“The Fantastic Four: First Steps” premiered in theaters in July 2025, introducing an iconic quartet of superheroes to the Marvel Cinematic Universe (MCU): Reed Richards (Mr. Fantastic), Sue Storm (The Invisible Woman), Johnny Storm (The Human Torch) and Ben Grimm (The Thing). First pioneered by Stan Lee and Jack Kirby in 1961, the Fantastic Four features a family of scientists and explorers who gain superpowers after a failed space mission. The comics and movies alike revolve around their adventures protecting Earth from cosmic threats, while navigating their own personal struggles and unique team dynamics. Its popularity has fluctuated over the decades, yet its sentimentality lives on and is wonderfully kept in the newest edition to the Marvel franchise.
What I appreciated most about “The Fantastic Four: First Steps” was the lack of a backstory. While it was hinted at throughout the film, the plot was far more focused on developments within Mr. Fantastic (Pedro Pascal) and Sue Storm’s (Vanessa Kirby) marriage, and especially the birth of their son, Franklin, who is discovered to have powers of his own. Thus, MCU fans received an entirely new story, rather than simply the same one told by different actors. Additionally, the movie did an excellent job setting up for the soon-to-be-released “Avengers: Doomsday.” The end credit scene features an appearance from Doctor Doom in the Baxter Building, holding his mask and kneeling beside an older Franklin Richards. The moment teases that Doom has unearthed Franklin’s abilities, likely driving the Fantastic Four, and eventually the Avengers, into a multiversal conflict to stop his schemes. Needless to say, the new and improved Fantastic Four serves as a vital piece within Marvel’s interdimensional puzzle, and much more is expected from the MCU in the coming years.
Due to the incredible box-office success of “Wicked” in November of 2024, there was no doubt that the film’s sequel, “Wicked: For Good,” had an even larger opening at the box office. Released Nov. 21, 2025, “Wicked: For Good” was met with anticipation from fans as there was a gap of about one year between the films.
The first movie left viewers on a cliffhanger, ending at the song “Defying Gravity,” the moment that Elphaba, the protagonist, challenges the wizard and harnesses her power. This split in the movies mirrored the split in the Broadway production, as “Defying Gravity” is the performance that closes the first act.
While fans were excited to see the songs they’ve long been listening to out on the big screen, the announcement of two completely original songs written specifically for the movie created another level of enthusiasm. “No Place Like Home” and “The Girl in the Bubble” debuted along with the movie and served as a strong addition to the story.
What is most admirable about “Wicked: For Good” is more than the melodies and eye-catching costumes; it is the overall theme of friendship. The bond between Elphaba and Glinda, her unlikely friend from school, is emotional and complex. Viewers see the pair grow together as they learn their roles in Oz, centered around the idea of being “good.”
Overall, “Wicked: For Good” delivers a satisfying conclusion that highlights the power of friendship. With its emotional storytelling and memorable music, the film leaves a lasting impression on audiences.
During the Met Gala, Damson Idris made waves as he wore an F1 suit to the event, then revealing a tailored suit underneath. The stunt was to promote F1: The Movie, where he plays one of the starring roles. The movie premiered in theaters on June 27, 2025, and made over $600 million dollars at the box office, making it one of the biggest movies to release in 2025.
This movie made millions because of the array of talent and the intricate storyline. The movie stars Brad Pitt, who plays Sonny Hayes, an experienced driver who is nearing the end of his career. Hayes joins an F1 team as a favor to his friend to help try to save his friend’s failing team. When he joins the team, he also takes on mentoring the rookie driver. The rookie, Joshua “JP” Pearce, is played by Damson Idris, who is an up and coming driver, trying to make a career for himself. Throughout the movie, we watch their dynamic with one another and the team that supports them.
F1: The Movie encompasses a wide variety of topics, including redemption and determination. The movie blends these themes with action-packed racing scenes. This movie was made extremely well, with the driving done by professional F1 drivers, as well as Brad Pitt, who took the extra step and learned to drive F1 cars specifically for this movie. The thematic elements, the meaningful storyline, and the technical aspects of this movie definitely make it one of the best movies of 2025.
