Key Takeaways
- The top 25 movies of 2025 include a diverse range of genres, from war dramas to musicals, and horror films to comedies.
- Some of the most notable films include "Warfare", "Presence", "The Phoenician Scheme", and "One Battle After Another".
- Many of the films on the list are available to stream on popular platforms such as HBO Max, Hulu, and Netflix.
- The list includes a mix of established directors like Steven Soderbergh, Wes Anderson, and Paul Thomas Anderson, as well as newer talent like Mona Fastvold and Jay Duplass.
- The films on the list tackle a range of themes, including war, trauma, identity, and the human condition.
Introduction to the List
The year 2025 has been a remarkable year for film, with a wide range of talented directors and actors producing some truly exceptional movies. As a film critic and host of Roger & Me, I have had the pleasure of watching over 500 new movies this year, and I am excited to share my top 25 picks with you. From intense war dramas like "Warfare" to haunting horror films like "Presence", and from musicals like "The Testament of Ann Lee" to comedies like "The Phoenician Scheme", this list has something for everyone.
The Top 25 Films
The list begins with "Warfare", a war drama that puts the viewer in the shoes of soldiers on a surveillance mission gone wrong. The film is intense and authentic, with a focus on the disorientation and chaos of war. Next up is "Presence", a horror film that is more haunting than scary, with a unique perspective and a gut-punch of an ending. Other notable films on the list include "The Phoenician Scheme", a silly and emotional film from Wes Anderson, and "The Testament of Ann Lee", a musical about the founder of the Shakers.
Diverse Themes and Genres
The list continues with a range of films that tackle diverse themes and genres. "The Life of Chuck" is a reverse-chronological drama that explores the life of an ordinary man, while "No Other Choice" is a dark satire about a man who will stop at nothing to get the job he wants. "The Voice of Hind Rajab" is a disturbing and important film about a 6-year-old girl trapped in a car with her dead family in war-torn Gaza. Other films on the list include "Splitsville", a comedy about open marriages, and "The Secret Agent", a twisty and affecting story about a woman with a mysterious past.
Established and New Talent
The list includes a mix of established directors like Steven Soderbergh, Wes Anderson, and Paul Thomas Anderson, as well as newer talent like Mona Fastvold and Jay Duplass. "Jay Kelly" is a character study of a movie star, while "Henry Johnson" is a darkly hilarious film about power and masculinity. "Train Dreams" is a deeply moving film about the life of an ordinary man, and "Resurrection" is an anthology film that explores the history of cinema.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
The top 25 films of 2025 are a testament to the diversity and creativity of the film industry. From intense dramas to hilarious comedies, and from established directors to new talent, this list has something for everyone. Whether you’re in the mood for a thought-provoking drama or a lighthearted comedy, there’s a film on this list that’s sure to satisfy. So why not start exploring and find your next favorite film? With so many great movies to choose from, you’re sure to find something that will leave you entertained, inspired, and eager for more.
