The Optimist's Top Ten Movies of 2025

 

Another year has come and gone, which means another year of movie-going. So many movies came out in 2025 that I was never able to see, and as life goes on it feels like more and more of my time gets taken up by, well...life. But that all said, I was able to see a fair share, and what I present to you are my top ten favorite movies of the year, a feat that becomes harder and harder to do each year because there are so many great movies to choose from! Well, without further adieu, I present to you this year's offerings!

10. The Monkey

As a huge Stephen King fan, I continue to relish the fact that we're living in a wonderful King-aissance, with adaptations of his work being pumped out like crazy. I am all for it, and as a matter of fact, three of the selections on this list are Stephen King adaptations, so strap in. Adapted from his original short story, there’s something quietly relentless and intoxicating about The Monkey that stays with you long after the credits roll. Director Osgood Perkins came out swinging with his powerful film Longlegs, and followed it up with this bonkers, 180-tone-turn of a banger. The story isn't something outlandish in it's construction, but it's the brilliant mix of horror and comedy that really lends itself to something fun, relentless, spooky, and bizarre. The Monkey was a blast through and through, and if you're looking for a spooky, gory, hilarious good time for movie night, this one's worth the view.

9. Together

Speaking of spooky and off-putting, I love when a movie not only keeps you guessing, but also delivers an experience that will stick with you well after the viewing. Together was one of those; a twisted tale about relationships that goes to some wild places, this movie was a trip. Real life couple Dave Franco and Alison Brie deliver performances that feel natural and unguarded, creating a sense of authenticity that definitely draws you in. Conversations feel lived-in, silences feel meaningful, and emotions are allowed to exist without overstatement. The exploration of dependability and co-dependency becomes visceral once the central characters fall to the film's major plot device: water that makes you "whole". I don't want to give too much away, but there are disturbing moments that illustrate the main point that at times leaves you draw-dropped. Visually simple but emotionally rich, Together relies on strong storytelling and genuine chemistry rather than spectacle, although it ends in a particularly spectacular way.

8. Mickey 17

Bong Joon Ho is one of those filmmakers that, whenever he has a new movie out, I don't need to see a trailer; I'm already in. Mickey 17 lands with the kind of assured ambition that only the boldest sci-fi storytellers attempt. From the outset, it feels like a film crafted by someone who deeply respects both the intelligence of their audience and the vast possibilities of the genre. It’s not just narrative sci-fi; it’s introspective, funny, eerie, and deeply human, all at once. Robert Pattinson continues to highlight why he's a powerhouse actor, with range for days. The world-building is as vivid as it is nuanced, and the story is timely, as most of Bong Joon Ho's narratives tend to be. This bizarre sci-fi thrill ride is arguably one of the year's best, in my opinion, but I haven't seen as much love for it as I think it deserves. It's quirky, disturbing, and a blatant mirror to our society, which can be off-putting for some, but I found this movie incredibly entertaining.

7. The Long Walk

Within his vast library of works, I feel, in my humble opinion, that The Long Walk is one of Stephen King's best novels. I never thought it would ever get adapted given its subject matter, but 2025 did not disappoint. The film is a harrowing yet deeply human experience, a movie that strips its characters down to their rawest selves and asks what remains when endurance becomes survival. From start to finish, it maintains an emotional intensity that feels earned rather than exploitative. The performances are exceptional, capturing fear, hope, exhaustion, and resilience. Each character feels distinct, and their interactions create moments of surprising tenderness amid the brutality of their circumstances. This is amazing when you think that by movie's end there is only meant to be one left standing; you get invested knowing full well you'll watch these people fail to reach the end. Visually, it’s stark and unflinching, yet never gratuitous. Gory, yes, but not beyond what the narrative necessitates. What makes the movie so powerful is its empathy, specifically shown by it's central characters Ray Garraty (Cooper Hoffman) and Peter McVries (David Jonsson). This is a challenging film, but a rewarding one; thoughtful, emotionally resonant, and unforgettable. Also...a brilliant adaptation of King's masterful novel.

6. The Life of Chuck

Coming in at number 6 is my last Stephen King adaptation: The Life of Chuck. When in comes to adaptations of King's work, nobody has a track record quite like Mike Flanagan. With Gerald's Game and Doctor Sleep, Flanagan has made a name for being able to adapt works of King that arguably seem unadaptable. The Life of Chuck is no exception. With it's unconventional structure, the film is a deeply moving meditation on existence, memory, and the quiet beauty of being alive. Adapted with remarkable sensitivity, the film unfolds like a series of emotional reflections, gently guiding the audience through moments both profound and ordinary. What makes King's original story so magical is that it embraces a more poetic rhythm, one that mirrors the way we actually remember our lives. Moments overlap, emotions echo, and small details take on immense significance. Flanagan manages to accomplish this within the film, trusting his audience, allowing meaning to emerge organically rather than spelling it out. The performances by Tom Hiddleston and company are tender and sincere, grounding the film’s abstract qualities in genuine humanity. This is a film that doesn’t rush you; it asks you to slow down, reflect, and maybe appreciate the present a little more. By the end, it feels less like you’ve watched a movie and more like you’ve shared a moment. King's story works the same way, which is why...you know...he's the best.

5. Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro is a master. Pain and simple. His span of works are just one fantastic piece after another, exploring monsters and their connection to humanity time and time again, only through different points of view. His reimagining of Frankenstein approaches the classic story with reverence and emotional curiosity. Rather than focusing solely on horror, the film leans into the tragedy and longing at the heart of the tale, crafting a deeply soulful experience. This is all driven mostly by the central performances from Oscar Isaac as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the monster. Their relationship is framed not as simple conflict, but as a complex emotional bond between "father" and "son" shaped by fear, ambition, and regret. The movie is absolutely gorgeous, utilizing del Toro's preference towards the gothic without excess. The film had a brief run in theaters before dropping on Netflix, and I traveled to see it on the big screen. Despite the poor lighting in the theater I watched it in, I felt immersed and engaged every minute. My rewatch at home only enhanced that feeling even more. If you have yet to see this wonderful film, make sure you start your new year off right and do so.

4. Rental Family

Ever since his rightly-deserved Oscar win for his portrayal in The Whale, my boy Brendan Fraser is riding high. When I first saw the trailer for Rental Family, I not only knew I was going to see it, but I didn't expect it to resonate with me in the way that it did. Rental Family is one of those quietly wonderful films that sneaks up on you, gently disarms you, and then lingers in your thoughts long after it ends. At first glance, its premise feels quirky, almost whimsical, but the film quickly reveals itself as something far more sincere and emotionally grounded. It’s a story about connection in a world where loneliness often hides in plain sight, and it treats that theme with compassion and surprising depth. What I think makes Rental Family resonate so strongly is its refusal to judge its characters. In a story about people paying people to play roles in their real lives, it might be easy to judge the clients for considering such a service, or the employees who feel this is a worthy profession. Fraser's character is that connection with the audience, questioning both parties; but through his journey we see why it's best not to be so judgmental. Brendan Fraser is amazing here, as is the rest of the cast, and I was so drawn in and invested throughout the entire runtime. In the world of bombastic stories and films filled with spectacle, Rental Family is one of those palate cleansers that seeps in, latches on, and doesn't let go...and I'm okay with that.

3. Weapons

Okay, the winner for the "WTF Did I Just Watch?!" award definitely goes to Weapons. This movie...is something else, I'll tell ya. But I freakin' loved it. Weapons is a masterclass in controlled tension. From its opening scenes, it establishes an atmosphere thick with uncertainty, inviting the audience to lean forward and pay attention. The narrative structure is brilliant, playing with time and perspective, while fusing tense, harrowing moments with (what I'm choosing to call) "unintentionally intentional" comedy. It was as if the filmmakers were keenly aware of their audience and knew that these uncomfortable moments would lend to laughter without it being outright comedic. The mystery and tension of the film builds masterfully before releasing in one of the most satisfying endings I've seen in a long time. The impact of this movie has taken audiences on a ride since its release; a watercooler movie for sure, Weapons is one you've gotta see. Sometimes I struggle with expressing my thoughts about it to those who haven't seen it because this movie NEEDS to be experienced. So...experience it, if you haven't.

2. Avatar: Fire and Ash

Look, I know there's a bunch of hate out there for James Cameron's Avatar franchise. I don't care. These movies are more than movies; they're true cinematic experiences, and Avatar: Fire and Ash was truly amazing. There’s an undeniable joy in seeing a world you’ve grown to love feel deeper, richer, and more alive than ever before, and that’s precisely what this movie does. Returning to Pandora in 2025 feels akin to rediscovering a favorite place from childhood: familiar yet transformed, comforting yet breathtaking in its scale and detail. This might seem weird to think, but the first movie came out in 2009, and to see how far we've come with technology is astonishing. Right from the opening moments, the film immerses you once more in technological wonders so lush they almost feel tactile. Cameron and his crew have pushed the envelope of visual storytelling yet again, crafting scenes of astounding beauty that pull you fully into Pandora. Was the story similar to the other two films? Yes. It's true that for whatever reason Cameron seems to keep retreading familiar ground, with beats that seem very reminiscent of the past two films. But what struck me most was how this chapter expands its characters with sincerity and heart. The Sully family is central to everything, and this movie feels more centered on them and how the events of the story affect their relationships than ever before. We've grown to care about them, so the immense amount of time and focus spent on them here was really great. The added antagonist of Varang (Oona Chaplin) and the Ash people gave not only greater depth but also higher stakes, as now it wasn't just humas that the Na'vi must contend with. As of writing this, it's still playing in theaters, so see it on the biggest screen you can and in 3D. It's absolutely amazing.

1. Sinners

Sinners should be nominated for Best Picture. Period. This movie arrived with confidence and style, and immediately announced itself as a film unafraid to embrace intensity. Ryan Coogler has crafted something truly special here. I was so moved by this movie that I've thought about moments in this film almost every day since I first watched it. There's a specific scene that still manages to move me when I think about it, a powerful scene of music and dance that celebrates the lasting connection and power of culture. There is a lot that this film aims to do. At the surface it's a vampire movie, but that simplistic depiction is just not enough. This movie is very much about culture, about legacy, about loss, revenge, heartache, and so, so much more. What elevates the film beyond a standard thriller is its emotional intelligence. Sinners isn’t interested in easy answers or simple judgments. It asks difficult questions and trusts the audience to sit with them. By the end, Sinners leaves a strong impression not because it shocks, but because it understands the power of its message. I love that it starts out feeling like one thing, then morphs into something completely different, yet without losing what it gained from the start. It knows what it wants from you as an audience member, and delivers something that, I think, will resonate for years to come.

Well, there you have it. I hope you were able to see lots of awesome movies this year! As always, 2026 promises more incredible moments at the cinema, which I cannot wait to experience! Happy New Year!

Honorable Mentions:

Novacaine

Thunderbolts

Warfare

Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning

Predator: Badlands

The Running Man

Shelby Oaks