The Ultimate List: The Top 25 Films of 2025, Ranked
- Michael Ornelas
- 7 days ago
- 13 min read
2025 brought many highs; I became a member of the Portland Critics Association, we launched Scene This, our weekly movie podcast that has survived its first year, I attended my first film festival (TIFF), and lastly, the year 2025 gifted me the most new releases films from any given year that I've ever seen. Of the 370 films I watched this year, 130 of them were released in 2025. For the top 25 of 2025, there is a mix of big studio films, independent films and a variety of under-seen international films that need recognition. This past year I've grown as a cinephile and have learned the importance of having a diverse range of genre and style of movie in order to continue to preserve the history of filmmaking and story telling. Below is the Ultimate List: The Top 25 Films of 2025, Ranked.
HONORABLE MENTIONS
OCA - KARLA BADILLO (Incredible feature debut film by a Mexican director with a lot of promise) See my interview with Karla Badillo and Natalia Solián here
WRONG HUSBAND - ZACHARIAS KUNUK (An imaginative take on love and spiritual warfare by Canadian Inuit legend Zacharias Kunuk) See my interview with Zacharias Kunuk here
PUT YOUR SOUL ON YOUR HAND AND WALK - SEPIDEH FARSI (A devastating documentary on a Palestinian photo journalist, Fatima Hassouna, shown through facetime conversations with her during her last days)
AFTER THE HUNT - LUCA GUADAGNINO (A psychological thriller that explores the "he said, she said" complexities of a horrifying allegation) See our discussion on After the Hunt here
THE NAKED GUN - AKIVA SCAFFER (A reboot of a comedy classic that actually stands up to the original while delivering a fresh batch of laughs)
25
SENTIMENTAL VALUE - JOACHIM TRIER
A story that captures family dynamics and the pain and trauma caused by not feeling loved. Filled with visual metaphors, Sentimental Value delivers on its detailed script, stellar performances and beautiful cinematography. Not flashy, but intimate. Renate Reinsve performance perfectly captures a woman who struggles with depression due to the lack of attention from her father and does so often in silent moments. A film that will haunt you, but in the best way.
24
JOHN CANDY: I LIKE ME - COLIN HANKS
John Candy deserves statues as a Canadian comedic legend who has brought us my smiles, laughs and even tears through his collection of films. The closest thing to a statue is this documentary which highlights his life and shares stories from friends and family about his impact, life and hidden demons that made him the man he was. Beautifully composed and told in an intimate manner that makes the audience feel like they're surrounded by friends, reminiscing on a loved one who was taken from us far too soon.
23
RENTAL FAMILY - HIKARI
A very beautiful story that manipulates your emotions, but that's ok because it's charm triumphs in the end. The resurgence of Brendan Fraser continues in Rental Family as he plays an ex-pat living in Japan and struggles to feel wanted and searching for his place in life. Director Hikari delivers the feel good movie of the year filled with wit, humor, and charm that will tug at your heartstrings.
22
WARFARE - RAY MENDOZA & ALEX GARLAND
Powerful, raw and in your face. This retelling of actual events that follows a platoon of American Navy SEALs on a surveillance mission that goes horribly wrong. Co-director Ray Mendoza was one of those SEALs who was on that mission and brings his memories, as well as the memories of others on that mission, to life in a brutal retelling of the effects of war and the impact it has not only on the soldiers, but the civilians caught in the middle of an international conflict. Keep an eye out at the Oscars for the sound design for this one.
21
MODERN WHORE - NICOLE BAZUIN
A creative, fun, well thought out and thought provoking documentary that sheds light on sex work in a way that is both informative to the general public and accessible. Through perpetual music queues and creative dramatization, the stigma of sex work is explored and debunked with a sense of humor while not avoiding the real life dangers of sex work. A one-of-a-kind documentary that give the power and narrative back to sex workers to give real insight into this taboo community.
20
THE MAN WHO SAVES THE WORLD? - GABE POLSKY
This documentary will leave you contemplating what you believe. What is truth? What does a prophecy look like? Gabe Polsky follows Patrick McCollum, whose life seems stranger than fiction, but at every turn seems more real than anyone could imagine. Indigenous tribes have proclaimed him as the man who will bring peace to the world and unite the amazonian tribes of the Americas. Could this be true or a misinterpretation of a prophecy? This film explores this question in a insightful way that will leave the audience with one truth. We all have a part in bringing peace into our world.
19
NO OTHER CHOICE - PARK CHAN-WOOK
Korean film legend Park Chan-wook's latest film has captured the attention of the global audience. It has won many international awards at film festivals (including best international feature at TIFF) and that's due to the expert filmmaking and the layers of metaphors embedded in his story telling. Equal parts thrilling and comedic, No Other Choice looks at a man struggling to get work and the extent he'll go to provide for his family, even if those avenues are not only immoral, but criminally illegal. Though this may not be Park's best work, it's definitely one that must be seen to understand the masterful craft of filmmaking.
