So, without further ado:
here are my favorite films of 2025:
The Top 13 of 2025
#13 Thunderbolts*
Official Synopsis
A group of anti-heroes and reformed villains are recruited by the government to handle dangerous missions that the Avengers won't touch.
Cast & Crew
Florence Pugh, Sebastian Stan, David Harbour, Wyatt Russell, Julia Louis-Dreyfus.
Production Info
Director: Jake Schreier | Writer: Eric Pearson, Joanna Calo
Fun Fact
The film serves as the final chapter of Phase 5 of the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
" This is the level of quality the MCU needs. It’s a crowning achievement for the "misfit" sub-genre and a total triumph for Marvel fans." — Ray Manukay
#12 The Secret Agent
Official Synopsis
During the Brazilian military dictatorship of 1977, a university professor flees to Recife to avoid political persecution.
Cast & Crew
Wagner Moura, Udo Kier, Maria Fernanda Cândido.
Production Info
Director: Kleber Mendonça Filho | Writer: Kleber Mendonça Filho
Fun Fact
The film marks one of the final screen appearances of legendary actor Udo Kier.
"The Secret Agent is a demanding but rewarding ride. It’s best enjoyed by simply absorbing and trusting the action rather than trying to race ahead of it. A highly recommended tribute to the masters of cinema." — Ray Manukay
#11 Black Bag
Official Synopsis
A spy thriller centered on a high-stakes investigation that tests the loyalties of elite intelligence operatives.
Cast & Crew
Cate Blanchett, Michael Fassbender, Pierce Brosnan, Regé-Jean Page.
Production Info
Director: Steven Soderbergh | Writer: David Koepp
Fun Fact
The film marks another collaboration between director Steven Soderbergh and writer David Koepp.
"While it demands your full attention to untangle its web, the satisfying payoff makes it one of the more rewarding adult thrillers of the year." — Ray Manukay
#10 Mickey 17
Official Synopsis
An 'expendable' employee on a colonizing mission is cloned every time he dies, but chaos erupts when two versions exist at once.
Cast & Crew
Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Toni Collette, Mark Ruffalo.
Production Info
Director: Bong Joon-ho | Writer: Bong Joon-ho
Fun Fact
Based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, the title was changed because Bong Joon-ho "killed him 10 more times."
"Mickey 17 is a rare beast: a high-concept sci-fi that manages to be both intellectually stimulating and genuinely hilarious." — Ray Manukay
#9 Nouvelle Vague
Official Synopsis
A cinematic tribute to the French New Wave, focusing on the production of Jean-Luc Godard's 'Breathless'.
Cast & Crew
Zoey Deutch, Guillaume Marquet.
Production Info
Director: Richard Linklater | Writer: Richard Linklater
Fun Fact
The film was shot entirely in Paris and is Linklater's first French-language project.
"The film is a love letter to art and cinema. It will have the viewer wanting to watch Breathless immediately after which is a true gift to audiences." — Ray Manukay
#8 The Phoenician Scheme
Official Synopsis
An espionage thriller focusing on a father-daughter relationship entangled in international intrigue.
Cast & Crew
Benicio del Toro, Michael Cera, Mia Threapleton, Bill Murray.
Production Info
Director: Wes Anderson | Writer: Wes Anderson, Roman Coppola
Fun Fact
Described as Wes Anderson's first foray into the 'espionage thriller' genre.
"A strong, repeat-viewing entry in the Wes Anderson filmography. It’s a delightful journey that uncovers deeper layers with every watch—a must-see for fans of the director's unique brand of whimsy." — Ray Manukay
#7 F1
Official Synopsis
A former racing driver comes out of retirement to mentor a young talent on the grid.
Cast & Crew
Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, Kerry Condon.
Production Info
Director: Joseph Kosinski | Writer: Ehren Kruger
Fun Fact
The film utilized real F1 cars and actual Grand Prix footage for maximum realism.
"Go for the racing, ignore the writing. Kosinski proves again he is a master of the machine, even if the human drama in this particular race is running on empty." — Ray Manukay
#6 Bugonia
Official Synopsis
Two conspiracy-obsessed men kidnap a high-powered CEO, convinced she is an alien from Andromeda planning to destroy Earth.
