2025 Movie Diary

My favorite films of 2025 pushed the boundaries of what Hollywood thought was possible. There were movies that tested the appeal of A-list stars, expanded the reach of horror, confronted our society in real time, and showed the power of adult dramas.

And while I’ll never forget the high highs of the past 12 months, there were plenty of reminders of how boring and repetitive movies can be when studios are just chasing box office receipts.

This year will also stand out for my exploration of cinema history, in part because of joining Letterboxd and getting a Criterion Channel subscription. Some of my favorite movies from this year were discoveries from decades ago and I’ve singled them out so more people can hopefully enjoy them in 2026.

Unfortunately, like past years, there are some awards contenders that came out this year – Hamnet, Is This Thing On?, Blue Moon, Mastermind, Secret Agent, No Other Choice – that I won’t see until next year because of short theatrical releases or non-existent theatrical releases and they’re not on my streaming sites yet. This dynamic resulted in my favorite movie of the year, September 5, being a 2024 release that didn’t get wider distribution until this year.

After the breakout categories you’ll find the remainder of what I watched this year (mostly in chronological order of consumption), with an asterisk to indicate whether I liked it and would recommend it.

Top 10 from 2025

One Battle After Another *(2025) – An expansive, propulsive and funny thriller that skewers our political moment.

Bugonia *(2025) – An hilarious and heartbreaking dark comedy that skewers our burgeoning conspiracy culture and the corporations influencing society. Emma Stone and Jesse Plemmons are delivering heavyweight performances.

Weapons *(2025) – A creative horror tale that plays out like a supernatural version of Prisoners, but with laughs sprinkled in.

Sinners *(2025) – This original, well-paced story from Ryan Coogler creates a vast, lived-in world with familiar vampire tropes that add up to something new and exciting. Plus, twice the Michael B. Jordan!

Megadoc *(2025) – A behind-the-scenes looks at a troubled movie production that feels like a mockumentary because of the larger than life characters and their peculiarities. You could also watch this movie as a tragedy.

Marty Supreme *(2025) – Timothée Chalamet is a bright star (and impressive athlete) at the center of this charming and funny fantasy, which could easily shed 30 minutes of story.

F1 *(2025) – A fun movie star vehicle for Brad Pitt, who is just dripping charm and sex appeal. The ride lasts about 30 minutes too long, but it’s got enough fuel to be entertaining until the end.

Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery *(2025) – A charming return to form thanks to Josh O’Connor and the moody church setting.

Black Bag *(2025) – A fun, fast and sexy mashup of John le Carré’s sensibilities and Clue.

The Phoenician Scheme *(2025) – Ever wonder what a Tony Gilroy movie would feel like if it was written and directed by Wes Anderson? It’s a little repetitive, but always funny and generally heartwarming.

Favorite cinematic discoveries

The Taking of Pelham One Two Three *(1974) – A captivating heist movie whose real magic is the way it captures a hyper-specific slice of NYC life that still resonates half a century later. This was probably my favorite movie consumed at home this year.

Memories of Murder *(2003) – This thriller evokes the work of David Fincher and is masterful in transporting you back to South Korea in the 80s.

The King of Comedy (1982) – A slow burning dark comedy that is a fantastic showcase for Robert Deniro. The real revelation is a young Sandra Bernhard.

Blood Simple *(1984) – This neo-noir mood is perfect and the plot comes together with a bow. It’s a must watch for fans of Fargo.

Four Lions *(2010) – A dark comedy that makes you chuckle constantly until the whimsical plot is consumed by the reality of a suicide bomber’s fate.

Before Sunset *(2004) – Julie Delpy is addictive in this romantic reunion that perfectly captures the natural chemistry of a couple that should be together.

Lost in America (1985) – A charming comedy about the malaise of midlife that features my favorite versions of Albert Brooks and Julie Hagerty.

Tin Men *(1987) – A charming period piece focusing on two low-level scammers whose lives head in very different directions (but sort of end up in the same place) after a fender bender.

Hollywood Shuffle *(1987) – A fun and creative sendup of Hollywood’s history of failing black artists and black moviegoers. Among a strong cast, Robert Townsend’s charm stands out.

Favorite leftovers from 2024

September 5 *(2024) – A journalism thriller that takes off like a rocket ship when the television crew gets to work. An important reflection on the role of the media and its evolution. I bookended my year with this movie and it was still a fast-paced banger on second viewing.

Anora *(2024) – A charming and laugh out loud variation on the Pretty Woman story, but without the fairytale ending. Mikey Madison is sexy, strong and heartbreaking in the title role.

