2025 was filled with bold, risky sequels, masterful Stephen King adaptations, striking visuals, and powerful reimaginings. It was another great year to be a horror fan. Filmmakers leaned into the emotional stakes and musicality of being human. Join me as I count down my twenty five favorite films of the year!
Honorable Mentions
These ones just missed a formal ranking, but are still nearly A+ films. Having seen 301 titles in 2025, these all managed to rise above the pack.
A-Z: Anniversary; The Black Phone 2, Bring Her Back; Freakier Friday; The Housemaid, On Swift Horses; Predator: Badlands; Running Man; Superman; Together
Josh’s 25 Favorite Films of 2025
HEART EYES
Where to watch: Netflix
A flawless, adorable, extra spicy rom-com if there ever was one! For most of the year, I remained truly smitten with Heart Eyes. Could there be a better movie for date night? Mason Gooding and Olivia Holt have tangibly real chemistry. The Heart Eyes Killer has major screen presence (and a horrific, instantly iconic mask) to boot. Romance is not dead, as evidenced by this creative rom-com slasher flick.
THE LIFE OF CHUCK
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney+
The Life of Chuck brings together Mike Flangan and Stephen King once again for an adaptation of the short story of the same name from King’s 2020 novel, If It Bleeds. Expecting horror from King seems like a safe bet, but The Life of Chuck takes a different approach—it falls more in line with titles such as The Green Mile, Stand By Me, or The Shawshank Redemption. A beautifully bittersweet take on morality and the lives we lead, The Life of Chuck is an important, wonderfully constructed indie with a beating heart of meaning as only King and Flanagan could provide.
THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE
Where to watch: Theaters
Why didn’t anyone tell me this was a musical? The Testament of Ann Lee tells the story of the Shakers with a harmonious, stunningly choreographed beauty. Anchored by an equally powerful turn from Amanda Seyfried—and potent supporting roles from Lewis Pullman and Christopher Abbott—this may be one of the more underrated movies of the year. Haunting and perfectly realized, it feels instantly timeless.
PILLION
Where to watch: Theaters, February 6, 2026
Weirdly romantic, hyper sexual, and featuring Alexander Skarsgård in full leather… how can I, as a gay man, not recommend Pillion? Two extremely vulnerable performances at the core are vital to the success of this movie. Without the click of chemistry between Colin and Ray, it would not work at all. Harry Melling and Skarsgård lay it all on the line almost literally. The exploration of the dominant/submissive dynamic is fascinating, if very clearly one-sided. Writer/director Harry Lighton delivers quite a memorable debut feature that will be a tough act to follow.
THE HISTORY OF SOUND
Where to watch: Mubi
Poetic. Beautiful. Immaculate. The History of Sound brings together two of my favorite actors (Paul Mescal and Josh O’Connor) for a decades-spanning, classical romance that feels very Brokeback Mountain. The folksy beauty left me craving more, leaving a masterful soundscape flowing as the film’s lifeblood. There were a handful of queer romance movies this year, but director Oliver Hermanus’s newest feature was my favorite of the bunch.
WARFARE
Where to watch: HBO Max
Brutal, horrific, engaging, disturbing… I can barely put into words how Warfare actually made me feel, but I suppose that’s the point. I came for love of the director and the insane roster of hot men that make up the cast. For those expecting fist-pumping action or a sense of fun, look elsewhere. Co-directed and recounted by vet Ray Mendoza, Warfare feels realistic in a way few other movies ever have. Joseph Quinn’s screams of pain have burrowed deeply into the core of my soul.
THE FANTASTIC 4: FIRST STEPS
Where to watch: Disney+
The newest iteration of The Fantastic 4 finally gets everything right about the property, putting a stamp of its own on the brand at large. This includes, but is not limited to: an immaculate 60s aesthetic, Joseph Quinn playing a flirty blonde, a ridiculously impressive Galactus, downright adorable interactions between Sue and Reed, emotional resonance, and overt comic book-y vibes. By far the best Fantastic Four movie to date.
ZOOTOPIA 2
Where to watch: Theaters
When you wait almost a decade for a Disney sequel, it had better be good. Thankfully, Judy and Nick’s undeniable chemistry as a duo break through the Disney sequel curse. Returning directors/writers build out another compelling case that adds additional layers to the world of Zootopia, refusing to feel like some unnecessary side story. Mesmerizing animation, flourished even further since the original, adds to the epic scope at hand. Judy and Nick’s friendship rightfully takes center stage. There are a few recurring gags, but this doesn’t just play the hits, it organically evolves the concepts of the original while lovingly exploring the same sandbox. That new Shakira song is a banger, too.
