The Golden Globes have come and gone, and the Oscar nominations have been announced (as well as the Actor née SAG Awards). If you suddenly feel the urge to catch up on what are deemed the “best films” from 2025, you’re not alone. I am here to help that endeavor.
Now, if you’re the type of person who’s all about group consensus, you might want to go no further than Metacritic’s round-up of the top 30 films of 2025 based on collective critic scores. There’s something to be said for that… and you’re likely to find a few films you might want to check out.
I should pause here and mention that if you recognize all the films in Metacritic’s list above or some of the video compilations below, you’re doing better than me. There are always lauded films I have not heard of at all. There are also films that are lauded that I trust are phenomenal, but I absolutely know in my bones are ones I’m not going to enjoy. These are two of the reasons I don’t bother with my own “Best Of” lists. Another main reason is I’m too busy watching films I’ve been meaning to see — and even though that list numbers in the hundreds, some of these newly celebrated films will get added to said list.
If you want a video montage with a rockin’ soundtrack –and who doesn’t when it comes to a film “Best Of” list?– it’s hard to beat David Ehrlich’s annual video countdown seen below. Like last year, I caution people that his montage is completely uncensored and the video is not-safe-for-work (NFSW) right out of the gate.
For those of you thinking, “Hey, I’ll just read his list on IndieWire from December,” it’s a slightly different list with different rankings. Tricksy.
If you want more breakdown than music playlist with your countdown, Rolling Stone film critic David Fear has a delightful look at his top five, which should give you a good sense if any or all will scratch your cinema itch.
Finally, if you want a list that honors many films in the lead up to the official picks, there’s Cinefix’s countdown of the top 10 films. I love CineFix’s format, because they always mention a slew of movies in the category lauding their accomplishments before settling on their top pick. It’s an open, anti-gatekeeping posture that I appreciate. Here, the list is divided in genres, so you may not like that the “prestige” films get the top spot, but there’s plenty of cinematic love spread around.
There you go. Hope that inspires you to check out some films this weekend (JustWatch is a good guide for what’s available streaming). If you have other 2025 montages or “Best Of” lists and videos you really like, put ’em in the comments.