The 10 Best Films of 2025

Ah, 2025. A year where cinema had us ready to laugh, cry and occasionally question our life choices. This year’s best films didn’t just entertain us, though. They challenged, provoked, and, in some cases, left us emotionally wrecked in the best way possible. 

And it just so happens that one of the best films of the year was made by Dallas’ own. From Texas ties to international triumphs, here’s a countdown of the 10 best films of 2025.

10. Sirāt

Let’s start with a gut punch, shall we? Sirāt, Spain’s official submission for the international film circuit, is a brutal, unrelenting exploration of humanity’s darkest corners. Directed by Oliver Laxe, this film is a workshop in tension, with a narrative that builds like a relentless EDM track — buildups, hooks and devastating drops. The story follows a group of travelers navigating a treacherous desert, both literally and metaphorically, as they confront their own moral failings. It’s not for the faint of heart, but those who endure will find themselves haunted by its unforgettable sequences. Pro tip: don’t watch this on a tired heart.

Now showing at AMC DINE-In Mesquite 30.

9. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

Rose Byrne delivers a career-defining performance in this raw, nightmarish dive into postpartum depression. Think Uncut Gems with a maternal twist. Byrne’s character spirals through a series of increasingly intense and cringe-inducing moments, all while grappling with the weight of motherhood. Yet, amidst the chaos, the film finds a surprising emotional core. It’s a tough sit, but one that lingers long after.

Now available to rent for $9.99 on premium VOD platforms, including Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

8. Sorry, Baby

Eva Victor’s triple-threat debut as writer, director and star is a revelation. Sorry, Baby is a darkly funny, emotionally intelligent exploration of relationships, self-worth and the lies we tell ourselves to survive. The script crackles with wit, and Victor’s performance is as sharp as her pen. The film’s ending, where the title’s meaning becomes clear, is a chef’s kiss moment that’ll leave you grinning through your tears.

Now streaming on HBO Max and available to rent starting at just $4.99 on Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

7. Blue Moon

Texas, represent. Richard Linklater returns with Blue Moon, a poignant exploration of time, friendship and the death of true art. Ethan Hawke delivers the year’s best male lead performance as a man watching his creative partner achieve success while he drowns in regret. The dialogue is razor-sharp, the pacing relentless and the emotional stakes are sky-high. It’s a film that cuts deep and will have you pondering its stinging universal truths.

Now available to rent for $19.99 on premium VOD platforms, including Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

6. Jay Kelly

Yes, it’s a “sad, rich, white person’s movie,” but Jay Kelly transcends its premise with a specificity and charm that’s impossible to resist. Adam Sandler and George Clooney shine in this reflective tale of a man receiving a lifetime achievement award while grappling with his past. Think It’s a Wonderful Life for the modern age, with poetic setups and payoffs that hit like a warm hug. And that ending? It’s a final line that’s pure magic.

Now streaming on Netflix.

5. Warfare

If Warfare doesn’t leave you emotionally shell-shocked, check your pulse. This visceral war film, based on the Iraq War, drops you into the chaos of combat, capturing the psychological toll of battle with unflinching intensity. It’s a spiritual cousin to Apocalypse Now and Full Metal Jacket, but with a modern edge that feels uniquely its own. Criminally overlooked this awards season, Warfare is destined to be a future classic.

Now streaming on HBO Max and available to rent starting at $4.99 on Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

4. Superman

James Gunn’s Superman is the superhero movie we didn’t know we needed. Equal parts punk rock and heartfelt, it redefines the Man of Steel for a new generation. Sure, there are plenty of explosions, as is to be expected, but the real fireworks come from the film’s extended conversations, where characters challenge each other’s beliefs with wit and wisdom. It’s funny, sweet and deeply human — a reminder that being a hero is about more than just punching bad guys.

Now streaming on HBO Max and available to rent at just $5 on Prime Video.

3. One Battle After Another

Paul Thomas Anderson strikes gold again with this layered, high-octane drama set in West Texas. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn and Benicio Del Toro, the film is a masterclass in tension and character dynamics. From Leo’s iconic whistling to Penn’s intense performance, One Battle After Another is a cinematic feast that keeps you on your toes. It’s a simple concept executed with unparalleled skill, proving once again why PTA is one of the greats.

Now showing at Cinemark XD and IMAX and available to rent starting at $9.99 on Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

2. Train Dreams

Dallas filmmaker Clint Bentley delivers a quiet masterpiece with Train Dreams. This gorgeously shot film is a meditation on grief, America and the passage of time. Its minimalist approach speaks volumes, with every frame and line of dialogue carrying immense weight. The emotional impact is seismic, leaving you breathless and introspective. It’s a love letter to the power of cinema, and a triumph for Texas. If this one doesn’t score an Academy Award nomination, we’ll be shocked.

Now streaming on Netflix.

1. Sinners

Sinners may have been the first to arrive at the awards party, debuting back in April, but it bared its sharp cinematic teeth all the way through 2025. Ryan Coogler’s latest is nothing short of a towering achievement, seamlessly blending personal storytelling with genre-driven thrills to create something truly extraordinary. With profound depth, it captures the Black experience, weaving together history, music and poetry into a rich, emotionally resonant tapestry. Not only is Sinners the best film of the year, but it stands tall as one of the decade’s most remarkable works.

Now streaming on HBO Max and available to rent starting at just $4.99 on Apple TV, Prime Video and Fandango at Home.

Honorable Mentions

Because narrowing it down to 10 was pure agony, here are a few more gems worth your time: Weapons, V/H/S/Halloween, Frankenstein, 28 Years Later, Avatar: Fire and Ash, F1: The Movie, The Life of Chuck, Sentimental Value, Final Destination: Bloodlines and Presence.

Biggest Disappointments

Not every film can be a winner. Wicked: For Good, Wolf Man, Marty Supreme, Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, Happy Gilmore 2, Holland, Death of a Unicorn, The Strangers: Chapter 2 and Shelby Oaks all fell short of their potential.

Best of the Best

• Horror: Sinners, Weapons, V/H/S/Halloween, 28 Years Later, Final Destination: Bloodlines
• Laughs: The Naked Gun, Friendship, The Baltimorons, Bugonia, Thunderbolts*
• Action: Avatar: Fire and Ash, Superman, F1: The Movie, Warfare, KPop Demon Hunters
• Documentary: The Perfect Neighbor, Orwell: 2+2=5, Ocean with David Attenborough, Sea Lions of the Galapagos, The Tale of Silyan