Salutations fellow movie goers from around the globe. Films in 2025 had some ups and downs. Most great films were flops, others recoup expenses and stinkers like Rachel Zegler’s “Snow White” deserve to flop. Anyway, I’m here to reveal my personal picks. Without further ado, these are The Top 12 Films of 2025. Why Top 12? Because I refuse to add an extra number. Otherwise, bad luck may occur.
12. Bring Her Back
- Final Verdict: A-
- Box Office: $39,410,222
An Australian independent horror flick distributed by A24, twin directors/YouTubers, Danny and Michael Philippou/RackaRacka made their second film after “Talk to Me.” This one centers on two step-siblings who are orphaned by their foster mother who’s really a demon practitioner with the intention to resurrect her late daughter. I saw Bring Her Back on HBO Max. Let me tell ya, it has better scares than “Weapons.” Especially a knife scene that made me squirm. Tempted me look in the mirror if my teeth are still intact.
I enjoyed this legit horror film. Told a unique story regarding the villain’s motive, Sally Hawkins’ performance, tragic back stories between the main characters, creepy moments lacking Jump Scares etc. If you’re interested in seeing Bring Her Back, it’s a must-see horror fans.
11. Warfare
- Final Verdict: A-
- Box Office: $34,902,602
Another great A24 film on my list, Alex Garland and Iraq War veteran, Ray Mendoza collaborated on a war film based on the latter’s experience in the Iraq War in the aftermath of the Battle of Ramadi. A NAVY SEAL platoon recon in an apartment. Suddenly, they are surrounded by enemy forces. They must survive until backup arrives. I didn’t Warfare when it first came out. I saw it on HBO Max.
Alex & Ray told a realistic depiction of war. It’s not a high octane guns-a-blazing action movie by Michael Bay. It’s about the harsh reality of being a soldier on duty. If you’re gonna go to war, this ain’t a Hollywood-ized fantasy. Besides great direction, the actors including Will Poulter & Joesph Quinn all did a fantastic job for their performances, authentic military combat choreographed by surviving war veterans, solid camera work and sound design. I highly recommend Warfare.
10. Thunderbolts
- Final Verdict: A-
- Box Office: $382,436,917
Marvel Cinematic Universe had some ups and downs since The Infinity Saga concluded on a high note, Thunderbolts is an exception. A group of anti-heroes get caught in a predicament. As in most movies about a ragtag bunch of misfits, they must put aside their differences, cooperate with one another and work as a team. At first, I thought this was gonna be a water downed Suicide Squad” rip-off. Turns out it’s really good. Way better than “Captain America: Brand New World.”
Jake Schreier directed this MCU entry as the final film in Phase Five. Eric Pearson & Joanna Carlo crafted a well well written script. Other good elements such as the cast particularly Florence Pugh, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell & Lewis Pullman, action sequences, a blend of practical and visual effects, chemistry between the team and emotional heart something “Venom: The Last Dance” lacked. I think David’s character, Red Guardian stole the film providing comic relief. Thunderbolts is my favorite Marvel film of 2025. I can’t wait for “Avengers: Doomsday.”
9. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
- Final Verdict: A-
- Box Office: $598,767,057
Picking up after “Mission Impossible: Dead Reckoning,” the second part of the final installment of the Mission Impossible series resumes Ethan Hunt’s quest to shutdown a malevolent A.I. known as, “The Entity” from nuking the world. Ethan’s allies, Luther Stickell, Benji Dunn & Grace help him on his dangerous mission yet. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning concludes the series on a high note. It may not be a 10/10 grand finale like “Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows,” but it’s up there.
Tom “TC” Cruise pulled it off enduring dangerous stunts, callbacks to previous installments tied to The Final Reckoning, splendid performances from TC, Ving Rhames, Simon Pegg, Hayley Atwell & Esai Morales, Christopher McQuarrie’s direction, immersive camera work and the dangers of A.I. is still relevant given its real life status affecting jobs. For instance, Tilly Norwood’s the first A.I. generated actress. Kinda like that Al Pacino movie, “Simone.” Which is way ahead of its time. As a fan of Tom Cruise and Mission Impossible, I’m glad I grew up with the franchise. I’m looking forward to Mr. Cruise’s next film, “Digger.”
