No one can dispute the fact that 2025 has been a year that has been experienced by all. It’s not exactly been my favorite year of films in recent history, but the highs were high. As 2025 closes, it’s time to look back on my personal favorites from the year.
10. Splitsville
Directed by Michael Angelo Covino and starring Dakota Johnson, Kyle Marvin, and Adria Arjona, Splitsville was surprisingly as deep as it was funny. I loved the way it explored relationship dynamics as things change over time, and I also appreciate that it featured two of the loves of my life in main roles. What more could I ask for?
9. Black Bag
Of the three Steven Soderbergh films I saw in 2025, Black Bag was, by far, the best of the trio. The sleek spy thriller is incredibly fun and features a wonderful cast operating at the top of their game. It may not have resonated with audiences upon release, but I think it will find its audience in the coming years.
8. Eddington
Ari Aster’s divisive, no-holds-barred look at the recent past really clicked with me from the jump. I really love the performances that Aster pulls out of Joaquin Phoenix and hope they continue their partnership for at least one more film. While taking jabs at all sides, I found myself fascinated by completely different plotlines and themes each time I saw it.
7. The Shrouds
If I could give up the rest of my years on this earth and give them to David Cronenberg to keep making movies, I would do it in a heartbeat. I was floored by The Shrouds and the way it approaches grief and conspiracy, as well as Diane Kruger’s triple performance. I’ve been thinking about this one since I saw it at NYFF in 2024, and I’ll still be thinking about it for a long time.
6. Marty Supreme
Timothée Chalamet reaches another level in Josh Safdie’s globetrotting thriller, and I couldn’t be happier. Just last year he said he was chasing greatness, and I’d say he’s well on his way. I wound up seeing this one thrice in theaters, and I was taken with Chalamet’s performance, the editing, and the phenomenal score from Daniel Lopatin.
5. Sound of Falling
This may not be on the radar for many folks, but this was by far my favorite film I saw at NYFF 2025. Following four generations of women in the same family on the same farm, it explores the different ways that they experience womanhood and the ways they are used and exploited by the men in their lives and the world around them. Mascha Schilinski comes through with an absolute stunner with some of the most compelling editing and sound work I saw all year.
4. It Was Just an Accident
This is my introduction to Jafar Panahi, but I absolutely loved this movie. His ability to combine humor, intensity, and mystery all while commenting on the state of things in Iran is utterly baffling. Make sure you catch this one leading up to the Oscars ceremony if it comes anywhere near you.
3. Sinners
It’s been a year with two mainstays, with Ryan Coogler’s Sinners being one of them. I was expecting a fun ride at the theater but was taken by surprise at the depth and craft on display. I would genuinely watch the rest of the depression-era Southern drama that unfolds in the first half of this film. Every performance here is phenomenal, and I will stake a claim for Delroy Lindo in particular. No Supporting Actor lineup is complete or correct without him in the five.
2. One Battle After Another
What else is there to say about this film that hasn’t been said already? I saw it three times on film during my time in New York and I’ll never be as happy as I was during that week. Paul Thomas Anderson is just one of my guys, and it would take a lot for something he releases to not be in my top 3 of the year.
1. The Testament of Ann Lee
This is one of two films that made me cry this year, and it takes quite a lot for me. It’s been said I have no heart, so I’m elated to have found a movie like The Testament of Ann Lee to bring out some emotion for me. My thoughts have been previously stated here on the site, but I was in awe of Amanda Seyfried’s performance, the choreography, and the depiction of faith in a time where you have nothing else to hold on to.
Here’s to an even better 2026!