Rated R: requires guardian for anyone under 17
Warning: contains spoilers
Sinners is the latest project by Ryan Coogler and is loved by many. This new vampire movie starring Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld and Miles Caton has won over the hearts and souls of fans. Set in Jim-Crow era Mississippi, Sinners follows Smoke and Stack as they open a juke joint.
Miles Caton delivers a powerful performance as Sammie Moore, a preacher’s son with a heart for the blues. Sammie has a gift for the guitar and plays at the juke joint, but attracts some unwanted attention from dark forces. Although Sinners is Caton’s first movie, it is one that will stick with him until the end of his career.
Michael B. Jordan captivates the audience’s attention, playing two characters, Smoke and Stack, twins returning to their hometown of Clarksdale, MS, to open a juke joint. Even though they are twins, Jordan plays each character differently, with a different way of walking or a different way of talking. The costuming also helps differentiate between the characters, while also reflecting their personalities. Smoke is cooler and more calculating wearing blue clothing, than Stack, who is more fiery and flashy wearing red clothing.
Hailee Steinfeld leaves a lasting impression as Mary. Mary is a multiracial woman who marries a white man in Arkansas, but ends up leaving and coming to Mississippi. Mary used to be in a relationship with Stack, but he ended up leaving her. Mary follows the twins to the opening of their juke joint and ends up getting turned into a vampire.
Overall, the story of Sinners is filled with vampires as a metaphor for deep themes of racism, history, cultural identity and more.
Of all the movies to have come out in 2025, few were as highly anticipated as Five Nights At Freddy’s 2. Millions of fans gathered in theaters all around the world to see the second installment of their favorite video game franchise come to life on the big screen. Fans were going to the theaters en masse, with many even dressed in costumes and posting about their experience on social media.
FNAF 2 was an iconic moment of 2025 for so many, and while it was fairly critically received upon release, it truly stands out from the rest of the year in its own way. In a more critical analysis, it wasn’t the greatest film of the year. Some may argue it wasn’t even a good movie. Where this film stands out from the rest, and what puts it on this list, is how it was able to bring so many people together.
The FNAF series is arguably one of the largest gaming communities in the world, and this movie was able to bring all of those people together in such an amazing way. People all around the world could connect through this campy and sort of old slasher-esque horror movie.
So, while this movie may not have been a technical masterpiece, it holds a special place in the hearts of so many viewers and accomplished something wonderful this year.
On June 13, 2025, Universal Pictures released the live-action adaptation of the beloved movie “How to Train Your Dragon,” produced by DreamWorks Animation. With this adaptation being released 15 years after the original animation, the stakes were high to satisfy the long-term fans while also bringing in a new crowd.
The movie begins by introducing the village of Berk, a dragon-infested island where vikings reside. Dragons are seen as an enemy of the area, putting pressure on the Chief’s son and protagonist Hiccup Haddock, portrayed by actor Mason Thames, to grow up and defend the village just the same as his father. As Hiccup grows, the village quickly realizes he does not fit in and is not cut out to be a warrior. As the movie progresses, the protagonist finds himself face-to-face with one of these creatures and ultimately befriends him, beginning to understand that dragons may not be as bad as he was taught to believe.
From the production’s instrumentals to the near-perfect echo of the original’s most iconic moments, the 2025 adaptation of “How to Train Your Dragon” left many fans satisfied and impressed. Grossing $636 million worldwide, this film became a major success. This live-action film is perfect for any occasion, balancing content appropriate for all ages with engaging story-telling centered around finding a sense of belonging as well as learning to look beyond assumptions. With beautiful visuals, the producers of this movie truly found a way to take the spirit of How to Train Your Dragon and bring it to life.
