Movie Talk: Top Ten Favorite Films of 2025

​Hello, everyone, and welcome to another episode of moviemanMDG's Movie Talk, where I talk about everything film-related.  2025 has been another year filled with ups and downs, including ones we'd love to forget as we head into another year.  The same can be said about the movies we've experienced, both on the big screen and from a specific streaming service.  Much like before, this year was jam-packed with films that either hit their marks in quality, became surprisingly enjoyable, or crushed us with sheer disappointment.  For this episode of Movie Talk, we're going to be focusing on the movies that earned my seal of approval as the best of the best.  I've watched more than enough films I loved, but only ten made it onto my list.  Just a clear reminder that this list is based on my personal opinion and mine alone, so feel free to agree or disagree, but please refrain from being a negative Nancy.  Everyone has their different taste in film, and even if they're wrong, their opinions must be respected.  With that said, here are my top ten favorite movies of 2025.  Let's get to it!

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#10

Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc

​2025 has been an excellent year for anime overall, offering solid hits like "Sakamoto Days", "The Summer Hikaru Died", and the final season of "My Hero Academia".  However, it has also been a strong year for anime on the big screen, with the first chapter of the "Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle" saga raking in big bucks at the box office.  But, in terms of storytelling, I would have to choose a movie about a demon with a chainsaw head as the best anime film of 2025.  Sorry, "Demon Slayer" fans, but this demon slayed for the right reasons.  "Chainsaw Man - The Movie: Reze Arc" is a fantastically stylized and surprisingly bittersweet continuation of the "Chainsaw Man" anime that redefines its quality.  It delivers the thrilling, violent essence you'd expect from a movie about a dimwitted chainsaw demon, but what really caught me off guard is the tragic anti-love story that underscores its theme of heartbreak.  This character-driven exploration of Denji's biggest challenge is just as rewarding as its explosive, action-packed finale, complemented by some of the best animation I've seen from MAPPA.  From its engaging voice cast to its well-earned emotional resonance, "Reze Arc" sheds enough cinematic blood to satisfy the source material's fans until the anime's next season.

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#9

The Long Walk

​It's important to include cardio in your everyday exercises, especially walking.  However, my number nine pick might make you think otherwise before you go outside for a jog.  The film adaptation of Stephen King's "The Long Walk" walks a near-perfect line between dystopian dread, restraint, and heartbreaking suspense, delivering one of my favorite Stephen King adaptations to date.  Helmed by Francis Lawrence, the film presents a bleak, intense, and heart-wrenching portrayal of tragedy and totalitarianism, demonstrating that basic storytelling can be just as compelling as more complex narratives.  Its young cast, particularly Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson, did a fantastic job conveying the authenticity of their characters' physical and mental exhaustion, as well as their chemistry.  Additionally, this is one of the movies that made me cry more than once, thanks to its rewarding emotional core and distressing atmosphere, both well conveyed by Lawrence's vision.  It's poignant, somber, and gut-punching, which can be a bit much, especially with its narrative repetition.  But, if you're willing to shed tears over a worthy film adaptation of a young adult novel, it is worth running out to see. 

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#8

KPop Demon Hunters

​An animated movie about K-pop superstars battling demons could've been seen as another entertaining addition to Sony Pictures Animation's catalog that would be forgotten by next year.  That is, until we saw how huge its appeal turned out to be.  "KPop Demon Hunters" isn't just a Netflix movie; it is a global phenomenon that matches the cultural impact of Disney musicals like "Frozen", "Moana", and even "The Lion King".  It not only dazzles audiences with its vibrantly stylized animation and unforgettable soundtrack, but also introduces them to Korean culture, especially K-pop.  I was part of the audience that couldn't get enough of the Huntrix craze, which is why it earns the number eight spot on this list.  "KPop Demon Hunters" is a visually packed and consistently fun display of animation creativity that highlights the heart and musical essence of its absurd concept.  Its rushed character moments and ending prevented it from hitting its perfect cinematic pitch, but its endearing characters, compelling story, sublime soundtrack, and visually striking animation make it a cinematic concert worth attending.  I would even say that seeing its sing-along version in the theater with a packed audience is among my favorite theatrical experiences of this year, if not ever.  Sony Pictures Animation has clearly shown us how it's done, done, done regarding its current animation lineup.

