As 2025 wraps up, we are looking back at the films that left an impression on us. From the thousands of movies that graced the big or small screen via streaming, some projects captured the collective’s attention, while others flew under the radar.

There are so many to name, but what we landed on are the films that left a great impression on the collective film community (as a whole) and on us. Some in this list became cultural phenomena beyond their original medium. Ranging from comedies to mysteries to animated musicals to vampire epics, there’s a little bit of everything on our list.

Check out our top picks for the 10 best films of 2025 below!

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Sinners

“Ryan Coogler has another hit on his hands with Sinners. With every movie he directs, he excels even further in his craft, and it’s thrilling to see and experience as an avid watcher of his films. Much like the vampires it depicts, Coogler’s latest shall be immortal. Sinners is a timeless tale that is part social commentary, part creature feature, and a boldly bloody good time.”

Read the rest of our Sinners review here.

One of Them Days

One of Them Days basically kickstarted the year and became an instant classic, raising the bar for comedies and reintroducing us to America’s sweetheart (before she dun got messy with her podcast), Keke Palmer, and first-time actress SZA. The film was fun, subversive yet familiar, doused in bright colours and vibrant cinematography. One of Them Days was simply a good time from beginning to end.

KPop Demon Hunters

“I do not exaggerate when I say that KPop Demon Hunters is one of the best movies of the year thus far. With a distinctive style and story, the film brings together a myriad of elements that work exceptionally well together thanks to the keen direction of Kang and Appelhans, as well as Kang’s one-of-a-kind story. We need more original animated films like this. ”

Read the rest of our KPop Demon Hunters review here.

Hedda

“Hedda is a sensational adaptation, standing firm on the idea that modern adaptations of classic works are indeed made better when reinterpreted through contemporary worldviews. The central themes and plotting need to be damaged or disregarded; a modern interpretation can be both true to the source material and true to the current storyteller. Nia DaCosta deserves a round of applause.”

Read the rest of our Hedda review here.

No Other Choice

“No Other Choice follows a clear pattern of Park Chan-wook challenging societal norms and economic and class struggles. The film is an astute exploration of unemployment, particularly for men over 40 who are supporting either a spouse or family. Park Chan-wook takes something that is inherently sad but emphasizes the little ways in which these situations are comical, while making the absurd actions taken by our lead appear normal or justified. ”

Read the rest of our No Other Choice review here.

Frankenstein

“Frankenstein is an elegant, compassionate adaptation of a beloved text with unmatched influence. Del Toro doesn’t simply outdo himself with the presentation; truly, the film is a spectacle for the eyes. Del Toro invites the audience to join him on perhaps the most intimate of journeys. Realizing your dream is always a fulfilling experience, but to invite so many to experience it with you is a daunting task. In my eyes, there is not a single critical error or misstep; the film is exactly as it should be, perfectly aligned with del Toro’s vision, the ethos of his work to this point and effectively acts as the culmination of nearly three decades of hard work and cultivation.” 

Read the rest of our Frankenstein review here.

The Voice of Hind Rajab

In September, The Voice of Hind Rajab had its North American Premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). Trying to secure tickets for the film throughout the festival was nearly impossible due to demand for the docudrama. Directed by Kaouther Ben Hania, The Voice of Hind Rajab takes place at a Palestinian Red Crescent call centre as a call comes in from a car that’s under fire from the Israeli forces. While the volunteers at the call centre believe that all occupants of the vehicle are killed, they soon learn a six-year-old girl is still trapped in the car, surrounded by the bodies of her family members. Incorporating recordings of the real calls between Hind and the call centre team, The Voice of Hind Rajab will be one of the most challenging films you’ve ever watched. Recently nominated for the Golden Globe for Best Motion Picture (Non-English Language) and on the shortlist for Best International Feature Film for the upcoming 98th Academy Awards, The Voice of Hind Rajab should be added to your watch lists immediately. 

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery

“Wake Up Dead Man leads with its heart and emotionally resonant story, and for it to strike all the right emotional chords, the visual and sound design must effectively capture the darkness and light of the church. That and the heavy dose of comedy make Wake Up Dead Man a worthwhile experience.”

Read the rest of our review here.

On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

“On Becoming a Guinea Fowl is not for the faint of heart. It does delve into mature themes and is steadfast in showcasing how normalized specific bad actions can become in a highly traditional community. The values this Bemba family embraces are detrimental to their own. Yet, when the film wraps and the genesis of the film title comes full circle, you see how culture can be perceived as immovable as nature—fallible but inevitable.”

Read the rest of our On Becoming a Guinea Fowl review here.

Hamnet

Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet was one of the most highly anticipated films of 2025. Based on the novel of the same name by Maggie O’Farrell, the film focuses on the life and love story of William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his wife Agnes (Jessie Buckley). Beautifully shot, with masterful performances throughout, particularly by Buckley, who delivers a phenomenal performance. Hamnet is definitely going to be an award show darling this coming awards season.