I KNOW WHAT YOU DID LAST SUMMER
Where to watch: Netflix
For years, fans have clamored for a sequel that would see Jennifer Love Hewitt and Freddie Prinze Jr. return to their respective roles of Julie James and Ray Bronson. Finally, Do Revenge director Jennifer Kaytin Robinson answers Julie’s feral scream: “what are you waiting for?” It turns out, Robinson and crew were simply waiting for a story worthy of telling in modern times, one that feels relevant and still somehow bone-chilling. Leaning into moral quandaries and character-first drama, I Know What You Did Last Summer brings The Fisherman back in a bold way that goes for the jugular with its big narrative hook-swings. My most watched film of 2025.
SILENT NIGHT, DEADLY NIGHT
Where to watch: Theaters
Leave it to writer/director Mike P. Nelson and the producers behind the Terrifier franchise to discover a third way to bring Billy Chapman’s yuletide saga to life. This take organically evolves the storyline of the original with a romantic comedy twist. Halloween Ends breakout Rohan Campbell pulls on Santa’s hat, ready to slice and dice through those on his naughty list. With its retro soundtrack, committed performances from Rohan Campbell and Ruby Modine, and sharp editing, Silent Night, Deadly Night nails a nostalgic tone whilst forming fresh cheer of its own making.
HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON
Where to watch: Peacock
Director Dean DeBlois, co-director of the 3D-animated 2010 original, brings a bold vision to live action life fifteen years later. Mason Thames plays Hiccup with a naiveté that evolves into a quiet confidence. With his wispy locks and lanky figure, Thames both looks and acts the part even when required to get passionate. Perfectly cast, stuffed with action, and lavishly faithful to the original, How to Train Your Dragon is every bit a masterpiece as what came before.
THE LONG WALK
Where to watch: VOD
Stephen King adaptations are having quite a banner year, and Francis Lawrence’s spin on The Long Walk emerges as the cream of the crop. This one is going to stick with me for a very long time. It would not be nearly as effective without the subtle queer friendship at its center between Garraty and McVries. Cooper Hoffman and David Jonsson give two of the best performances of the year in this unnerving personification of senseless violence. Pure undiluted Stephen King insanity, equally haunting and disturbing.
GRIFFIN IN SUMMER
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney+
So technically, I caught this gem back at 2024’s Tribeca International Film Festival, where it won me over with its hysterical dark humor and gay references. Griffin in Summer somehow manages to encapsulate the strange obsession of an unrequited first crush, the ennui of living under a crumbling marriage, and the passionate drive to pursue one’s interests, whether they be popular or not. Everett Blunck’s powerful star-making turn as Griffin steals the show. Laugh-out-loud funny and brilliantly executed, Griffin in Summer makes the play of life into a grandiose affair virtually impossible not to love.
MARTY SUPREME
Where to watch: Theaters
Marty Supreme is mercifully more Good Time than Uncut Gems. This wildly exciting and wickedly entertaining A24 flick overflows with a bevy of fascinating side characters, including Gwyneth Paltrow as a struggling actress, Tyler the Creator as Marty’s taxi-driver bestie, and Kevin O’Leary as the scummy businessman, Milton Rockwell. Odessa A’zion steals the show amongst the supporting performances, playing Rachel, Marty’s pregnant sort-of girlfriend. The constant throughout is Chalamet’s performance as Marty. Chalamet sheds any vanity to embrace his awful character without an ounce of regret. This type of bold acting continues to paint Chalamet as one of the greatest young actors of our time.
FRANKENSTEIN
Where to watch: Netflix
Expecting anything less than spectacularly stunning beauty and seamless effects from Guillermo del Toro was probably a mistake. From top to bottom, this luscious adaptation of Mary Shelley’s novel captures the exact atmosphere of the prose. Jacob Elordi plays the quiet monster in a scene-stealing role that may be his best yet. Phenomenal makeup effects work shows a decidedly different side of Frankenstein than we have ever seen before. Emotional and gripping, del Toro’s version is now the definitive one.
TWINLESS
Where to watch: VOD
Twinless presents a double dose of uber-twunk Dylan O’Brien (Teen Wolf, The Maze Runner) in a way we have yet to see from his varied filmography. Opposite O’Brien, writer/director/co-lead actor James Sweeney makes for a fascinating screen partner, a tether for this story of perspectives. Emotionally riveting, sexually charged, and laugh-out-loud funny, queer Twinless explodes with the raw energy of grief and two lead phenomenal performances.
HAMNET
Where to watch: Theaters
A masterful and emotionally devastating drama, Hamnet crafts a riveting story set in the 1800s. Mostly though, it’s an immaculate character piece, an acting masterclass from Jessie Buckley. There’s an undeniable beauty here that carries a compelling throughline. From the wonder of the falcon, to the mystery of the forest, to the spirituality of Agnes, I was swept away through Zhao’s visionary lens. Even the romance is sweeping and grand, a riveting intimacy spinning together the lives of Agnes and Will (Paul Mescal) despite their completely different families.
