Key Takeaways:
- The article highlights the most compelling movies and TV shows of 2025, including "A Little Prayer", "The Testament of Ann Lee", "Sinners", and "Andor".
- The author emphasizes the importance of advocacy in promoting exceptional work and encouraging readers to watch and vote for their favorite films and shows.
- The article features a diverse range of genres, including drama, comedy, and science fiction, with a focus on character-driven storytelling and social commentary.
- The author praises the performances of various actors, including David Strathairn, Amanda Seyfried, and Tessa Thompson, and highlights the work of emerging talents like Eva Victor and Zoey Deutch.
- The article also notes the impact of documentaries like "The Alabama Solution" and "All That’s Left of You" in raising awareness about social justice issues and promoting empathy and understanding.
Introduction to the Year’s Best Movies and TV Shows
As an editor, the author’s primary responsibility is to identify and share the most compelling stories of the awards season with their readers. However, they also make time to advocate for the work they love, hoping to convert readers into viewers and voters. In this article, the author reflects on the movies and TV shows that moved them in 2025, and encourages readers to give them another look before casting their awards ballots.
Compelling Movies of 2025
The author highlights several movies that stood out to them in 2025, including "A Little Prayer" and "The Testament of Ann Lee", which both capture a sense of the sublime. They also praise "Sinners" for its novel twist on the vampire genre and its richly textured portrayal of Jim Crow Mississippi. Other notable mentions include "Sorry, Baby", a gentle and humane comedy-drama about healing from trauma, and "One Battle After Another", a wild and unforgettable yarn about a revolutionary group.
More Movies Worthy of Attention
The author continues to highlight more movies that deserve attention, including "Nouvelle Vague", a zippy comedy of errors about the making of the French New Wave film "Breathless". They also praise "Sirât", a Spanish Oscar submission that takes the viewer on a journey through the Moroccan desert, and "Hedda", a sharp and fresh take on the classic play "Hedda Gabler". Additionally, the author notes the impact of "Sentimental Value", a delicate family drama that explores generational trauma, and "The Alabama Solution", a documentary that sheds light on the shocking conditions in Alabama state prisons.
TV Shows that Left a Lasting Impression
The author also highlights several TV shows that left a lasting impression on them, including "Andor", a kaleidoscopic thriller about a simmering revolution, and "The Rehearsal", a meta-comedy that explores the possibility of its creator being on the autism spectrum. They also praise "Adolescence", a technical wizardry that captures the polite society’s hold on young men spiraling out of control, and "Elsbeth", a comedy that shines with its acerbic satire and "Columbo"-esque case-of-the-week structure.
More TV Shows Worthy of Attention
The author continues to highlight more TV shows that deserve attention, including "The Pitt", a medical drama that introduces a wide array of characters and develops them in a seemingly infinite variety of directions. They also praise "Dying for Sex", a hilarious and idiosyncratic miniseries about a woman’s journey of sexual self-discovery, and "Forever", a warmhearted and meticulously wrought teen romance that paints a portrait of places in Los Angeles rarely seen on screen. Additionally, the author notes the impact of "The Gilded Age", a deliciously campy prime-time soap that breaks out of the box in its third season, and "The Paper", a rock-solid workplace comedy that treats the survival of local newspapers with credibility and humor.
Conclusion and Final Thoughts
In conclusion, the author emphasizes the importance of advocacy in promoting exceptional work and encouraging readers to watch and vote for their favorite films and shows. They also highlight the diversity and range of the movies and TV shows featured in the article, from drama and comedy to science fiction and documentary. By sharing their passion and enthusiasm for these stories, the author hopes to inspire readers to explore new worlds and perspectives, and to recognize the impact that exceptional storytelling can have on our lives.