Best Movies I've Seen In 2025

2025 was overall an amazing year for cinema. Netflix buying Warner Bros. and multiple live action Disney remakes left much to be desired, but these nine movies remind us that Hollywood still has plenty of great ideas if you just look far enough. Paul Thomas Anderson has made another banger, The horror genre made its way to the Oscars again, and Sony Animation dealt a huge low blow to Disney using demons and K-Pop. On the indie side, Yorgos Lanthimos and Emma Stone return with a shocking satire on conspiracy theories, and the greatest film of the year is about table tennis. It’s a Josh Safdie film, so you know it will be thrilling and anxiety inducing. These are the best 2025 movies that I have seen, ranked.

#9: No Other Choice

Director: Park Chan-wook

Imagine working hard and dedicating your life for decades in an industry you are passionate about, but then artificial intelligence becomes involved. This act of soulless greed from corporations becomes too much for a paper worker, and he decides to use the ‘process of elimination’ to get the one job that he feels attached to. Making himself the last qualified man standing. As he does this bloody task, he sometimes underestimates his predecessors and ends up like Wile E. Coyote when he fails to catch the Road Runner. Basically, some killing scenes play out like a dark comedy version of Loony Toons, which is not that literal, but I can see the inspiration. Dropping a potted plant onto someone’s head does remind me of a cartoon anvil situation.

Each of the victims share a similar situation to Man-soo (the protagonist), which is why even though there was a random song playing during an attempted execution, making the scene laughable, I almost teared up from the first applicant’s demise. The message hits even harder when it is not just Man-soo that is suffering from unemployment after years of commitment to his field. Park Chan-wook’s vision is made clear through cartoonish styles of satire and the wonderstruck conclusion that accurately symbolizes what Man-soo’s life has become as a result of the increasing reliance on AI. This eventful, comical and compelling film will leave you asking one question: When will the bubble pop already?

#8: Frankenstein (2025)

Director: Guillermo del Toro

After this stunning version of Mary Shelly’s story by Guillermo del Toro, I refuse to refer to the creature as a ‘monster’. The acting fits the Victorian gothic setting very well, the dialogue has the potential to make people gasp and cry whenever acceptable, and this version of the creature is quite arguably my favorite of all versions of the classic monster. All Jacob Elrodi did during Victor’s backstory was say and yell “Victor!”, and it made my heart sink when he was facing death. That along with how Victor treated his creation proved that the doctor is a true monster. Dr. Frankenstein’s first half set the mood for the whole movie, but the creature’s side of the story really moved me through his friendship with the Blind Man. (literally the character’s name)

Fearing that he would be unaccepting of the “monster”, it was quite relieving that the blind man stuck to his personality and wisdom by taking the creature under his wing. It was so heartwarming seeing the montage of the creature learning everything he can and exploring the wonders of life and literature. A relationship that drove me to tears. The costume and production design, even with some CGI, really stood out to me as beautiful and refined. All of these parts have been put together to create a worthwhile entry that lives up to the Universal monster’s legacy.

#7: KPop Demon Hunters

Directors: Chris Appelhans, Maggie Kang

Korean Pop music has gotten very popular over the years in the west. I found some songs from the genre to be decent, but nothing gave me the urge to shake my shoulders. Of course credit for that change goes to Soda Pop, but each song from the soundtrack is just as infectious and upbeat. Ironically, each time a song from either Huntrix or Saja Boys, its purpose is to make us forget about the rival band. Each song gets better, so well played.

At first, I did not expect to love this movie as much from the title. It sounded like a weird way to crossover a trendy music genre with hunters of a specific monster type and I was not interested. After seeing this movie for the first time, I completely understand why some friends begged me to watch this. Unexpectedly, the story is very well crafted. I will not say much to avoid spoilers, but using music to create and hold the strength of a shield between the demon world and the real world is a pretty magical and imaginative way to include this as a musical. The music itself is awesome, and the story with some shocking reveals never lets you go. Like Gwi-Ma’s voice in your head.

Sony Pictures Animation sometimes releases soulless cashgrabs (don’t even get me started on The Emoji Movie and The Smurfs), but when it comes to comebacks in the form of Spider-Verse and KPDH, they sure do know how it’s done.

