Best Films of 2025: Top 10 Movie Picks & Reviews

2025 was a year that, in many ways, can be charitably described as 'not good.' But the films themselves were a bright spot.

Published on Feb. 12, 2026

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Film critic Marcus Rodriguez shares his top 10 films of 2025, including standouts like the animated "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain," the Safdie Brothers' "Marty Supreme," and Paul Thomas Anderson's "One Battle After Another," which he calls an "unqualified masterpiece" that captures the current American moment.

Why it matters

Rodriguez's list provides an insightful look at the cinematic highlights of a tumultuous year, showcasing the artistry and creativity that emerged despite the challenges of 2025. His selections span a range of genres, from quirky animation to gritty thrillers, reflecting the diversity and depth of the year's cinematic offerings.

The details

Rodriguez's top 10 films include the delightful animated "Little Amélie or the Character of Rain," the Safdie Brothers' chaotic and propulsive "Marty Supreme," the moving documentary "Come See Me In The The Good Light" about poet Andrea Gibson, the hilarious and touching "Sorry, Baby" from director Eva Victor, the latest "Avatar" installment "Fire And Ash," the horror hit "Weapons" from Zach Cregger, the found footage film "Tinsman Road," Steven Soderbergh's spy thriller "Black Bag," the brutal metaphor of "No Other Choice" from Park Chan-wook, and Paul Thomas Anderson's masterpiece "One Battle After Another."

  • 2025 was a year that, in many ways, can be charitably described as 'not good.'
  • Andrea Gibson passed away in July 2025.

The players

Marcus Rodriguez

A film critic who shares his top 10 films of 2025.

Paul Thomas Anderson

The director of the 2025 masterpiece "One Battle After Another."

Andrea Gibson

A late poet whose work is featured in the documentary "Come See Me In The The Good Light."

Zach Cregger

The director of the 2025 horror hit "Weapons."

Steven Soderbergh

The director of the 2025 spy thriller "Black Bag."

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What they’re saying

“2025 was a year that, in many ways, can be charitably described as 'not good.' Checking the news daily felt like high-intensity cardio, and that applies to both updates from the geopolitical world and the film industry.”

— Marcus Rodriguez, Film Critic (newsdirectory3.com)

The takeaway

Despite the challenges of 2025, the year produced a diverse array of cinematic masterpieces that captured the complexities of the current American experience, from the brutality of capitalism to the rise of fascism. Rodriguez's top 10 list showcases the enduring power of film to reflect and make sense of the world around us, even in the darkest of times.