18
UNDER THE SAME SUN - ULISES PORRA
Three things stand out in this movie; beautiful scenery, outstanding performances by it's three leads, and historical context to colonialism in the Caribbean. Ulises Porra takes his time in telling this story which pays off due to his cast carrying the weight of the film on their shoulders and delivering on the exploration of exploitation, cross-cultural influences and the cost of pride. Lead Actress Valentina Shen Wu shines in her film debut and makes it hard to believe that she has never actred prior to this film. Though this hasn't had a wide global release, it is definitely a film to be seen once it comes across your radar.
17
THE PLAGUE - CHARLIE POLINGER
Kids can be the worst, but the young cast of The Plague are phenomenal. This film explores bullying culture through the perspective of adolescent boys at a waterpolo camp utilizing surrealism, a haunting score and Kubrickian visuals. It's a story that can trigger trauma felt during childhood, but does so in a way that is compelling, engaging and creatively brilliant. Like the director Charlie Polinger, many of the cast and crew are making their feature film debut here and it's incredible they were able to pull off a production that feels it's been made by industry veterans.
16
BAD APPLES - JONATAN ETZLER
This was a standout for me at TIFF. A fun yet disturbing look at the intrusive thoughts many teachers have had when dealing with their problem students. Saoirse Ronan delivers an anxiety riddled performance while still balancing the humor and wit of the script. A wild ride that must be taken as a dark satirical comedy than a real life drama. Think School of Rock meets Silence of the Lambs, but in a fun way.
15
THE CAPTIVE - ALEJANDRO AMENABAR
A wonderful script and outstanding performance by Julio Peña as Miguel de Cervantes. The Captive looks at the story of Cervantes once he was captures by the Moors and the extent he'll go to save his life as well as his fellow countrymen through the power of story telling. Set and costume design standout in this period piece and allows the film to feel lived in. Another one that hasn't gotten a wide release, but once the general audience gets an opportunity to watch, it is sure to capture a lot of positive critical attention. An epic that provokes thought and a desire to learn more of it's time and people.
14
HAMNET - CHLOE ZHAO
Jessie Buckley is incredible. Paul Mescal gives the performance of his career in my opinion, granted there's more of his catalog I'm yet to see. Irregardless to that, Chloe Zhao takes her time in the telling of Shakespeare, his wife, their loss, and the different way they display their grief. Hamnet acts as a slow ticking bomb that has a climactic explosion of emotion in it's final scenes. Patience is a virtue and that is proven here.
13
THE TESTAMENT OF ANN LEE - MONA FASTVOLD
Musicals and period pieces usually don't do it for me, but The Testament of Ann Lee delivers beyond expectation due to it's music, choreography, cinematography and performance by its lead Amanda Seyfried. A story that explores the origins of the Shaker movement, a religious subset of the Quakers, that parallels the birth of the United States. The story matches the intensity of the times and dissects the extremism of religious cults while humanizing those impacted by them. As time passes, this may climb to my top 10 list of favorite musicals of all time.
12
THE COST OF HEAVEN - MATHIEU DENIS
A festival favorite for me that unfortunately hasn't been seen by the masses due to not having a wide release. Like No Other Choice, The Cost of Heaven looks at desperation and the extremes one will go for his family, but does not carry the comedic tone that the Park's movie does. This is guided more by a thrilling, anxiety induced tone that is incredible powerful. Think Uncut Gems minus the Hollywood flare and much more grounded in reality. The powerful score compliments the tension throughout the film and it's my hopes this gets a wide release for the world to see and for me to rewatch as soon as possible.
11
EASY'S WALTZ - NIC PIZZOLATTO
Easy's Waltz was quite unsuspecting. Vince Vaughn takes on arguably his most dramatic role where he plays more of the "straight man" in this drama about Las Vegas lounge singer who hopes to make his big break. That opportunity comes when Al Pacino's character gives him a chance, but at the cost of it being on mob like terms. This feels both grounded and larger than life, which may be in part due to Pacino's going full Pacino in his role, but it totally fits in the story. Vince definitely holds his own and proves he's more than just a comedic actor. Another one that I am curious to see what the general audience thinks once it gains a wide release.
10
EAGLES OF THE REPUBLIC - TARIK SALEH
This movie has everything. Family drama, suspense thriller, espionage, secret affairs and political examination drive Eagles of the Republic into my top 10. Tarik Saleh detailed script takes you on ride that concludes in an unexpected place, yet exceeds expectations. The filmmaking is sexy, detailed, and brings the turbulent times in Egypt to life with political conspiracy and corruption. Fares Fares delivers as the lead in a way that left me incapable of imagining anyone else in the role. Equally enjoyable and important, in that the things that transpire in this story can happen anywhere in the world and it can be argued, the USA is on a crash course in this direction.
