Like every year, I created a list of my
favorite films. It’s based on Dutch release dates, so you might see some movies
on this list that are originally from 2024, but came out in 2025 in The
Netherlands. And you will miss movies, because they will be released in 2026 or
I just simply haven’t seen it yet. Since I don’t get to see EVERY film. I
thought it was a pretty solid movie year. Here is my list, my 20 favorite films
of 2025.
20. Paddington in Peru
Kicking of the list with the world’s most polite bear. If any film on this list resembles a warm hug, it’s this one. Although not as impactful as the previous two, “Paddington in Peru” proves that everyone’s favorite bear is still the gold standard for family cinema. Moving the action from London to the landscapes of the Amazon. Whimsical and witty, while adding a thrilling adventure in Peru. A perfect film for a family movie night. Or for anyone who just loves Paddington, like me. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
19. Saturday Night
Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” is an engaging underdog story that captures the chaos of the 90 minutes leading up to the debut episode of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. It’s an energetic somewhat nerve-wrecking film, in real-time, showing us the messy magic of television. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
18. The Thursday Murder Club
This might not be seen as one of the best movies of 2025, but this is personal. As a big fan of Richard Osman’s book series, I absolutely needed this film. And it’s a delightful and witty adaptation of the bestselling novel. It captures the heart, humor and suspense of its source material. An old-fashioned, cozy murder mystery. And when I was skeptic about Pierce Brosnan as Ron, I was pleasantly surprised. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
17. Ocean with David
Attenborough
The first of two documentaries on this list. And when it comes to nature documentaries, David Attenborough is the master. “Ocean with David Attenborough” is a profoundly important film that serves as a powerful call to action for the planet’s future. Released to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday, the film pairs his rich, timeless voice with spectacular cinematography of vibrant coral reefs and deep-sea wonders. While it delivers a sucker punch by exposing the horror of industrial overfishing and habitat destruction, it masterfully balances this despair with a ray of optimism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
16. Warfare
“Warfare” is an uncompromising and unforgettable masterclass in tension. With a traditional narrative, the film uses a real-time structure to recreate a harrowing 2006 Navy SEAL mission with so much realism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
15. Fantastic Four: First
Steps
I had high hopes for this movie and really looked forward to seeing it. And it didn’t disappoint. The retro-futuristic 1960s world feels both nostalgic and entirely fresh. The film is visually stunning and the ensemble cast have the best chemistry, with Vanessa Kirby as the heart of it all, delivering an emotionally powerful standout performance. I was a bit tired of Marvel, but this movie proofs they are not dead yet. READ MYFULL REVIEW HERE.
14. Mission: Impossible – The
Final Reckoning
The final film in the series, or so they say, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The perfect blockbuster, high-stakes emotional callbacks, jaw-dropping stunts. Tom Cruise in peak form, whether he is dangling from a plane or navigating an underwater submarine sequence. While the film is nearly three hours long, it pays off with an amazing final act and a heart-pounding conclusion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
13. Nosferatu
Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is a magnificent horror film, that reclaims the vampire as a source of pure sinister nightmare fuel. Shifting the focus to Ellen Hutter, a wonderful performance by Lily-Rose Depp, capturing the visceral terror of a woman in thrall to an ancient evil. Bill Skarsgård embodies Count Orlok, with a super creepy performance. It’s an immersive fever dream, as almost all of Robert Eggers’ films are. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
12. Companion
“Companion” is a clever, original sci-fi horror comedy, that successfully subverts expectations at every turn. Sophie Thatcher is magnetic as Iris and Jack Quaid is equally impressive, delivering a performance that seems like the nice guy, but is eventually far from that. I think this was my biggest surprise this year and a film that will probably be overlooked by a lot of people. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
11. How to Train Your Dragon
As a fan of the animation, I was so excited to see it being turned into a live-action movie. Was it necessary? Probably not, but I’m glad it exists. It is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging live-action reimagining that breathes new life into the beloved animation. The film captures the heart and soul of the first story while offering a more grounded mature tone. Mason Thames is well cast as the earnest, awkward hiccup and his chemistry with Nico Parker’s Astrid is present. Gerard Butler plays father Stoick, who he also provided the voice for in the animated version. And John Powell’s iconic score is also in it, which is one of my favorite scores of all-time. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
