My Favorite Films of 2025

This was one of the most difficult blog posts I’ve written. Perhaps it’s because I no longer write regularly. Once upon a time, I had a weekly film column that needed my attention. Now I can barely find time to see the films I need to discuss at our weekly Philadelphia Cinema Salon. One thing is certain, fewer people are venturing out to the theaters. Even my diehard film friends seem to prefer to stream. Friends that used to come see movies with me, now see one a month. Family that used to only see the Big Movies (big budgets, big names, usually action films or musicals), now wait till they can stream them. And yet, when I look at my top films of the year, every single one was watched in a cinema.

It doesn’t help that some of the big-budget Hollywood films that audiences made time to see, ended up being underwhelming. Perhaps folks will find their way to cinemas once the Oscar nominations are announced? I’m not holding my breath. It was encouraging to see full theaters this weekend as film lovers rushed to see some recent films that have been playing since Christmas, knowing that they’ll be leaving soon.

There were some outstanding original films released this year. I have a long list of films I still need to watch and I’m hopefully a few will be re-released. For those of you that follow me on Instagram, you’ve seen me rave about these films. I have gone to see many of them more than once and would happily watch them again. As usual, my favorites were Independent productions or International movies, but many had big budgets and studio releases. You’ll be surprised that one is classified as a Horror film (with my aversion to violence), but there are Rom-coms here as well.

My favorites from the films I got to see in 2025:

• The History of Sound
• Sentimental Value
• Hamnet
• Train Dreams
• Sinners
• Sorry, Baby
• The Life of Chuck (2024)
• A Big Bold Beautiful Journey
• Is This Thing On?
• My Father’s Shadow (in theaters 2026)

My top film of 2025 may be one you’re not familiar with. “The History of Sound” had a limited theatrical release (MUBI) in September. The film was nominated for the Palm d’Or at Cannes, but even with stars, Paul Mescal, and Josh O’Connor, it played with little fanfare. I think it was only at my art house cinema, Bryn Mawr Film Institute, for one week.

What makes this film such a wonder is the beautiful cinematography and the sensitive portrayal of young love. Two men meet at the Boston Music Conservatory. Their passion for folk music sparks a flirtation that leads to romance. When David (O’Connor) goes off to World War 1, they make a plan to meet for a summer research mission.

Based on a short story in a collection of the same name, Ben Shattuck also wrote the screenplay. The film was so moving, that I sought out the book. Paul Mescal (Lionel) sings a haunting folk lament, “Silver Dagger” that could refer to their relationship. There’s is a love that must remain hidden in 1920’s America.

As they tramp the woods of Maine, the young men can be open about their love, but David is suffering from we would now call PTSD. Once they return home, each man must face an uncertain future. The period details and the rawness of the performances immerse you in the story. The conceit that Lionel can “see” music and is a musical prodigy adds to the folktale tradition that the pair are documenting.

Director Oliver Hermanus does masterful work creating this world. The music is mesmerizing. The actors inhabit these characters from different backgrounds; each navigating trauma and their romance so fully, that it’s a shock when the film jumps to the present. The transition from Lionel’s devastating grief to well-known musicologist could’ve been a bit smoother but the film stayed with me for months.

Now streaming on MUBI (free for 30 days, then $7.99/month) or rent on Netflix and Amazon Prime ($4.99)

Josh O’Connor has had quite the year! He also stars in “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” as a rebellious priest. He’s very funny and it’s an enjoyable film with more nuance than I expected. He stars in “Rebuilding” which I have yet to see but the film has good reviews. Plus, he was the lead in a smaller film, “The Mastermind” as an art thief that has to deal with some major fallout to his crime.

Here’s my review from Instagram (Drinks with Films):

Sometimes, you know you’re going to love a film. Whether it’s the cast or the director, or the subject matter, there are movies that you look forward to watching. “Sentimental Value” had all those boxes checked for me. Renate Reinsve has done some incredible work in films and I love her acting. Her last starring role was in “The Worst Person in the World” which was also directed by Joachim Trier. I was still not prepared for how much this film moved me. The house is a character in the story and the way the film is constructed in and around the house with this brilliant cast is incredible.

