(This article is part of our Best of 2025 series.)
Here’s just a random selection of some of the films I liked this year. I decided to keep out the superhero flicks for once. But as a whole I enjoyed the big ones for what they were.
Sinners
Honestly, I almost had zero interest in this when it was first announced. In a way, that was good, because I didn’t watch the previews or really pay much attention to it when it was in theaters. When it hit HBO, I decided to give it a shot. And damn was it a pleasant surprise. Everything about the cinematography, the music, and the story all worked for me. It was a damn solid flick and made me kick myself for not seeing it in theaters.
The Life of Chuck
I had never heard of this Stephen King story, and having some pretty solid King adaptations these last few years, especially with Mike Flanagan at the helm, I was down for this one. It’s one I want to rewatch soon now that I know the story and how it all plays out. On first watch, I was constantly trying to catch things that tied into the first part, but also didn’t want to miss anything new. It was fun. I just can’t believe that after growing up with a lot of stinkers of King adaptations, we’re finally in an era of some really good ones on par with the OG Shining and Carrie.
F1
In real life, I don’t give a flying fuck about car racing, but goddamn do I love me some racing movies. Days of Thunder, Ford vs Ferrari, Talledega Nights, hell even Need for Speed and Gran Turismo are decent flicks. So I knew I had to see this one in theaters, and I’m really glad I did. The opening drive sequence alone hooked me. This one is an all-around fun time and does exactly what it needs to do — entertain.
Wake Up Dead Man
I really dig these Benoit Blanc mysteries. They are just fun movies with great casts. The same even goes for the new Hercule Poirot movies. I got to see Knives Out in a prescreening, and I was thoroughly entertained by that one. And I was glad to see it before it got spoiled on full release. So when I heard they were making more movies set in that world and going to Netflix, I was a little bummed. I thought they deserved better. Then Glass Onion hit, and on first watch, I was disappointed. Then I watched it again and realized how good it was. So, when this was announced, and I saw it had a vibe more similar to Knives, I was all in. I just wish they’d drop that stupid Knives Out Mystery bit at the end of the title. It’s dumb AF.
The Gorge
I know this may be a controversial pick. I know it’s not even that good of a movie, but I was really into the whole movie as it unfolded. It felt like a big-budget B horror movie. I liked the pairing of Miles teller and and Anya Taylor-Joy. I think they are both really good actors, and they helped keep me invested in the movie more than if it were two other schlubs.
Anyway, I could have easily picked a Marvel flick or the new Superman, but this one stuck with me early on in the year because it was something I wasn’t fully expecting. And that’s why it’s on my list. Plus, it may piss some of you off, and I think that is funny.
The worst of the year… Jurassic Park Rebirth, The Old Guard 2, Play Dirty, Working Man, and Mickey 17.
What are your thoughts on the movies that made my top five? Share them down below!