(This article is part of our Best of 2025 series.)
Did I watch as many movies as I wanted to this year? No. Am I going to try again to watch more movies in 2026? Yes. But I did see some amazing films last year, and I’ve compiled my five favorites!
Sinners
Sinners is probably my favorite movie of the year and in my mind, the BEST Picture of the year. The tension, the atmosphere, and performances are near flawless. Ryan Coogler created the kind of genre-defying horror film that got people talking about cultural appropriation, the power of music, and generational trauma. I could go on and on about the soundtrack alone, but I have to give props to Michael B. Jordan and Jack O’Connell for creating two (three??) memorable characters that will be talked about for years to come. It’s the kind of horror movie I want to see more of. Sinners deserves every accolade it’s been collecting over the past few months, and with any luck, it’ll walk away with a gold statue or two (or three??) on Oscar night.
The Life of Chuck
I was so excited to see this film when the trailer dropped. I adored the short story (written by the G.O.A.T., Stephen King), and I was eager to see what Mike Flanagan (one of my favorite directors) would do with the source material. He nailed it. The Life of Chuck maintains the intimacy and emotional nuance of the short story, and I found myself connected to this movie on so many levels. One might be surprised that Tom Hiddleston’s screen time is minimal, but he makes the most of every minute, which is something Flanagan excels at. Every actor has their place in this film, no matter how long they’re on screen, and no one feels wasted. It’s a film that makes you slow down, consider the meaning of life, and somehow leaves you feeling both melancholy and comforted. It deserves more love, that’s for sure.
Weapons
Weapons lowkey surprised me. I went in expecting a decent horror film and left with my mind spinning. Weapons is unpredictable and keeps you on the edge of your seat, told in “chapters” from different points of view from the main characters. Amy Madigan deserves all the attention she’s been receiving for her role as Gladys, but I also have to shout out Julia Garner, whose performance as Justine is really the glue that keeps the film together. Austin Abrams is also a scene stealer as a junkie looking for his next fix. Like Sinners, Weapons takes a horrifying look at society and successfully blends so many genres, making it a complete treat to watch.
Good Boy
An underrated gem of 2025, Good Boy steals your heart just to completely stomp on it. Experiencing the story through Indy’s eyes makes it uniquely emotional and clever, and you can’t help but feel protective and connected to him as he struggles to save his human from a dark, threatening entity. Good Boy is not just a horror movie! It’s a story about love, devotion, and courage seen from an unexpected perspective. Plus, it made me sob like a baby, and despite the devastation, I loved it. It’s definitely one of my favorite movies of last year, and I hope to see more originality like this in the horror genre. I’m still of the mind that Indy deserves an Oscar nod. Maybe I’ll start his campaign.
Thunderbolts*
By the time Thunderbolts was released, I was one of many feeling Marvel fatigue. I was so behind on the timeline, so overwhelmed by the sheer amount of media coming out between the movies and television shows. I missed old school Marvel. But then Thunderbolts was released, and I found myself rejuvenated! Thunderbolts felt like old school Marvel, and I rooted harder for this band of misfits than I ever did the main Avengers. The humor, the teamwork, and the unpredictable moral choices were everything I wanted in an anti-hero Marvel movie. Plus, how could I resist cute-pie Yelena Belova? If Ms. Flo is in a movie, I’m going to see it. Thankfully, I loved this one, and I’m excited to see more of the New Avengers.
What are your thoughts on the movies that made my top five? Share them down below!