SINNERS
Where to watch: HBO Max
A true vampiric classic in the vein of From Dusk Till Dawn, Sinners looks gorgeous in every frame, and takes its time getting us aquatinted with each character. Once the shit really hits the fan, the pace is relentless. The entire ensemble excels, but a double dose of Michael B. Jordan could be worth the price of admission alone. Jack O’Connell plays the ferocious head vamp with a sadistic yet seductive energy. Come for the double dose of Jordan and Coogler’s immaculate directorial eye. Stay for the haunting imagery, emotionally moving story, and frenetic genre energy.
WEAPONS
Where to watch: HBO Max
Pure unnerving, unpredictable, terrifying horror. In a year of outstanding genre films, Weapons manages to play its cards a little differently. Cregger delivers on the same level as Barbarian, complete with expertly written and directed gear shifts of perspectives. He even finds a way to end with a zany, super satisfying exclamation mark. There are amazing performances all around, but especially from Julia Garner, Amy Madigan, and Cary Christopher. Thankfully, its disturbing mythology never gets overexplained. Memorable and downright chilling to the bone, Weapons is one of 2025’s finest horror offerings.
WAKE UP DEAD MAN
Where to watch: Netflix
Wake Up Dead Man underlines the sheer brilliance of Rian Johnson’s modern whodunnit by pushing Josh O’Connor’s hot priest into the center of its twisty action. As far as Knives Out romps go, this is the best one yet. Unlike Glass Onion—which doubled down on the Blanc strangeness and silly comedy—Wake Up Dead Man carries a heavier weight. Not a single suspect sticks out poorly amongst the roster; all contribute to the larger whole, especially a fiery Glenn Close. Once the pieces slide into place, the answers have never been more satisfying.
BUGONIA
Where to watch: Peacock
In Emma Stone we trust! Even if this isn’t the most popular opinion, Bugonia opens the portal to my favorite Yorgos Lanthimos movie thus far, with one of the best endings in recent memory. Bugonia gave me exactly what I wanted from its twisty premise, and then some. We have just enough gory mayhem, plus Plemons and Stone are Oscar-worthy. I may not love every Lanthimos movie, but Emma Stone has clearly found her perfect match.
WICKED: FOR GOOD
Where to watch: Theaters, VOD
Rejoicify! We finally have a flawless adaptation of the Broadway show’s act II that snugly fits next to part one. As it speeds towards a heartbreaking climax, Wicked: For Good delivers jaw-dropping twists and fresh takes on Oz iconography. How can a play over two decades old still manage to speak to a generational love of all things Wizard of Oz? By embracing their adoration for Wicked and discovering that magical sweet spot of emotionality along the way, Chu and his filmmaking team have entered Wicked into the Ozian Hall of Fame.
AVATAR: FIRE AND ASH
Where to watch: Theaters
One word: epic. Fire and Ash is a perfect sequel that pays off nearly every emotional beat and character arc established in The Way of Water. A massively satisfying juggernaut of a movie—but did we expect anything less from James Cameron? Jack Champion’s Spider becomes the glue holding it all together. There’s a little something for everyone here: a villainous new addition in ferocious Varang (Oona Chaplin), mind-blowing special effects, and a surprisingly nuanced take on both race and familial connection. Give me Avatar 4 and 5 immediately!
THE MONKEY
Where to watch: Hulu/Disney+
Who could say no to a double dose of Theo James? Fueled by a cartoonish tone, gallows humor, and sharp direction from Osgood Perkins, The Monkey reminds us that everybody dies… albeit, here, death comes at the mercy of a demented sentient toy monkey. Though its absurdist comedy tone will definitely not be to everyone’s taste, those who find themselves on the right wavelength will connect to its not-so-subtle commentary about refusing to live our lives in fear of death. Whatever James and Perkins do next, I will be there as their biggest cheerleader. Just hopefully, my fate is less grim than that bus of cheerleaders.
FINAL DESTINATION: BLOODLINES
Where to watch: HBO Max
My #1 movie of the year is a belated horror franchise sequel, say what? Bloodlines really is that good, subverting expectations with a simple drop of a penny. Dual directors Zach Lipovsky and Adam B. Stein easily prove their fluent understanding of franchise DNA. Final Destination: Bloodlines is a gory masterpiece that celebrates the entire series with a gleeful sadism and a darkly comedic jagged edge. As if that wasn’t enough, the screenwriters find the heart in our fleeting connection to death. In dedication to Tony Todd, the actor delivers his most meaningful final onscreen performance as series mainstay Bludworth. Handcrafted for fans by fans, Bloodlines justifies its own existence by unearthing macabre humor in the most innocuous of circumstances. Then, it self-destructs in a pulpy burst of entrails without overstaying its welcome.
Cheers to a stellar 2026, which promises to be pretty epic all around. Let’s hope the box office can finally tackle pre-pandemic numbers once again!