8. Superman
- Final Verdict: A-
- Box Office: $616,823,803
The first installment of a fully rebooted DC Universe, James “JG” Gunn headlined the animated series, “Creature Commandos.” Followed by the Man of Steel himself as the first film within the DC Universe. I consider this version of Superman as my favorite. David Corenswet captures the character’s Boy Scout attitude and inspires hope to the people of Metropolis as well as other heroes. You can tell JG’s a passionate comic book geek. He retained various elements of Superman’s lore in modern times. Other positive elements such as performances by Nicholas Hoult, Rachel Brosnahan, Edi Gathegi & Nathan Fillion, action sequences, a lighter tone and an interesting story regarding Superman’s character arc.
I already addressed the controversy surrounding Dean Cain protesting the film. For more info, check out my non-spoiler review. Anyway, the DC Universe has a bright future ahead. Supergirl’s coming this June. JG’s working on a sequel titled, “Man of Tomorrow coming in 2027. My one desire is to see Raven on the big screen. She’s one of my favorite superheroes besides Batman & Wolverine. Just pick the right actress suitable for the part, you get Teen Titans.
7. Sinners
- Final Verdict: A-
- Box Office: $368,489,632
After Ryan Coogler finished “Black Panther: Wakanda Forever” without the late Chadwick Boseman, his latest project, Sinners tells the story of twin gangsters opening a juke joint (nightclub) in their hometown so they can leave the criminal world behind. One night, vampires run amuck. It’s up to the pair to defend themselves. When I saw a trailer for Sinners, I was like, I’ll wait til it streams at home. I was on a budget to prep for Fan Expo Dallas 2025. I watched the film on HBO Max. It was great. A unique horror film influenced by “From Dusk Til Dawn,” but set during The Great Depression. Not a carbon copy of Robert Rodriguez & Quentin Tarantino’s film, it was its own thing.
Positives listed, Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance, other cast members such as Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton & Jack O’Connell, decent camera work, historical accuracy of the early 1930s, Ludwig Göransson’s soundtrack and legit scares Dakota Fanning’s “Vicious” wishes it were scary as heck. Prior to the Oscars nominating Sinners for “Best Picture,” I called it a “Movie of the Year” contender. Speaking of Oscars, I’m rooting for Michael B. Jordan to win an Academy Award for “Best Actor.” The 98th Academy Awards will stream on March 15, 2026 only on Hulu. So don’t forget to mark your calendar.
6. 28 Years Later
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
- Box Office: $151,329,429
Now we’re heading to perfect score territory, Alex Garland teams up with Cillian Murphy & Danny Boyle to make another installment of the “28 Days Later” series. This time a distant follow up set nearly three decades after the first film. Although Cillian didn’t reprise his role as Jim due to scheduling conflicts with a Peaky Blinders film, he served as an executive producer. He confirms he’ll be back in “The Bone Temple” and a fifth untitled entry. Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Jodie Comer & Ralph Fiennes in supporting roles. Newcomer, Alfie Williams portrays the main protagonist, Spike who learns survival tips from his father. Then, he and his mother go on a risky adventure to find a doctor who can cure his mother.
As a fan of Alex Garland’s work, I was completely open with a sequel. A darn shame I didn’t see 28 Years Later in theaters. At the time, I was already prepping up for Fan Expo Dallas 2025. I watched it on HBO Max. I really enjoyed Spike’s interactions with his parents, going out in the mainland filled with zombies, character development, zombie kills, a solid story and creepy moments. Most notably, a birth scene. Mr. Garland had the guts to pen this scene. I’m baffled 28 Years Later got snubbed for “Best Picture” nomination at the Oscars. They picked Guillermo Del Toro’s snoozefest, “Frankenstein.” This is why we can’t have nice things. I saw The Bone Temple. It was decent. I’m looking forward to the next installment.
5. F1
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
- Box Office: $631,842,436
Apple Studios, Plan B & Entertainment Jerry Bruckheimer Film co-produced a sports drama about a former Formula 1 racer named, Sonny comes out of retirement to save his an old friend’s racing team from financially flopping. Sonny mentors young hotshot, Noah the ways of driving a fast car. The latter’s stubborn attitude puts a strain on their partnership and the racing team’s future at risk.
I watched F1 on Apple TV Plus. Kept me on the edge of my seat. Brad Pitt, Damson Idris & Javier Bardem deliver solid performances, cameras mounted on the race car makes it feel like you’re inside the front seat, Joseph Kosinski & Ehren Kruger co-wrote a pretty good story and a good blend of practical and visual effects. If you into racing or sports drama, check out F1 on Apple TV Plus. By the way, it’s nominated for “Best Picture” along with sinners.
