2025 has been an interesting year for cinema. All throughout the strikes and other extenuating circumstances, the common turn of phrase for almost 2 years was, “survive until 25.” Now that the year is upon us, the lineup has been met with quite a bit of trepidation and middling responses. That’s not to say the films have been bad, but aside from a few surprise standouts there has been very little that feels like the clear frontrunner for best of the year and/or strong awards contenders. It’s still early, and the fall festival season is about to get underway in the coming months that will surely breath some life into the film slate. Though the overall picture is a bit middle of the road, there have been some genuine standouts, so let’s take a look at some of the best films of 2025 so far!
Author’s note: for the first time since doing these yearly recaps, I’m going to include some films that haven’t been released yet. I typically only try to list films that are currently available (either on streaming or in theaters) but given the strange state we’re in it seems only fitting to include some definite contenders despite not being readily available yet. Also, I realize that this list is compiled right before the big blockbuster stint, so things like “The Fantastic Four: First Steps,” James Gunn‘s “Superman,” “28 Years Later,” and more simply haven’t been released yet at the time of this writing and I haven’t not had a chance to see them. I’m sure there’s some major releases that you’ll be mad that aren’t the list, but it’s only because the mid year review lands before the big releases. Also let’s be honest with ourselves and admit that “Jurassic Park: Rebirth” probably isn’t cracking the top ten so it’s ok that we make this list before Mr. T-Rex shows up again.
With that, let’s take a look at the best films of the year so far!
10. “The Ugly Stepsister” – Find it Streaming on SHUDDER
I love a good twisted fairy tale retelling, and “The Ugly Stepsister” checks all the boxes of one of the most grotesque and gleefully violent reimaginings of the year. Told from the perspective the eldest stepsister Elvira (Lea Myren) this “Cinderella” inspired tale that shares far more bones with the original tale than the Disney-fied versions. Perverse, violent, and often tongue in cheek funny, “The Ugly Stepsister” hits all the notes of horror depravity, and does so with pretty excellent execution. It’s not for the faint of heart, but if you’ve been craving some carnage and some good old fashion body horror, “The Ugly Stepsister” is for you!
Full review here.
9. “The Ballad of Wallis Island” – Streaming on Peacock
On the complete opposite end of the spectrum, “The Ballad of Wallis Island” makes the case for being on of the sweetest films of the year. Bursting with charm and music, this quirky little film uses its smallness to its advantage and sings its way into your heart. Tim Key injects warmth and emotion into a character that in less capable hands would get grating fast. “The Ballad of Wallis Island” wears its heart on its sleeve and hits you right in the feels. It’s the perfect kind of film we need right now, one that celebrates life and hope and finding joy in the little things.
Quick Review here.
8. “Lurker” – In Theaters August 22nd
Obsession and stalker stories are a dime a dozen, but “Lurker” elevates its genre by following the predator instead of the prey, the objectifier rather than the object of that affection. What transpires is a deeply unsettling descent into just how far people will go to get what they want. The allure of being in the “in” crowd can be all consuming, and “Lurker” invites its audience to be complicit in the lengths our obsessor goes to remain close to the shining light of stardom. Archie Madekwe continues to surprise with each passing role, and he’s quite excellent here as a rising musician. But it’s Théodore Pellerin who carries “Lurker” into a whole different stratosphere, bringing an awkward, loser energy to his ever growing obsession. By the end you’ll feel sick, but you’re suppose to, and “Lurker” evokes such a visceral response it’ll be hard to forget and is sure to be a film you can’t help but talk about for weeks after you’ve seen it.
Quick Review here.
7. “Black Bag” – Streaming on Peacock
Espionage has never been so sexy, and Soderbergh is all up in his bag with “Black Bag.” A sexy, horny, smart spy thriller that never panders to its audience and trusts its viewers to keep up and strap in for the ride. The stellar cast has no weak link and everyone is up to the task, a perfect blend of superstars chewing through scenery with a more than capable director at the helm. “Black Bag” may be a little too insular – it insists upon itself as some might say – but it remains one of the most entertaining, self assured films of the year. You really can’t go wrong with hot spies hot for each other, and “Black Bag” has it all in spades. I too, would kill for Cate Blanchett.
Full review here.
6. “Together” – In Theaters July 30th
It’s hard to talk about “Together” without spoiling it, but I’ll just say this: “The Substance” crawled so this movie could run. Excellent body horror powered by two excellent leads in Dave Franco and Allison Brie, a couple in real life playing a toxic one here. The less you know about “Together” the better, because the escalating tension and shock that Michael Shanks creates its all the more palpable when it’s experienced for the first time. There is some truly haunting imagery in “Together,” with some scenes that will stay will me forever. Shanks is also very much in control of his story and themes, very rarely letting his themes and ideas get away from him even when they’re pretty big and strange. “Together” will probably rank as one of the best horror films of 2025, so don’t miss it when it comes to theaters!
