It's currently July 2025, so while many anticipated films for the year have been released, there are still several big ones yet to come. "Best" is also subjective and can mean different things to different people (critically acclaimed, box office success, audience favorite, etc.).
However, based on critical reception and buzz so far, here are some of the highly-rated and talked-about movies of 2025:
Critically Acclaimed/Well-Received (Early 2025 Releases):
* Sinners: This vampire thriller from Ryan Coogler and starring Michael B. Jordan has received significant critical acclaim and box office success. It's been praised for its innovative storytelling and performances.
* One of Them Days: A buddy comedy that has been a surprise hit, praised for its humor and the chemistry between Keke Palmer and SZA.
* Companion: A horror film with a high Rotten Tomatoes score, noted for its clever plot and twists.
* Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy: This latest installment in the Bridget Jones series has garnered strong reviews for its humor and Renée Zellweger's performance.
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Mickey 17: Directed by Bong Joon Ho and starring Robert Pattinson, this sci-fi film has been met with positive critical reception.
* Paddington in Peru: Continuing the beloved Paddington series, this film has also received high praise from critics.
* Presence: A slow-burning spectral thriller directed by Steven Soderbergh, which critics have lauded for its form.
* The Ballad of Wallis Island: Described as a charming gem with lovely folk songs and strong performances.
* Sorry, Baby: Eva Victor's directorial debut has been highly praised as a delicate, considered, and disarmingly funny film.
Highly Anticipated Upcoming Releases (Later in 2025):
* Superman: James Gunn's highly anticipated reboot of the iconic superhero.
* Jurassic World Rebirth: The latest entry in the popular dinosaur franchise.
* The Fantastic Four: First Steps: Another highly anticipated Marvel film.
* Happy Gilmore 2: A sequel to the beloved Adam Sandler comedy.
* Tron: Ares: The next installment in the sci-fi franchise.
* The Conjuring: Last Rites: The latest chapter in the popular horror series.
* Avatar: Fire and Ash: The third film in James Cameron's Avatar saga.
* Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning: Tom Cruise returns for what is expected to be the final film in the action-packed series.
* 28 Years Later: The continuation of the acclaimed zombie franchise.
* The Electric State: A sci-fi adventure starring Millie Bobby Brown.
* The Bride!: Maggie Gyllenhaal's take on the Frankenstein story, starring Jessie Buckley and Christian Bale.
It's important to note that the "best" movie will ultimately be a matter of personal taste. Keep an eye on critical reviews and audience reactions as more films are released throughout the year!
Emerging Themes and Industry Trends in 2025
Looking at the list you've compiled, some clear trends and shifts in the film industry are standing out:
1. Auteur-Driven Cinema Is Still Alive and Well
Bong Joon Ho (Mickey 17) and Steven Soderbergh (Presence) continue to draw attention with their distinctive narrative and visual styles.
Eva Victor’s Sorry, Baby proves there’s still space for sharp, original voices to stand out, even in today’s crowded streaming landscape.
2. Genre Blends Are Winning Over Critics
Films like Sinners successfully combine thriller, drama, and sociopolitical commentary—striking a chord both critically and commercially.
Companion and The Ballad of Wallis Island show how horror and musical/folk genres can evolve by embracing innovation and character-driven storytelling.
3. Nostalgia + Reinvention = Box Office Success
Lilo & Stitch, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, and Happy Gilmore 2 show that studios are leaning into legacy franchises with fresh takes and updated dynamics.
Jurassic World Rebirth and Captain America: Brave New World exemplify successful reinvention, featuring bold casting choices and new narrative directions.
Box Office Power: Hollywood vs. International Markets
Ne Zha 2 dominating globally reinforces the growing importance of the Chinese film market and the narrative sophistication of Chinese animation.
Hollywood continues to perform well financially through established franchises (Mission: Impossible, MCU, Jurassic World), although audiences are showing a greater desire for strong storytelling within those frameworks.
What's at Stake in the Second Half of 2025
Several upcoming releases could shake up awards season and global box office rankings:
Potential Game-Changers:
James Gunn’s Superman: Could redefine the cinematic direction of DC if it lands both critically and commercially.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps: A major test to see whether Marvel can reignite fan enthusiasm and regain narrative focus.
Avatar: Fire and Ash: Expectations are massive, and The Way of Water proved there’s still strong demand—if the visual spectacle is matched by emotional depth.
High-Risk, High-Reward Titles:
The Bride! and Tron: Ares are bold artistic swings that could become standout genre experiments—or struggle to find an audience.
28 Years Later has the potential to honor its legacy while modernizing its social-horror themes—if the creative balance is struck just right.
-Oscar Watch (So Far)
If awards season started today, these would likely be the early front-runners:
Best Picture / Director: Sinners, Mickey 17, The Ballad of Wallis Island
Acting Categories: Keke Palmer (One of Them Days), Michael B. Jordan (Sinners), Jessie Buckley (The Bride! – pending reception)
Screenplay (Original or Adapted): Sorry, Baby, Presence, Sinners