Top 20 Must-Watch Movies of 2025

As 2025 winds down, the year has delivered an exceptional collection of films spanning diverse genres—from groundbreaking horror and thought-provoking drama to spectacular action blockbusters and intimate character studies. Whether you're a cinephile seeking critical acclaim or a casual moviegoer looking for entertainment, this curated list of the top 20 must-watch movies of 2025 offers something for everyone.

1. One Battle After Another

Director Paul Thomas Anderson's revolutionary action thriller stands as one of 2025's most talked-about films. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers a stoned and paranoid performance as Bob Ferguson, an ex-revolutionary forced back into action when his daughter becomes targeted by a corrupt military officer (Sean Penn). The film masterfully balances Hollywood humor with genuine sociopolitical commentary, earning praise from critics at NPR and The New York Times for its ambitious exploration of activism and resistance. With a worldwide gross of $197 million, it's become the highest-grossing film of Anderson's career.​

2. Sinners

Ryan Coogler's ambitious horror-drama stands as one of 2025's most critically acclaimed films, with a 98% approval rating on some review aggregators. Michael B. Jordan delivers a dual performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack, who return to their rural Mississippi hometown to open a juke joint, only to face supernatural terror. The film luxuriates in the cultural beauty of the Black South while weaving together themes of ancestral memory, freedom, and the supernatural, with a vampire antagonist serving as a symbol of oppressive white culture. The film has grossed $367 million worldwide, proving both commercial and critical success.​

3. 28 Years Later

Danny Boyle and Alex Garland reunite for this deeply earnest post-apocalyptic zombie film that subverts franchise expectations. Rather than returning to London for more conventional action, the film shifts to a quarantined island community 28 years after the initial rage virus outbreak. Through the eyes of a young boy named Spike (Alfie Williams), the film becomes a coming-of-age story that employs supernatural horror with a Brothers Grimm sensibility. Ralph Fiennes, Aaron Taylor-Johnson, and Jodie Comer anchor a narrative that explores memory, faith, and mortality with surprising emotional depth.​

4. Weapons

Zach Cregger's horror-thriller delivers unbearable tension and dark humor in equal measure, earning a 9/10 from IGN. When all children from a single class mysteriously vanish, a community unravels in paranoia and fear. The film has grossed $268 million globally, standing as both a commercial and critical success that justified Cregger's bold creative vision. It works as both a popcorn thriller and a commentary on societal anxieties.​

5. Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro finally realizes his lifelong dream project with this gothic masterpiece based on Mary Shelley's classic. Oscar Isaac portrays the egotistical Victor Frankenstein while Jacob Elordi delivers a career-defining performance as the tragic Creature. Rather than a traditional horror film, del Toro presents an intimate character study that positions the true monster as Frankenstein himself. The film's visual opulence—from Alexandre Desplat's haunting score to the production design—creates a devastating emotional experience that redefines what a Frankenstein adaptation can be.​

6. Black Bag

Steven Soderbergh's spy thriller reunites him with screenwriter David Koepp for an energetic film that feels like a Cold War update infused with contemporary anxieties. Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett play married intelligence agents navigating questions of loyalty and trust when one becomes suspected of betrayal. Soderbergh's signature editing, soft-focus cinematography, and rapid narrative shifts create palpable tension throughout, making this a svelte piece of entertainment that constantly keeps viewers guessing.​

7. Superman

James Gunn launches the DC Universe with this bold superhero reimagining starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent/Superman. The film has become the highest-grossing Superman film domestically, breaking records with over $600 million at the global box office. Gunn's fresh take honors comic book source material while establishing new mythology for the DCU, making it a must-see for both superhero enthusiasts and general audiences.​

8. The Fantastic Four: First Steps

This MCU kickoff brings fresh energy to the superhero landscape while introducing the Fantastic Four to Phase Six of the Marvel Cinematic Universe. The film has grossed over $500 million globally, positioning itself as a significant commercial success despite some initial concerns about superhero fatigue.​

