2025 has already seen some extraordinary films that have captured the attention of critics and audiences alike. From heart-stopping war dramas to clever supernatural thrillers, here are the 10 films that have stood out this year:
- Companion
Companion stands out as an inventive, genre-blending film. This sharp sci-fi thriller, starring Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher, begins as a seemingly simple romantic comedy but takes an unexpected twist into science fiction. The film critiques modern technology, entitled youth, and misogyny. It’s a rollercoaster ride with intricate plot twists that leave you questioning the human condition. The film’s brisk 97-minute runtime makes it a perfectly paced, entertaining satire on societal flaws
- Sinners
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is a captivating period piece, blending vampire lore with a sharp commentary on racism and spirituality in the Jim Crow South. Michael B. Jordan shines as the twin protagonists, Smoke and Stack, as they return to Mississippi in 1932 to open a juke joint. With a gripping mix of action, suspense, and supernatural intrigue, Sinners balances historical drama and genre-defying fantasy. The film’s atmosphere is rich with blues music, passionate performances, and exhilarating moments of vengeance.
- Art for Everybody
Miranda Yousef’s documentary offers an eye-opening exploration of Thomas Kinkade, the “Painter of Light.” Known for his warm, cozy depictions of cottages, Kinkade built an empire selling artwork that critics often dismissed as sentimental. But Art for Everybody delves deeper, exploring the moral questions surrounding art, the commercialization of creativity, and Kinkade’s own contradictory persona. This film questions who defines art and what it means in a rapidly changing cultural landscape.
- Warfare
Warfare is a relentless and immersive war drama that plunges viewers into the chaos of battle. Written and directed by Alex Garland, it captures a harrowing, real-time account of a Navy SEAL operation against al-Qaeda jihadists. The film is not just about the tactical aspects of war, but the intense emotional toll it takes on soldiers. The lack of backstory heightens the realism, as viewers are left to experience the raw, relentless nature of combat.
- Bring Them Down
This Irish western-style thriller flips the typical crime revenge story into a poignant tale of familial bonds and rural hardship. Barry Keoghan and Christopher Abbott play key roles in a complex narrative of stolen livestock, simmering resentments, and deadly retribution. As the film rewinds its story, it reveals new layers of despair and emotional depth, turning a seemingly simple crime thriller into a commentary on the past’s impact on the future.
- Misericordia
Alain Guiraudie’s Misericordia is an artfully executed thriller that explores secrets, desire, and murder in a small French village. The film’s lead, Jeremie, finds himself entangled in a murder mystery while navigating a complicated web of relationships. The clever blend of comedy and suspense creates a tension-filled atmosphere as Jeremie’s actions lead to unexpected consequences. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of human nature wrapped in a quietly comic, yet deeply mysterious package.
- Holy Cow
Set against the scenic backdrop of the French countryside, Holy Cow is a heartwarming coming-of-age drama. The story follows Totone, a young man who must step up to care for his younger sister after their father’s sudden death. In a desperate attempt to make money, Totone embarks on an ambitious venture to create luxury cheese. The film is a beautiful portrayal of rural life, hardship, and youthful resilience, showing how adversity can transform lives.
- The Friend
A touching film about love, loss, and friendship, The Friend stars Naomi Watts and Bill Murray in a story that resonates with anyone who’s experienced grief. Watts plays Iris, a creative writing teacher who receives her late best friend’s dog after his suicide. Through Apollo, the dog, Iris begins to cope with her loss, and the film explores how unexpected connections can heal deep emotional wounds.
- Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Vengeance Most Fowl marks the return of the beloved claymation duo, Wallace and Gromit. This charming and adventurous film delves into a wild chase involving a villainous penguin, Feathers McGraw. But the real twist comes when Wallace invents an AI-powered garden gnome that goes rogue. The film subtly questions artificial intelligence and its potential consequences, all while maintaining the series’ signature humor and wit.
- On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Rungano Nyoni’s On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is a powerful exploration of cultural and generational conflict. The story centers on Shula, a woman who returns to her rural Zambian village only to confront deep-seated family secrets and trauma. The film weaves surreal elements into a gripping narrative, touching on the scars of sexual assault and the difficulties of uncovering painful truths in the face of tradition.
These 10 films are just the beginning of what promises to be a remarkable year in cinema. Whether you’re looking for heart-pounding action, thought-provoking drama, or deeply emotional stories, 2025 has something for everyone. Stay tuned for even more groundbreaking films coming your way!