This is a film that rewards multiple viewings and you’re in luck; it’s still playing in cinemas. I rarely give films a perfect rating of 5 out of 5, but this one has it all: beautiful cinematography, astute direction, excellent cast and a story that’s both heartbreaking and relatable. Everyone copes with loss in different ways. Losing a mother, two sisters must deal with a father who wants to process the grief on film. There’s a reckoning that must be made and this film uses the synchronicity of a filmmaker telling a story and the relationships of the family film to present a closure; a balm of sorts to address generational trauma.

You might ask why my choice for my favorite film is actually not ranked a 5 as well? “The History of Sound” is a beautiful emotional story, but it’s not a perfect film. It resonated with me personally. “Sentimental Value” is a masterpiece that will stand the test of time.

A lyrical period piece with gut-wrenching performances, “Hamnet” is a masterwork by Chloé Zhao. The brilliant cinematography by Łukasz Żal, is essential to telling this intimate tale of love and grief. The opening shot of Jessie Buckley as Agnes, lying curled amid the roots of a giant tree, situates her character as a woodland creature. Agnes comes out of the forest striding purposefully with her hawk; we see immediately that she’s strong, intuitive, and a nurturer.

The tale, based on novel by Maggie O’Farrell, who co-wrote the screenplay with Zhao, is a fictionalized, poetic take on the marriage of Agnes Hathaway and William Shakespeare. Will is played with dramatic fervor by Paul Mescal. It’s the son, Hamnet, played by Jacobi Jupe, who steals your heart. His older brother, Noah, plays Hamlet in the film’s version of Will’s play, Hamlet. As Agnes watches the play, she finally comes to terms with her son’s death and her own all-consuming grief. Through art, she is able to become whole once again. It’s a beautifully realized scene in a film filled with touching moments. I hope you get to experience “Hamnet” on the big screen.

My fourth favorite film of the year is another one that is best experienced on the big screen. “Train Dreams” is a beautiful meditation on the life of a working man at the turn of the century. Joel Edgerton is perfectly cast as the timberman, Robert Grainger, who watches as industrialization changes his world. Clint Bentley captures the reflection point when a man could build a home and raise a family in rural America on a seasonal worker’s wages. Felicity Jones is excellent as the wife but it’s William H. Macy, almost unrecognizable, who acts as the film’s sage. As we watch the wilderness be tamed, Macy’s character warns that the carnage will forever damage the ecosystem.

The gorgeous scenery gives way to charred remains and Grainger returns home to devastation. Consumed with grief, he’s rescued by the town’s shopkeeper, a Native American man who helps him get back on his feet. Grainger becomes a ferryman and gets to experience some of the wonders that industrialization have made possible. The film contains moments of wonder and beauty and through this man’s life, we experience a way of life of quiet dignity.

Ryan Coogler’s masterpiece contains multitudes. “Sinners” is a period piece that celebrates music, community, Black history and culture, and for all that, it’s still blockbuster entertainment. Everyone is working at the top of their craft: cinematography, costumes, production, casting, soundtrack. The performances are all incredible but Michael B, Jordan as the twin brothers is extraordinary. It’s a scary film that takes a vampire invasion as a way to look at race and class in America.

Likely, more people streamed “After the Hunt” (starring Julia Roberts) on Netflix, but “Sorry, Baby” is far and above, the better film. They both deal with trauma from a sexual encounter and are deeply rooted in their collegiate settings. “Sorry, Baby” is written, directed, and stars Eva Victor. It’s incredible that this was a directorial debut and I cannot wait to see what they create next. What an incredible talent!

The dance sequence alone would make me recommend this film, but the sweet message about the meaning of life stayed with me. Tom Hiddleston is great in this film but the whole cast is good. I think the science fiction elements confused audiences and kept this Stephen King adaptation from being widely seen.

Another sensitive film from director Kogonada, I enjoyed the chemistry between Margot Robbie and Colin Farrell. I like that they took a chance on an original script. I like to support films like this that aren’t afraid to wear their heart on their sleeve. I felt it was bravely sentimental…but not cloying.