- Times readers voted on the best films of 2025, producing a top-50 list that mixes blockbusters and art-house fare.
- Standouts named by readers include Marty Supreme and One Battle After Another; controversial titles like Eddington and Friendship also ranked highly.
- Documentaries and smaller releases fared unevenly, while many readers agreed with critics on several top picks.
Readers weigh in on 2025’s best movies
Thousands of New York Times readers cast votes for their favorite films of 2025, producing a list that ranges from big box-office hits to small, daring art-house projects. The results were revealing: familiar studio pictures sat alongside unexpected crowd favorites, and some divisive titles earned passionate support.
Top picks and surprises
Among the most-discussed entries were Marty Supreme and One Battle After Another — the latter appearing at No. 1 on some critics’ lists and earning prominent placement in the readers’ tally. Other titles that generated strong reader interest included the controversial Eddington and the debate-sparking Friendship, both of which ranked higher with readers than with many critics.
The mix shows how audience tastes often overlap with, but sometimes diverge from, critics’ choices. The Times’ critics and expert panels previously released their Top 10 and 25 notable films of the year; readers’ votes reaffirmed several of those selections while elevating a few crowd-pleasers and cult favorites.
Blockbusters vs. art-house
Readers’ votes underlined a clear split: major studio releases with broad appeal and streaming-friendly titles drew large numbers of fans, while indie films that dominated festival coverage also found devoted followings. Documentaries, by contrast, made only a modest showing on the readers’ list, suggesting they remain more of a critics’ or festival favorite than a mainstream pick.
What this means for new movies to stream
For viewers deciding what to watch next, the readers’ list is a useful snapshot of 2025’s standout films — including titles now available on streaming platforms. If you’re scanning for new movies to stream, the readers’ picks offer a mix of safe bets and discovery options: award-season contenders, popular franchises, and smaller films that earned enthusiastic word-of-mouth.
Where to find the full list
The Times published the full top-50 readers’ list alongside its critics’ and experts’ selections, giving movie fans a broad view of the year’s highlights. Whether you follow critics or fellow viewers, the combined lists map out 2025’s cinematic moments: crowd-pleasing spectacles, intimate indies, and the occasional polarizing hit that keeps conversation alive into the new year.
Keep an eye on streaming platforms and local theaters — many of the readers’ favorites will continue to appear on watchlists and rotation through awards season and beyond.
Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/movies/2025-best-movies-marty-supreme.html