Key Takeaways:
- The year 2025 was a successful year for Hollywood, with original storytelling and franchise finales thrilling audiences.
- Movies like "Sinners" and "Wicked: For Good" were major hits, with "Sinners" receiving critical praise and strong box office success.
- The Golden Globes saw a range of nominations, with "One Battle After Another" and "Sentimental Value" leading the pack.
- Female performances by actresses like Renate Reinsve and Kate Hudson were standout, with potential Oscar nominations on the horizon.
- The box office was dominated by movies like "Minecraft" and "Lilo & Stitch", with "Sinners" and "Wicked" also performing well.
- Surprising box office flops included "Christy" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman".
- 2026 is set to bring a range of new movies, including sequels like "Dune Three" and "Avengers", as well as new animated films like "Toy Story 5".
Introduction to 2025’s Year in Film
The year 2025 was a remarkable year for Hollywood, with a range of movies that thrilled and surprised audiences. From original storytelling to franchise finales, there was something for everyone. On the latest episode of The Excerpt podcast, USA TODAY Entertainment Reporter Ralphie Aversa joined host Dana Taylor to discuss the year’s biggest hits and misses. With a range of topics to cover, from the success of "Sinners" to the surprising box office flops, Ralphie shared his insights on the fast-moving world of film.
The Success of Sinners
One of the standout movies of the year was "Sinners", which received critical praise and strong box office success. Ralphie noted that the film’s success was due in part to its original storytelling and predominantly Black cast, which resonated with audiences. The film’s director, Ryan Coogler, also has a unique deal with Warner Brothers, which will see him own the film after 25 years. This deal is a notable example of the changing landscape of the film industry, with more emphasis on original storytelling and diverse representation.
Wicked: For Good and the Golden Globes
Another major hit of the year was "Wicked: For Good", which followed on from the success of the original "Wicked" movie. While the film was a box office hit, Ralphie noted that it did not receive the same level of critical acclaim as the first movie. The Golden Globes saw a range of nominations, with "One Battle After Another" and "Sentimental Value" leading the pack. Ralphie highlighted the standout performances of actresses like Renate Reinsve and Kate Hudson, who are potential Oscar nominees.
Male Performances and Box Office Hits
In terms of male performances, Ralphie noted that Jeremy Allen White’s nomination for "Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere" was a surprise, while Leonardo DiCaprio’s performance in "One Battle After Another" was a standout. The box office was dominated by movies like "Minecraft" and "Lilo & Stitch", with "Sinners" and "Wicked" also performing well. Ralphie noted that the success of these movies was due in part to their ability to appeal to a wide range of audiences.
Surprising Box Office Flops
Not all movies were successful, however, with surprising box office flops including "Christy" and "Kiss of the Spider Woman". Ralphie noted that these movies had been expected to perform well, but ultimately failed to connect with audiences. Despite this, the actresses involved in these movies, including Sydney Sweeney and Jennifer Lopez, are still highly talented and may have better luck in the future.
Looking to 2026
As the year comes to a close, Ralphie looked ahead to 2026, which is set to bring a range of new movies. Sequels like "Dune Three" and "Avengers" are on the horizon, as well as new animated films like "Toy Story 5". Ralphie noted that Hollywood is still figuring out the best way to produce and distribute movies, with tax breaks and streaming services playing a major role. Despite the challenges, however, it’s clear that 2026 is set to be an exciting year for film.
Conclusion
In conclusion, 2025 was a remarkable year for Hollywood, with a range of movies that thrilled and surprised audiences. From original storytelling to franchise finales, there was something for everyone. As the year comes to a close, it’s clear that 2026 is set to be an exciting year for film, with a range of new movies and challenges on the horizon. With talented actors and actresses, innovative storytelling, and a changing landscape, the future of film is looking bright.