Top 25 Best Movies of 2025 (So Far) – Part 1
As 2025 speeds by, the cinematic landscape has already delivered a diverse array of films, from highly anticipated blockbusters to critically acclaimed independent features. With stunning visuals, gripping narratives, and unforgettable performances, we’re taking a look back at the standout movies that have captured our attention and left a lasting impression. From heart-pounding action to thought-provoking dramas and laugh-out-loud comedies, here’s part 1 of our list of the top 25 best movies of 2025 that you shouldn’t miss.
Discover 25 Best Movies of 2025
25. The Encampments
Michael T. Workman and Kei Pritsker’s “The Encampments” is a crucial, timely documentary examining America’s suppression of freedom when it conflicts with maintaining the status quo, especially concerning pro-Palestine movements. It’s a powerful statement on hypocrisy, reinforcing a message still vital to propagate.
24. The Wave
Sebastián Lelio’s musical “The Wave,” inspired by Chilean feminist student protests, is a forceful and genuinely stimulating attempt at allyship. Despite its long runtime, the film channels the energy of the movement, acknowledging the complexities of fostering a truly inclusive campaign.
23. F1
Joseph Kosinski’s “F1” follows the successful “Top Gun: Maverick” formula, proving Kosinski’s directorial prowess beyond Tom Cruise. This sincere and simple Formula One feature delivers thrilling action and keeps the audience engaged, solidifying his ability to craft effective blockbusters.
22. Magellan
Lav Diaz’s “Magellan” is a rare accessible entry in the Filipino filmmaker’s oeuvre. This two-and-a-half-hour color drama, starring a relatively famous actor, sacrifices none of Diaz’s density in its bleak examination of colonial expansionism and the horrifying banality of indigenous extermination.
21. Black Bag
Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag” is a surprisingly strong spy thriller, marking the director’s best film in years. With a cohesive script from David Koepp and a slick cast, it offers an incisively intriguing look at espionage intertwined with marital devotion, showcasing Soderbergh’s clinical precision to great effect.
20. Highest 2 Lowest
Spike Lee’s reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s “High and Low,” “Highest 2 Lowest,” is a propulsive and charismatic take on class commentary set in contemporary New York. Anchored by Denzel Washington and A$AP Rocky, it reimagines the classic with Lee’s signature “no fucks given” attitude, focusing on family as the ultimate driving force.
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19. Grand Theft Hamlet
Sam Crane and Pinny Grylls’s “Grand Theft Hamlet” is an unexpected and potent documentary that marries Shakespeare and Grand Theft Auto. It’s a fascinating meditation on the enduring power of the Bard’s words and a unique reflection on the communal warmth of theater during the pandemic era.
18. The Wedding Banquet
Andrew Ahn’s remake of Ang Lee’s “The Wedding Banquet” reunites with original screenwriter James Schamus to re-envision the challenges of intercultural LGBTQ+ relationships today. With heart and sincerity, it finds its own reason to exist, allowing its cast’s chemistry to shine and exploring love in a shifting, often intolerant, landscape.
17. Young Mothers
The Dardenne brothers’ “Young Mothers” maintains their signature neorealist-influenced style and empathy, focusing on a group of teen mothers navigating life’s daunting challenges. This film offers a refreshing ray of hope in the solidarity felt between these young women as they face disparate problems with courage and strength.
16. Den of Thieves 2: Pantera
Despite its January release, Christian Gudegast’s “Den of Thieves 2: Pantera” elevates the “Dudes Rock” cinematic experience. This tighter, more engaged sequel allows Gerard Butler to shine as the “undisputed king of January,” delivering a bombastic and surprisingly precise heist along the Mediterranean coast.
15. Woman and Child
Saeed Roustaee’s “Woman and Child” is an undeniably engaging and full-fledged melodrama, showcasing the director’s love for towering group shots and performances. With a shattering central performance from Parinaz Izadyar, this film is an unwavering, heartbreaking domestic drama focused on a family succumbing to social suffocation.
14. Sentimental Value
Joachim Trier’s “Sentimental Value,” a clear standout from Cannes, reunites with Renate Reinsve to explore the unspoken complications of finding oneself in the modern world, especially with familial baggage. Elevated by powerful performances, particularly Stellan Skarsgård as the absent father, the film examines life’s unraveling through art and the elusive nature of hindsight.
13. Sound of Falling
Mascha Schilinski’s “Sound of Falling” is a haunting and often impenetrable examination of death and depression. Its ethereal grasp of editing and imagery creates a chilling celestial pull, weaving together four generations of women weighed down by their burdens in a raw, powerful, and uniquely cohesive way.
The Bottom Line
This initial glimpse into the best films of 2025 so far reveals a vibrant and reflective cinematic year. From powerful documentaries shedding light on global injustices to intimate dramas exploring family dynamics and identity, filmmakers are clearly engaging with urgent social issues and the complexities of the human condition. We’ve only just scratched the surface of the cinematic treasures 2025 has offered! Now, let’s continue our journey through the year’s standout films with part 2 of our list, featuring more must-see movies that have defined the year so far.