Another year has come to a close, and with it, a year’s worth of films to be ranked. This year saw great returns for both horror and comedy as people flocked to the cinemas to laugh, cry, and everything in between.
15. The Long Walk
A depressing and bleak film that reflects the tumultuous year that was 2025. David Jonsson leads alongside Cooper Hoffman in an emotional and heavy watch.
14. No Other Choice
This comedy of errors has a darkness to it that is relatable and infinitely engrossing. Impressive camera work cements it as a must-see film for the year.
13. Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro takes his sympathetic eye for creatures and casts it on one of fiction’s most misunderstood monsters. It’s a beautiful two-hander between Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi.
12. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
Rose Byrne plays a mother who is just trying her best. With an ailing daughter and an absentee husband, that is a battle hard fought with an arresting and stunning performance.
11. The Naked Gun
The return of an iconic franchise without the actor who made it memorable was a risky move. But it resulted in one of the funniest films of 2025.
10. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
The further adventures of Benoit Blanc continue to impress. This time, the caper involves Christianity, with a mystery to be solved and a crisis of faith to be resolved.
9. Blue Moon
The lonely life of Lorenz Hart is brought to audiences by the reunited forces of Richard Linklater and Ethan Hawke. Blue Moon is moving, insightful, and chock-full of wit.
8. One of Them Days
One of Them Days is a return to the classic screwball comedy format with a relevant take on societal issues. The comedic combination of SZA and Keke Palmer is enough to make anyone laugh.
7. K Pop Demon Hunters
K Pop Demon Hunters is the streaming sensation of the year. With a soundtrack worth playing on repeat, it’s the year’s smoothest animation, made for a smash Netflix hit.
6. Avatar: Fire and Ash
The saga continues with better effects and a darker story. The year 2025 had many reasons to go to the cinema, but with Fire and Ash, the big screen feels the most essential.
5. Good Boy
Good Boy is one of 2025’s most original efforts, a horror film from the perspective of a loyal canine. An underdog in every sense of the word, it is an impressive feat of filmmaking.
4. Superman
Having the big blue Boy Scout back on the big screen is cause for celebration, especially in the hands of James Gunn. It’s fun, fresh, yet still true to the character’s core tenets.
3. Weapons
Weapons is weird and wonderful. Zach Cregger’s sophomore effort is a triumph, making bold choices that stick with the audience and leaving a lasting impression with a tremendous ending.
2. One Battle After Another
One Battle After Another is a dark comedy depicting a fight against fascism and a cast for the ages. Teyana Taylor’s tenure is brief but everlasting, and Benicio del Toro delivers one of 2025’s best characters.
1. Sinners
Ryan Coogler’s first original film is an instant classic. It is a sheer, unflinching look at America’s dark past and the defiant celebration by its most oppressed people. Through music, this Gothic horror transcends genres and stands out as simply the best 2025 had to offer.
Damian Levy is a film critic and podcaster for Damian Michael Movies.