2025 has been a terrific year for cinema, as we’ve seen filmmakers deliver many outstanding movies in theaters and on streaming. While established franchises like Marvel and DC delivered some stellar new films this year, we’ve also been treated to several original stories that have electrified the imagination and won over audiences.
With 2025 winding down, there’s still time to watch these films, which demand to be seen as the best movies of the year.
Sinners
2025 was an especially great year for horror films, and Sinners stood tall as the best of them. Written and directed by Ryan Coogler, this film tells the story of two gangster brothers (Michael B. Jordan) and their friends in 1932 as they face off against a clan of vampires the night they open a juke joint in their hometown.
Sinners stole the show with its insightful story, incredible performances, beautiful imagery, stirring music, and inventive approach to traditional vampire horror. At a time when established IPs seem to dominate the cinematic landscape, Sinners showed that original stories can still resonate with audiences and succeed at the box office.
Stream Sinners on HBO Max.
Weapons
This epic horror film from Barbarian director Zach Cregger follows the citizens of Maybrook, who are reeling from the disappearance of 17 children, all from the same classroom, at 2:17 a.m. Weapons is one of the more unusual movies of 2025, as its sprawling narrative weaves together the stories of many people in Maybrook into a surprising, mind-blowing horror odyssey. It’s also not afraid to get extremely dark and hilarious, especially in its bloody, bonkers finale.
Stream Weapons on HBO Max.
The Life of Chuck
At first, this Stephen King film shows the world coming to an end just as billboards and advertisements appear to celebrate Charles Krantz’s (Tom Hiddleston) “retirement.” The Life of Chuck then journeys into the past to follow mysterious Charles, first as an adult and then as a child (Benjamin Pajak), chronicling his experiences with loss, death, and coming of age.
Despite its frightening depiction of the apocalypse, The Life of Chuck beautifully highlights the value of one’s existence even in the face of death. Many of us can also relate to Charles as he tries to pursue his passion while making a living as an accountant. It may not have been a smash hit in theaters, but The Life of Chuck is wonderful, and it deserves to be wonderful.
Stream The Life of Chuck on Prime Video or on Apple TV.
Superman
Filmmaker James Gunn introduced the world to a whole new Superman with this DC Universe movie. In this superhero blockbuster, we witness a week in the life of Superman (David Corenswet), who struggles to protect the people of Earth while confronting the dark truth about his Kryptonian heritage, as well as a conspiracy orchestrated by the evil Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).
Presenting the Man of Steel as a “punk rock” hero, Gunn showed why this kind and hopeful figure is so beloved throughout pop culture. Superman also adapted its zany comic book source material with pure pride and camp, making for a fantastical and fearless film. While Superman’s origin story has been told countless times, Gunn’s movie was a breath of fresh air, even as several comic book movies and TV shows keep popping up.
Stream Superman on HBO Max.
Frankenstein
Since Frankenstein has been adapted for the big screen several times, it was unclear how Guillermo del Toro would make his version of Mary Shelley’s story stand out. Not only did he stay true to the source material, but he also expanded it into a beautiful, heartwrenching tale about parenthood and familial abuse.
As the arrogant Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac) fails to raise his creation (Jacob Elordi) the right way, we see father and son clash in an epic struggle that takes them to the ends of the Earth itself. Del Toro is known for presenting monsters with plenty of humanity, and Frankenstein depicts its characters and their stories with such passion and beauty that it will long reign as the all-time best adaptation of Shelley’s novel.
Stream Frankenstein on Netflix.
28 Years Later
2025 saw the long-awaited return of director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland to the zombie movie genre with this film. 28 Years Later sees U.K. survivors of the zombie pandemic living as hunters in a wilderness filled with the undead. But as young Spike (Alfie Williams) sees his mother (Jodie Comer) dying with an unknown illness, he embarks on a thrilling and emotional journey with her to find a cure.
28 Days Later may have redefined the zombie genre. However, 28 Years Later redefined the franchise itself with its incredible action, stunning visuals, and a poignant story, which will makes you rethink how you see life, death, and everyone in between.
Stream 28 Years Later on Netflix.
One Battle After Another
Legendary director Paul Thomas Anderson released his biggest blockbuster yet with One Battle After Another. This epic, action-packed comedy stars Leonardo DiCaprio in one of his most vulnerable roles as the washed-up revolutionary Bob Ferguson, who is thrust back into combat as he embarks to protect his daughter (Chase Infiniti) as they are both hunted by the corrupt Col. Lockjaw (Sean Penn).
This film pulls no punches with its modern political satire, which could alienate some audiences. However, behind the film’s hard-hitting social commentary is a thrilling and heartfelt adventure of a father trying to reunite with his child as she discovers the harsh reality of her parentage.
Stream One Battle After Another on Prime Video.
KPop Demon Hunters
This animated musical follows the three members of the K-pop group Huntrix, who fight to protect the world from demons with their magical music. When the group’s half-demon leader (Arden Cho) struggles to regain her voice, she is forced to confront her heritage as she and her allies face a new demon boy band.
KPop Demon Hunters is the most surprising success story of 2025. Though it quietly flew onto Netflix in the summer, it quickly exploded into a pop culture phenomenon thanks to its incredible songs, vibrant animation, emotional narrative, and several laugh-out-loud moments. Even audiences who aren’t fans of K-pop or anime will surely enjoy this exciting, well-rounded blockbuster.
Stream KPop Demon Hunters on Netflix.