#6: Bugonia

Director: Yorgos Lanthimos

I assumed I would have a good time watching this seemingly insane conspiracy theorist vs. billionaire story, laughing at how ridiculous the plot is and nothing more. Little did I know that Teddy, played by Jesse Plemons, had a really detailed and interesting character arc behind him, backed up with chilling and sometimes stinging dialogue that slowly builds up development on both the characters and the situation. No one just simply turns into a maniacal reddit theorist overnight, so Teddy’s backstory and a conversation that digs into his mind through psychology really exposes how fragile he is as a person and how committed he is to his belief in the billionaire having andromeda roots. As for Michelle, the billionaire played by Emma Stone, had nerves of steel for being able to sit through Teddy’s Reddit-like conspiracy fallacies. When she is able to outsmart and convince him of what he wants to hear, her change of tone and gripping monologue will convince anyone that the theory is true no matter how droll it is.

The ending was not really for me because it made the movie in general just a bit more ridiculous than it needed to be, but even with that, I still love how this movie turned out. The way this story was set up is very impressive. A conspiracy theorist did not need an actually engaging and saddening motivation, but it fits quite well in a psychological standpoint. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons both had standout performances that made the dialogue scenes work better than they needed to. This movie reminds me that conspiracy theories can be dangerous. Especially if it is all you consume. You lose the ability to trust, you victimize everything/everyone, and when a true act of conspiracy happens, you ignore it like how Teddy reacts to realistic reasons as to why bees are dying.

#5: Sinners

Director: Ryan Coogler

Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan team up again (fresh off of the Creed trilogy) to create arguably the most exceptional vampire horror film of all time. Smoke and Stack, twins played by Jordan, leave their lives of crime behind and move back home in Prohibition era Mississippi to open a music bar. Only for it to be overrun by vampires who are thirsty for blood, culture and family. The first half takes quite a while to build up to the brilliant other half, but the cinematography, writing and irresistible chemistry between each actor made it a joy to sit through. However, the ‘I Lied to You’ sequence and the involvement of the vampires is when the record 16 Oscar nominations really start to justify themselves.

Miles Canton as Sammie sings ‘I Lied to You’ while past and future ancestors sing and dance to their respective cultures to the rhythm of Sammie’s number. A musical number like that makes me appreciate not just music of all cultures more, but it reminds me of why I love cinema in general. The same can be said for ‘Rocky Road to Dublin’, which filled me with excitement. Vampires that long for not only blood, but for a community against oppression. A very interesting and likeable trait for the antagonists. They also share the thoughts and talent of anyone they possess which is a really cool power. If the music isn’t enough, then the fight scene near the end will satisfy any action lovers thirsty for blood.

Even vampires aren’t your thing, this movie will still have you at the edge of your seat. It has some of the best blues music I have ever heard, and all of the lore was fascinating.

#4: Bring Her Back

Directors: Danny and Michael Philippou

A woman grieves over the loss of her visually impaired daughter. She can never get over it. So much so that she resorts to doing a ritual which can….. Well, you know the title of the movie. That plot is interesting enough, but nothing could’ve prepared me for the meat on that bone. The main characters aren’t part of the ritual lady’s family, but their involvement, especially Piper, is crucial to the story. And it’s made even better with the loss of their father and how it’s eventually shown how abusive he was to Andy (Piper’s brother). It fits because of how abusive Laura (the lady trying to do the ritual) will turn out to be so she can have Piper all to herself. As these events transpire, I felt thrilled from all the gripping drama with convincing acting.

Sally Hawkins gives off the best possible performance for her character, Laura. She’s a former counselor, grieving over the loss of her daughter, who is so desperate to revive her. The process includes witchcraft, a ritual that has some sacrifices and rules that blend in with the themes of the story. Even Laura’s evil actions can be compared to, which is where Hawkins’ seemingly genuine manners and reactions play a huge part. Laura’s descent into a wicked and immoral mindset comes as a result of an inability to get over the loss of her loved one, and I could not get enough of the performance that made this spellbinding and disturbing story come to life.

To any fellow blood and gore lovers, there is plenty of that in this movie thanks to what the demon is hungry for. Lets just say, there are sharp edges involved. It gets so shocking, even I, a lover of the Saw franchise, looked away. It is genuinely one of the scariest supernatural horror films I have ever seen. If you liked Hereditary, you should give this one a shot.

