I watched around 65 new-to-me movies in 2025, some at home and some in the theater. Here are a few of my favorites, plus a superlative for each:
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps: For me, this is hands-down my favorite movie of the year, as it’s so full of hope and joy. (see original article)
- K-Pop Demon Hunters: Best music (Golden is my song of the year)
- Sinners: Best cinematography
- We Live in Time: Best heartbreak
- A Real Pain: Best acting (and writing to support the action) by Kieran Culkin
- The Ballad of Wallis Island: Best remote film
- Predator Killer of Killers: Best animated action
- Wake Up Dead Man: Best at reflecting on the current political situation
- How to Train Your Dragon (live action): Best at renewing my faith in live-action remakes
- F1: Best at helping me understand a sport I know nothing about
What were some of your favorite movies that you watched for the first time in 2025? Which move do you think you’re most likely to rewatch first?
I like Soda Pop more. It’s more fun even if it encourages diabetes.
I don’t record what movies I see so I may be forgetting some good ones, but here are 3 that I enjoyed.
The History of Sound – beautiful period piece about love, regret, & music set in early 20th century New England mainly. Based on a story from Ben Shattuck’s wonderful short story collection of the same name.
One Battle After Another – epic action movie – came very highly recommended by my son and I really enjoyed it.
Pike River – New Zealand drama about a recent (2010) coal mining disaster (and its aftermath) and the impacts on people in a small NZ town. Very moving, but particularly so I think for any Kiwis watching it.
Thanks for sharing your favorites! I saw One Battle After Another and really liked it (very intense, though).