(This article is part of our Best of 2025 series.)
I would’ve preferred to catch all of the following films on the big screen, but circumstances prevented me from making it out as much as I hoped. My top three were solidified fairly quickly, and I doubted anything would knock them out of their spots. The last two, however, were more difficult to place. Honestly, there are also a few films I unfortunately missed—No Other Choice and The Secret Agent, for example—which may have affected this list. So let’s get right to it. Here’s my top five of 2025.
F1
As someone who knows nothing—and cares even less—about F1 racing, let me just say: this movie is awesome. Joseph Kosinski did it again. After his success with Top Gun: Maverick, he delivered another explosive spectacle that kept me on the edge of my seat. There were moments where I was literally clapping in the theater out of excitement. Yes, the story has been told before, but it’s the execution that truly brings this film to life. It’s the same reason people enjoy the first Avatar so much. Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Javier Bardem all bring dynamic charm and chemistry, making them incredibly easy to root for. Hans Zimmer manages to outdo himself yet again, delivering one of my favorite scores not just of the year, but of all time. After seeing so many films this year that tackle heavy subject matter, F1 was a breath of fresh air and exactly the kind of filmmaking that reminds me why the theatrical experience is so special.
Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
I’ve always been a huge fan of anime, but I have to admit, I wasn’t expecting to enjoy Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc as much as I did. I’ve already written a full review detailing my admiration for this Japanese sequel, so I’ll keep things brief here. Not only was this the best animated feature of the year for me, but easily one of the best films overall. It has everything: beautiful animation and music, bombastic action sequences, and a surprisingly touching romance. The storytelling and cinematic references clearly showcase original manga creator Tatsuki Fujimoto’s love for film. This one does require you to have watched the first season of the anime (or at least a recap) to get the full effect, but I can confidently say it’s worth the effort.
Bring Her Back
When people ask me about my favorite movies of 2025, Bring Her Back is one of the first that comes to mind. Then they ask, “What’s that about?” My response is usually: “It’s one of the best horror movies I’ve ever seen that I never want to watch again.” Where Talk to Me is the Philippou brothers’ more accessible film, Bring Her Back is far more focused and pushes its boundaries even further. Not only is this one of the most disturbing films I’ve seen, but it’s also one of the most despondent in tone. Despite that, it tells a familiar story of loss with such precision that you end up feeling sympathy for even the most disillusioned and malicious characters. I would’ve cried—but I was too horrified to do so. If you’re in the mood for a solid yet deeply unsettling film, I highly recommend giving this one a watch.
Marty Supreme
Luckily, I managed to catch the new Josh Safdie film in theaters before finalizing my list, and I’m fully on the Marty Supreme hype train. The Safdie brothers have always excelled at crafting anxiety-inducing environments, and this film is no exception. From start to finish, I was constantly conflicted about whether I should be rooting for or against Marty. The characters and storytelling are so nuanced and multifaceted that it’s easy for me to say Josh Safdie is a master of his craft. I don’t think I need to say much more than the box office numbers and audience reception already have. Go check it out and have yourself a good time.
Relay
This one may come as a surprise to some, but the throwback-style crime thriller left me feeling both nostalgic and energized. Relay is smart, cool, and simply fun. Riz Ahmed completely sells this movie for me. I was smiling and laughing through most of it thanks to his suave demeanor and sharp decision-making. There are moments where the film strays from cleverness in favor of heightened drama, which might not work for everyone. Personally, I think it adds to the charm. With its brisk runtime and engaging premise, this is an easy recommendation, and I’m excited to see what director David Mackenzie does next.
That’s my top five of 2025. Some honorable mentions and films that would probably round out my top ten include: Eddington, Bugonia, Train Dreams, Weapons, and The Smashing Machine.
What are your thoughts on the movies that made my top five? Share them down below!