4. Bugonia
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
- Box Office: $41,593,504
After completing “Kinds of Kindness,” Emma Stone & Yorgos Lanthimos collaborate on a new film, Bugonia An American remake of a South Korean sci-fi comedy, “Save the Green Planet.” When I first heard about Bugonia’s different premise involving two people convincing a CEO she’s an alien, I was hooked. I couldn’t wait for it to come out. Eventually, I saw it on Peacock. A unique sci-fi comedy. Unfortunately, it didn’t recoup expenses at the box office.
Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons & Aidan Delbis deliver great performances, Yorgos Lanthimos knocked it outta the park directing, Will Tracy wrote a legit script, well shot cinematography, a surreal premise that was written like an episode of “Aqua Teen Hunger Force” and an ending changes everything. It’s hard to explain full details. I don’t wanna ruin the ending. Check out Bugonia. Really worth your spare time. This film’s also nominated at the Oscars. Good for Emma & Yorgos
3. Caught Stealing
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
- Box Office: $32,703,294
Based on a crime novel by novelist/comic book writer, Charlie Huston, Darren Aronofsky directs a dark crime comedy about former baseball player, Hank Thompson cat sitting his neighbor who’s going to London to pay his respects to his father. Suddenly, Hank gets caught in a predicament involving gangsters, scum and villainy. With no other choice, Hank must survive the criminal underworld in the Lower East Side of New York City.
I saw Caught Stealing on Netflix. I didn’t expect this film to be another instant masterpiece. Austin Butler did a splendid job for his performance along with a supporting cast featuring Zoë Kravitz, Matt Smith, Regina King, Liev Schreiber & Vincent D ‘Onofrio. More pros including Darren Aronofsky’s direction, Charlie Huston wrote the script, well shot camerawork, recreating the late 1990s, funny moments, Hank’s past and shocking twists. A darn shame Caught Stealing will never forget a sequel as a result of underperforming at the box office. If you haven’t seen it, go check it out.
2. Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX!
- Box Office: $160,618,663
Chainsaw Man’s first movie takes place after Season 1. Denji meets a nice girl name, Reze. They chat, you guessed it, fall in love. As the pair form a close bond, all heck breaks loose. Denji must battle powerful demon, Bomb Devil who has the ability to explode stuff. During his encounter, his new partner, Beam. A shark/human hybrid sides him in battle. I rented Chainsaw Man’s movie on Amazon Prime Video. It’s nuts, incredibly nuts. In a good way.
Japanese animation studio, MAPPA really outdid themselves cranking the film up to eleven illustrating fight scenes filled with dismemberments and explosions, animation’s colorful contrasting the show’s grimy filter, every single frame looks beautiful. Too bad I didn’t see this film. I was dog sitting to make some cash. Thank goodness I’m all caught up. If you’re ready for Season 2, watch The Reze Arc right now. What’s next’s Denji’s next insane adventure? Only time will tell.
1. One Battle After Another
- Final Verdict: A, FOR APEX
- Box Office: $207,767,251
Viva la Revolución! My number one film of 2025 is Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another. Loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel “Vineland.” Former revolutionary, Bob Ferguson is forced to face his past when a former enemy makes his return. His daughter, Willa is in grave danger. Bob comes out of retirement to find Will. Like Chainsaw Man’s movie, I never got a chance to see One Battle After Another because I was dog sitting. Luckily, I watched it on HBO Max.
My number one favorite actor, Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a terrific performance as well as the rest of the cast, Benicio del Toro, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor and newcomer, Chase Infiniti. Paul Thomas Anderson did a great job directing his first action flick stepping out of his comfort zone making character driven dramas. Pros listed including cinematography shot in 35mm on VistaVison cameras for IMAX screenings, song choices that fit certain scenes like Jackson 5’s “Ready or Not,” funny moments made me laugh so hard, Jonny Greenwood’s instrumental soundtrack among many other pros.
I know this film’s not everybody’s cup of tea. Personally, I really enjoyed it. I’m thrilled Paul Thomas Anderson won three Golden Globes. I’m rooting for one of my favorite filmmakers to win an Oscar. He’s overdue for a single one since “Boogie Nights.” Paul Thomas Anderson deserves it. Reminder, the 98 Academy Awards will stream on March 15, 2026 only on Hulu.
So, that’s my Top 12 Films of 2026. What are your picks? Please leave a comment.
Nickthemoviecritic.com 