9. Jurassic World: Rebirth

Gareth Edwards brings impressive visual scale and genuine thrills to this dinosaur adventure. While the script follows familiar franchise beats, Edwards' cinematography captures both the majesty and danger of prehistoric creatures. The film grossed $868 million worldwide, making it one of 2025's biggest commercial successes, and successfully revitalizes audience interest in the Jurassic universe.​

10. Mickey 17

Bong Joon Ho's sci-fi comedy showcases his signature blend of quirky dark humor and socio-political commentary. Robert Pattinson delivers an outstanding dual performance as Mickey Barnes, a "replaceable" clone on a human colony mission to a hostile ice world. The film effortlessly merges genre conventions with thematic depth, establishing itself as one of 2025's standout sci-fi entries.

11. Companion

This sci-fi thriller from director Drew Hancock stars Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid in a minimalist narrative that benefits from minimal spoilers. The film has earned significant buzz as one of 2025's best-kept secrets, rewarding viewers who approach it without expectations or preconceived notions.

12. Bring Her Back

The Philippou brothers deliver a beautifully filmed supernatural horror that features a remarkable performance from Sally Hawkins. Rather than relying on jump scares, the film prioritizes atmosphere and mystery. Hawkins' portrayal of a woman hiding devastating secrets deserves Oscar consideration, though as with many horror performances, she will likely be overlooked during awards season.​

13. F1

This sports drama offers an engaging and visually spectacular dive into the high-octane world of Formula One racing. The film successfully captures both the personal drama and technical spectacle of motorsport, grossing $631 million globally and proving that Apple can produce theatrical hits.​

14. The Conjuring: Last Rites

The final entry in the Warren Investigations saga provides emotional closure while delivering the supernatural scares fans expect. Patrick Wilson and Vera Farmiga return as Ed and Lorraine Warren in what serves as a respectful send-off to the franchise, grossing $492 million worldwide.​

15. Final Destination: Bloodlines

This franchise reboot brings fresh energy to the death-sequence spectacle the series is known for. Kaitlyn Santa Juana leads an ensemble cast navigating fate's cruel designs in entertaining fashion, proving that beloved horror franchises can find new life through reimagination.​

16. Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning

Tom Cruise returns for what promises to be the most physically demanding entry yet in this long-running action franchise. The film has grossed $598 million worldwide, continuing the franchise's momentum with signature high-stakes set pieces and Cruise's trademark commitment to practical stunts.

17. How to Train Your Dragon

This animated adaptation brings the beloved franchise to life with stunning visual design and heartfelt storytelling. The film grosses $636 million globally, proving the enduring appeal of this fantasy adventure universe.​

18. Lilo & Stitch

Disney's live-action remake of the classic animated film successfully captures the charm and emotional resonance of the original. With $1.03 billion in worldwide box office, the film stands as one of 2025's biggest commercial successes, introducing a new generation to the story of unlikely ohana.​

19. A Minecraft Movie

This video game adaptation brings the blocky world to life through innovative visual effects. Grossing $957 million globally, the film demonstrates the commercial viability of game-to-film adaptations when executed with genuine creativity.​

20. Ne Zha 2

This international blockbuster dominated the 2025 box office with an astonishing $1.9 billion worldwide gross. As the year's highest-grossing film, Ne Zha 2's success reflects the growing importance of international markets and non-English language films in the global entertainment landscape.​

Honorable Mentions

Beyond the top 20, several films deserve recognition: Elio explores coming-of-age themes with charm, The Life of Chuck offers Mike Flanagan's signature genre-bending storytelling, Black Phone 2 continues the supernatural horror franchise, and Tron: Ares brings legacy sci-fi franchises into stunning new visual territories.

Conclusion

2025 has proven to be an exceptional year for cinema, delivering films that push creative boundaries across every genre. From Paul Thomas Anderson's politically charged action thriller to Guillermo del Toro's tragic Frankenstein adaptation, from intimate horror studies to spectacular blockbusters, this year's films demonstrate that cinema remains a vital medium for storytelling and artistic expression. Whether you prioritize critical acclaim, box office success, or pure entertainment value, this list offers something worth experiencing before the year concludes.