Thelma *(2024) – A laugh-out-loud spoof of action movies that is anchored by June Squibb and is an insightful commentary on aging in America. It also has a ton of heart.

The Apprentice *(2024) – An extremely well acted origin story for Donald Trump and our present culture/political scene. You’re drawn into the world that is created and the drama is paced well.

Friendship *(2024) – I’m stealing this review, but it’s basically “I Love You Man” for Tim Robinson fans. So it’s funny, strange and unlike anything that I’ve ever seen.

The rest of the movies

A Complete Unknown *(2024) – A jukebox biopic that cooks during the musical numbers. There is a strong supporting cast, but Tim Chalamet is undeniably a movie star.

Train Dreams *(2025) – A lovely novella that transports you completely back in time. It speaks to how alone we are in the world and the importance of the meaningful connections in our lives.

28 Years Later *(2025) – A gripping coming-of-age story set in a surreal, zombie universe that feels grounded and lived in. The performances by Alfie Williams and Ralph Fiennes provide new levels of emotional depth to the series.

The Grand Budapest Hotel *(2014) – A charming and funny thriller that is very Wes Anderson. Ralph Fiennes is a perfect center of gravity for this universe. REWATCH

Singin’ in the Rain *(1952) – A Hollywood satire with musical numbers and jokes that resonate seven decades later. Rewatch

Companion *(2025) – A funny horror flick that answers the question of what a Black Mirror episode about millennial assholes and a humanoid robot would look like.

Didi *(2024) – A coming-of-age story from 2008 that is perfectly preserved in amber and has many cringeworthy moments because of how accurately it captures a teen’s struggle to navigate friends, romance, family, and his own identity.

I used to be funny (2024) – A wildly mismarketed drama revolving around the sexual assault of a comedian that uses non-linear storytelling to mixed success and ultimately falls flat because of the plot’s divided attention.

Juror #2 (2024) – A corny whodunnit that is unintentionally funny and made me nostalgic for 12 Angry Men. At least it was under two hours.

Nosferatu *(2024) – A vampire costume drama that is best enjoyed by leaning into the campiness.

The Brutalist *(2024) – A sweeping epic about architecture and the Jewish experience after WWII that had me entranced during the first half and lost me after the literal intermission.

Nightbitch (2024) – An unflinching look at motherhood that delves too deep into the supernatural (for me). The movie is at its best and most relatable when it is grounded.

Empire Records (1995) – So corny and not nearly as insightful as the movie is trying to be. The male leads can’t hang with the female leads, who are shine bright and steal the show.

Fly Me to the Moon (2024) – A fictionalized account of Apollo 11 that has moments of charm, but mostly falls flat and lacks any sense of drama. Way too long.

My Favorite Year *(1982) – A charming period piece with a fun cast of odd ducks. Peter O’Toole is magnetic as an aging star making his television debut on a live comedy program. Rewatch

Woman of the Hour *(2023) – A time-jumping, serial killer thriller that reminds you repeatedly about the casual to serious violence potentially facing women during encounters with men. A thought-provoking experience, but the melodrama is oversold at points.

Blade: Trinity (2004) – What a relic in terms of the cast and style. Rewatch

The Fugitive *(1993) – Too long, but what a great vehicle for Tommy Lee Jones. Rewatch

Escape from New York *(1981) – A fun conceit that feels claustrophobic and a bit lame due to the constraints of the budget and effects of the era. Kurt Russel is a strong presence at the center, but no one else is really fleshed out.

Wicked (2024) – Ariana Grande is a comedic, commanding presence who plays well off of Cynthia Erivo’s melodramatic performance. The music is largely forgettable and the movie is too long.

A Different Man *(2024) – Does looking like Sebastian Stan guarantee happiness? This odd, sometimes funny and occasionally gross movie tells us the answer is “no.”

Will & Harper *(2024) – A conventional documentary focusing on two friends during a cross country road trip. The hook is that one traveler is Will Ferrell and his companion is a long-time friend who recently transitioned to a woman.

Mickey 17 *(2025) – An interesting science fiction premise that is too heavy-handed with the political and social commentary. I found myself chuckling occasionally and enjoying the physical world, but this futuristic farce was overstuffed and dragged.

24 Hour Party People (2002) – A fun sendup of the music industry that may be too British and too dated to be fully enjoyed by an American in 2025.

Okja *(2017) – A dark comedy exploring the seedy underbelly of our capitalist food system. The film is at its best when closest to reality, but too often it becomes cartoonish.

