The query, “What defines movie?” has lengthy stored movie faculty college students and budding theorists awake at night time. But for these of us compiling annual “better of” lists, it stays an thrilling and fascinating pursuit. Fortunately, 2025 offered the PopMatters critics’ crew with an abundance of fabric to work with when discerning our picks for Greatest Movies. This 12 months, we encountered extra highly effective performances and daring artistic concepts than we might probably keep in mind, alongside a stunning variety of unconventional and genre-defying releases. A few of these movies baffled us to the purpose the place we have been uncertain learn how to suggest them to a normal viewers.
As discussions unfolded, opinions diversified broadly; but all agreed {that a} “good” movie in 2025 is one that provides one thing fascinating—a recent idea or perhaps a new perspective on an previous one. Seen by this lens, it’s clear that 2025 stands out as among the finest years for cinema in a very long time. Our eclectic compilation captures the visceral, the absurd, and the morbid, all taking their rightful place in our roundup.
Notably, practically half of our Greatest Movies record consists of works from non-English-speaking filmmakers, marking a powerful 12 months for “world” cinema within the world awards circuit. The remainder embody a wide range of budgets and cultural backgrounds, that includes administrators from hopeful newcomers to established names which have formed the trade.
As you peruse our record of probably the most noteworthy movies of 2025, benefit from the trailers offered and uncover one thing recent to spark your curiosity. Should you’re a movie fanatic and discover your favourite movies lacking from our choice, we hope you are taking no offense. As a personality from Park Chan-wook’s newest masterpiece may say, we had no different alternative. – Ana Yorke
2000 Meters to Andriivka – Director: Mstyslav Chernov (PBS: Frontline)
Mstyslav Chernov’s 2023 documentary, 20 Days in Mariupol, fantastically captures the resilience of Ukrainians going through an unprovoked Russian invasion. In his newest movie, 2000 Meters to Andriivka, he offers a riveting take a look at what occurs when a besieged nation takes a stand.
Following a Ukrainian infantry platoon as they launch an offensive on the Russian-held village of Andriivka throughout the 2023 battle, Chernov captures the painstaking, day-by-day grind of Twenty first-century warfare paying homage to the Western Entrance in World Battle I, albeit with fashionable expertise. The troopers navigate a hazardous hall of deforestation—as soon as a forest, now simply stumps—whereas using grenades and kamikaze drones to drive the Russian forces from their strongholds.
This slow-motion assault typically comes at a excessive price, with troopers dying for inches of terrain. But, regardless of the seemingly futile battle for an thought of a spot, the movie’s topics keep their spirit in a battle the place victory typically feels secondary to the avoidance of defeat. Ruins, they remind us, can at all times be rebuilt. – Chris Barsanti
Black Bag – Director: Steven Soderbergh (Focus Options)
Since his return to directing, Steven Soderbergh has persistently delighted cinema-goers along with his fast-paced style items, paying homage to the Golden Age of Hollywood. Nevertheless, it has been some time since he delivered one thing extra substantial.
Black Bag is a modern, tension-filled narrative a couple of British spy (Michael Fassbender) on a mission to uncover a leaker—who may be his spouse, additionally a spy (Cate Blanchett). With sharp scripting by David Koepp, the movie masterfully weaves suspense with private stakes, rising ever extra intense in a fantastically understated method.
The true stress emerges from the complexities of relationships, culminating in a cocktail party the place a number of civilized spies navigate unstated conflicts over wine and subtext. Black Bag not solely captivates as a spy thriller but in addition excels as a compelling examination of relationships. – Chris Barsanti
Blue Moon – Director: Richard Linklater (Sony Footage)
This 12 months, Richard Linklater has delivered two outstanding movies, reflecting his genius quite than simply being a testomony to the filmmaker’s versatility. Whereas each movies discover influential artists from earlier many years, they diverge vastly in model, environment, and character.
You needn’t be a musical fan to get misplaced in Blue Moon. The movie illuminates the lifetime of lyricist Lorenz Hart, captured splendidly by Ethan Hawke, who portrays Hart’s tumultuous descent into alcoholism and self-doubt.
