MY FAVOURITE MOVIES OF 2025

2025 was a cinematic rollercoaster—one that started its ascent with a pair of exhilarating releases, only to plunge into a dry spell before climbing back up to a year-defining crescendo. The year’s opening act, featuring the haunting revival of Nosferatu and the creatively original autobiography of Robbie Williams, A Better Man, set the bar impressively high. But soon after, the silver screen suffered a drought of truly memorable films, with only the late-breaking 2024 gem A Real Pain offering a much-needed oasis.

June marked the turning point, courtesy of the turbocharged spectacle that was F1 The Movie. For a while, I feared that my annual top ten list might run short—not for lack of effort, but for lack of inspiration. Yet, as the months unfolded, the industry delivered enough surprises to keep the spirit of cinema alive.

Now, my pick for Best Movie of the Year might raise a few eyebrows, perhaps even prompt some to question my taste. But for me, the choice is obvious—not just because it resonated on so many levels, but because its impact lingered far beyond the credits. K-pop Demon Hunters is, in my eyes, not only the movie of the year, but perhaps the defining film of the decade. Its soundtrack—an infectious blend of music and songs—remains a fixture on my daily playlist, months after my first viewing. The story, though seemingly simple, weaves profound themes with subtlety and heart, managing to transcend its genre. While some might dismiss it as mere family fare, or worse, a “kiddie movie,” its phenomenon rivals the likes of Star Wars. Yet, the absence of K-pop Demon Hunters from most critics’ lists is perplexing, given its global resonance and commercial success. Perhaps it’s the animation label, or the fact that it unabashedly embraces family-friendly storytelling. Regardless, I’m proud to champion it atop my list—sometimes the best movies are those that reach the broadest audiences without sacrificing depth.

The next nine films on my list each contributed their own magic, keeping the flame of moviegoing burning bright. While Tom Cruise’s swan song in Mission Impossible series, The Final Reckoning failed to deliver the expected fireworks, Brad Pitt picked up the baton with the adrenaline-fueled F1 The Movie. Horror enjoyed a renaissance, with both Nosferatu and Frankenstein receiving lovingly crafted adaptations worthy of their legacies, bookending the year in gothic grandeur. The remainder of my selections showcased the boundless creativity and unforgettable performances that define truly great cinema, each film offering stories larger than life, beautifully realized on screen.

K-POP DEMON HUNTERS
F1: THE MOVIE
NOSFERATU
BALLAD OF A SMALL PLAYER
THE LIFE OF CHUCK
BETTER MAN
BUGONIA
FRANKENSTEIN
DEMON SLAYER: INFINITY CASTLE (Japanese)
TRON ARES

Of course, not every film made the cut. Honorable mentions go to Ron Howard’s contemplative Eden, Daniel Craig’s intriguing turn in Wake Up Dead Man, and Channing Tatum’s quirky heroics as Roofman. In a lesser year, any of these would have earned a spot on the list.

No look back at 2025 would be complete without acknowledging the cinematic misfires—those regrettable experiences that make even the most ardent moviegoer question their choices. This year, three titles share the dubious distinction of Worst Movie: Star Trek: Section 31, The Electric State, and Mickey 17. Coincidentally, all hail from the sci-fi genre, which seemed to struggle with ambition outpacing execution. Other turkeys like Mountainhead, Good Dog, and One Battle After Another also deserve mention for leaving audiences bewildered. Curiously, some of these found favor with critics and worthy of mentioned in their top films lists, reinforcing the notion that movie tastes are anything but universal.

Ultimately, 2025 was a year of peaks and valleys, with its strongest offerings arriving in the latter months. As the curtain falls, I find satisfaction in seeing some of my favorites echoed in others’ lists—a comforting validation, even if taste remains an intensely personal matter. Here’s to sharing, debating, and discovering more cinematic treasures in 2026. Movie lovers, let’s keep the conversation going.