9
IRKALLA: GILGAMESH'S DREAM - MOHAMED AL DARADJI
Beautifully devastating. An incredible piece of filmmaking that dives into the lives of the homeless children community of Baghdad. It mixes the imagination of children with real life struggles faced in this story about a boy trying to raise his parents from the dead with the help of the mythic figure Gilgamesh. A subtle hint of fantasy, similar to The Neverending Story, but much more grounded in actual circumstances and reality. A difficult, emotional film that inspires hope in the creativity of a child's imagination.
8
MARTY SUPREME - JOSH SAFDIE
Timothée Chalamet is the chosen one. He has that Mamba Mentality. Marty Supreme is. collection of set pieces following the story of a driven, yet selfish pingpong star doing whatever it takes to succeed at the cost of those around him. Though it is nearly two and a half hours long, it's perpetual pacing keeps you engaged and on the edge of your seat the entire time. An incredible cast ensemble filled with people who aren't actors first, but still deliver for what their roles require. The future of cinema is in good hands with Timmy leading the way.
7
KPOP DEMON HUNTERS - CHRIS APPELHANS & MAGGIE KANG
As a 40 year old male, I did not expect KPop Demon Hunters to have such an impact on me. Creative song writing and music drives the film forward with state-of-the-art animation. Granted the story structure is somethings we've seen before, the relevancy of the story in the battle of good vs evil hits home for children and adults alike. Full disclosure, I currently have this on in the background as I write this article because, I'm going up up up!
6
DEAD MAN'S WIRE - GUS VAN SANT
Gus Van Sant has been making films for decades and proves he still can deliver compelling films with his latest release, Dead Man's Wire. Based on true events, DMW looks at a hostage situation that is invigorating and lends empathy to who would be considered the villain from an outsiders perspective. Bill Skarsgård's performance is transformative and he's surrounded by a cast that captures the tone of the film perfectly. Tense, yet humorous at times, Dead Man's Wire releases wide in January and is sure to be the first must see of 2026, though those of us at the festivals got the privilege to see this in 2025.
5
1001 FRAMES - MEHRNOUSH ALIA
In today's day and age, it's very rare to see a film that is completely fresh in the way its story is told, let alone by a director making her feature film debut. 1001 Frames takes a terrifying look at the audition process through the perspective of women trying to make it in film. The villain in this film is simply, yet effectively the director's camera POV. Chilling and uncomfortable, it is also important and empowering with an ending you can't expect which completely lands the plane and takes your breath away.
4
SINNERS - RYAN COOGLER
Ryan Coogler does not miss. Every film he's made has been emotional, culturally relevant and a masterclass in filmmaking. Sinners may in fact be his magnum opus. Sinners combines horror, science fiction with historical events that continue to scar American culture. He intertwines music and culture in a way that makes it a superpower with an ensemble of super heroes that will makes this film a testament of empowerment and importance that will transcend the film medium for generations to come. Sinners will truly be a force to reckon with during awards season as a top contender to take the top prize at the Oscars.
3
LEFT-HANDED GIRLS - SHIH-CHING TSOU
Just superb acting across the board. I find grounded movies made with a mix of actors and non-actors filmed in a guerrilla style has the deepest impact. Left-Handed Girl captures the lives of a family that is broken, due to secrets and poverty while providing the perspective of the innocence of a young girl with trouble all around her. Sean Baker produced, edited & co-wrote this script with Shih-ching Tsou and you can definitely sense that throughout. A film with humor, drama and twists that ultimately leaves you appreciating a culture and a family you may not have been familiar with prior to viewing. Now, "that is art!"
2
THE VOICE OF HIND RAJAB - KAOUTHER BEN HANIA
Beyond powerful. Beyond devastating. Beyond words. The Voice of Hind Rajab is the story of a 5 year old Palestinian girl who was trapped in a car, under seize from the Israeli army, on the phone with emergency services. Ben Hania does a masterful job of blending real audio and video footage to expose the genocide taking place in Palestine and the systems that support it. The most heartbreaking aspect of this film is that it is only one example, one story out of thousands that have taken place over several decades, let alone the past couple years. The genocide must stop. Free Palestine.
1
ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER - PAUL THOMAS ANDERSON
We have arrived. Number one film of the year. PTA's One Battle After Another landed on this spot due to the combination of anticipation meeting expectation, expansive ideas meeting detailed script writing, and stunning cinematography meeting exceptional performances from both Hollywood veterans and breakthrough rising stars. Not only is it successful in every aspect of the craft, but tackles a very relevant topic that plagues our society today. In standard Anderson form, it has hard hitting dramatic scenes met with moments of humor providing levity and balance to the tone to perfection. I'm so happy to live in a time where Paul Thomas Anderson is making movies and able to use his years of experience to continue to deliver on the promise of keeping the cinematic experience alive. You like Paul Thomas Anderson? I Love Him. I Love him!
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