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#7

Highest 2 Lowest

​Always bet on Spike Lee to deliver a balance of traditional entertainment and layered social commentary.  This was further evident in Lee's latest cinematic joint, which is also a remake of Akira Kurosawa's 1963 classic.  "Highest 2 Lowest" is a lively, insightful, and consistently engaging crime thriller that showcases the melodious talents of Spike Lee and Denzel Washington.  It may not resonate as much as Lee's other works like "Da 5 Bloods" and "Do the Right Thing", but I would consider it the most entertaining film I've seen from the acclaimed filmmaker.  Denzel Washington was phenomenal, Spike Lee's direction was energetic and nuanced, and the cinematography employed its old-school flair with great effort.  Additionally, Alan Fox's screenplay provided a timely, well-portrayed examination of New York's music industry amid its traditional ransom plot.  This is an astounding piece of cinematic music that's worth listening to, especially for fans of Lee's other works.    

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#6

Ne Zha 2

​"Ne Zha" became one of the biggest cinematic successes in China despite being the first project by Jiaozi and animation studio Chengdu Coco Cartoon.  But no one seems to know about it until it is brought up.  Six years later, the long-awaited continuation arrived and became even bigger than its predecessor financially and critically, yet the story remains the same.  No one seems to remember it until someone brings it up.  I was surprised by how good "Ne Zha" was, with its epic scope, blend of action and humor, brilliant animation, and engrossing tale of fate, which prompted me to see its sequel in the theater.  That decision was undoubtedly worth it.  "Ne Zha 2" is a bigger, bolder, and more fiery follow-up that expands not only its immersive world-building and scope, but also the heart at the center of the titular character's coming-of-age journey and the film's themes.  It can be a bit too long and even intense for some viewers, including children, and the English version isn't as strong as the original dub in terms of performances.  Thankfully, every minute spent on its blockbuster-level scale is top-notch to the point of forgiving that dub's voice direction.  Thanks to its enjoyable Chinese cast, Jiaozi's direction and screenplay, riveting set pieces, and exceptional animation, "Ne Zha 2" is my personal pick for the best animated film of 2025, one that not many people will remember as much as others.    

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#5

28 Years Later

​The "28 Days Later" film series brought audiences into a kinetic, bloodily chaotic world filled with ravenous zombies capable of tearing survivors to pieces.  "28 Days Later" and "28 Weeks Later" revitalized the zombie horror genre through their refreshingly energetic visions and nightmarish aesthetics.  However, we haven't returned to this post-apocalyptic society until now, and boy, did this revisit surprise me in more ways than one.  "28 Years Later" is a sequel we didn't think we needed, yet it offers enough substance and horror vibes to warrant its existence.  On paper, it seems to be yet another zombie gore-fest like its predecessors, and while that may be the case, the film blends it with a poignant family drama that explores themes of anxiety, coming of age, and death.  Its bold, challenging approach to the franchise's familiar roots may not impress everyone, especially fans of the first two installments, but it'll surely surprise some as it did for me.  Its impressive cast, Danny Boyle's uniquely energetic vision, and Alex Garland's well-written screenplay embody the franchise's kinetic tension and horror while offering a moving core beneath the mayhem.  Who knew a movie about zombies would make me shed a tear?

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#4

Marty Supreme

​It's challenging to deliver a two-and-a-half-hour sports epic about an ambitious yet unlikable ping-pong player that everyone will love.  Fortunately for us, director Josh Safdie managed to pull that feat off easily with "Marty Supreme", my fourth-best film of 2025.  A late entry on the list, "Marty Supreme" is an enticing, exceptionally crafted table tennis drama that displays the toxicity and stress of a person's pursuit of greatness.  Timothée Chalamet delivers one of the best and most charismatic performances of his already impressive career, and Safdie's vision conveys a nerve-wracking, consistently entertaining ride through his direction, strong screenplay, and tight editing.  This is another sublime example of making a seemingly unlikable protagonist and their quest for greatness worth rooting for.

