- Critics say 2025 delivered a surprisingly rich film crop despite industry turbulence.
- David Sims’ list of the 10 best movies of 2025 anchors a broader roundup of recommendations.
- Editors urge rewatching favorites and seeking out indie, foreign, and documentary gems.
- These picks highlight bold filmmakers, standout performances, and films that reward repeat viewings.
Why 2025 mattered for movies
The year 2025 tested the film industry — from theatrical uncertainty to changing audience habits — but many critics found it fruitful for cinema. Instead of a single runaway trend, critics point to a wide range of standout films: intimate dramas, inventive genre work, sharp documentaries, and daring auteur projects. That diversity makes this an excellent year for viewers looking for fresh discoveries or reasons to revisit favorites.
David Sims’ top 10 anchors the conversation
David Sims compiled a short, influential list of the 10 best movies of 2025 that many editors and readers are using as a starting point. His selections highlight the year’s tonal variety and the filmmakers who pushed craft and storytelling in new directions. If you want a concise primer on the year’s high points, start with his list and then branch out based on the styles or themes that most interest you.
Other critics’ recommendations to explore
Beyond Sims’ top 10, The Atlantic’s critics — curated in Isabel Fattal’s End the Year With Great Movies roundup — offer suggestions for rewatchable titles and under-the-radar discoveries. Key themes among those recommendations:
- Return to beloved films whose details reward a second viewing.
- Seek out smaller indie releases and international work that escaped broad release.
- Watch documentaries and nonfiction features that illuminate timely subjects.
- Look for strong, scene-stealing performances from both established stars and emerging actors.
These picks aren’t just for awards-season devotees. Many choices prioritize emotional truth and craft over spectacle, making them ideal for at-home viewing or cinephile discussion groups.
How to find and watch these films
Start with streaming platforms and PVOD releases, then check specialty arthouse cinemas and festival archives for limited-run titles. Library streaming services and curated film apps often carry foreign and indie titles that larger platforms miss. If a film feels like it deserves a second viewing, set aside time for a rewatch — many of 2025’s best films reveal more on repeat.
Wrap-up: A year to revisit and discover
Despite industry headlines, critics say the best movies of 2025 reward curiosity. Use the recommended top 10 as a roadmap, then follow editors’ suggestions into lesser-known corners of the year’s cinematic output. Whether you choose a rewatch or a new discovery, these films offer memorable performances and bold filmmaking that linger after the credits roll.
Image Referance: https://www.theatlantic.com/newsletters/2025/12/bset-movies-rewatches-2025/685246/