Primarily set inside a bar, paying homage to Linklater’s lesser-known work, Tape (2001), the movie manages to evade emotions of confinement, as an alternative making a vibrant environment that transcends time and area.
Hawke’s emotional portrayal of Hart is compelling, particularly as he grapples with the overshadowing success of “Oklahoma” penned by his former collaborator Richard Rodgers. Margaret Qualley additionally shines as Hart’s unrequited love curiosity, enriching the movie’s emotional depth. – Alison Ross
Caught Stealing – Director: Darren Aronofsky (Sony Footage)
Dive into the chaos of Caught Stealing, the place epic foolishness involves life by the proficient performances by Austin Butler and Matt Smith. Described as delightfully absurd, the movie revels in its silliness, brimming with witty moments.
Smith’s entrance alone delights, showcasing impeccable verbal and bodily timing, whereas Butler and Zoë Kravitz’s high-paced striptease race raises any eyebrows. The eccentricities of characters just like the Hasidic Drucker brothers and Russian mobster Alexsei (Yuri Kolokolnikov) add layers of allure and unpredictability.
Regardless of a whimsical exterior, the movie’s emotional core resides in Kravitz’s portrayal of Yvonne, Hank’s girlfriend. Her sparse scenes resonate powerfully, fleshing out the movie’s thematic and emotional layers.
Nostalgic but authentic, Caught Stealing stands as a vibrant homage to Nineties cinema whereas avoiding direct imitation. It occupies a novel area, feeling timeless, thus elevating itself past what might have been common escapism. – Paul Risker
Checkpoint Zoo – Director: Joshua Zeman (Osmosis International)
Set in opposition to the backdrop of the continuing Russo-Ukrainian battle, Checkpoint Zoo explores the heartfelt relationship between people and animals amid chaos. The documentary facilities on Feldman Ecopark, a sprawling 350-acre zoo in northern Kharkiv, which has grow to be a refuge amidst missile strikes.
This poignant movie illuminates the bond shared between caretakers and animals, typically revealing the lengths to which people will go to guard their prices, even amidst imminent hazard. As one zoo employee factors out, “There are good choices, and there are proper choices.”
Whereas the battle continues with out decision, Checkpoint Zoo stands as a robust testomony to our reference to all residing beings, transcending the quick narrative of struggle. See additionally: “‘Checkpoint Zoo’ Saves the Animals Two by Two“, by Matt Mahler
KÖLN 75 – Director: Ido Fluk (Zeitgeist)
A lot-loved biopics of musicians typically dominate the field workplace, showcasing their iconic legacies. But, KÖLN 75 affords a recent perspective by specializing in Vera Brandes, a younger German fanatic who confronted quite a few challenges to supply a historic live performance by virtuoso pianist Keith Jarrett.
The movie recounts the monumental live performance that resulted within the best-selling solo jazz album ever, revealing Brandes’s tireless journey to safe funding and collaborations, all whereas battling skepticism, significantly from her father.
Mala Emde’s efficiency as Brandes is nothing wanting good, embodying the fervour and youthful tenacity driving her mission. That is woven with moments of levity—comparable to scenes of her and her pals experimenting with nitrous oxide whereas spinning traditional data.
Finally, KÖLN 75 highlights Brandes’s triumphant story, mixing musical historical past with private coronary heart, showcasing her indomitable spirit all through. – Sal Cataldi
See additionally “A Legendary Keith Jarrett Efficiency Highlights ‘KÖLN 75’“, by Sal Cataldi
Kontinental ‘25 – Director: Radu Jude (Sovereign Movies)
With Kontinental ‘25, Radu Jude presents a scathing examination of a Romanian society in decay, depicting a metropolis gripped by declining morals and rising inequality by the tragic lens of a homeless man’s last moments.
Set in Cluj, the movie juxtaposes a struggling bailiff’s guilt-ridden existence with a somber narrative steeped in absurdity, infusing humor amid the prevailing despair.
