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Every year at about this time, movie fans and pundits start looking back through the year’s best motion pictures. The year 2025 in film has produced some excellent offerings, with major studios contributing to outstanding fare, whether in cinemas or on your TV at home. Our picks for the top 10 best movies of 2025 will remind you of how much you enjoyed a particular feature or make a note to catch one of the titles as soon as you can. Let’s count down our choices for the best of the bunch from this year.
10. Superman
While many believe the Man of Steel’s seemingly timeless silver screen journey has become stale, we’d suggest giving the superhero another chance. Director James Gunn delivers an emotionally mature and compelling modern version of the world’s favorite superhero in “Superman,” aided by an excellent script and some fine acting.
David Corenswet, a relative newcomer to the big screen, is Superman, giving a performance that encapsulates the naivete of the farm-raised Clark Kent and presenting a philosophical, moral, political and human slant to his superhero alter-ego. Nicholas Hoult’s portrayal of the Man of Steel’s arch-nemesis, Lex Luthor, is perhaps the most menacing and calculating to hit the silver screen. Rachel Brosnahan is a Lois Lane for the current day — a no-nonsense, driven woman whose relationship with Kent is messy and real, not slushy.
If you’ve seen Gunn’s Guardians of the Galaxy trilogy, expect more of the same, with the humor a little more toned down. “Superman” is worth two hours of your time, and your partner will enjoy it too.
9. F1: The Movie
There’s little doubt that “F1: The Movie” is a platform for Brad Pitt. Pitt plays Sonny Hayes, a lifelong racing thrillseeker who returns to F1 after decades away to help out an old mate leading a failing F1 team. If you’re a racing fan, you’ll love this one even more, but there’s enough about it to entertain those who aren’t.
The cinematography and sound steal the show and make everything else about the movie even more special. For an end-to-end action film, the acting is classy, with every character believable. Pitt’s love interest, the fictional F1 team’s technical director, Kate McKenna, played by Irish actress Kerry Condon, brings more than just eye candy to her role. At the same time, his arrogant and cocksure young teammate, portrayed by Damson Idris, adds credibility to the racing team.
With cameos from current F1 drivers and race commentary from the actual broadcasters, “F1: The Movie” is an action-packed, charged movie that could almost be real. Almost. It certainly has enough about it to rank highly among car movies that many will enjoy.
8. Jay Kelly
Jay Kelly is a famous movie star portrayed by George Clooney in “Jay Kelly,” so you’d imagine the role suits him quite well. The difference is that Kelly is embarking on a journey of self-discovery with none other than Adam Sandler along for the ride. No, it’s not a comedy like you’re used to seeing Sandler in, but rather a spectacular, dramatic performance showing how the comedian has progressed as a serious actor.
Sandler plays Kelly’s agent in a heartbreaking performance that could well see a Best Supporting Actor nomination at next year’s Oscars. As for Clooney, he’s masterful in the lead role, giving a poignant and vulnerable performance as a successful man who’s ready to confront his past.
With a supporting cast including Patrick Wilson, Billy Crudup and Laura Dern, among notable others, it won’t be surprising if “Jay Kelly” receives several Academy Award nominations next year. The acting is that good.
7. Weapons
Do you remember Ruth Langmore from “Ozark?” The actor Julia Garner, now more mature, plays Justine Gandy, a pivotal schoolteacher, in “Weapons,” a tense and gripping horror movie. The plot revolves around the disappearance of a large group of children from their homes one night and as the kids were all from the same class, of course, Ms. Gandy becomes the prime suspect among their parents. If you want to know more, you’ll have to watch “Weapons.”
The acting is exceptional and the score helps to ensure the suspense doesn’t falter — this film is one where you won’t even want to leave your seat to fetch a beer from the fridge. Josh Brolin and Benedict Wong also have roles and watch out for Amy Madigan. The veteran actor is beyond memorable in her role.
While horror flicks aren’t for everybody, there are enough around that provide serious scares to those who do. “Weapons” has enough originality about it to live long in the memory as a top choice to watch from 2025.
6. Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning
Can you believe that the “Mission: Impossible” franchise now has eight films with the release of “The Final Reckoning” in May of this year? With that fact in mind, don’t let the word “final” fool you yet. Tom Cruise reprises his role as Ethan Hunt for the newest addition, with Christopher McQuarrie in the director’s seat for the third straight time.
The formula is the same but goes bigger with some incredible stunts and action sequences — although, understandably, an aging Cruise does rely on more green screen effects this time around. The performances are noteworthy compared with some of the previous installments, with Angela Bassett standing out for her emotionally charged portrayal of Erika Sloane.
