2025 was a great year for the film industry. Audiences connected deeply with a wide range of films, resulting in both financial profit for studios and widespread appreciation for filmmakers. At the box office, the top spot was occupied by “Nhe Zha 2”, which earned $2.2 billion worldwide, according to BoxOffice Mojo. “Zootopia 2,” “Avatar: Fire and Ash,” and the live-action “Lilo & Stitch” followed, each grossing over $1 billion.
“A Minecraft Movie” was the surprise of the season, earning upwards of $900 million at the box office. The year also marked an end to some iconic series, including Tom Cruise’s Mission Impossible series and Netflix’s Stranger Things. From the many high-quality films released this year, I selected my five favorites. This list comes before I’ve had the chance to watch films such as “Avatar,” “Marty Supreme,” and “Bugonia,” all of which have the potential to earn a place here.
- “Weapons”
2025 was a great year for horror films. Fans of the genre felt a resurgence in the genre with innovative new films and movies that subvert previously built notions of horror cinema. Zach Cregger’s “Weapons” was one of the standout horror films of the year.
Now streaming on HBO Max, the film centers on the mysterious disappearance of all but one child from a classroom on the same day. To avoid spoilers, not much more can be revealed about the plot, but Amy Madigan delivers a scene-stealing performance and gives one of the most unsettling performances as Gladys.
The film also stars Marvel alumni Benedict Wong and Josh Brolin, alongside Julia Garner, who also appears as the Silver Surfer in “Fantastic Four: The First Steps.” While the film’s marketing relied on the assumption that it was based on a true story, “Weapons” is entirely fictional. The film has a gripping opening and maintains tension and unsettling ease throughout its runtime.
Though I’m not a big horror fan myself, I enjoyed “Weapons.” The film is easily digestible for non-horror fans, and many horror fans praise “Weapons” for its unique filmmaking and revamping of the horror tropes. However, I do acknowledge that this film may be divisive, and I anticipate a love-it-or-hate-it reaction from most who watch the film. That said, the concept of the film is intriguing and unique, and it makes for a great watch.
- “Superman”
After an abysmal time for DC, playing catch-up with rival studio Marvel, 2025 marked the start of a new era for DC. Rebranded as DC Studios and placed under the creative control of James Gunn and Peter Safran, playing roles akin to Kevin Feige at Marvel, the studio rebooted the failed “Snyderverse” films, which marked a difficult time for the studio as they seemed to underutilize the plethora of characters and talented filmmakers.
This is why fans were delighted to see DC take a new direction, although Snyder loyalists still disagree and maintain that Zack Snyder would have been more successful without studio clashes. I had the opportunity to watch the start of James Gunn’s DC Universe in theaters. Superman was one of the best superhero films in recent history for me. While recent films, like Matt Reeves’s “The Batman”, are excellent films, they are so because they do not follow conventional rules for a superhero film, and characters like Batman both allow for and effectively utilize more grounded and realistic interpretations.
Superman is not that character. James Gunn understands the character and revitalizes him with David Corenswet as Superman, Nicholas Hoult as Lex Luthor, and Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane. The film is hopeful, wholesome, and an excellent parallel critique of global virtues. Superman is simply a character trying to do good for humanity, and how political agendas may not always have the betterment of humanity in mind clashes with that.
Hoult plays an excellent Lex Luthor, while Corenswet shines as the new Superman, taking over from the beloved portrayal of Henry Cavill. I consider the film an excellent understanding of Superman as a character and a reminder of the joy and hopefulness of superhero films. The film reminded me of early superhero films like the Sam Raimi “Spider-Man” trilogy. It had a strong moral message, and its use of music and the depiction of Superman in more vulnerable situations only furthered the moral conclusion: strive to do good, regardless.
- “The Smashing Machine.”
Following the creative split between directors Benny and Josh Safdie, Benny’s first solo project, “The Smashing Machine,” emerged as an A24 production starring Dwayne Johnson and Emily Blunt. The film is based on the true story of Mark Kerr, a mixed martial artist with a passion for greatness that flew him to the upper echelons of his sport and nearly made it all come crashing down.
The film stars Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson in a completely transformative performance as Mark Kerr, signaling a major shift in his career after years of criticism for playing similar and uninteresting roles. Johnson is a standout in this film. Not only does he look completely different in prosthetic makeup and costumes for the film, but he acts wonderfully in a role that required more emotional nuance and subtlety than what audiences are used to seeing from him. As Mark Kerr’s personal life clashes with his professional career, Johnson portrays Kerr’s vulnerability and strength in a careful balance.
Johnson carries the film wonderfully, matched with a moving performance from Emily Blunt as Mark’s wife, Dawn. Another performance that jumped out at me was Ryan Bader’s Mark Coleman, playing fellow mixed martial artist and Johnson’s best friend. The performances are matched by an interesting directing style, bringing the portrayed time period to life with scenes shot like archival footage and some as documentaries.
The film is not perfect because of general pacing and editing issues, but Johnson’s transformative performance carries the film to new heights and makes it engaging and interesting. It also relaunched a new direction in Dwayne Johnson’s career, recently making news for his physical transformation. After watching “The Smashing Machine,” I am no longer a skeptic of the rumored future collaboration between Johnson and Martin Scorsese in a more serious role for Johnson. Rather, I’m excited about it.
- “Sinners”
It comes as no surprise that Ryan Coogler’s worldwide sensation “Sinners” makes the list. The film stars Michael B. Jordan in a dual role as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who find themselves fending off vampires on the opening night of their new club. The film also introduces Miles Catton as their cousin Sammie, a blues prodigy.
This was one of the best films of the year. Jordan shines in his dual role, supported by an outstanding soundtrack from Ludwig Göransson. Catton delivers a great performance, showcasing amazing vocals and musical ability, as the role heavily focuses on blues music. The film masterfully merged genres like music and horror, and was one of the most unique concepts I have ever seen.
Films like “Sinners” are exactly what Hollywood needs: original films with unique ideas by talented directors. The film also made history for its unique contract with the director, Ryan Coogler, who will retain ownership of the film after a certain number of years. The film is expected to score big wins in the upcoming awards season; however, it has been snubbed so far for some major awards.
- “One Battle After Another”
Paul Thomas Anderson ended the ‘Best Picture’ debate this year with his newest work, “One Battle After Another.” The film is a comedy-thriller about a washed-up revolutionary who protects his family after enemies from his past resurface after 16 years. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers one of the funniest and most nuanced performances of his career. DiCaprio’s performance was only elevated by compelling supporting performances from Teyana Taylor as Perfidia, Sean Penn as Colonel Lockjaw, and Benicio Del Toro as Sergio “Sensi” St. Carlos.
The film is an excellent commentary on the current sociopolitical state of the world and the paradox of revolutionary movements. Paul Thomas Anderson manages to shoot a standard car chase scene in one of the most unique camera paths in recent history. Sean Penn’s acting as Steve Lockjaw was sensational. He was one of the funniest and subsequently one of the most horrifying villains in recent history. Paul Thomas Anderson effectively incorporates elements of satire and parody, which serve as powerful tools to establish the overall tone of the movie despite its serious subject matter. I loved the film’s pacing and regard it as one of the best pacing setups for a movie, ever.
One Battle After Another manages to hold tension and retain induced anxiety like no other film in recent history. This is a must-watch, especially in the cinema, where movies are meant to be seen. Anderson and his crew carry high expectations into the awards season, and so far, have not disappointed.
