I know, it's been a few months since 2025 ended. It was a busy time involving moving house, illness, and job difficulties, so it's a miracle that I even managed to finish this now. This list will not include 2024 films that received a UK release last year, such as Flow and Nickel Boys, but there are plenty of great films to talk about otherwise. So, let us see what films I considered my favourites from 2025.
Honourable Mentions
Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, the first part in a feature-film trilogy that delivers excellent character work and stunning visuals worthy of the biggest screen possible.
Looney Tunes: The Day The Earth Blew Up, a playful feature about Porky Pig and Daffy Duck trying to stop an alien invasion. Very fun stuff that is on right side of looney.
Die My Love, Lynne Ramsey's beguiling look at postpartum depression that speaks through its visuals, and ensures that it is not forgotten so easily. Available on Mubi, to rent, and to buy
Final Destination Bloodlines, a welcome return to a brilliant franchise which offers effective relationships, gleefully gruesome kills, and an emotional farewell to Tony Todd. Available to rent and to buy
The Librarians, an unsettling documentary about book banning in America, and the librarians wishing to stop it to protect the next generation from conservative-funded censorship. Infuriating to watch, but vital. Available on BBC iPlayer and to buy
Black Bag, a compelling spy thriller from the ever-versatile Steven Soderbergh, as a web of workplace deceit reveals itself across a hunt for a mole. Available on Now Cinema and to buy
I Swear, a story about living with Tourette's syndrome that may be familiarly structured, but effectively delivers in emotional ways. Available on Netflix, to rent, and to buy
Frankenstein, Guillermo del Toro's aesthetically stunning adaptation of Mary Shelley's book that focuses on the cycle of hurt passed on by men ill-prepared to be fathers. Available on Netflix
It Ends, Alexander Ullom's interesting debut about college graduates moving towards the scary uncertainty of adulthood, as visualised through a seemingly unending road they cannot escape from.
Superman, the cinematic rebirth of an icon that offers attention-grabbing sequences from fight to flight, relevant commentary, and, most importantly in these uncertain times, hope. Available to rent and to buy
25. The Naked Gun
For a while, it has felt like studio comedies were largely being dumped onto streaming services, depriving cinemagoers of the chance to enjoy a silly comedy with an audience. Thank goodness for Akiva Schaffer's hilarious take on a Leslie Nielsen classic (and it's effective sequels), melding it with the comedic sensibilities of The Lonely Island, for one of the year's funniest films. This witty work with a quickfire gag rate ensures that if you do not like a joke, a new one arrives immediately after. At its core are pitch-perfect leads with Liam Neeson and Pamela Anderson, selling their lines and gags with a committed solemnity. Come for the killer O.J. gag seen in the trailer, stay for a brilliant snowman sequence, and enjoy the ride.
Available on Now Cinema, to rent from AppleTV, and to buy
24. The Ballad of Wallis Island
When the plot involves a fan paying his favourite artist to perform a private gig, it is understandable that alarm bells may ring. Yet, there is not a hint of toxic fandom here, as this touching story follows a jaded singer rediscovering his passion for music, courtesy of the eccentric lottery winner who hired him. Anchoring the film is an astounding Tim Key, whose facial expressions capture the aching heart of this widower far better than a monologue could. A film that understands the past cannot be recaptured, no matter how nostalgic you may feel, and all that can be done is to move forward to a brand-new future.
Available on Now Cinema and to buy
23. Chainsaw Man: The Movie - Reze Arc
In 2025, anime had a phenomenal presence at the worldwide box-office, and many of the examples were continuations of shows with popular fanbases. In a way, this is an international version of what Downton Abbey: The Grand Finale was to elder Brits. Following on from the phenomenal first-season of Chainsaw Man, which follows the titular devil hunter, this film adapts one of the manga's best arcs for a character-driven tale with gorgeous animation. Alongside character beats about the risks of putting your heart on the line for genuine connection, and how bad cinema is worth enduring for the bright spots, this also offers large-scale battles in limb-slicing, gruesome glory, and enough explosions to make Michael Bay jealous.
