Film critics look back at 2025 and name their picks for the year’s best

Key Concepts

• Film Criticism (2025): Analysis of notable films released in 2025, encompassing blockbusters, independent films, and documentaries.
• Ryan Coogler: Director of "Sinners," highlighted for creative control and originality.
• Superhero Genre: Discussion of the "Superman" film as a successful example within the genre.
• Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” Series: Specifically, “Wake Up, Dead Man” is praised as potentially the best in the series.
• Richard Linklater & Ethan Hawke Collaboration: Focus on the film "Blue Moon" and its unique setting tied to a historical musical moment.
• Documentary Film: Examination of several documentaries, including "The Perfect Neighbor," "Mariska Hargitay: A Mother's Story," "Sly Lives," and "Orwell: Two plus two equals five."
• Animation: Discussion of animated films like "Zootopia 2," "Arc O," and "The Bad Guys 2."

Best Films of 2025: A Critical Overview

I. Blockbuster & Genre Films

The discussion began with larger-scale releases. Film critic, highlighted “Sinners” (directed by Ryan Coogler, starring Michael B. Jordan) as the “movie of the year,” praising not only its quality but also the fact that it was an original story – not based on pre-existing intellectual property. The critic emphasized Coogler’s ability to secure a deal allowing him to realize his creative vision.

Another critic acknowledged the superhero genre, specifically praising the 2025 “Superman” film as a faithful interpretation of the character, stating it was “true to who I think Superman is.”

“Wake up, dead man,” the third installment in Rian Johnson’s “Knives Out” series, was also lauded as potentially the best of the three films, with its intriguing premise involving a priest’s murder and a parish full of suspects. “Weapons” was mentioned for its engaging storytelling, despite acknowledged plot holes, emphasizing the importance of how a story is told.

II. Independent & Smaller Films

The conversation shifted to independent and smaller-scale films. “Blue Moon,” directed by Richard Linklater and starring Ethan Hawke, was recommended for its quiet and thoughtful nature. The film is set on the opening night of “Oklahoma,” and explores the dynamic between Richard Rogers and Oscar Hammerstein II as their partnership faced challenges.

“The secret agent,” a film set in Brazil, was praised for its realistic and documentary-like aesthetic. The critic noted the film’s authentic performances and its ability to make Hollywood productions seem “totally false” in comparison.

III. Documentary Highlights

Documentaries were a strong area in 2025, with several films receiving attention. “The perfect neighbor” was described as a “very upsetting” film detailing a tragic story of harassment and violence against a Black woman and her children.

On a more positive note, a documentary about actress Mariska Hargitay and her mother, Jane Manson, was praised for its honesty, fairness, and heartfelt storytelling. Hargitay’s involvement was credited with “redeeming the whole project.”

“Sly Lives,” a documentary about Sly and the Family Stone, was highlighted for its exploration of the band’s groundbreaking contributions to funk/soul music and their impact on racial and gender boundaries. The critic stated it goes “beyond the usual musical documentary” and examines the “emotional cultural burden placed upon black genius in America.”

“Orwell: Two plus two equals five,” a documentary about George Orwell, was noted for its prescience, drawing parallels between Orwell’s writings and contemporary issues. The critic described it as “lifelike science fiction” due to the disturbingly accurate predictions in Orwell’s work.

IV. Family-Friendly Films & Animation

Several films were suggested for family viewing. “Zootopia 2” was mentioned as a good option for children. “The choral,” starring Ralph Fiennes, was highlighted as a Christmas release set during World War I.

“Arc O,” an animated film about a boy traveling from the future, was praised for its beautiful animation. “The Bad Guys 2,” a sequel to the DreamWorks animated heist comedy, was unexpectedly lauded as a highly enjoyable film, setting a “pretty high” bar for animated sequels.

V. Key Arguments & Perspectives

A central argument throughout the discussion was the importance of originality and creative control in filmmaking, exemplified by the praise for Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners.” The critics also emphasized the value of storytelling how a story is told, even in films with flaws. The documentaries highlighted the power of film to address difficult social issues and to provide insightful historical perspectives.

Conclusion

The 2025 film landscape, as presented by the critics, offered a diverse range of compelling films. From original blockbusters and engaging genre entries to thought-provoking independent films and impactful documentaries, the year provided a wealth of cinematic experiences. The discussion underscored the importance of both creative vision and effective storytelling, as well as the power of film to entertain, inform, and provoke reflection.