2025 has been a steady year for cinema, with multiple films doing well at the box office, particularly in the horror genre. Some may see this as a year cinema was struggling, I see it as a year that cinema is starting to adapt. There’s been a lot of really good, underrated films released this year, here’s a look at my 10 favourite films released this year.
HONOURABLE MENTIONS
Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning – I’m a big fan of the MI franchise, and having not loved the previous installment, I was worried about The Final Reckoning, and I might not have fully loved every decision in the film, but there’s enough there to cap off what has been one of the best action franchises ever.
KPop Demon Hunters – This film took the world by storm and deservedly so, one of the more fun films of the year, with great action and great songs we’ve heard time and time again.
Mickey 17 – Bong Joon Ho’s latest film had massively high expectations after his previous film, Parasite is widely regarded as one of the best films of the century. Teaming up with Robert Pattinson for a decent sci-fi with a fun concept.
10. DIE MY LOVE
Technically back to back Robert Pattinson on this list. A fantastic performance from Jennifer Lawrence stand-out in this psychological drama that stayed with me long after watching it. The film follows Lawrence’s character dealing with the mental toll it can take on someone after giving birth. Click here for my full review
9. FRANKENSTEIN
I’m extremely glad I just managed to catch one of the last showings of Frankenstein in it’s very limited cinematic release before it was put on Netflix. A film stacked full of strong performances, and we know that director Guilermo del Toro never fails to deliver with his gothic style, making Frankenstein feel like a match made in heaven, and leaving me craving for a cinematic universe of del Toro’s own takes on the classic Universal Monsters. Click here for my full review
8. SUPERMAN
The first film in this new cinematic universe for DC Comics was always going to have a lot of pressure on it. I believe in James Gunn’s vision for the future of this cinematic universe, and how creator led it is and will be going forward. David Corenswet was perfect casting as the title role, and the film delivers exactly what it should be, a hopeful film about the good in all of us, and the biggest surprise for me was how well Nicholas Hoult performed as Lex Luther, and could go down as the best iteration of that character we’ve seen.
7. BUGONIA
Speaking of directors with a unique vision, Yorgos Lanthimos has been on a fantastic run delivering some of the most bizarre films and most unique film experiences. Another pairing of Lanthimos with Emma Stone delivers a gripping, tense film about a man who believes a CEO is secretly hiding that she’s actually an alien. I haven’t been this on the edge of my seat for a film since A Quiet Place. Click here for my full review.
6. 28 YEARS LATER
The long anticipated third entry in the 28 Days Later series has director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to the world they started in 2002. The film tells a different story of a boy who just wants to help his ill mother on mainland and zombie infested England. The characters and world building along the way is top tier, and makes it pack a punch as one of the most memorable cinema experiences of the year, and leaves you craving more.
5. THUNDERBOLTS*
The most surprising hit of the year for me. Marvel have been struggling greatly for a few years now, mostly because each film felt like it was following a specific formula, until Thunderbolts*. I don’t think there’s been an MCU film that’s felt this refreshing since Thor: Ragnarok. A group of misfit heroes and criminals are forced to team together to stop one of the biggest threats New York has seen. Fantastic and heartfelt scenes led by Florence Pugh help this standout from the generic, and give hope that the MCU could in fact be course correcting ahead of Avengers: Doomsday.
4. SINNERS
The film I’m currently rewatching as I write this list. Ryan Coogler has been one of my favourite directors since Creed and I don’t think he’s yet to miss. An incredibly talented director who is thriving at the top of his game, and deserves to be in the conversation as one of the best working directors. This film has stuck with people all year long, particularly with an incredible music sequence which is arguably the best scene of the year. And all this in what boils down to a simple trying to survive a night from vampires film. A film that is going to do very well this award season.
3. WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT MYSTERY
I love these films, I love Rian Johnson’s directorial style and his writing, I will watch every single one of these films. I think Wake Up Dead Man delivers a step higher than Glass Onion, and is just as good as Knives Out. A fantastic performance from Josh O’Connor alongside Daniel Craig keeps you fully engaged in this impossible murder, trying to figure how on earth it took place and what’s real with twists and turns along the way. Click here for my full review.
2. WEAPONS
2025 was a fantastic strong year for the horror genre, producing some of the very best we’ve had, and continues to prove that some of the most original stories we get to see on the big screen lie in that genre. Another haunting horror that sticks with you through each chapter on this story, and a fantastic performance from Amy Madigan, means this film will go down as one of the best of the year, and become a classic of the genre that will be studied for years to come.
1. ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER
The only 2025 film I gave a perfect 5/5 score to. Paul Thomas Anderson delivers his best film with incredible tense sequences, the best car chase I’ve seen in a very long time, fantastic dialogue, funny, great performances from every single cast member, whether thats the legendary Leonardo DiCaprio to newcome Chase Infiniti. This film deserves every award it will get in a couple of months at the Oscars, and I’m confident PTA will win his first Oscar.
What do you think of My Top 10 list for 2025? What have I got missing?
I haven’t seen every film and likely think the main one that could’ve made this list is Marty Supreme, which I’m watching in a couple of days.
Be sure to check back on January 1st for my Most Anticipated Films for 2026! Don’t miss that by following on Instagram, Facebook and X @floodersfilms. Happy New Year!
Flooders Films 
Leave a comment