2025 was a fantastic year for films. Whether it was the excitement of watching brothers fight dangerous vampires or revolutionary fathers embarking on adventures, the year offered diverse films which always attracted audiences towards theatres. Given the sheer number of movies that I watched this year, making a top 10 list wasn’t easy. Nevertheless, listed below are my favourite films of 2025 which deserve to be celebrated.
Honorable Mentions:
- Bugonia
- F1: The Movie
- Materialists
- The Secret Agent
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
1. Hamnet
Shakespeare is a legendary poet whose stories shaped my teacher’s identity. At an early age, I formed relationships with a teacher that loved seeing Shakespeare’s words written on the page. A big fan of Shakespeare, he loved to prepare lectures about a writer that he held dear. Nothing in the world ever gave him as much pleasure as reading literature. My teacher believed movies were an art that couldn’t honour a poet holding special places in his heart. Few films I’ve ever seen have honoured timeless stories of the poet as powerfully as “Hamnet”. Released in 2025, my favourite film of the year honoured the legacy of a legendary literary icon. With the most poetic film of her career, writer/director Chloe Zhao created a beautiful tribute towards the stories of Shakespeare. Zhao has always had an aptitude for making meaningful films about grieving individuals that face disaster, and “Hamnet” showcased her strengths as a filmmaker. For instance, the scene in which Shakespeare mounts a stage production of Hamlet for his wife to witness causing despair is one of the finest sequences of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Paul Mescal, who embodied a legendary writer facing a downfall. Ultimately, what made “Hamnet” my favourite film of the year was its appeal. Unlike most movies about Shakespeare that are targeted towards a small audience, it tackled strong themes everyone could relate to. It delivered a message about loss which resonated on a personal level with me. Watching Shakespeare pursue his passion for poetry with care brought back memories of a professor I hold dear. A spectacular tribute towards Shakespeare, it’s a poetic reminder of a great year that produced movies about which audiences care.
2. Sentimental Value
Grandparents have shaped my identity. At an early age, I witnessed my grandfather struggle to raise families carrying emotional baggage. Fond of filmmaking, he found watching movies a successful way of overcoming challenges of parenting. Even though we shared a love for entertainment, it became evident to me that he wasn’t the world’s best parent. As someone treasuring a grandfather with sentimental value, I adored “Sentimental Value”. Released in 2025, Joachim Trier’s Norwegian movie offered a powerful portrait of sentimental fathers. Trier used stunning voice-over narration to capture the impact that absent father figures have on children. For instance, the scene in which Gustav has an excruciating argument with his daughter when he offers her a role in his movie causing despair is one of the most heartbreaking sequences of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Stellan Skarsgard, who embodied a conflicted father facing tension. Ultimately, what made “Sentimental Value” stand out in the year was its message. The film delivered a profound message about fatherhood which would resonate with everyone. Watching Gustav struggling to reconnect with his estranged daughter brought back fond memories of a grandfather I treasure. A powerful portrait of the frightening hardships that sentimental fathers go through, it’s a riveting reminder of a year producing movies which audiences value.
3. Sinners
Brothers are powerful figures that play roles in shaping families’ futures. During my childhood, I formed bonds with a brother that loved playing soccer in the neighbourhood. Born to be an athlete, his feet would lead teams to victories rather than defeat. I would often marvel in astonishment at his strong commitment to succeed in every soccer tournament. As someone treasuring fond memories of a brother that shaped my family’s futures, I adored “Sinners”. Ryan Coogler’s Oscar-nominated film captured the bonds between a pair of African-American brothers. With the most meaningful film of his career, Coogler used innovative techniques capturing the burden that a pair of brothers bear. For instance, the scene in which Smoke and Stack become aware that their joint has been invaded by vampires evoking fear is one of the most memorable sequences of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary dual performance by Michael B. Jordan, who embodied a pair of African-American brothers facing tension. Ultimately, what makes “Sinners” a masterpiece is its message. The film delivered a profound message about brotherhood that resonated deeply on a personal level with me. A beautiful portrait of the relationships between brothers, it’s a brilliant reminder of a year that manufactured great movies attracting audiences to theatres.
4. One Battle After Another
Fathers are inspiring figures that ensure children’s success rather than failures. As far as I can remember, I have always shared a bond with my father. My lifelong love for my father began when my family witnessed a traumatic bomb disaster. My father’s drive to survive allowed me to make it out of the bombing without a scratch alive. His instinct for survival allowed my family to overcome the worst disaster in the world imaginable. As someone treasuring a father that fought one battle after another, I adored “One Battle After Another”. Paul Thomas Anderson’s movie offered a powerful portrait of fathers seeking to protect daughters from adversity. Anderson has always excelled at telling stories about fathers in danger, and “One Battle After Another” showcased his strengths as a director. For instance, the scene in which Bob struggles to remember the password in a tense phone call causing fear is one of the finest sequences of the year. At the centre of it all is an incredible role by Leonardo DiCaprio, who embodied a father facing sorrow. Ultimately, what made “One Battle After Another” stand out in a crowded year was its relevance. The film tackled issues that are relevant in the world today. A powerful portrait of fathers that fight one battle after another, it’s a profound reminder of a year that made great movies which audiences treasure.