The Electric State (2025) – A visually interesting movie that lacks the depth or emotions of the source material and the story unfolds in a predictable fashion.

Venom: The Last Dance *(2024) – Dumb good fun. I’ll never understand what drove Tom Hardy to make three of these low-rent comic book flicks.

The Parallax View *(1974) – A conspiracy thriller that is a relic of the 60s/70s.

Frost/Nixon *(2008) – This snapshot of American history beams brightest when sticking closest to the original stage play. The process of preparing for and executing an interview are simplified, but ring true. Rewatch

Recount *(2008) – A enjoyable made-for-tv dramatization of a critical event in American political history that is either misunderstood or forgotten. Rewatch

The Northman *(2022) – A Viking revenge tale primarily focused on stunning visuals and a brooding mood. The story is like Nordic Hamlet.

Night Moves *(1975) – Gene Hackman is convincing as a private eye who is like a dog with a bone and can’t let go of the strings he gets entangled in while hunting down a young girl. The gratuitous nudity by a teenager didn’t age well.

Mad Max 2 *(1981) – A dystopian adventure that probably pushed all sort of boundaries at the time, but seems quaint in the context of Mad Max: Fury Road.

Gorky Park (1983) – A murder mystery set in the USSR with cartoonish characters and convenient plotting. I also can’t handle Russian characters speaking English for the movie.

The Order *(2024) – A well acted, but predictable hunt for a breakaway faction of white supremacists. The great premise feels rushed and the world under baked.

Margin Call *(2011) – This tale about the corruptibility of money speaks to me more and more as I get older. Imagine The Big Short, but with no one to root for and the mood of Glengarry Glen Ross.

The Year of Living Dangerously (1982) – There is the seed of a compelling story about a country in the throes of revolution, but it never bloomed. I also never cared about the protagonists and hated the voiceover.

Arbitrage *(2012) – Succession, Uncut Gems, and multiple viewings of Margin Call make this movie seem a bit quaint and safe. Richard Gere is a compelling lead, but the rest of the cast can’t share the screen with him.

Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning (2025) – My least favorite Mission: Impossible film in the series. Too long. Boring action. A real drag.

The Big Short (2015) – An engaging explainer of the 2008 financial crisis, but loses some of its steam on multiple viewing. Rewatch

Conan O’Brien: The Kennedy Center Mark Twain Prize for American Humor *(2025) – A perfect encapsulation of the Conan O’Brien brand of comedy. Big swings, big laughs, and big heart. Is it a movie? Probably not.

Captain America: Brave New World (2025) – Trash. Not fun. The earnest stuff doesn’t work. The action is boring. The political intrigue is flat. It shouldn’t exist.

Mountainhead (2025) – A one-note bore that made me nostalgic for Succession.

25th Hour (2002) – A relic that aged poorly, with its cartoonish characters and chaotic filming. The only redeeming moments are with Barry Pepper and Phillip Seymour-Hoffman.

Materialists *(2025) – A two-dimensional love triangle that is awkwardly plotted. There are some charming scenes, but the movie is too long and never resonates on the right emotional frequency.

Traffic (2000) – A relic in terms of style and messaging.

Thunderbolts *(2025) – A Guardians of the Galaxy-esque return to form by Marvel, while also feeling grounded and somewhat relatable. I want to spend more time with this charming cast of characters, especially really handsome Sebastian Stan.

Zodiac *(2007) – Is it blasphemy to say I like this better as “Mindhunter?” Rewatch

Superman *(2025) – Light, fresh and with just enough schmaltz.

Sovereign *(2025) – A thoughtful examination of how life’s struggles can lead some people to very dark and dangerous places.

Let Them All Talk *(2020) – A familiar hangout movie from Steven Soderbergh, but with a different cast and setting.

Happy Gilmore 2 (2025) – Unfunny nostalgia porn. Margaret Qualley, Scottie Scheffler, Will Zalatoris and Steve Buscemi are hilarious.

Step Brothers *(2008) – In retrospect it’s surprising how slow this movie is, but nothing beats John C. Reilly in his underwear. Rewatch

Army of Shadows (1969) – This voice over and production values make this spy drama feel very dated and inaccessible at points.

Red Rocket *(2021) – Sean Baker is masterful in creating a lived in slice of America and Simon Rex is captivating as a pathetic anti-hero.

Caught Stealing (2025) – A throwback to thrillers of the 80s/90s that is lacking in humor, generally nonsensical and overly reliant on a tragic baseball backstory. Austin Butler and Zoe Kravitz light up the screen when they’re playing movie stars together.