Rated R: contains material not suitable for younger audiences
A contemporary romance, “Materialists” explores the messy and imperfectly beautiful landscape of relationships and intimacy. Released in June by renowned director Celine Song, “Materialists” answers the age-old question of whether compatibility equates to intimacy.
The story follows ambitious matchmaker Lucy (Dakota Johnson) as she juggles a successful career with her own complicated love life in the bustling heart of New York City. After a fateful chance encounter, Lucy finds herself torn between her perfect-on-paper match, Harry (Pedro Pascal), and her imperfect ex, John (Chris Evans). She can either have the man rich enough to fulfill her materialistic desire, or she can have the struggling actor who broke her heart one too many times in the past. The answer should be obvious, but can idyllic fantasy really hold up in the cold light of day?
Filled with heart and attentive detail, this dialogue-driven drama explores the limitations of compatibility in determining lifelong happiness. This tragically beautiful romantic drama comes equipped with an equally beautiful backdrop. Any other design enthusiast is sure to agree when I say that this is easily the best set design of the year. It clearly shows that the designers paid close attention to detail in curating environments that suited each of the characters. Aside from aesthetic sets, the film also shines through its character choices. It’s so refreshing to see a romantic film that revolves around deeply flawed and imperfect hot people. The film never shies from the selfish and materialistic nature of the protagonist. It may be an unpopular opinion, but I personally love a good insufferable character. It’s one of the main appeals to 2025’s best movie of the year, which will leave you giddy and kicking your feet with joy.
For months after its theatrical release, the Superman movie brought joy, delight and happiness to audiences all over the world. After releasing on July 11th, 2025, in the US, the movie received stellar reviews from viewers, gaining a rating of 7.1/10 on IMDb and an 80% on Rotten Tomatoes. As the Superman movie marks the first film in James Gunn’s DCU, comic book fans and Superman lovers alike have praised it for its comic accuracy and lighthearted humor, while critics have dubbed it stuffy and childish.
Starring David Cornsweet as Superman, it takes place in Metropolis after Superman is defeated for the first time ever. He struggles with mediating an ongoing conflict between two countries and fighting off his nemesis, Lex Luther, who is determined to take him down. I absolutely loved the way Superman is portrayed in this movie; so many people are too used to dark, brooding, “cool”-looking heroes to even care about the optics or the visual impression of a superhero persona.
Hope, humanity and kindness are simple values that Superman has historically stood for, and the movie managed to capture that aspect of his character perfectly. From the color grading to the dialogue to the acts of heroism to the ‘silly’ costume, the movie embodies a sense of humanity and community not seen frequently in many superhero films today.
A Minecraft Movie is a comedy film created by Mojang Studios and directed by Jared Hess. This film starred big actors like Jack Black and Jason Momoa. This movie had insane hype from its trailers and movie quotes. On social media like TikTok, the trailers blew up. When the Movie was released, it became number #1 instantly, with kids and teenagers going to theaters to watch it. The film has made almost one billion dollars in the box office, making it one of the biggest hits all year.
In theaters, the movie was wild to say the least. People would wait for the quotes like “Chicken Jockey” said by Jack Black, and then jump up and down, throwing popcorn around. By personal experience, this was super fun, but not for the theater employees. They would have to deal with the cleanup, and I don’t think that was fair to them.
In conclusion, A Minecraft Movie was one of the best movies all year, making outstanding trailers and a memorable theater performance. One thing I would have changed regarding the movie screening in theatres would be to increase the pay of the workers who had to clean up the mess, but besides that, it was the best movie I saw all year with my friends.
On April 18, 2025, “COLORFUL STAGE! The Movie” was released in the United States and was based on the popular mobile game “Project SEKAI COLORFUL STAGE! feat. Hatsune Miku.” The movie follows Hoshino Ichika, a high school musician in a band and a lost digital popstar.
The themes of the movie, hope and passion, are ones that everyone can resonate with. The movie spends time emphasizing the importance of human emotions and the value of songs.
