Remember when memorable films were only made in Hollywood? Studios ruled the day and probably had a stranglehold on awards nominations.
Now, because there are content creators around the world (and a multitude of ways to get the material into the zeitgeist), it’s anyone’s game — and that’s good news for movie fans. This year’s best come from a number of countries and feature some of the best performances in decades.
In order, the best films of 2025:
Jessie Buckley, left, and Paul Mescal in “Hamnet”
1. 'Hamnet'
Chloe Zhao made her presence known with “Nomadland” and introduced us to a world few knew. With “Hamnet,” she reexamined a world we know and gave it new meaning. Looking into the origins of William Shakespeare (or what we think is Shakespeare), she provided influences and explored how “Hamnet” could become “Hamlet.” Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal were mesmerizing as a free-spirited woman and the man she loves. They filled in blanks and urged us to want more Shakespeare, not less. In all respects, it’s an example of the best at their best.
Leonardo DiCaprio in "One Battle After Another"
2. 'One Battle After Another'
Paul Thomas Anderson has entertained audiences for decades, creating such disparate films as “Boogie Nights,” “There Will Be Blood,” “Phantom Thread,” “The Master” and, now, “One Battle After Another.” Starring a who’s who of contemporary film, it dug into a world of revolutionaries and showed how choices have consequences. Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio del Toro gave career-defining performances and infused the thriller with its life. Look for Anderson to finally get the Academy Award recognition he deserves.
Timothée Chalamet in "Marty Supreme"
3. 'Marty Supreme'
Loosely based on the life of a 1950s table-tennis pro, this showed how chaotic the world could be. Directed by Josh Safdie, it needed someone as energetic as Timothée Chalamet to make it work. Bouncing from one close call to another, he slammed home the emotion necessary to make this thriller look like it belongs next to “The Godfather” and other classics from the 1970s. Chalamet was outstanding — but so, too, was Gwyneth Paltrow as an aging movie star who still projects allure.
Stellan Skarsgard, left, and Renate Reinsve in “Sentimental Value”
4. 'Sentimental Value'
Director Joachim Trier lifted the curtain on filmmaking and found a touching family story that explained why some directors — and actors — don’t want to get close to reality. Renate Reinsve played a complex actress who rejected her father’s request to star in his film. Those past deeds came into play, and soon there was a story that unraveled like no other. Stellan Skarsgård soared as the director/father who wanted much out of his work — a career-defining film and a reunion with his daughters.
5. 'It Was Just an Accident'
While “Sentimental Value” comes from a Norwegian director, this came from an Iranian filmmaker working with producers in France and Luxembourg. It followed a group of political prisoners who wondered if they should exact revenge on a man who may have been their tormentor. Director Jafar Panahi (like Anderson and Trier) built on a hunch in a way that let viewers decide what really happened. Like the other best films of the year, it didn’t let up.
Jacob Elordi in "Frankenstein"
6. 'Frankenstein'
Director Guillermo del Toro wanted to make his version of Mary Shelley’s story for decades. Told in parts, it gave Shelley’s work the respect it deserved and corrected misconceptions about “the creature.” Oscar Isaac was exceptional as the doctor who some say created a monster. Jacob Elordi was heartbreaking as his handiwork. And del Toro? He got what he was hoping for — a stunning adaptation.
From left, Michael B. Jordan, Michael B. Jordan and Omar Benson Miller in "Sinners"
7. 'Sinners'
Ryan Coogler made a name for himself with “Creed” and “Black Panther,” but "Sinners" showed what he can do without well-known intellectual property. Set in 1930s Mississippi, “Sinners” followed twin brothers as they returned home from Chicago to build a juke joint. While the business came together quickly, the clientele hit a snag — there was a supernatural element that wanted to take a bite out of its fortunes. As the twins, Michael B. Jordan provided just the nuance necessary to wonder where this was headed. The film’s resolution — a real surprise — should answer plenty questions and ensure Coogler will get a green light for many original ideas.
8. 'The Secret Agent'
Another international hybrid, this political thriller from Kleber Mendonca Filho gave Wagner Moura the role of a lifetime. He played a professor during the 1970s trying to make his way through the turmoil of a Brazilian military dictatorship. The film touched on the popularity of “Jaws,” then used that as a springboard for a story about refugees, corrupt politicians and a father who loves his son.
9. 'F1'
Hollywood’s blockbuster fascination hit a peak with this look at Formula One races and a washed-up driver (Brad Pitt) who just wanted redemption. Filled with fascinating driving sequences, the film held our interest in ways we didn’t expect and gave everyone (Pitt included) a chance to drive a high-level cinematic vehicle.
Kit Connor in "Warfare"
10. 'Warfare'
Directors Ray Mendoza and Alex Garland put you in the heat of battle during the Iraq War and never let go. Showing how it affected young men, it should be a “must watch" for those who see war as a solution to economic problems. One by one, the young actors built a piece worth regarding.
Also worth noting: “Wicked: For Good,” “Wake Up Dead Man: a Knives Out Mystery,” “Elio,” “If I had Legs, I’d Kick You” and “Weapons.”
