Top 10 Films of 2025: Picks from Deadline’s Critics

Film Critics Release Their Top Films of 2025 Lists

In a year packed with cinematic offerings, critics Pete Hammond and Damon Wise have unveiled their picks for the top ten films of 2025. The selection process proved challenging, with several notable films narrowly missing the cut.

Hammond’s razor-thin exclusions include Black Bag, Weapons, The Long Walk, A House of Dynamite, Roofman, Good Fortune, It Was Just An Accident, Sirāt, Springsteen: Deliver Me From Nowhere, Avatar: Fire And Ash, Is This Thing On?, Train Dreams, Wicked: For Good, Marty Supreme, F1, Song Sung Blue, and La Grazia. Wise’s near misses encompass No Other Choice, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, Blue Moon, Nouvelle Vague, Die My Love, A House of Dynamite, The Testament of Ann Lee, and Reflection in a Dead Diamond.

Pete Hammond’s Top 10 Films of 2025

1. Bugonia

   • Yorgas Lanthimos’ film presents a darkly humorous satire, starring Emma Stone as a corporate CEO abducted by a conspiracy theorist played by Jesse Plemons. Based on a lesser-known South Korean sci-fi film, the script by Will Tracy adds clever twists that keep viewers entertained.

2. Frankenstein

   • Guillermo del Toro’s long-anticipated adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic showcases Oscar Isaac as an obsessed Victor Frankenstein and Jacob Elordi as the misunderstood Creature. The film’s grand scale and craftsmanship highlight contemporary themes surrounding AI and control.

3. Hamnet

   • Directed by Chloé Zhao, this poignant adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s novel delves into the family tragedy behind Shakespeare’s Hamlet. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal deliver powerful performances that resonate deeply.

4. Jay Kelly

   • Noah Baumbach’s film explores the personal sacrifices made for professional success in Hollywood. Featuring a stellar cast led by George Clooney, the narrative addresses the universal toll of ambition.

5. Nouvelle Vague/Blue Moon (tie)

   • Richard Linklater’s dual cinematic offerings illuminate different facets of the entertainment world, from the French New Wave to the iconic songwriting duo of Rodgers and Hart. Both films exemplify Linklater’s inventive storytelling.

6. Nuremberg

   • James Vanderbilt’s historical drama goes beyond previous depictions of the Nuremberg Trials, presenting a gripping cat-and-mouse dynamic between an Army psychiatrist and Nazi leaders. With powerful performances from Rami Malek and Russell Crowe, the film remains relevant today.

7. One Battle After Another

   • In this political and thrilling narrative, Paul Thomas Anderson tells the story of a washed-up revolutionary, driven by a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio and Regina Hall. The film’s depth lies in its satire and emotional stakes.

8. Rental Family/Kokuho

   • This pair of culturally rich films, highlighting themes of loneliness in Japan, showcases Brendan Fraser’s performance in Rental Family and the fierce competition depicted in Kokuho.

9. Sentimental Value

   • Norway’s official Oscar entry reveals the complexities of familial relationships as two sisters confront their estranged father’s past. Joachim Trier’s poignant storytelling captivates with emotion and nuance.

10. Sinners

    • Ryan Coogler’s genre-blending film intertwines elements of Southern noir and horror, featuring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles. The movie presents a unique lens on the African American experience through the blues.

Damon Wise’s Top 10 Films of 2025

1. The Secret Agent

   • Kleber Mendonça Filho’s film intricately weaves multiple narratives during Brazil’s military dictatorship, showcasing a teacher pursued by dangerous figures. Wagner Moura’s performance shines in this multifaceted tale.

2. Sound of Falling

   • Mascha Schilinski’s hypnotic film immerses viewers in the lives of overlapping characters across a century, evoking a mood reminiscent of David Lynch and Brian Eno.

3. Sentimental Value

   • Joachim Trier’s heartfelt exploration of father-daughter relationships delivers complex performances by Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve, making for a captivating family drama.

4. One Battle After Another

   • Paul Thomas Anderson’s film harkens back to his roots in storytelling, intertwining nostalgia with a modern sensibility as it meditates on beliefs and their consequences.

5. Eddington

   • Ari Aster’s ambitious satire critiques societal progress through a lens of dystopia, incorporating themes of misinformation and AI with a blend of dark humor.

6. Train Dreams

   • Clint Bentley’s reflective narrative captures the essence of isolation and loss as a logger witnesses the world change around him, drawing comparisons to both Terrence Malick and traditional documentary.

7. Sinners

   • Ryan Coogler’s film, anchored in its musical elements, offers a distinctive take on horror, portraying the deep cultural ties of music and storytelling.

8. The Mastermind

   • In a subtle yet compelling tale, Josh O’Connor’s portrayal of an architect grappling with failure unfolds in small-town Massachusetts during the 1970s.

9. Sirāt

   • Oliver Laxe’s film begins with an electrifying rave in the Moroccan desert, exploring existential questions through an apocalyptic road adventure set to a heart-pounding score.

10. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

    • Mary Bronstein’s character-driven piece uniquely blends surrealism and everyday struggle, with Rose Byrne delivering an exceptional performance that captures the chaos of motherhood.

As the cinematic landscape of 2025 evolves, both Hammond and Wise invite audiences to reflect on their selections and consider the powerful narratives that have shaped the year in film.