As this movie focuses on music, all of the songs do a wonderful job at expanding on each character’s individual style and performance, making it all the more enjoyable to watch. The movie is unlike any other and is a wonderful watch for anyone with a deep love for music and bright traditional animation.
Tron: Ares, the third installment in the Tron franchise, is an astronomical film. Being the first installment since 2010, Tron: Ares was long-awaited by the Tron community and definitely lived up to their expectations. Key elements that make this movie so groundbreaking are its advanced visuals and soundtrack.
The visuals are staggeringly realistic and often make viewers feel like they are unable to believe their eyes, just like the previous Tron films. But they also particularly excel in Tron: Ares, as cinematic imagery and effects have progressed so far since the last installment. The soundtrack of Tron: Ares is made by the award-winning industrial rock band Nine Inch Nails, containing a strong base and perfectly matching the theme and aesthetics of the film.
The demeanor of the plot that always keeps you on the edge of your seat, definitely, is another vast factor that makes the film so stunning. Tron: Ares is not just a film; it is also widely considered an experience that will satisfy anyone looking for an action-packed, futuristic adventure.
On Aug. 1, 2025, the film “My Oxford Year” was released exclusively on Netflix. This film, based on the novel released in 2018 by author Julia Whelan, follows the story of young scholar Anna de La Vega (Sofia Carson) as she navigates through a year studying at Oxford University. Anna is an American student who earns the opportunity to study poetry abroad at Oxford. On her first day, Anna has a bumpy run in with Jamie Davenport (Corey Mylchreest), only to find out that he is one of her poetry professors. Throughout the film, Anna and Jamie explore their relationship and love of poetry together.
While the film explores themes of love and friendship, it also contains a deeper message of persevering in spite of difficult circumstances. Throughout the entirety of this film, Anna struggles between following her passion for learning and analyzing poetry and returning to her more stable job as a financial analyst in America. As Anna slowly overcomes pressures from her family and friends to return to her job as a financial analyst, viewers are shown the power of perseverance and following one’s true passions. Through Anna’s story and her relationship with Jamie, “My Oxford Year” provides a powerful message of following your true passions rather than forcing yourself to fit into a mold of what others believe is a more stable life.
Rated R, requires guardian for anyone under 17
Frankenstein (2025) is a science fiction drama film based on the classic novel by Mary Shelley that was written, directed and produced by Guillermo del Toro. The movie is split into two acts, first showing the story of Frankenstein, and then that of the monster he creates.
The cast of this movie is full of many popular actors, including Oscar Issac as Victor Frankenstein, Jacob Elordi as The Creature, Christoph Waltz as Henrich Harlander and Mia Goth as both Claire Frankenstein and Elizabeth. The movie and actors received four Critic’s Choice awards and was nominated for five Golden Globes.
The entire movie is visually stunning from start to finish. The costuming, set design and makeup were all beautifully crafted, and enhanced the gothic aesthetic. It took the makeup artists 10 to 11 hours to get Jacob Elordi into the prosthetic makeup for The Creature.
Del Toro started the process of creating Frankenstein all the way back in 2008 through crafting drawings he wanted to use as a basis for the world of the film, and creating notes on what he wanted in his adaptation. Throughout the movie, you can see all the care Guillermo del Toro put into it with all of the details. He frequently expresses his love for Mary Shelly’s novel, and I think there was no one better to create this adaptation than del Toro himself.
Starring Daniel Craig in his returning role as Private Detective Benoit Blanc, “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” came out on Nov. 26, 2025, for streaming on Netflix and is the third movie in the popular “Knives Out” film series. Each movie can be watched separately, with Craig’s character as the only consistency when he shows up to solve a murder. In this most recent scenario, the head priest of a small-town church has died in a way that should be impossible. Benoit teams up with earnest assistant priest, Jud, to figure out the mystery, prove his innocence and discover the dark secrets of the church and its followers in the process.