5. Frankenstein
Frankenstein is a legendary monster that my grandmother always considered divine. At an early age, I developed strong bonds with a great grandma that was fascinated with vampires that cause damage. She would marvel in astonishment at a creature made in an experiment. Like Victor Frankenstein, she took interest in monsters she considered divine. As someone treasuring memories of a grandmother that appreciated Frankenstein, I adored “Frankenstein”. Guillermo Del Toro’s movie celebrated the legendary monster’s iconic legacy. Del Toro has always excelled at making movies about monsters that evoke terror, and “Frankenstein” showcased his strengths as a filmmaker. Del Toro uses stunning motion-capture technology to honour a legendary monster’s legacy. For instance, the scene in which Frankenstein burns down his home with the creature inside causing despair is one of the most visually stunning sequences of the year. At the centre of it all is an extraordinary performance by Jacob Elordi, who imbued the monster with humanity. Ultimately, what makes “Frankenstein” an achievement is its universal appeal. Unlike most monster movies, it tackled commemorated themes everyone could relate to. It delivers a meaningful message about acceptance which resonates with everyone. As strong as Frankenstein’s desire to be accepted, it’s a commemorated reminder of a year that manufactured movies which deserve to be appreciated.
6. Weapons
Child abduction is a painful process putting parents under stress. Years ago, my mother became anxious when she lost my brother in grocery stores which were humongous. Fearful he had been abducted, she couldn’t cope with a situation leaving her affected. As someone that witnessed child abductions causing tensions, I adored “Weapons”. Zach Cregger’s horror movie captured child abductions affecting a small-town community. Cregger used captivating non-linear storytellng to capture tensions that parents whose children are abducted are facing. Assisted by Julia Garner who is extraordinary in the lead role, Cregger created a mesmerizing horror movie about abduction. A powerful portrait of child abduction causing the lives of parents to deteriorate, it’s a riveting reminder of a year that produced unforgettable movies audiences appreciate.
7. Train Dreams
It’s always challenging to cope with loss of a loved one. Grief is a painful emotion that can prevent people from turning their dreams into fruition. As someone that has witnessed how grief can destroy people’s dreams, I loved “Train Dreams”. Clint Bentley’s Netflix movie offered a beautiful adaptation of a beloved book about dreams. Unlike most movies released in the year, what made “Train Dreams” stand out was its portrayal of grief Blentley used breathtaking visuals to capture grief-stricken individuals exploring the natural beauty of forests in America. Assisted by Joel Edgerton who is extraordinary in the lead role, Blentley created a beautiful adaptation. As strong as Robert Grainier’s love for the forest, it’s a beautiful reminder of a commemorated year that produced the best movies which always left audiences incredibly impressed.
8. Superman
Superman is a legendary superhero that has built a lasting legacy. With his larger-than-life presence, charisma and powerful nature, Superman has become a beloved comic-book character. As a huge fan of Superman, I loved “Superman”. James Gunn’s movie offered a fresh interpretation of the iconic comic-book hero. Unlike most movies released in the year, what made “Superman” stand out was its strong balance between spectacle and storytelling. Gunn created captivating superhero action sequences while also finding time for compelling storytelling. At the centre of it all is an incredible performance by David Corenswet, who embodied the iconic superhero facing regret. As strong as Superman’s desire to soar, it’s a spectacular reminder of a commemorated year that produced unforgettable movies which audiences adore.
9. Marty Supreme
Tennis is an engaging game that my friend once enjoyed playing. Obsessed with the tennis racket, he spent long hours playing games in which he sought to become perfect. However, his focus on tennis championship ended our friendship. As someone treasuring a supreme tennis player with a dream, I loved “Marty Supreme”. Released in 2025, Josh Safdie’s Oscar-nominated movie honoured tennis players. Unlike most movies of 2025, what made “Marty Supreme” stand out was its depiction of tennis. Safdie used handheld camerawork to create a compelling tribute to the game. Assisted by Timothee Chalamet who is extraordinary, Safdie created a spectacular sports drama. As strong as Marty’s love for table tennis, it’s a breathtaking reminder of a year that produced memorable films contributing towards movie-goers’ happiness.
10. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning
Few franchises about spies on missions that are impossible are as beloved as Mission: Impossible. Ever since Tom Cruise lit the fuse in the 1990’s, the Mi franchise has made memorable movies. With its awe-inspiring stunts, thrilling action and strong acting, the franchise has gained a huge following. In 2025, Tom Cruise brought the series to a satisfying ending in his movie “Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning”. It isn’t easy to bring a action franchise towards a conclusion, but Cruise succeeded tremendously. On his final mission, Cruise demonstrated his talent for performing stunts with dedication. As memorable as the final mission Ethan Hunt seeks to accomplish, it’s a riveting reminder of a year that produced memorable movies I will forever treasure for inspiring me to achieve dreams of film criticism I cherish.
The Film Buff 