It’s the final day of 2025, so even though I still haven’t seen some potential favorite movies (no Sirât, The Testament of Ann Lee, The Secret Agent, or Pillion yet), I like to enter the new year with this list out of the way. According to my Letterboxd account (you should follow me), I have watched 221 movies this year, primarily films released in 2025. These are some of the best movies that I’ve seen this year, strictly according to me (my method is generally which movie I wanted to revisit immediately and/or which movie I have recommended multiple times this year).
A Nice Indian Boy (dir. Roshan Sethi) – This is a remarkably sweet queer rom-com that addresses many Topics ™ without feeling like a message film. The performances from Jonathan Goff and Karan Soni are delightful, and the film manages to also be a lovely story about family, about marriage traditions, and about allowing yourself to be a little goofy for your partner. I had a lovely conversation about this with Sethi and Soni that you should check out. (Available to stream on Hulu)
Frankenstein (dir. Guillermo del Toro) – As I said in my review, this movie isn’t for book purists. But it is gorgeous, and I think the way that del Toro modifies the story still feels faithful to what Mary Shelley wrote. Jacob Elordi surprised me with his work in this, and it makes me more excited to see what he has in store. (Available to stream on Netflix)
Materialists (dir. Celine Song) – I know this one was a bit controversial for a lot of people, but I loved that Materialists had a lot of the plot points you would expect in a more traditional rom-com, but shown in a more realistic format. The conversations felt somehow both realistic and idealistic, and despite the fact that I’m not a big fan of Dakota Johnson, I thought she held her own with Chris Evans and Pedro Pascal (though Evans was the standout in this, for my money). I love how Song messes with romance, and I’m excited to see where she goes next. (Available to stream on HBO Max)
It Was Just An Accident (dir. Jafar Panahi) – This film is both funny and horrifying at various points. I loved the way that it keeps the audience in the dark for much of the film. I also think this is one of the most interesting films on the topic of forgiveness that I’ve seen in a while. As I’m thinking about my next book, I anticipate watching this again to really dig into it a lot more. (Available to rent or purchase on VOD)
Blue Moon (dir. Richard Linklater) – Probably my favorite script of the year, and one of my favorite performances. I have a soft spot for live theater, and this movie scratches that itch. Ethan Hawke is absolutely brilliant in it, and despite the fact that the rest of the cast really is unnecessary to make this a phenomenal film, they also turn in spectacular performances. This will not be everyone’s bag as it is a very dialogue-heavy movie, but I loved it so much. (Available to rent or purchase on VOD)
Natchez (dir. Suzannah Herbert) – This is an absolutely spectacular documentary about an antebellum town and the way that it grapples with the past and the present. The conversations that occur are incredibly frank, and it is really amazing that she was able to have such honest conversations with so many people about such touchy subjects. It is a truly impressive bit of documentary filmmaking. (Not available at the moment)
Bob Trevino Likes It (dir. Tracie Laymon) – This was THE feel-good movie of the year, and most likely the one that I have recommended the most often. It will make you cry, but in the way that makes you believe in the goodness of people. If you need to weep and also remember that there are plenty of kind people out in the world, you absolutely must watch Bob Trevino Likes It. Also, check out my interview with Tracie Laymon. (Available to stream on Hulu)
No Other Choice (dir. Park Chan-wook) – I had the opportunity to screen this at TIFF and could not wait to watch it again when I got my set of NEON FYC screeners. This film does an incredible job of balancing humor and horror, and I absolutely love it. It is also a brilliant look at class and who we choose to blame for our troubles. (Playing in select theaters now)
Sorry, Baby (dir. Eva Victor) – I never got around to reviewing this, but what an incredible piece of cinema from a first-time director. Sorry, Baby is everything that After the Hunt wanted to be. The final speech from Agnes is gut-wrenching and beautiful and awful and hopeful all at once. If one must watch a movie about sexual assault, this is the one. I can’t speak to how triggering it might be for anyone who is a victim of assault, but it is one of the most gentle explorations of that subject that I have ever seen, avoiding all of the horrible bits. (Available to stream on HBO Max)
A Beast Touch the Mountain (dir. James Mottern) – I expect my love for this documentary is based largely on my love for West Virginia and hatred of the way this state and its people have been exploited for its entire existence. Mottern’s documentary about the Mountain Valley Pipeline does an excellent job of showing how corrupting money is, regardless of political affiliation, and how that hurts the people these politicians claim to serve. If you want a better understanding of Appalachia and her people, this is an excellent choice. (Available to rent or own on VOD)
The Voice of Hind Rajab (dir. Kaouther Ben Hania) – We have been getting a number of films about the genocide in Palestine this year, but The Voice of Hind Rajab is one of the most powerful. Blending the recording of the real voice of a girl stuck in her car in the middle of a battle which killed all of her family members with actors playing the phone operators who took her call, this film blends biopic and documentary. The final scene is absolutely heartbreaking and one of the best shots I’ve seen this year. (Playing in select theaters now)
The Long Walk (dir. Francis Lawrence) – 2025 was a banner year for Stephen King adaptations, but this was easily my favorite. Francis Lawrence knows how to direct a dystopian story, and this was no different. I had never read this novel, but did as soon as I watched the film, and despite the endings being vastly different, I loved both of them. Also, David Jonsson is quickly becoming a favorite actor. (Available to rent or own on VOD)
Train Dreams (dir. Clint Bentley) – This movie wasn’t even on my radar when I was at TIFF, and that is quite a shame because I would have loved to see this one on the big screen. But even at home, Train Dreams is one of the most beautiful films I’ve watched this year. This is a simple story, but it goes so deep on so many themes that it feels incredibly dense. Train Dreams is another movie that probably won’t be everyone’s bag, but if it does resonate, it will probably be pretty intense. (Available to stream on Netflix)
Wake Up Dead Man (dir. Rian Johnson) – I will grant that there could be some recency bias with this one, but goodness, this one has been in my brain pretty non-stop since I watched it. I am sure that is due largely to my personal religious baggage, but even outside of that, I love the way the film is directed, performed, and shot. Plus, the mystery is well done and on a second watch, so many of the clues are right there in plain sight. (Available to stream on Netflix)
Hamnet (dir. Chloé Zhao) – This was my favorite film out of TIFF. It was the last one that I saw before I had to leave and it was an absolute gut punch. I saw it at a press screening and the entire auditorium of mean old critics was filled with sniffling viewers. I love that it shows not just the way that grief can tear a family apart, but the ways that you find your way back to one another. And I know that everyone is rightfully talking about Jessie Buckley’s performance, but do not sleep on Jacobi Jupe as the young Hamlet. (Playing in theaters now)
Sinners (dir. Ryan Coogler) – When I saw Sinners back in April, I had a feeling it was going to be be my favorite of the year. I figured that was probably true because I saw it three times in theaters, which I rarely do. The lore, the music, the acting, the horror, the humor, the history – I love everything about this movie. In a year with a ton of excellent films generally and horror movies specifically, this one has stood out. The “I Lied to You” scene has stuck with me for 8 months and I expect will stay with me long beyond. (Available to stream on HBO Max and Prime Video)
What are your favorite films? Let me know in the comments!