis Lawrence.
As you can see, this was yet another year that makes you realize we had an amazing year in film. There was so much good, and so much to celebrate that I am very upset that the year is over. Films have become the ultimate distraction to let us forget that we as a society are fucked, and gives us something to aspire to and look forward to. I cannot wait for what hopes to be an amazing 2026 with some stellar films coming out, and I want to take some time to thank you all for reading this extremely long review. I hope you all have an amazing year, and hope you will join me in the big '26.
Comments