Cast & Crew
Emma Stone, Jesse Plemons, Aidan Delbis, Stavros Halkias, Alicia Silverstone.
Production Info
Director: Yorgos Lanthimos | Writer: Will Tracy.
Fun Fact
The title refers to a myth that bees are born from the carcasses of dead oxen.
"Bugonia is a riveting film featuring career-highlight performances from Emma Stone and Jesse Plemons. It is worthy of being one of the premier notable films of 2025 and deserves a definite recommendation from me." — Ray Manukay
#5 Train Dreams
Official Synopsis
The life story of Robert Grainier, a day laborer in the American West who endures isolation and the transition into the 20th century.
Cast & Crew
Joel Edgerton, Felicity Jones, William H. Macy, Kerry Condon, Clifton Collins Jr.
Production Info
Director: Clint Bentley | Writer: Clint Bentley, Greg Kwedar.
Fun Fact
Based on Denis Johnson's Pulitzer-nominated novella, the film premiered at Sundance 2025.
"Train Dreams is a beautiful, fragile look at a life being lived. It doesn't ask for your excitement, but it earns your empathy. A triumph of atmosphere and sincerity." — Ray Manukay
#4 Sinners
Official Synopsis
Twin brothers return to their Jim Crow-era Mississippi hometown seeking a fresh start, only to face a supernatural vampire threat.
Cast & Crew
Michael B. Jordan (dual role), Hailee Steinfeld, Jack O'Connell, Delroy Lindo.
Production Info
Director: Ryan Coogler | Writer: Ryan Coogler.
Fun Fact
The film set an Oscar record with 16 nominations, including Best Picture.
"Sinners is one of the best films of the year—a crowning achievement that proves Coogler has something important to share. While it falls just a tad short of "Epic" due to its trodden horror elements, it is a triumph of thought and visual storytelling that will only improve with time." — Ray Manukay
#3 A House of Dynamite
Official Synopsis
A propulsive political thriller depicting the 18 minutes after an unattributed missile is launched toward Chicago.
Cast & Crew
Idris Elba, Rebecca Ferguson, Jared Harris, Tracy Letts, Anthony Ramos, Greta Lee.
Production Info
Director: Kathryn Bigelow | Writer: Noah Oppenheim.
Fun Fact
WNBA star Angel Reese makes her feature film debut in a cameo appearance.
"A terrifying masterpiece of suspense that feels less like a movie and more like a warning. Kathryn Bigelow proves once again she is the master of high-stakes, visceral filmmaking." — Ray Manukay
#2 Sentimental Value
Official Synopsis
Two sisters navigate their relationship with their filmmaker father who offers one of them a role in his comeback movie.
Cast & Crew
Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Elle Fanning.
Production Info
Director: Joachim Trier | Writer: Joachim Trier, Eskil Vogt.
Fun Fact
Marks the final entry in Trier's Oslo Trilogy, following 'The Worst Person in the World'.
"A profoundly moving drama with comedy, set against the backdrop of the performing arts. Sentimental Value explores the dynamics of a family moving through life's trials and tribulations through their artistic expression in the performing arts. It's a fascinating grounded look at how past experiences and traumas inform art. A poignant look at the ghosts of family history that Trier captures so effortlessly. It definitely deserves to sweep the acting categories at the Oscars—don't be surprised if it does." — Ray Manukay
#1 One Battle After Another
Official Synopsis
A sprawling 1970s epic following a group of radicals and a young girl caught in a web of surveillance and counterculture in California.
Cast & Crew
Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Regina Hall, Teyana Taylor.
Production Info
Director: Paul Thomas Anderson | Writer: Paul Thomas Anderson.
Fun Fact
The film is widely considered an adaptation of Thomas Pynchon's 'Vineland'.
"One Battle After Another is easily one of Paul Thomas Anderson's signature films. It is a masterpiece worthy of every accolade and is destined for repeat viewings." — Ray Manukay
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