2025 had a couple of excellent movies at the top with the horror genre having a strong representation in the top five. It was also nice to see some original movies that were a refreshing change of pace with a few of them even coming in under two hours! Brevity seems to be a long lost art form, otherwise known as editing, which is more than welcome to return anytime it wishes. As always my ten list stretches the limit. I don’t like boxes and I want to call out good movies whenever possible.
For a little appetizer, here are my top 3 TV series. I probably don’t watch as many shows as most. However these 3 blew me away more so than anything I’ve seen in a long time.
The Best TV Shows:
THE BEST MOVIES OF 2025:
My love/hate relationship:
19. HAMNET – Oh man, I was so bored through the first act of this film. It wasn’t until the kids got involved did it finally become interesting. While HAMNET looks exquisite, I didn’t think there was any chance it could redeem itself. I was wrong. The final act had me sobbing uncontrollably more than any film in a long time. And for that, I loved HAMNET.
A director I love unconditionally:
18. THE PHOENICIAN SCHEME – I know not everyone is into Wes Anderson, but I get excited for each new film that have reliably beautiful composition, art direction, and exquisite characters and performances.
A franchise that I love unconditionally:
17. PREDATOR: BADLANDS – Sometimes you just have to hang with a predator to remind you why you love movies. the whole Predator design and concept is amazing and I will continue to support new content.
Here are a few fun, original movies that are flawed, but a good time nonetheless worth checking out. I hope Hollywood continues to make more movies like these:
16. NOVOCAIN
15. COMPANION
14. ETERNITY
13. F1: THE MOVIE – Similar to the previous three films, F1 felt like a return to my old favorite type of formulaic sports movies from the 90’s. Just a great hang centered around one of our last super mega movie stars in Brad Pitt in a fairly basic, silly plot scenario with some incredibly immersive camera work.
A handful of emotional and inspirational films came out this year and they all moved me in different ways. They aren’t perfect, but all have some powerful scenes with equally powerful performances. If you haven’t heard of these next 4 films, please check them out:
12. RENTAL FAMILY
11. LIFE OF CHUCK
10. SENTIMENTAL VALUE
9. TRAIN DREAMS
My top 8 are the ones that are a stop above the rest. If I was made to not go over 10, I would shrink my list to these 7. But that’s lame so I jumped my 8 to 20.
8. BUGONIA – Jesse Plemons elevates everything he is in and I kind of feel that this Yorgos Lanthimos film isn’t getting enough credit. His strangely dark films aren’t for everyone, but I find that they always have something interesting to say. Emma Stone and Aiden Delbis are also pretty great.
7. WARFARE – Filmed in one location, the claustrophobic horror of no way out while being attacked has never felt stronger in this based on a true story battle film.
6. MARTY SUPREME – Timothée Chalamet continues to prove that he has taken the reins as the next movie star who can do no wrong. Josh Safdie’s new film follows the chaotic life of a professional ping pong player with high aspirations and poor decision making, which balances the uncomfortable line beautifully creating pure entertainment.
5. 28 YEARS LATER – 2002’s 28 DAYS LATER is one of my all-time favorite horror movies. 28 YEARS LATER is a welcomed addition with an interesting new perspective.
4. WEAPONS – After 2022’s BARBARIAN, I will see anything by writer/director Zach Cregger. WEAPONS is wonderfully creepy, funny, and all-around unnerving. The perfect ingredients for my style of entertaining horror. More please!
3. SORRY, BABY – Please go see this movie. Easily the surprise hit that truly wowed me without knowing anything going into it. Written, directed, and starring Eva Victor, SORRY, BABY is an incredible screenplay following one person’s navigation through a personal tragic event. It’s simple and heartfelt, saying so much without saying anything at all. I’ve chosen to make this my cover photo for the simple reason to advocate for SORRY, BABY.
I really can’t even question my top 2 films of the year. I hope they win all the awards and get all the accolades.
2. SINNERS – I love FROM DUSK TILL DAWN and SINNERS is a prestige version of that film. So what’s not to love? I’m just glad others are coming on board with the stylized duel genre film combining a period piece drama, segregation with a wildly fun vampire film. But Ryan Coogler’s SINNERS is so much more than that, mashing genres and themes put together with incredible direction, music, and performances, led by Michael B. Jordan pulling double duty.
1. ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER – Paul Thomas Anderson always creates something interesting and sometimes it’s a masterpiece. The film reflects the people and the world we were and currently living in and somehow captures every emotion known to man. I laughed, I cried, I was angry, and I was full of joy. Leonardo DiCaprio and the entire supporting cast understood the assignment and delivered one of the best films in years.
