My Favorite (Best) Movies of 2025: Personal Highlights and Hidden Gems
2025 was an exceptionally prolific year for me in terms of watching movies and writing film reviews. I followed the film industry more closely than ever before, watching nearly 100 films in total—around 80 of which were 2025 releases, with the rest being must-watch classics from previous years that I finally caught up on. As the year comes to an end, I'm excited to share my personal favorites and why they stood out to me. These aren't ranked in any strict order; they're simply the ones that resonated most deeply.
Updated February 10, 2026 - Additional Favorites from 2025: Since wrapping up my initial list, I've caught a few more standout 2025 releases that absolutely deserve a spot among my favorites. Here is my updated favorite (best) movies of 2025.
1. The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025)
Kaouther Ben Hania's Oscar-nominated docudrama, The Voice of Hind Rajab, is a heartbreaking and unforgettable film. It memorializes the true story of six-year-old Hind Rajab, who in January 2024 was trapped alone in a car in Gaza, surrounded by her slain family. The film’s power lies in its masterful hybrid approach. Ben Hania uses the real audio recordings of Hind’s terrified distress calls to the Palestinian Red Crescent, interwoven with dramatized reenactments. We hear her pleading voice and the desperate, comforting efforts of the volunteers who stayed on the line for hours, battling bureaucratic inertia to send a rescue ambulance. Winner of the Grand Jury Prize at Venice, the film avoids political debate to focus squarely on human cost and systemic failure. It is a raw, urgent testament to a lost child’s voice—a devastating piece that demands to be heard and remembered.
My full review: The Voice of Hind Rajab (2025) – A Devastating, Unforgettable Testament to Humanity in Hell
2. Frankenstein (2025)
Guillermo del Toro's Frankenstein (2025) is a breathtaking adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic novel, blending deep philosophical themes with stunning visuals. I loved it for its profound exploration of life, death, belief, God, and humanity, all brought to life through del Toro's signature style and heavy reliance on practical effects. The film stars Oscar Isaac as the brilliant but egotistical Dr. Victor Frankenstein, who creates a creature (Jacob Elordi) in a monstrous experiment that ultimately destroys both creator and creation. This tragic story of ambition, isolation, and the search for acceptance is elevated by del Toro's passionate, lyrical direction, making it not just a horror film but an emotional character study. The gothic atmosphere, powerful performances, and thoughtful commentary on what it means to be human left me in awe—easily one of the most meaningful adaptations I've seen.
3. It Was Just an Accident (2025)
Jafar Panahi's It Was Just an Accident (2025) is a deeply moving thriller that stayed with me long after the credits rolled. The story was gripping and emotionally resonant, and discovering that Panahi is Iranian Azerbaijani added a personal layer—especially in two poignant scenes where the protagonist speaks Azerbaijani with her mother, a rare and touching representation in Iranian cinema. The plot follows Vahid, a modest Azerbaijani auto mechanic and former political prisoner, who encounters a man he believes to be his sadistic jailer from years ago. This chance meeting spirals into a tense moral dilemma as Vahid and other ex-prisoners grapple with revenge, identity, and forgiveness. Panahi's defiant storytelling, blending dark comedy with raw political commentary, won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and feels like a miracle of filmmaking under constraints. It's a gripping rebuke of authoritarianism that moved me profoundly.
4. No Other Choice (2025)
Park Chan-wook's No Other Choice (2025) is a brilliant, visually stunning Korean black comedy that masterfully satirizes unemployment and capitalism's ruthlessness. The dark humor and sharp social commentary made it unforgettable. The story centers on Man-su (Lee Byung-hun), a middle-class paper industry expert laid off after decades of loyal service. Desperate after years of joblessness, he hatches an absurd yet chilling plan: posing as a recruiter to identify and eliminate his top competitors for a new position. As his scheme escalates into serial murder, the film explores desperation, emasculation, and corporate indifference with mordant wit and stylistic flair. Park's ornate plotting and visceral thrills turn this into a chilling state-of-the-nation satire, drawing comparisons to Parasite while standing on its own as a masterpiece of tonal mastery.
5. Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)
As a longtime Predator fan, I was shocked and speechless by the animated Predator: Killer of Killers (2025)—its visuals are breathtaking, relying heavily on visual storytelling that left me in awe. This anthology follows three fierce historical warriors—a Viking raider seeking revenge with her son, a ninja in feudal Japan battling his samurai brother for succession, and a WWII pilot investigating an otherworldly threat—who become prey for the ultimate hunter: the Predator. Directed by Dan Trachtenberg, the stories interconnect into a larger saga, showcasing brutal, creative action and expanding the franchise's lore in innovative ways. The animation's ferocity and gore elevate the hunts to epic levels, making this a visceral, thrilling addition that's perfect for fans craving more Predator mythology.
6. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025)
I adore mystery stories, and Rian Johnson's Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (2025) surprised me with its clever locked-room puzzle and soulful themes. Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) investigates an impossible murder in a small-town church led by a charismatic but divisive preacher. A young priest becomes the prime suspect in the stabbing of Monsignor Jefferson Wicks, found dead in a sealed alcove during a service—no one entered or exited. Blanc teams with local police to unravel secrets of faith, division, and hidden motives among the congregation. Johnson's witty script explores religion, forgiveness, and tribalism in modern America, delivering twists, humor, and emotional depth. It's the most moving entry in the series yet.
7. One Battle After Another (2025)
Paul Thomas Anderson's critically acclaimed One Battle After Another (2025) is a revolutionary thriller with deep themes, a heartfelt father-daughter story, and moments of unexpected humor that had me laughing amid the intensity. Loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon, it follows ex-revolutionary Bob (Leonardo DiCaprio), living off-grid in paranoia with his spirited teen daughter Willa (Chase Infiniti). When a corrupt military officer from their past resurfaces, kidnapping Willa, Bob reunites with old comrades for a high-stakes rescue, confronting betrayal, resistance, and family bonds. The film's timely commentary on authoritarianism, blended with explosive action and emotional resonance, makes it a thundering epic of defiance and tenderness.
8. The Secret Agent (2025)
Kleber Mendonça Filho's The Secret Agent (2025) is a flawless 10/10 for me—one of the year's most gripping films, with an unforgettable story and breathtaking cinematography that shines a harsh light on the dark sides of world history, particularly life under authoritarian rule. Set in 1977 Brazil during the military dictatorship, it follows Marcelo (Wagner Moura), a leftist academic and technology expert fleeing a mysterious, dangerous past in São Paulo. He returns to his hometown of Recife seeking peace and reunion with his young son, only to find paranoia everywhere—neighbors spying, threats lurking, and no true refuge as he's tailed by regime forces. Blending tense political thriller elements with vivid slices of everyday life (from carnival chaos to chilling incidents like a shark-disemboweled body), the film masterfully captures oppression's absurdity and terror. Its slow-burn suspense, rich atmosphere, and poignant commentary make it profoundly haunting and essential.
9. Wicked: For Good (2025)
While I loved the first Wicked (2024) even more for its fresh origin story, Wicked: For Good (2025) is still an incredible conclusion—visually spectacular and emotionally powerful. It offers a nuanced perspective on the classic children's tale, reminding us that people aren't always as "wicked" as they're labeled and that we should question narratives fed to us before judging others. Directed by Jon M. Chu, this second part follows Elphaba (Cynthia Erivo), now branded the Wicked Witch of the West, as she hides in exile, fighting for the rights of Oz's oppressed Animals and exposing the Wizard's (Jeff Goldblum) deceit. Meanwhile, Glinda (Ariana Grande) rises to power as "Glinda the Good," navigating politics and their fractured friendship. As threats mount—including Dorothy's arrival—their bond is tested in a climactic confrontation of empathy, identity, and redemption. The soaring songs, stunning production design, and heartfelt performances make this a worthy epic finale.
10. Nuremberg (2025)
James Vanderbilt’s Nuremberg (2025) is a gripping historical drama and psychological thriller that delivers a powerful, thought-provoking punch. Starring Russell Crowe as Hermann Göring and Rami Malek as U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley, the film explores the intense lead-up to the infamous Nuremberg Trials. The story centers on Kelley, tasked with assessing the imprisoned Nazi leadership for trial. His clinical mission spirals into a dangerous obsession as he tries to understand the roots of extraordinary evil, forming a disturbingly tense psychological bond with the cunning and charismatic Göring. As the monumental "trial of the century" unfolds, the film masterfully blends high-stakes courtroom tension with an intimate character study. With commanding performances from Crowe and Malek, and a sobering historical weight, Nuremberg moves beyond a simple courtroom drama. It becomes a chilling, unforgettable examination of accountability, morality, and the unsettling ordinary nature behind history's greatest atrocities.
See my full review: Nuremberg (2025) – A Powerful History Lesson We Can't Ignore with Russell Crowe at His Best
11. Hamnet (2025)
Chloé Zhao's Hamnet (2025) is a heartbreaking masterpiece that left me sobbing, especially in its devastating final act—so touching and profound it stayed with me long after. Adapted from Maggie O'Farrell's novel, it follows Agnes Hathaway (Jessie Buckley), a mystical healer married to young William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal), as they raise their children in 16th-century Stratford. Tragedy strikes when the plague claims their 11-year-old son Hamnet, sparing his twin Judith. Agnes channels overwhelming grief into fierce love for her family, while William transforms personal loss into art, subtly inspiring Hamlet. Zhao's intimate direction and raw performances explore love, mortality, and how sorrow births creation. The cathartic climax tying devastation to legacy is overwhelmingly beautiful.