Available to buy
22. Attack on Titan: The Last Attack
This one may be a cheat, as it is the last two episodes of Attack on Titan pieced together for one colossal finale that was shown in cinemas. It is also not recommended to anybody who has not seen the previous 87 episodes of plot-heavy storyline, and is unfamiliar with the in-depth lore. Yet, I am compelled to include this exceptional work about the cyclical nature of violence and war, where being faced with the reality of our actions does not stop humanity’s destructive nature from triumphing. It may not be a feel-good message, but this phenomenal work is the triumphant culmination of an exceptional 21-century story.
Attack on Titan: The Last Attack is not available to stream anywhere, but the entire series is available on Crunchyroll
21. Late Shift
Set within the ward of an understaffed nursing team, Petra Biondina Volpe uses her film to effectively capture the snowball effect as little distractions grow into mounting pressure, and an empathetic nurse tries to hold everything together amidst a hectic shift. Anchoring this tense feature is a superb Leonie Benesch, capturing the lead's empathy as she struggles to hold her head high amidst such constant demands and stress inducing situations. A magnificently crafted work that captures how lucky we are to have such caring nurses, despite the governments undervaluing and underpaying them.
Available on BFI Player, to rent, and to buy
20. Audrey
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What lengths would you take to achieve your unrealised dream? That is the question central to Natalie Bailey's feature debut, which follows a forgotten soap star whose career was derailed by an untimely pregnancy, now living her dreams of stardom through her bratty teenage daughter. When an act of rebellion leaves the daughter in a coma, the mother sees this tragedy as a second chance by taking on her 17-year-old daughter's identity. What unfolds is an impressively twisted comedy about a saddened family who find their fortunes improving, courtesy of the toxic daughter entering a comatose state. An excellent comedy which draws laughs from uncomfortable situations, as it reaches a finale that blends reality and performance in pitch-black ways.
Available on BFI Player, to rent, and to buy
19. YUNGBLUD. Are You Ready, Boy?
Yungblud had quite the year in 2025, and a large part of that involved the release of his most personal album yet, Idols. Across two-hours, this documentary follows the artist travelling to Berlin with his touring family to perform and record these songs live for the first time. A mixture of musical performances which feel distinctive from each other, and passionate introspections about what each song means to the artist, this is a compelling look at an artist finding his voice, from the tense build-up to the freeing relief of putting himself out there.
18. Weapons
Possibly the film with the best marketing of 2025, Zach Cregger's follow-up to Barbarian solidified him as one of the most exciting voices in modern horror. The story begins intriguingly, as almost a whole class of children vanish into the night at 2:17am, leaving so many questions for the community to grapple with. A story best experienced while knowing very little, offering a fascinating mosaic of characters struggling to find answers amidst unthinkable loss. It is also hilarious, unsettling, and grotesque in the best possible ways, complete with an astounding performance by Amy Madigan that is rightfully Oscar nominated.
Available to rent and to buy
17. If I Had Legs, I'd Kick You
With her first feature since 2008, Mary Bronstein managed to deliver a film which was anxiety inducing while containing one of the year's best titles. Rose Byrne gives a career best performance as the mother stretched to her limits, as she moves into a shabby motel after her bedroom ceiling collapses, while looking after her daughter who struggles to eat. That's not even including her work including a missing client, a hostile relationship with a co-worker, and a husband who refuses to help. A film that is ready to lighten the mood with comedic moments, but this does not diminish how unsettling things can become. If you want absolute dynamite filmmaking, look no further.
Available in select cinemas now
16. Pillion
For anybody that fancies their romance on the steamier side, Harry Lighton's feature debut is the film for you. An introverted traffic warden finds his eye caught by an impossibly handsome biker, leading the pair to enter a BDSM relationship. A film that certainly earns its 18-rating, but it has more on its mind than carnal pleasure. There is a tenderness at the heart of this story, as Harry Melling and Alexander Skarsgård effectively capture their differing ideas about what makes a relationship work, within a story about the need to understand one's personal boundaries, whilst also delivering the laughs. An excellent sub-dom rom-com.
Available to rent and to buy
15. I'm Still Here
Based on the memoir of activist Eunice Paiva, this story follows a mother grappling with her husband's disappearance amidst a military dictatorship in Brazil. What Walter Salles brings to life is a powerful work that etches emotional beats through looks, speaking volumes without verbalising the words, all anchored by a phenomenal portrayal from Fernanda Torres. An incredible piece of filmmaking which is a reflection of the past, and a warning of what may come in the future.