10. A Real Pain
As two mismatched cousins tour Polan to honor their late grandmother, their old tension resurface against the backdrop of their family history. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who alongside Kieran Culkins also stars in it. Culkin won an Academy Award for his role, well-deserved. A smaller film with a ton of emotion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
9. Frankenstein
The story of “Frankenstein”, based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley, has been told so many times. But somehow Guillermo del Toro is the director that was made to do it too. He managed to create a faithful and emotionally resonant adaptation of the book. Jacob Elordi was a surprising choice for the monster, but his performance was amazing. A deeply human portrayal of the Creature. And Oscar Isaac is riveting as a tormented arrogant Victor Frankenstein. The gothic atmosphere is right up del Toro’s alley. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
8. Sinners
This movie is best viewed with having no prior knowledge of the plot. This movie will definitely blow your mind. Twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, open their own club in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. Leaving their troubled lives behind, they are trying to start over, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Director Ryan Coogler reinvents a horror subgenre through a rich Southern Gothic lens. Michael B. Jordan delivers a career-defining dual performance, anchoring the story that masterfully blends horror with a look on Black American history and the power of community. One of the two films on this list that Inhave rewatched already. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
7. Sing Sing
A group of prisoners form a theater group. Not your traditional prison drama, but a hopeful testament to the redemptive power of art. Coleman Domingo delivers a riveting and unforgettable performance as Divine G, a wrongfully convicted man who finds his humanity through a prison theater program. The film is authentic, mostly because of the unique ensemble cast, featuring real-life alumni of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program playing fictionalized versions of themselves. “Sing Sing” is a authentic and powerful film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
6. Springsteen: Deliver Me from Nowhere
I was surprised to see that it didn’t get the best reviews. People were disappointed, because it didn’t follow the standard formula of a biopic. But I believe that’s the power of this film, because we have seen that type of biopic way too many times. In “Deliver Me from Nowhere”, we focus on a more unknown part of Bruce Springsteen’s life, during the making of his album “Nebraska”. When everyone around him want to make an album with hits, Springsteen just wanted to write these personal songs, no hits, no tour. It’s a raw, emotional and hauntingly beautiful film, with a great performance from Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen. Went to see it with my dad, a Springsteen fan, and we both really loved every minute of it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
5. Materialists
I expected a standard romcom, merely went to see it for the cast. And I’m not a lover of romantic comedies, with a few exceptions here and there. But director Celine Song made a mature deconstruction of the modern romcom. Dakota Johnson’s character is layered and as a professional matchmaker she is caught in a fascinating ideological tug-of-war between two vastly different men: a wealthy, polished suitor played by Pedro Pascal and a scruffy, soulful ex played by Chris Evans. The story touches on some tough themes, creating depth for both the characters and the stories. Loved it more then I expected. For the fans of typical, predictable romcoms, this is not the one for you. That’s why I loved it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
4. John Candy: I Like Me
I don’t think a documentary has ever ended up this high on my end-of-the-year list. If you didn’t grow up on John Candy movies, you will probably not feel the same while watching this film. “John Candy: I Like Me” is a heartfelt and heartbreaking documentary that serves as the definitive tribute to a one-of-a-kind comedy legend. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film masterfully weaves together never-before-seen home videos with interviews from stars like Steve Martin, Dan Ayrkoryd, Catherine O’Hara and Tom Hanks. This documentary had me in tears within the first five minutes. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
3. Weapons
This is the year’s “what the fuck did I just what”-movie. Directed by Zach Cregger, who also made “Barbarian”. He gives us an original, surprising and shocking horror film. The story is told in a non-linear structure, where an entire elementary class disappears, aside from one kid, with no explanation whatsoever. Weirdly wonderful and unforgettable. READMY FULL REVIEW HERE.