Shampoo *(1975) – Jack Warden is the sneaky star of this comedy reflecting on the politics and sexuality of the late 60s, which may still have something to say in 2025.

In the Heat of the Night *(1967) – The movie crackles and pops when Rod Steiger and Sidney Portier share the screen together. The action scenes are extremely dated and some of the supporting cast are not up for the moment.

Honey Don’t! (2025) – A unsatisfying dark comedy that isn’t amusing and strikes an awkward tone. At least it’s really short.

Rogue One: A Star Wars Story *(2016) – The rare fast paced Star Wars story hits differently after watching Andor. I  wanted more Mon Mothma and some acknowledgement of Luthen. Rewatch

A House of Dynamite *(2025) – A modern telling of Fail Safe that is visually more interesting, but less emotionally impactful.

Ballad of a Small Player (2025) – I was not expecting a moody (paranormal?) noir with a mid-credits dance scene when I signed up for Colin Farrell as a gambler. I would like my money back.

Annie Hall *(1977) – An insightful take on the rise and fall of a relationship that is dragged down by the legacy of Woody Allen.

The Killing of a Sacred Deer (2017) – The flat affectations of every character in this dark comedy took me out of the movie.

Life Is Sweet *(1990) – A charming slice of life about a lower-middle class family that is at its best during the quiet, intimate moments.

The Fantastic 4: First Steps (2025) – A perfectly fine Marvel movie. Nothing memorable or terribly bad.

Y2K *(2024) – The millennial high school experience through the horror lens of Kyle Mooney. It’s not for everyone.

Thelma & Louise *(1991) – The story oscillates between excitement and heartbreak so smoothly that you find yourself mistaking this tragedy for a fun road trip.

I Don’t Understand You (2024) – A comedy of errors that is never funny.

The Ballad of Wallis Island (2025) – A quirky premise producing a sweet movie that is overly formulaic, light on laughs and very British. I was nostalgic for better odd-couple pairings, like Planes, Trains & Automobiles.

The Fabulous Baker Boys *(1989) – A quaint adult drama (by today’s standards) that must have been a sexy smoldering something in the era of basic cable.

The Hangover *(2009) – We use to build things in this country. Rewatch

The Royal Tenenbaums *(2001) – Heart and humor are beautifully blended in this perfect vehicle for Gene Hackman. Rewatch

Good Will Hunting *(1997) – I found myself connecting more than ever to Robin Williams upon this latest viewing. Rewatch

Sorry, Baby *(2025) – The way the story is pieced together made the movie experience seem episodic, but each vignette feels real and lived in.

For Your Consideration *(2006) – A pleasant spoof of Hollywood and the awards industry, but ultimately the movie feels light and underdeveloped. Rewatch

Jay Kelly *(2025) – A pleasant hang with George Clooney that is also a painful reminder of the one life we get to live and the choices we make along the way.

Avatar: The Way of Water (2022) – Not for me. (Full disclosure, I consumed this while doing a “Big Picture” podcast watch along.)

The Candidate *(1972) – Despite the technological changes over the last half century, this dark comedy remains a poignant commentary on American politics. Also, Robert Redford is so hot.

Eddington *(2025) – A dark comedy offering a slice of life from 2020 that goes appropriately off the rails at the end.

Roofman (2025) – Channing Tatum’s charms are largely missing in this period dramedy where the jokes fall flat and the dramatic stakes are predictably cheesy.

The Package (1989) – The plot is far too convoluted and wastes a very charming Tommy Lee Jones.

Seven Days in May *(1964) – A great collection of speeches from some of the most iconic actors American cinema had to offer. Rewatch

Jurassic World Rebirth (2025) – There is no reason for this sixth Jurassic Park sequel to exist. It is almost completely charmless and a waste of Gareth Edwards.

Stand by Me *(1986) –  I recognize the charm of this small-town, coming-of-age story, but I was underwhelmed by the experience.

Tenet *(2020) – The story makes sense, but the plot is basically nonsense unless you have a pHD in made up science and Kenneth Branagh is a cartoon villain. It does look cool and the leading men are dreamy. Rewatch

Die Hard *(1988) – “I hope that wasn’t one of the hostages.” A rewatchable classic. Rewatch

Barton Fink *(1991) – I’m here for the Hollywood satire, but the rest of the movie is too strange for me.

If I Had Legs I’d Kick You *(2025) – Parenting looks really hard and lonely with the wrong partner. Give Rose Byrne all the awards

Warfare *(2025) – A gut punch reminder about the speed and devastation of war. Also a showcase for most young actors in Hollywood.