Available on BFI Player, to rent, and to buy
14. Hamnet
Following her Oscar-winning work and a foray into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Chloé Zhao returned with an adaptation of Maggie O'Farrell's novel, which dramatises the family life of Agnes Hathaway and William Shakespeare following the death of their 11-year-old son. Between a soul-crushing score, and the raw performances from Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal, this is an emotionally devastating tale about loss which also captures the transformative power of art, and how it can be an outlet for our emotions.
Available to rent and buy on Premium VoD
13. The Secret Agent
Another film set in 1970's Brazil during the dictatorship. This time, Kleber Mendonça Filho crafts a slow-burn following a former academic hiding out from corrupt forces in pursuit, until he can receive fake passports to flee with his young son. An engrossing tale looking at corruption lurking in plain sight across a vibrant city, rooting a tale that veers between being serious minded and unapologetically weird. Anchored by a powerhouse performance from Wagner Moura, this is a strange mixture that results in an utter triumph.
Available in cinemas now
12. 28 Years Later
Less than 28 years after 28 Days Later was unleashed upon viewers in timely, rage-fuelled fashion, Danny Boyle and Alex Garland return to this universe with a lot on its mind. Through this tale of a fortified island and the infected mainland that is Britain, the film uses kinetic filmmaking to approach topics like Brexit, Covid, idol worship, and the desire to tell grand lies. Yet, the real surprise was how emotionally affecting this became as it makes an effort to honour the deceased in this desolated landscape. It can be difficult for zombie* films to stand out from the crowd, but Boyle and Garland manage to do that with this film containing skull monuments, a swinging monster dong, and one heck of a set-up for the sequel.
Available on Now Cinema and to buy
*I know they're infected rather than the undead, but 28 Days Later was a vital part of the evolution of zombies, so my point still stands.
11. Bugonia
Over the past few years, the annual release of a Yorgos Lanthimos film has provoked fascinating works which have not sacrificed quality. The same is true for the third year in a row, with this remake of Save The Green Planet! The story follows a pair of conspiracy obsessed cousins who believe they can save planet Earth, and all they have to do is take captive a high-powered CEO that they believe is an alien in disguise. The trio of terrific performers bring alive this darkly comedic work about the damage humankind inflicts upon itself, whether that is environmental, or falling down conspiracy theory rabbit holes. Another fantastic work from a fantastic filmmaker.
Available to rent and to buy
10. No Other Choice
It's always an exciting year when Park Chan-wook, the man who gave us Old Boy and The Handmaiden, returns with a brand-new film, and it helps that this is an absolute banger. After a veteran employee is laid off from work, his desperation to support his family leaves him determined to get another job, so he makes himself the best candidate by killing off the competition. An engrossing thriller about the ruthlessness of the job market, where the pathetic excuses of unfeeling corporations lead to soul-eroding actions. The comedic moments are much needed, and highlight the masterful handling from director Park.
Available on Mubi
9. Friendship
Anybody who has watched I Think You Should Leave has a good idea of the surreal sense of humour that Tim Robinson excels at. That is effectively transposed onto this feature debut from Andrew DeYoung, following a family man whose life unravels as he grows desperate to become friends with his cool neighbour. Whether it is through skin-crawling tension that leaves you experiencing second-hand embarrassment, fantastically crafted moments of comedy, or Robinson's talent at making the simplest lines sound hilariously tragic, this is an impressive work about male loneliness that is brilliantly absurd.
Available on Now Cinema, to rent from AppleTV, and to buy
A fairy-tale adaptation that is more Brothers Grimm rather than Bippidi-Bobbidi-Boo, writer/director Emilie Blichfeldt crafts a unique take on Cinderella which follows the stepsister's goal to marry the kingdom's prince by taking any lengths to catch his eye. A dark and gruesome story that matches the repellent world where misogyny runs rife in the name of beauty standards, with the exemplary effects capturing the lengths taken to achieve such imagined perfection. As body horror is utilised to focus on such archaic ideals, what remains is a fantastic subversion of a well-known fairy tale.