One of the things that made this movie stand out to me was the underlying message about the dangers of corruption by those in a place of power. This allegory is done through the portrayal of the amoral and tyrannical head priest, and its effect is shown through the cult-like behavior of the church’s regulars. This film also touches on themes of religious abuse and trauma, while simultaneously showing how those same tools can be used for good in the right hands. I love how nothing in this story is completely black or white, showing the inherently vague nature of morality.
“Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” makes an obvious, if controversial, statement about humanity — something that can be linked to the other two “Knives Out” movies in how they portray their characters and motives. It’s clear this wasn’t made simply to milk a popular franchise, but that there was true thought and intent behind the creation of this film. This is why I think it’s the best movie of 2025.
“Thunderbolts*” is an addition to the Marvel Cinematic Universe that came out on May 2nd, 2025. The film surrounds a group of misfit antiheroes who each have individual troubles within themselves. The main villain of the film is Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, who is chairwoman of O.X.E. and the Director of the CIA, forcing the entire group together to take each other down. Her plans do not succeed when the team finally comes together to defeat Valentina once and for all.
Some familiar faces in Marvel movies can be seen in this magnificent piece, like Florence Pugh as Yelena, Sebastian Stan as James “Bucky” Barnes and David Harbour as Alexei Shostakov. Robert “Bob” Reynolds is a new character who came to light in this film, and many audience members saw him as a sort of symbol of the struggles of mental health that people do not really talk about.
The film dives into the lives of the individuals and connects to their mental state to reveal what it truly can be for some people. It really brings a collected view on how appearances can be deceiving, especially when a person is struggling internally. This film is all about friendship and found family, and I really liked it because I truly felt seen within the characters on the screen.
“Thunderbolts*” felt like a true Marvel movie. It felt like we had a collective storyline instead of a very stagnant, rushed plot that does not really connect to anyone. This film was absolutely magnificent, and I hope people watch this and realize we truly are not alone.
“One Battle After Another” is an American action-comedy thriller directed, written and produced by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, alongside co-stars Sean Penn, Benicio del Toro and Teyana Taylor, among others. The film made use of VistaVision and IMAX film technologies, making it one of Anderson’s most visually ambitious films to date. It was released in U.S. theaters on September 26, 2025. The film received widespread critical acclaim upon release, garnering multiple Golden Globe and Actor Awards nominations, and ending up in many critics’ best of 2025 lists.
When watching the film, certain aspects of the production stood out as exceptional to me. The film consistently blends high action with chaotic energy, which, combined with expert cinematography and deliberate pacing, helps to keep viewers engaged. Leonardo DiCaprio’s portrayal of Bob brought a particular emotional depth and physical commitment to the role, balancing vulnerability with resolve and making the character feel all the more human. Blending spectacle with great performances and storytelling, “One Battle After Another” has certainly cemented itself as one of 2025’s most memorable cinematic experiences in the minds of many.
Released on May 16, 2025, “Final Destination Bloodlines” is just one of the many movies in the well-written franchise. The “Final Destination” series began in 2000 with “Final Destination One”. All of the movies in the franchise follow a similar storyline, creating a clinically unique repetition from other franchises.
“Final Destination Bloodlines” follows the story of Stefani Reyes (Kaitlyn Santa Juana), a college student who has recurring nightmares of a collapsing tower in the ‘60s, which leads to her current premonitions of her family dying. Throughout the movie, Reyes tries to protect her family from death itself, while also keeping herself alive. The movie works to show that fate itself cannot be denied, nor can it be ignored. Though Reyes works extremely hard to protect her life and the lives of her family, death will always prevail, slowly but surely taking out every one of her family members one by one.
What makes the franchise so unique is the endings. Unlike other horror movies (ex, “Scream” and “The Purge”), the “Final Destination” movies have no happy endings. In every movie, we can see that no one can outrun death itself. Even when trying to prolong one’s life, death will always come for those who are meant to die. This adds such a distinctive feature to the franchise, which is why I believe “Final Destination Bloodlines” is the best movie of 2025.