Quick Review here.
5. “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” – VOD
What a profound piece of cinema “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl” is. A film that has festered in me with its ideas of loss and grief and secrets trapped in the family walls and the clash of religious tradition against reality and protection of children. “Guinea Fowl” was a film that upon my first watch I wasn’t fully in on, but over time as it began to remain in my mind and the more I pondered its ideas the more I came to appreciate its affecting nature. It lures you in with a sense of humor, a sort of black comedy approach to death and family only to pull that rug out from under you as the details unfold and the curtain gets pulled back. “Guinea Fowl” requires some patience and astute viewing, but you’ll be rewarded for your time if you’re will to invest.
Full review here.
4. “Twinless” – In Theaters September 5th
Another absolute knockout from Sundance, “Twinless” is easily among the best films to come out in the first half of the year. An emotional rollercoaster filled with laughs and heartache and self discovery, James Sweeney’s sophomore effort balances bold thematic elements with the exquisite insightfulness and confidence of a veteran filmmaker. “Twinless” pushes the boundaries of dark comedy without ever getting lost in itself, keeping humanity at the core and wrestling with grief in some truly emotional ways. There’s such a sophistication to Sweeney’s writing and directing, and it helps that Dylan O’Brien sinks his teeth into his role with complete abandon. You’ve never quite seen him like this, and the young star solidifies himself a true talent beyond the confines of a CW hearthrob. O’Brien delivers a career defining performance, and “Twinless” is a rare gem that will most likely stay on this list even through the back half the year.
Quick Review here.
3. “Sorry, Baby” – Select Theaters June 27th
2025 has been a year for new filmmaker breakouts, and “Sorry, Baby” is no exception. Written, directed, and starring Eva Victor in her first feature, this Sundance darling earns every bit of praise out of the festival. A mesmerizing debut that constantly and smartly oscilates between tragedy and humor, something even the best filmmakers struggle with at times. Victor does it all with ease, a deeply personal story that somehow finds universal resonance through its achingly tender tone and center. “Sorry, Baby” attacks its touchy subject matter head on, and navigates the challenges of having honest conversations about sexual assault through sometimes dark, sometimes light dialogue, never once feeling as if Victor is diminishing the topic and/or experience. “Sorry, Baby” is hard film with a light touch, and solidifies Eva Victor as a new championed voice in cinema.
Quick Review here.
2. “All That’s Left of You” – No U.S. Release Currently
I walked out of my screening for “All That’s Left of You” with one, simple word on my mind: Cin-Ne-MA! A near masterpiece work of generational trauma set in the controversy of the Israeli/Palestinian conflict. What makes “All That’s Left of You” so special is that keeps its focus on family and the experiences of each passing generation through a multitude of trying times. It encompasses complex regional conflicts through a smaller, more focused lens which allows for the filmmaker to not paint each portrait with broad strokes. Despite that, I imagine the US not being to keen on acquiring this one, as anything that discusses Palestine as anything other than a place to be decimated is approached with arms length, if at all. Even academy award winner “No Other Land” didn’t find US distribution, and while “All That’s Left of You” is much more cinematic it still broaches the topic of conflict with nuance – something America is staunchly against right now. Still, “All That’s Left of You” is a must see. Everything from its astounding visuals to its infectious score to its excellent performances to its necessary thematic commentary, THIS is what we mean when we talk about the magic of movies.
Quick Review here.
1. “Sinners” – 4K Available Now!
Surprising no one, “Sinners” tops the list as the best film of the year so far. I’ve written enough words and talked about it ad nauseam for months now, so I won’t wax poetic too much on it here. I’ve now seen it 3 times, and each time I have discovered something different or new. For all its faults – and there are many – “Sinners” is both a tried and true genre film AND a deeply introspective examination of a range of topics of both history, sound, and the present. I just don’t think anything will top boldness and mind blowing cinematic achievement of the “I Lied to You” oner sequence, and no film this year nails an ending as well as “Sinners.” The text is so rich and I look forward to continually returning to “Sinners” over and over again for years to come. Movies are so back, baby. Thank you, Ryan Coogler.
Full review here.
So there you have it, the best films of 2025 we’ve seen (so far).
I’m sure there’s plenty more to come and this list will change drastically come the end of the year.