Available on Shudder, to rent, and to buy
7. The Life of Chuck
Following the numerous shows he made on Netflix, including the masterful Midnight Mass, Mike Flanagan returns to feature-films with another adaptation of a Stephen King story. This time, Flanagan adapts a non-horror story that begins with the celebration of a man named Chuck Krantz giving 39 years of great service, an unavoidable celebration occurring as the world around it worsens. That is all the plot that I will share, as this life-affirming tale deserves to be experienced as unspoiled as possible. A heartfelt story about enjoying life while we can, not suppressing the joys which make things worth living, and the many experiences which make up our own selves.
Available on Netflix, to rent, and to buy
6. The Long Walk
It was a notable year for Stephen King adaptations, with the strongest example being this work from Francis Lawrence and JT Mollner. In this dystopian look at America, fifty teenage boys partake in an annual walking contest where they must maintain a minimum pace. If you drop below that pace, you receive a warning. Three warnings results in execution, until one survivor remains. A horrifying premise where the slightest barrier to one's momentum can risk their life, with the terror heighted thanks to the believable relationships sold by the talented cast. As each loss tears apart these bonds in unforgiving ways, what remains is a piece of bleak excellence.
Available to rent and to buy
5. Marty Supreme
If I had a pound for each 2025 film that was a period-set sports film from a Safdie brother, I would have two pounds. It may not be a lot, but it is strange that it happened twice. Josh's film follows an aspiring table tennis player that longs to be a champion, regardless of who he must screw over to achieve his goal. It initially feels like a familiar sports biopic, before shedding that to become a sweaty thriller akin to Uncut Gems or Good Time. It is an engrossing watch which takes routes that are funny, tense, and shocking, fronted by an utterly incredible performance from Timothée Chalamet.
Available to rent and buy from Premium VoD
4. Sorry, Baby
It's always a joy to see the new creations by familiar filmmakers, but some of the best experiences can come from exciting new voices establishing themselves. Take Eva Victor's debut as a writer and director, paired with their exemplary lead performance, for this tale following a college professor grappling with a horrible event and living with its aftermath. As the film showcases a calming moment while eating a really good sandwich, a raw speech within a courtroom, or a one-sided conversation with a baby, what becomes clear is how easily the hilarious and heartbreaking moments are moved between. It is all part of this empathetic work about how, even in our darkest moments, human kindness and understanding are within reach regardless of whether we think we deserve it.
Available on Mubi, to rent, and to buy
3. Sinners
After his work on Creed and the Black Panther films, Ryan Coogler stepped away from franchise fare for an original work about identical twin brothers who return home to create a juke joint for the Black community. However, their plans are met with past pain and night-time adversaries. This gorgeously realised blend of crime and horror is an absolute cinematic marvel, containing thrills, chills, an exemplary cast, and a masterful soundtrack. All of it is in service of a phenomenal story about how the Black community are taken advantage of, and the freeing feeling that music brings.
Available on Now Cinema and to buy
We truly are lucky to have Jafar Panahi. Even when his criticisms against the Iranian government leads to him being arrested and sentenced to a ban from making films, that does not stop the filmmaker from making more films critical against the government. His latest follows a mechanic who is reminded of his time wrongfully imprisoned by Iranian authorities, courtesy of encountering a man that he believes was his torturer. After taking the man captive, the mechanic asks for help by other former prisoners to confirm the man's identity. A tightly woven work that holds your attention as it follows characters haunted by lingering scars of the past, before reaching an exceptional climax followed by a masterfully spine-chilling coda. A miracle of a film which deserves to be seen widely.
Available on Mubi and to buy
1. One Battle After Another
Any year that we get a new Paul Thomas Anderson film is a very good year for cinema, yet even with his already strong filmography, we are truly blessed to receive one of his greatest works. Through the story of an ex-revolutionary returning into action to rescue his kidnapped daughter, PTA brings alive a fiery work that captures the political landscape in enthralling ways, as people persevere to change the world bit-by-bit despite the overwhelming opposition to grind down the revolution in favour of white supremacy. Alongside the tension, laughs, and jaw-dropping car chase, this is a story about the world parents leave to their children with a confidence that the next generation can surpass them and truly enact change. All of this is covered within a runtime that feels a fraction of it's length, making for the best film of 2025.
Available to rent and buy
Agree/Disagree with my choices? I'd love to hear from you below.
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