#3: One Battle After Another

Director: Paul Thomas Anderson

Another banger on PTA’s resume, this movie is anti-facism or Antifa propaganda depending on what side you are on, politically. It certainly shines a light on a U.S. government that is plagued with oppression, but it is against a rebellion team that can be unprepared at times. This one is a really fun to watch but also captivating action thriller that will make you laugh in one minute thanks to Leonardo DiCaprio’s brilliant performance as a washed up rebel, but then will make you scared/sad in the next minute when you see corrupted military men harm innocent people. This movie was one hell of a rollercoaster, and it was also because of the brilliant score. That piano theme during Bob’s escape is something that will stay on my mind for quite a while, especially when it is played during a chain of events, involving a Mexican sensei helping his family and friends hide from the military. Made me hope that they are not found.

I have more to say, but I’d be here not all day, but all week. I love most of the good guys (fuck that rat), and hate the antagonists. That’s enough to make a story worth listening to, but combined with the thrilling cinematography, fun and anxious score, a car chase scene that has a super clever end, dialogue that I can’t help but either laugh hard or feel scared, and the movie in general being a big middle finger to facism. It is nothing short of a modern masterpiece. Viva la revolution!

#2: Weapons

Director: Zach Cregger

Hot off the success of his 2022 debut horror film Barbarian, Zach Cregger exceeded my expectations with this horror/mystery/thriller film about a class of children who T-pose run out of their houses, and they never return. Every important character has their own segment that provides a slow burn, bringing us closer to the big picture through spooky hints and terrifying visuals. You will remember to always lock your car doors when you see a seemingly drunk lady coming at you with scissors. As expected from a movie made by a former comedian, some laughable elements are provided and are actually a joy to laugh at. They hardly even take away from the otherwise horror-stricken theme, and especially the conclusion that is best seen without detail

Weapons has some of the best cinematography or camera movement I have ever seen in a horror film. When someone knocks at a door or when someone is woken from a nightmare, the camera smoothly moves to the right or left to aim at a door. You also get similarly smooth and nicely in sync frames as they follow the characters walking into a liquor store or trying to find their target as their arms are out. When the kids left their homes at 2:17am, where the camera aims is just right as you see them leave their homes at night with only a few lights just barely showing their face as they run into the dark. The way some frames follow the kids fits the tragic and confusing event. The music also helps. This movie is visually stunning.

Cregger has been on a roll making films that are very unpredictable. Which is why I must insist that I withhold most plot points. All I can say at this point is that even with its noticeable flaws, every single moment kept my eyes glued to the screen. The performances were perfect for the characters (Amy Madigan deserves that Oscar nom), the twists/reveals were very satisfying, and although the ending is divisive, I thought it made sense from what the kids went through. A truly extraordinary experience is how I would describe my theater experience when I saw this. Those who have seen this may find this weird, but I cried from how shocking, hilarious, and overwhelming that conclusion was. If anyone deserves the “twisted mind” title, it is Zach Cregger.

#1: Marty Supreme

Director: Josh Safdie

The best sports movie I have ever seen (Table tennis counts as a sport. Ask the olympics). Marty can absolutely be an irritating and shocking character but much like Howard from Uncut Gems, you do feel just some sympathy when you take some of his situation into account. They make their own gambles, but their bad luck is so sad and unnerving. While these chain of events happen, you just can’t help but stay invested in the story to see Marty get a win and then stop taking advantage of people. I feel like after the ending, that is the case. Uncut Gems had a divisive ending (It made sense in my eyes but I can see why it turned most people off), but this movie gave such a sigh of relief for the audience and the protagonist. My Apple Watch went off saying my heart was beating too fast thanks to the final table tennis match. Marty gets what’s coming to him, but I did not wanna see him humiliate himself anymore. This kind of build up successfully made me cheer for him despite his trash talk and antics, all of which are convincingly sold very well by Timothee Chalamet in his best performance so far. He oozed charisma, and his no filter persona really shined. Some Auschwitz jokes caught the whole theater off guard. Me and a few other people slightly yelled “wooooow” and tried to hold in our laughter.

This film is full of unexpected turns and twists, backed up by juggernaut performances. A story about a boy wanting to make it big as a ping pon- oh sorry, table tennis player sounds like a dull biopic. But Josh Safdie really cooked up a buffet with this one. I could not get enough of these mishaps that seemed shoved in at first, but are then revealed to be important to the story by either giving Marty another obstacle in his path or giving him an opportunity to make it big. I thought it was nothing but crazy to have a hot tub fall from a ceiling and crush an old man’s arm, but thankfully that was not just shock value thanks to what opportunity it gave Marty as a result. I would say more but this movie must be seen to be believed. A hustling masterpiece, and my personal pick for Best Picture of 2025.