Love them or loathe them, the “Mission: Impossible” movies provide some self-gratifying, thrilling entertainment for action lovers and “Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning” is no different. Will Mr. Hunt be back again? We’ll wait and see.
5. A House of Dynamite
Starring Idris Elba and Rebecca Ferguson, with direction by Kathryn Bigelow, “A House of Dynamite” is an unconventional thriller that will transport you into the midst of a catastrophic nuclear war scenario. This movie is a deadly serious movie and immensely thought-provoking, and while some viewers report that it left them needing more, the movie’s subject matter is more than about mere thrills.
The acting is excellent, as one would expect from a star like Elba, and a 20-minute section sees the storyline unfold from multiple perspectives as Bigelow creates a rhythm through careful camerawork. From there, the film relies on emotions — both from the stars and the viewer — to maintain the tension. Think as you watch it. Imagine the scenarios and potential results without expectation.
While “A House of Dynamite” is decidedly not every action thriller-lover’s cup of tea, with the proper viewing attitude, you’ll find it masterful — and a distinct warning.
4. Hamnet
If there’s one movie from 2025 you should watch with your significant other, it’s “Hamnet.” Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal star in this emotional 16th-century tale of love and loss that inspired Shakespeare to write his play, Hamlet. Mescal stars as Will, who meets Agnes, played by Buckley. As good 16th-century folk did, they got pregnant and married, with events evolving rapidly.
The film includes enough to satisfy a vast range of viewers — the afterlife, ghosts, a mystical forest and the underworld included. Also, be prepared for a fair share of twists. And plenty of tears. Superbly directed by Chloé Zhao, with intense music from Max Richter, this period drama with a difference will leave you surprised by how much you enjoyed it.
The international release of “Hamnet” is only in early December, but keep an eye out for early screenings beforehand. And take some tissues when you go — for your partner, of course.
3. Bugonia
“Bugonia” is already among the early Oscar predictions as a frontrunner for the 2025 Best Picture award at next year’s ceremony, with good reason. Director Yorgos Lanthimos is on to a winner with this satirical dark comedy based on the 2003 South Korean film “Save the Green Planet.”
There’s something for all moviegoers, with a bit of drama, horror and sci-fi thrown into the mix as two conspiracy-driven youngsters, played by Jesse Plemons and Aiden Delbis, kidnap a major corporation’s CEO, expertly portrayed by Emma Stone. Why her kidnapping? Only because they believe she’s an alien and that the future of Planet Earth is at stake. In classic Lanthimos style, things appropriately escalate with a fair share of shocks along the way.
Only released in very late October, watch out for “Bugonia.” It’s already justifiably lauded by critics all over and we’re doing likewise here — it is well worth its two-hour screen time.
2. Sinners
Another movie that has been on movie fans’ lips since its release earlier in 2025 is “Sinners.” Acclaimed actor Michael B. Jordan stars, and stars again, as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who decide to return to their 1930s Deep South hometown to change their troubled lives, only to walk smack bang into a supernatural force led by a menacing Jack O’Connell. Could it be vampires in the Deep South? Maybe?
“Sinners” will catch you from the very start and doesn’t leave you hanging. If you’re a lover of horror and blues music, you’ll enjoy it even more. The bluesy soundtrack by Ludwig Göransson is another of the many elements that stand out compared to your standard horror film.
Ryan Coogler’s direction doesn’t have to carry “Sinners,” but it definitely enhances it further. Watch out for this one on the Oscar nomination lists when they’re released.
1. One Battle After Another
It takes a lot to top “Sinners” in 2025, but “One Battle After Another” succeeded where others failed. With the talents of Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro, Regina Hall and Teyana Taylor among the movie’s cast, it shouldn’t be that surprising. Already a firm favorite for the Academy’s Best Picture award next year, this action epic and political thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat.
“One Battle After Another” sees the long-dormant enemy of a group of ex-revolutionaries resurface, prompting them to reunite to save the daughter of a colleague. With DiCaprio having seemingly abandoned his “pretty boy” status completely now and joined by the vastly underrated acting talents of Penn and del Toro, Hall and Taylor’s all-around prowess, what comes next is a true credit to the movie industry.
With just the right amount of humor included, the thrills and action, complemented by Paul Thomas Anderson’s astute direction, make “One Battle After Another” our pick — and potentially the Academy’s — for the best movie of 2025.
It’s Been a Bumper Movie Year
For moviegoers, there’ve been more than enough fantastic movies in 2025 to keep you viewing and returning for more. Whether you’re an action, horror, thriller, comedy or drama fan, the films on this list and beyond provide endless opportunities to relax and forget about real life’s problems for a while. Can 2026 compete? We can’t wait to find out.