2. One Battle After Another
“One Battle After Another” is a bold and exhilarating crime thriller, from director Paul Thomas Anderson. He manages to combine nerve-shredding thriller with satire. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an inspired performance that is very reminiscent of The Dude from “The Big Lebowski”. Newcomer Chase Infinity really steals the show and Sean Penn is one of the most disgusting, awful characters I’ve seen this year. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
1. Wake Up Dead Man
The last 2025 movie I watched this year ended up being my favorite. I saw most of the films in my top 5 at the very end of the year. “Wake Up Dead Man” is a brilliant third entry in Rian Johnson’s whodunit “Knives Out” franchise. It’s masterfully blending the series’ signature wit with a darker, more contemplative tone. While Daniel Craig remains as charismatic as ever, Josh O’Connor delivers a standout performance as the earnest Father Jud, who serves as the film’s emotional anchor. The atmospheric gothic church is the backdrop of this well-crafted murder mystery. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
Kicking of the list with the world’s most polite bear. If any film on this list resembles a warm hug, it’s this one. Although not as impactful as the previous two, “Paddington in Peru” proves that everyone’s favorite bear is still the gold standard for family cinema. Moving the action from London to the landscapes of the Amazon. Whimsical and witty, while adding a thrilling adventure in Peru. A perfect film for a family movie night. Or for anyone who just loves Paddington, like me. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
Jason Reitman’s “Saturday Night” is an engaging underdog story that captures the chaos of the 90 minutes leading up to the debut episode of “Saturday Night Live” in 1975. It’s an energetic somewhat nerve-wrecking film, in real-time, showing us the messy magic of television. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
This might not be seen as one of the best movies of 2025, but this is personal. As a big fan of Richard Osman’s book series, I absolutely needed this film. And it’s a delightful and witty adaptation of the bestselling novel. It captures the heart, humor and suspense of its source material. An old-fashioned, cozy murder mystery. And when I was skeptic about Pierce Brosnan as Ron, I was pleasantly surprised. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
The first of two documentaries on this list. And when it comes to nature documentaries, David Attenborough is the master. “Ocean with David Attenborough” is a profoundly important film that serves as a powerful call to action for the planet’s future. Released to mark Sir David Attenborough’s 99th birthday, the film pairs his rich, timeless voice with spectacular cinematography of vibrant coral reefs and deep-sea wonders. While it delivers a sucker punch by exposing the horror of industrial overfishing and habitat destruction, it masterfully balances this despair with a ray of optimism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
“Warfare” is an uncompromising and unforgettable masterclass in tension. With a traditional narrative, the film uses a real-time structure to recreate a harrowing 2006 Navy SEAL mission with so much realism. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
I had high hopes for this movie and really looked forward to seeing it. And it didn’t disappoint. The retro-futuristic 1960s world feels both nostalgic and entirely fresh. The film is visually stunning and the ensemble cast have the best chemistry, with Vanessa Kirby as the heart of it all, delivering an emotionally powerful standout performance. I was a bit tired of Marvel, but this movie proofs they are not dead yet. READ MYFULL REVIEW HERE.
The final film in the series, or so they say, directed by Christopher McQuarrie. The perfect blockbuster, high-stakes emotional callbacks, jaw-dropping stunts. Tom Cruise in peak form, whether he is dangling from a plane or navigating an underwater submarine sequence. While the film is nearly three hours long, it pays off with an amazing final act and a heart-pounding conclusion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
Robert Eggers’ “Nosferatu” is a magnificent horror film, that reclaims the vampire as a source of pure sinister nightmare fuel. Shifting the focus to Ellen Hutter, a wonderful performance by Lily-Rose Depp, capturing the visceral terror of a woman in thrall to an ancient evil. Bill Skarsgård embodies Count Orlok, with a super creepy performance. It’s an immersive fever dream, as almost all of Robert Eggers’ films are. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
“Companion” is a clever, original sci-fi horror comedy, that successfully subverts expectations at every turn. Sophie Thatcher is magnetic as Iris and Jack Quaid is equally impressive, delivering a performance that seems like the nice guy, but is eventually far from that. I think this was my biggest surprise this year and a film that will probably be overlooked by a lot of people. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
As a fan of the animation, I was so excited to see it being turned into a live-action movie. Was it necessary? Probably not, but I’m glad it exists. It is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging live-action reimagining that breathes new life into the beloved animation. The film captures the heart and soul of the first story while offering a more grounded mature tone. Mason Thames is well cast as the earnest, awkward hiccup and his chemistry with Nico Parker’s Astrid is present. Gerard Butler plays father Stoick, who he also provided the voice for in the animated version. And John Powell’s iconic score is also in it, which is one of my favorite scores of all-time. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
