2025 was another great year for film.  Ever since the actors’ and writers’ strikes ended, more delayed films are coming out so film fans are being fed.  We are, as the kids would say, so back.  Word of mouth for films has been stronger than ever, proving that theatrical releases continue to be a sought after way to watch movies.  Even though I was not able to see as many films as I would have liked, I was still able to experience some of the magic that was released this year.  Here is what I found to be some of my favorite films of this year.   

10. Death of a Unicorn (Dir. Alex Scharfman)

This was one of my most anticipated films of the year because the concept seemed absolutely ridiculous and Paul Rudd was in it.  When a father and daughter duo accidentally kill a unicorn with their car, the father’s boss takes things to the next level with crazy experiments in a get-richer-quicker scheme.  All of that just hits perfectly for me.  Each of the actors know exactly what kind of movie they are making, which just adds to the chaotic feel this film exudes.  Especially Will Poulter; he is an absolute joy to watch whenever he is on screen.  This may not be a film for everyone, but it is definitely a film for me.

9. Frankenstein (Dir. Guillermo del Toro)

One of my goals in adulthood is to read more classics.  I have been doing high school re-reads and picking up new to me novels, very much enjoying myself.  The next book I plan on picking up is going to be Frankenstein and that is thanks to Guillermo del Toro’s release.  This tale has been told time and time again but del Toro is able to bring new life to the material.  The performance by Jacob Elordi as the Creature has been talked about so much and for good reasons as he is able to bring a softness to this famous monster we have been told to fear.  All of this makes me more excited to dive into Mary Shelley’s novel to learn more about Dr. Frankenstein as a person, what the Creature’s original tale is, and what the world was like for each of them.

8. Bugonia (Dir. Yorgos Lanthimos)

Emma Stone is one of my favorite working actresses and Jesse Plemons continues to amaze me with the performances he has given year and year.  Put them with Yorgos Lanthimos again and you know you are in for something interesting.  I was on the edge of my seat during the entire runtime of Bugonia, with the constant back and forth between Stone and Plemons getting more heated as the tensions build.  Within this tale about aliens, there is also great commentary on conspiracy theories and what happens to those who may fall too deep “down the rabbit hole” whether they were actively seeking it out or not, hoping to find answers to the tragic events that happen in life.

7. Weapons (Dir. Zach Cregger)

This is one of those films that owes its success to the wonderful word-of-mouth campaign it gained after its release.  While a lot of people in my life have never seen or even heard of Barbarian, nearly all of them have heard of Weapons. And for good reasons because it was able to make the genre of horror approachable for nearly everyone, whether you actively seek out these kinds of films or not.  It is an intriguing mystery that we get to see from multiple angles and how this small town is impacted by this tragic loss.  Once we figure out the reason behind this tragedy, you just root for a happy ending for all.  It is amazing how a film is able to freak me out so much intertwined with some of the funniest moments in film I have seen all year.  This is a movie I could recommend to anyone and they would find something enjoyable about it.

6. Sinners (Dir. Ryan Coogler)

It is so nice to see a director that has been in the super hero world be given the creative freedom to do whatever original concept they want.  And it does not surprise me that Ryan Coogler was able to pull that off to such a success.  Showcasing what could have been a simple vampire tale but mixed with the elements of Black culture and racial tensions in the South at the time, enhances every second of the film.  It is hard to pick out a favorite moment or character because everyone is bringing their A-game to Sinners.  Another blend of genres I would highly recommend for everyone to check out.

5. Marty Supreme (Dir. Josh Safdie)

Surprisingly, a Safdie brother got me to care about a narcissistic ping pong player to the extent that I did.  If you enjoyed the high-energy chaotic feel of Good Time and Uncut Gems, you will love Marty Supreme just as much if not more because you can see how much Josh Safide has improved as a filmmaker between his movies.  Timothée Chalamet annoys me so much because his persuasive and charismatic portrayal of Marty makes me want to hate him but I just can’t.  Supported by strong performances from Odessa A’zion and Kevin O’Leary (of all people), you will be at a constant back and forth of whether you want Marty to succeed or fail.

4. The Phoenician Scheme (Dir. Wes Anderson)

This pick may be considered a little biased because not only is Wes Anderson my favorite director, but I usually tend to like everything he puts out.  But I do have to recognize when he puts out good films because he tends to do that a lot for me.  There is so much chaos that happens in The Phoenician Scheme that it may come off as a little “too Wes Anderson” but it hits the landing with how grounded it feels in the end.  Plus, Michael Cera and Benicio del Toro give two of my favorite performances of the year with Mia Threapleton showing us how well Anderson is able to create compelling yet simple main characters.

3. Hamnet (Dir. Chloe Zhao)

Gorgeous is a word that can describe so many components of this film.  The screenplay draws you in as Chloé Zhao is joined by author Maggie O’Farrell to create a story that feels like it takes place in the present day.  The performances by Jessie Buckley, Paul Mescal and Jacobi Jupe are able to make you smile the biggest you have at a film while in the next scene completely wreck the rest of your day.  And the sweeping landscapes and forest scenes are a character all on their own, being some of the most memorable aspects of Hamnet.  This perfect atmosphere that Zhao has created reminds you of how beautiful cinema can be.

2. Kiss of the Spider Woman (Dir. Bill Condon)

Similar to being biased when Wes Anderson releases a film, I am a sucker for a movie musical.  Especially when the creative team in front of and behind the camera understands the material they are working with.  While big box office musicals are fun, this film reminds us that simple stories have the ability to impact us the most.  This is the perfect combination of heartbreak and camp, with musical numbers to enhance that experience.  This is why people travel to see Broadway shows; there is an intimacy between the actors and live audience that is hard to replicate.  Kiss of the Spider Woman is able to give you that same feeling and so much more.  It is also a wonderful film to help remind us why storytelling is an art that needs to be cherished for generations to come.

1. One Battle After Another (Dir. Paul Thomas Anderson)

It may be a little basic to have one of the most talked about and critically acclaimed films of the year as my favorite, but One Battle After Another is one that has stuck with me all this time.  There has not been a film that has entertained me so much in more ways than one.  I was laughing, cringing, worrying, and hoping that everything would end up okay for our characters after they went through so much in the first thirty minutes of the film.  The entire cast is giving their best performances from an ensemble of the year, with Leonardo DiCaprio giving my favorite performance of his in the last few years.  It will not surprise me if this ends up entering the history books as a Best Picture winner.