Top 5 Favorite Movies of 2025

 

1) Sinners : Never in doubt really that Sinners was going to be my number 1 pick for my favorite movie this year. Not only was it truly original and intense it featured some of the best and most interesting character dynamics all year. From Michael B Jordan playing twin brothers who attempt to open up their own nightclub leading to some very bloody antics but also Haileen Steinfield whose performance was effortless, Sinners was Director Ryan Coogler at his absolute most creative and visual best. Striking, bold and bloody Sinners was and still is one of the best original movies I've seen in quite some time hence why it sits at number 1 on this list. 

2) Nosferatu : Come to me..well this turned out to be one of the first movies I saw this year and I was instantly hooked. Both hypnotic and cryptic Nosferatu from Director Robert Eggers was like a dance in the pale moonlight with the king of the undead. Everything from the tone and setting was stunning. Visually it was bleak and cold but a fire was roaring underneath. Bill Skarrsgard as Count Orlok was utterly terrifying and mesmerising his voice bellowing in his empty mansion still haunts me to this day. Robert Eggers was the perfect director to bring Nosferatu back to the big screen and he done it perfectly.

3) Mission Impossible The Final Reckoning : The final outing of Tom Cruise as IMF agent Ethan Hunt and not only did it deliver plenty of action but a lot of heart too. The things Cruise does in this movie really need to be seen to be believed. There’s an entire underwater section that just blew my mind and stuck with me long after seeing it. A fitting end to THE action icon and one I’ll surely enjoy over and over again.

4) Weapons : I didn’t know what to expect when I sat down to watch Weapons would it be truly terrifying and shocking? Or just a hyped up movie that was ultimately rather bland? Well it’s most definitely the first part as not only is Weapons seriously unnerving and full of intense moments it proved once again that the audience love for new original movies is paramount. An instant classic from writer / director Zack Creger. 

5) Flow : No dialogue, animals all trapped on a boat at sea and a truly unique sense of storytelling not only was Flow my favourite animated movie this year but it now sits as one of my all time favourites. It’s such a gripping watch throughout and proves that the spoken word isn’t always needed as actions certainly do overpower them. 

Honourable mentions 

Frankenstein : From Director Guillermo Del Toro comes Frankenstein a story that has been told many times before and I'm sure a lot of times still to come but none will be like this. A real lover of the source material Del Toro's version of the creature immediately felt iconic from it's incredible visuals as is the norm for Del Toro to it's real highlight which was Jacob Elordi as the creature. Also starring Oscar Isacc and Mia Goth this version of Frankenstein was sublime from beginning to end featuring top notch costume design and performances that are unforgettable. A real love letter to the source material and a movie that needs to be consumed as soon as possible. 

The Smashing Machine : Dwayne Johnson. That name is all that needs to be said about The Smashing Machine as his performance here is nothing short of sensational. From beginning to end I was locked in and absolutely floored by the transformation of my all time favourite wrestler and entertainer. While its pacing and the way the story is told wasn’t exactly ideal The Smashing Machine really is a knockout.

One Battle After Another : Paul Thomas Anderson’s magnum opus. One Battle After Another was thrilling cinema from beginning to end featuring stellar performances, incredible pacing and a real sense of an always winding road to nowhere. Like I said in my review it’s truly spectacular and really needs to be seen on the biggest screen possible to get the maximum experience. 

The Naked Gun (2025) : No other movie made me laugh out loud more this year than The Naked Gun. The reboot / sequel starring Liam Neeson was absolutely side splitting hilarious. From it's PLOT device maguffin at the beginning to it's many hilarious one liners and comedy moments it was fast paced, action packed and as funny as funny can be. Pamela Anderson and Neeson together was comedy gold with a scene involving a snowman that needs to be seen to be believed. The Naked Gun is back baby.

Caught Stealing : Color me surprised. Not only was Caught Stealing one of the year's most underrated movies but it was also one of the most brilliant theatre experiences I had in 2025. Austin Butler was on top form as a man who just kept on getting into more and more insane situations. With superb performances and pacing Caught Stealing is a hidden gem of 2025. 

And there you have it. What a fascinating year it was for movies. It was also my biggest year in terms of being active on here with my goal of posting at least one review a week pretty much fulfilled. I had a blast this year from the highs of Sinners to everything else in between I just really love movies and the pure dopamine feeling I get from going to the cinema. Thank you to all who continue to read this blog and enjoy it, I don’t do this for acclaim or views but for the love of my favourite entertainment medium. With that being said I thank you once again and bid you farewell see you in 2026 where we’ll do it all over again! 

- DC