12. KPop Demon Hunters (2025)
This animated gem KPop Demon Hunters (2025) completely surprised me with its infectious original songs, clever lyrics, and absolutely stunning visuals that burst with energy and style. It's a vibrant blend of K-pop glamour and supernatural action that I couldn't get enough of. The story centers on world-famous K-pop girl group HUNTR/X—Rumi (Arden Cho), Mira (May Hong), and Zoey (Ji-young Yoo)—who live double lives as demon hunters descended from ancient warriors. Using their voices and performances to maintain a protective barrier against demons, they face their biggest threat when a rival boy band, secretly demons led by Jinu, schemes to steal their fans' devotion and unleash the demon king Gwi-Ma. Packed with high-stakes battles, heartfelt themes of friendship and identity, catchy tracks like "Golden," and innovative animation, it's an empowering, fun ride that became a massive cultural hit for good reason.
13. Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle is the breathtaking, action-packed epic that fans have been waiting for. As the first part of a trilogy adapting the manga’s final arc, it delivers non-stop intensity as Tanjiro Kamado and the Demon Slayer Corps launch their final assault on Muzan Kibutsuji. The film dives straight into the chaos, with the heroes plunged into Muzan’s gravity-defying, labyrinthine stronghold. Inside the Infinity Castle, the Corps is separated and forced into legendary showdowns: Shinobu Kocho faces Upper Rank demon Doma in a battle fueled by vengeance, while the core of the film focuses on Tanjiro and Hashira Giyu Tomioka’s desperate, spectacular fight against the formidable Akaza. With its signature blend of fluid, explosive swordplay, stunning Ufotable animation, and deeply emotional character moments, Infinity Castle is a masterpiece. It perfectly balances thrilling action with themes of resolve, loss, and humanity, making it an essential, heart-pounding, and tear-jerking start to the saga’s epic conclusion.
See my full review: Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle (2025) – A Stunning Anime with Emotional Backstories
13. Predator: Badlands (2025)
2025 was a Predator festival with two standout entries—I already loved Killer of Killers, and Predator: Badlands (2025) delivered more thrilling action. Set on a deadly remote planet, it follows a young outcast Predator who allies with a damaged android (Elle Fanning) on a treacherous journey to face the ultimate adversary. Dan Trachtenberg's direction flips the franchise by making the Predator a heroic figure in a survival saga full of world-building, stunning visuals, and intense battles. The buddy dynamic and mythological expansion make it a fresh, entertaining evolution.
14. The Roses (2025)
The Roses (2025) prompted deep reflection on relationships—sometimes hilarious, sometimes absurd, always compelling. This dark comedy reimagines a picture-perfect couple, Theo (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Ivy (Olivia Colman), whose marriage unravels as professional jealousies ignite fierce resentment. What starts as subtle competition escalates into outrageous sabotage over their dream home and life. The sharp satire on ambition, ego, and domestic warfare, fueled by stellar chemistry, turns toxic love into biting entertainment.
15. The Long Walk (2025)
As a dystopia fan, I was thrilled to see Stephen King's The Long Walk (2025) adapted for the big screen. In a totalitarian America, 50 teenage boys compete in an annual deadly contest: walk endlessly at a minimum speed or face execution—the last one standing wins anything they desire. The film explores camaraderie, despair, and survival through raw performances and unrelenting tension.
16. F1: The Movie (2025)
I don't usually care for racing or Formula 1, but F1: The Movie (2025) hooked me from start to finish—entertaining, informative, and thrilling. Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a retired 1990s F1 prodigy who returns to mentor a rookie and save a struggling team from collapse. Packed with authentic high-speed action and behind-the-scenes insights into the sport, it's a comeback story of redemption and teamwork.
These were my top 10 favorites—the films I consider the best of 2025 for their impact on me. There were so many other great movies this year that I couldn't fit detailed thoughts on all, but here are more standout 2025 releases I highly recommend:
- If I Had Legs I'd Kick You (2025)
- Roofman (2025)
- Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1 (2025)
- Train Dreams (2025)
- The Shadow’s Edge (2025)
- Bugonia (2025)
- The Perfect Neighbor (2025)
- Black Bag (2025)
- Good Fortune (2025)
- A House of Dynamite (2025)
- Blue Moon (2025)
- Bhagwat Chapter One: Raakshas (2025)
- A Big Bold Beautiful Journey (2025)
- The Woman in Cabin 10 (2025)
- The Lost Bus (2025)
- She Rides Shotgun (2025)
- Sinners (2025)
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps (2025)
- Freakier Friday (2025)
- Dracula: A Love Tale (2025)
- Weapons (2025)
- Superman (2025)
- 28 Years Later (2025)
- Mickey 17 (2025)
- Jay Kelly (2025)
- Sentimental Value (2025)
- The Great Flood (2025)
- Marty Supreme (2025)
- Sorry, Baby (2025)
You can find my detailed and honest reviews for all these movies (and more) on my blog—just search for the title in the top-right corner. What were your favorites from 2025? Let's discuss in the comments!