On this meditation on modern life, Jude captures the pervasive individualism threatening to erase social cohesion, masterfully encapsulating emotions of alienation and nervousness. Kontinental ‘25 serves as an insightful commentary on fashionable points, making it a must-watch. – Ana Yorke
See additionally “Berlinale Half 3: The Greatest Movies You Often Don’t See Coming”, by Ana Yorke.
Die, My Love – Director: Lynne Ramsay (MUBI)
Lynne Ramsay delivers a visceral expertise in Die, My Love, tailored from Ariana Harwicz’s novel. This psychological journey explores the unraveling of a mom amidst profound wrestle, providing viewers empathy for her plight.
The movie’s outstanding origins hint again to Martin Scorsese, who envisioned Jennifer Lawrence within the lead function, ultimately resulting in Ramsay making a display screen adaptation with celebrated playwright Enda Walsh. Robert Pattinson’s involvement solely provides to the movie’s attract.
Presenting Grace (Lawrence) as a mom going through dire challenges, Die, My Love explores the complexities of postpartum life in opposition to a backdrop of societal expectations and private despair. As Grace grapples with isolation and her evolving id, the movie resonates powerfully, encapsulating the trials confronted by moms universally.
Ramsay’s work doesn’t shrink back from the tough realities of motherhood, portray a candid portrait of emotional strife that stays with the viewers lengthy after viewing. – Ana Yorke
Eddington – Director: Ari Aster (A24)
Ari Aster’s Eddington unfolds as a comic book neo-Western in a distant, financially struggling New Mexico city, characterised by its tight-knit neighborhood. The narrative facilities on Sheriff Joe Cross (Joaquin Phoenix) and Mayor Ted Garcia (Pedro Pascal), whose private battle emerges in opposition to the backdrop of pandemic-related masks mandates.
As their petty disputes escalate into chaos, Joe succumbs to the digital mania of social media, thrusting the small-town drama right into a wider realm of ridicule and absurdity. With shades of Aster’s earlier work, the movie culminates in a whirlwind of violence and surrealism, making social commentary accessible by a style lens.
From his masterful dealing with of ensemble forged dynamics to an exploration of latest American life, Eddington marks Aster’s evolution from horror auteur to a daring commentator on societal points. Anticipate the surprising as Aster pivots in the direction of existential absurdism with thought-provoking aptitude. – Chris Barsanti
See additionally “‘Eddington’ Is a Feverishly Humorous Neo-Western Provocation“, by Chris Barsanti.
Good Information – Director: Byun Sung-hyun (Netflix)
Korean cinema continues to shine in 2025, with Byun Sung-hyun’s Good Information including a novel layer to the dialogue. This darkly comedic narrative offers a recent tackle the 1970 hijacking of a Japanese airplane, intertwining historical past with absurdity.
That includes Japanese militants demanding flights to North Korea, the story contrasts their ambitions in opposition to the backdrop of South Korea’s bureaucratic chaos as brokers scramble to handle the disaster. Fairly than specializing in the broader populace’s woes, the movie satirizes the inefficacies of center administration.
By way of quirky humor and sharp wit, Good Information skillfully critiques how bureaucratic failings can elevate private agendas over the welfare of people caught in dire conditions. The movie is witty, poignant, and well timed, illustrating the chaos of bureaucracies at work. – Ana Yorke
Hamnet – Director: Chloe Zhao (Focus Options)
Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet, an adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel, stands as a poignant exploration of affection and loss centered round William Shakespeare. The movie delves into the emotional depths of a household dealing with tragedy, presenting a nuanced portrayal of grief and resilience.
With Jessie Buckley delivering a surprising efficiency as Agnes Hathaway and Paul Mescal as William, Zhao ensures the narrative shouldn’t be solely about despair but in addition about human fortitude amid heartache. Set in opposition to fantastically rendered backdrops, Buckley’s portrayal of Agnes captivates as she navigates motherhood and the realities of life.
This movie challenges standard narratives about loss, presenting a narrative of endurance and love that persists even amidst overwhelming sorrow. Hamnet isn’t just a movie about Shakespeare; it’s a common story about sustaining power in tough instances, a story that resonates deeply with audiences. – Ana Yorke