As two mismatched cousins tour Polan to honor their late grandmother, their old tension resurface against the backdrop of their family history. Written and directed by Jesse Eisenberg, who alongside Kieran Culkins also stars in it. Culkin won an Academy Award for his role, well-deserved. A smaller film with a ton of emotion. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
The story of “Frankenstein”, based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley, has been told so many times. But somehow Guillermo del Toro is the director that was made to do it too. He managed to create a faithful and emotionally resonant adaptation of the book. Jacob Elordi was a surprising choice for the monster, but his performance was amazing. A deeply human portrayal of the Creature. And Oscar Isaac is riveting as a tormented arrogant Victor Frankenstein. The gothic atmosphere is right up del Toro’s alley. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
This movie is best viewed with having no prior knowledge of the plot. This movie will definitely blow your mind. Twin brothers Smoke and Stack, both played by Michael B. Jordan, open their own club in Mississippi during the Jim Crow era. Leaving their troubled lives behind, they are trying to start over, only to discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Director Ryan Coogler reinvents a horror subgenre through a rich Southern Gothic lens. Michael B. Jordan delivers a career-defining dual performance, anchoring the story that masterfully blends horror with a look on Black American history and the power of community. One of the two films on this list that Inhave rewatched already. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
A group of prisoners form a theater group. Not your traditional prison drama, but a hopeful testament to the redemptive power of art. Coleman Domingo delivers a riveting and unforgettable performance as Divine G, a wrongfully convicted man who finds his humanity through a prison theater program. The film is authentic, mostly because of the unique ensemble cast, featuring real-life alumni of the Rehabilitation Through the Arts program playing fictionalized versions of themselves. “Sing Sing” is a authentic and powerful film. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
I was surprised to see that it didn’t get the best reviews. People were disappointed, because it didn’t follow the standard formula of a biopic. But I believe that’s the power of this film, because we have seen that type of biopic way too many times. In “Deliver Me from Nowhere”, we focus on a more unknown part of Bruce Springsteen’s life, during the making of his album “Nebraska”. When everyone around him want to make an album with hits, Springsteen just wanted to write these personal songs, no hits, no tour. It’s a raw, emotional and hauntingly beautiful film, with a great performance from Jeremy Allen White as Springsteen. Went to see it with my dad, a Springsteen fan, and we both really loved every minute of it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
I expected a standard romcom, merely went to see it for the cast. And I’m not a lover of romantic comedies, with a few exceptions here and there. But director Celine Song made a mature deconstruction of the modern romcom. Dakota Johnson’s character is layered and as a professional matchmaker she is caught in a fascinating ideological tug-of-war between two vastly different men: a wealthy, polished suitor played by Pedro Pascal and a scruffy, soulful ex played by Chris Evans. The story touches on some tough themes, creating depth for both the characters and the stories. Loved it more then I expected. For the fans of typical, predictable romcoms, this is not the one for you. That’s why I loved it. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
I don’t think a documentary has ever ended up this high on my end-of-the-year list. If you didn’t grow up on John Candy movies, you will probably not feel the same while watching this film. “John Candy: I Like Me” is a heartfelt and heartbreaking documentary that serves as the definitive tribute to a one-of-a-kind comedy legend. Directed by Colin Hanks and produced by Ryan Reynolds, the film masterfully weaves together never-before-seen home videos with interviews from stars like Steve Martin, Dan Ayrkoryd, Catherine O’Hara and Tom Hanks. This documentary had me in tears within the first five minutes. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
This is the year’s “what the fuck did I just what”-movie. Directed by Zach Cregger, who also made “Barbarian”. He gives us an original, surprising and shocking horror film. The story is told in a non-linear structure, where an entire elementary class disappears, aside from one kid, with no explanation whatsoever. Weirdly wonderful and unforgettable. READMY FULL REVIEW HERE.
“One Battle After Another” is a bold and exhilarating crime thriller, from director Paul Thomas Anderson. He manages to combine nerve-shredding thriller with satire. Leonardo DiCaprio delivers an inspired performance that is very reminiscent of The Dude from “The Big Lebowski”. Newcomer Chase Infinity really steals the show and Sean Penn is one of the most disgusting, awful characters I’ve seen this year. READ MY FULL REVIEW HERE.
The last 2025 movie I watched this year ended up being my favorite. I saw most of the films in my top 5 at the very end of the year. “Wake Up Dead Man” is a brilliant third entry in Rian Johnson’s whodunit “Knives Out” franchise. It’s masterfully blending the series’ signature wit with a darker, more contemplative tone. While Daniel Craig remains as charismatic as ever, Josh O’Connor delivers a standout performance as the earnest Father Jud, who serves as the film’s emotional anchor. The atmospheric gothic church is the backdrop of this well-crafted murder mystery. READ MY FULLREVIEW HERE.
Honorable mentions: Better Man, Baby Girl, Final Destination: Bloodlines, Steve,
Thunderbolts, F1, 28 Years Later