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#3

Hamnet

​Here, we have another last-minute entry on this list, and this film is likely the most emotional of them all, and with good reason.  Chloé Zhao's latest film, "Hamnet", is a roller coaster of emotions that highlights the inspiration behind William Shakespeare's influential tragedy through the eyes of his wife.  With Zhao's incredible blend of heartache and cinematic beauty, the film is not only a genuinely sentimental and well-acted exploration of grief, but also a restrained, moving tribute to the healing power of art.  Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal were both exceptional in their roles, with Buckley providing the best performance of her career.  Along with Zhao's visionary beauty, a contained yet heartfelt screenplay, and Max Richter's poignant score, "Hamnet" is another testament to Zhao's cinematic empathy towards human connections.

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#2

Sinners

​There's no denying that Ryan Coogler is one of the best filmmakers working today.  With films like "Fruitvale Station" and "Black Panther", Coogler possesses a storytelling flair and visual finesse that proudly reflect African American culture.  To no one's surprise, he has done it again with a period drama filled with music and vampires.  While it may seem straightforward at first, "Sinners" is actually a riveting, bold, and thematically profound display of vampiric horror and music that underscores how one's sins affect oneself and others.  Bolstered by Michal B. Jordan's dual performance, Coogler's adept vision and screenplay, exceptional cinematography, and Ludwig Göransson's award-worthy score, the film repents from the sins of traditional genre gimmicks to highlight the director's blend of down-to-earth appeal and blockbuster scale.  Additionally, it features one of the year's best sequences that'll answer your prayers for a true cinematic experience.  

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Honorable Mentions

​A deranged, gory, and refreshingly fulfilling take on the possessed doll storyline backed up by Theo James's dual performance and Osgood Perkins' darkly amusing vision.

​A zany, fast-paced, and heartfelt addition to the Looney Tunes franchise that highlights the passion and respect of those who love the iconic franchise inside and out.

​A hauntingly gripping and immersive cinematic experience that highlights the authenticity of the Navy SEALs' dilemma during the Second Battle of Ramadi.

​A delightfully eerie and thoughtful body horror drama that features real-life couple Dave Franco and Allison Brie fusing into one.  A terrifyingly rewarding debut from writer/director Michael Shanks.

​A thought-provoking and profoundly sincere reflection of life's values and passions helmed skillfully by Mike Flanagan.

​An impressively ambitious and unsettling sophomore debut from Zach Cregger that combines its horror roots with mystery and allegorical examination of community tragedy.

​An emotionally fulfilling and visually gorgeous conclusion to its two-part adaptation, bolstered by Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande's presences and Jon M. Chu's faithfulness to the source material.

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#1

One Battle After Another

​It is absolutely crazy that the only movie I've seen from Paul Thomas Anderson was "Phantom Thread" eight years ago.  As much as I wanted to see his previous movies, I just didn't have the urge to do so.  That is, until I saw his latest cinematic endeavor, which is far different from his comedies and psychological dramas, and my personal pick for the best film of 2025.  "One Battle After Another" is an invigorating and surprisingly amusing epic that balances Anderson's cinematic artistry with popcorn entertainment and political satire.  While its runtime and political undertones may be concerning, they don't detract from how it shapes our understanding of "pure cinema".  Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti were both incredible amid the film's A-list ensemble, and Anderson's innovative approach to cinematography and editing was sublime.  Additionally, Jonny Greenwood's unique score is a worthy awards contender for Best Original Score.  Whether it'll actually convince me to check out Anderson's previous works remains to be seen, but I can tell you this.  He's one of the filmmakers who knows how to make cinema come alive, not just in the craft but also regarding the experience of watching it.  That, along with its display of talent, entertainment, and artistry in filmmaking, is why "One Battle After Another" is my favorite movie of 2025.   

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​There you have it, folks.  Those are my top ten favorites of 2025.  Overall, this has been another great year for not just original content but also for worthy adaptations beloved by both fans and casual audiences.  2026 hopes to continue this streak with some pretty enticing movies coming out that might be worth seeing on the big screen rather than at home.  We'll see if any of them can meet or exceed our expectations.  Until then, hope everyone has a great holiday season, and I'll see you on the next episode of "Movie Talk" where I share the biggest stinkers of 2025.