The Top Movies of 2025: Ranked by AP Film Critics

A Look Back at 2025: The Unexpected Cinema Year

The bean counters might say otherwise, but 2025 was undeniably a good year for movies. Despite the persistent skepticism surrounding Hollywood’s financial viability, filmmakers outside and within the studio system produced bold, imaginative, and singular works that captivated audiences. Notably, films like Sinners broke through to the mainstream, sharing box office glory with a slew of established sequels and reboots. This demonstrates a renewed excitement for original storytelling, even if many films are destined for cult classic status rather than instant acclaim.

Theatrical Experience and Industry Shifts

This year marked significant changes in Hollywood, with entities like Warner Bros. facing potential mergers and industry players constantly navigating financial uncertainties. Yet, amid these challenges, audiences showcased a strong desire for the theatrical experience. They crowded theaters not just for big-budget spectacles, but also for surprising hits like KPop Demon Hunters, which defied expectations even after its Netflix release. It’s clear that viewers still crave the communal adventure of cinema, propelled by word-of-mouth successes that hint at a revitalization of cinema culture.

Remembering Film Icons

While celebrating the year’s cinematic milestones, it’s also poignant to reflect on the passing of legendary figures such as David Lynch, Robert Redford, and Diane Keaton. Their loss reminds us that the essence of cinema transcends box office earnings and awards. It’s about storytelling, legacy, and the emotional truths captured on film. In time, it’s these stories that resonate, while the metrics of success fade.

Highlights of 2025: Film Writers’ Picks

The Associated Press’ film critics, Lindsey Bahr and Jake Coyle, shared their top picks that went beyond mere financial success. Their selections showcase a mix of genre-defying narratives and intimate explorations of the human experience.

Lindsey Bahr’s Top Movies

1. One Battle After Another
   Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson, this film is a genre-bending masterpiece that delivers a frenetic thrill ride while simultaneously exploring themes of single parenting and friendship.

2. If I Had Legs I’d Kick You
   Mary Bronstein’s raw cinematic expression dives into maternal exhaustion, embodied by Rose Byrne’s fearless performance. This film balances dark humor and existential dread.

3. Marty Supreme
   Josh Safdie brings us the thrilling story of a broke table tennis player striving in mid-century New York, highlighted by Timothée Chalamet’s standout performance.

4. Sentimental Value
   Joachim Trier’s film adeptly navigates themes of family and forgiveness, showcasing Stellan Skarsgård as a filmmaker trying to reconnect with estranged daughters.

5. The Naked Gun
   Akiva Schaffer’s reboot delivers pure silliness and laughter, reminding viewers of the joy that can arise from absurdity.

6. Sinners
   Ryan Coogler’s musical film infuses vampire lore with gangsters, creating a cultural tapestry rich in history and artistry.

7. Sound of Falling
   Mascha Schilinski creates an ethereal exploration of young women across different eras, intertwining coming-of-age narratives with ghostly elements.

8. It Was Just an Accident
   Jafar Panahi’s gripping tale confronts the ethical landscapes within Iran’s justice system, blending tension with dark humor.

9. The Voice of Hind Rajab
   This documentary captures voices from the Israel-Hamas war, shedding light on the real-life struggles faced within the confines of the dispatch center.

10. Urchin, The Chronology of Water, Don’t Let’s Go to the Dogs Tonight
    These debut films from familiar faces navigate personal stories of trauma, homelessness, and resilience, putting forth compelling perspectives.

Jake Coyle’s Selections

1. One Battle After Another
   Reflected through a socio-political lens, this film captures the essence of ongoing struggle and rebellion, with Teyana Taylor delivering an unforgettable performance.

2. No Other Choice
   Park Chan-wook’s black comedy engages with moral dilemmas through a narrative about a man eliminating competitors, showcasing his directorial brilliance.

3. It Was Just an Accident
   Panahi’s latest work is praised for its interplay of humor and gravity, expertly navigating life under duress.

4. Marty Supreme
   Coyle echoes Bahr’s enthusiasm for this energetic cinematic portrayal of ambition and life in New York.

5. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
   Rian Johnson’s latest whodunit not only entertains but also evokes deeper emotional connections.

6. April
   Dea Kulumbegashvili’s film stands out for its haunting portrayal of a woman’s struggles in an oppressive environment.

7. Sinners
   Coyle reiterates the acclaim for Coogler’s daring genre fusion, emphasizing Hollywood’s appetite for bold narratives.

8. Secret Mall Apartment
   A quirky documentary that uncovers deeper societal themes through a whimsically presented narrative.

9. Blue Moon
   Richard Linklater weaves a lush cinematic experience that explores the complexity of personal relationships.

10. Afternoons of Solitude
    Albert Serra’s observational documentary gives viewers an immersive glimpse into the ritual of bullfighting, resulting in a visually stunning experience.

Final Thoughts

While 2025 brought ephemeral highs and lows, it was a year marked by cinematic exploration and innovation. The varied films celebrated by Bahr and Coyle remind us that despite industry challenges, storytelling in its most human form continues to thrive, inviting audiences into diverse experiences that resonate on multiple levels. Whether through indie gems or bold studio releases, this year proved the resilience of film as an art form, echoing the universal truths of life in ways only cinema can capture.