Featured Image: (Pacer Graphic / Darby Self)
If there’s one thing that frequent moviegoers can agree on, it’s the fact that 2025 has been an amazing year for films. From outstanding performances to cinematic landscapes, the teams behind the productions of this year’s films have poured their hearts and souls into their work and the result has been worth it. This is a compiled list of some of my favorite films from this year that I recommend checking out!
HIM
HIM is the newest addition to the Monkeypaw Productions catalogue and it does not disappoint. The film goes beyond the surface level with its themes of addressing problems that not many would think twice about. It’d be a mistake not to mention the standout performance from Marlon Wayans, someone who is known for his more comedic roles. Wayans takes the role of Isaiah White and runs with it, giving a downright iconic performance. The visuals shown to us stick in your mind even after leaving the theater. Despite poor reviews from critics, HIM was a great watch that will hopefully gain a following after the public gives it another shot a few years down the line.
(R / Amazon Prime Video)
Thunderbolts*
Fans of Marvel movies have made it known that they feel as if the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe) isn’t exactly in the best state right now. That sentiment began to change after last year’s Deadpool & Wolverine was a massive box office success. Since then, it seems that Marvel has been more experimental with their films. Thunderbolts* is proof that taking a chance on making a different kind of movie can pay off in the best way possible. Instead of being the usual superhero team-up movie with big names that everyone knows, the film takes a chance on a rag-tag team of misfits who are down on their luck. These characters were all secondary to others in different stories but they’re able to leave their past behind and work together as a team for the sake of fighting a bigger threat than any of them—besides Bucky, have ever faced before. It also relays a message on mental health without feeling too heavy handed. All in all, it has that early 2010s MCU feel to it that many believe has been missing since Avengers: Endgame (2019).
(PG-13 / Disney+)
Superman
Since the release of Man of Steel in 2013, the portrayal of Superman in most media, was grim. DC Comics tried to change the basis of the most hopeful superhero to ever exist. For years, this riled many fans up while others enjoyed the new take on the classic superhero. With James Gunn spearheading the 2025 reboot Superman film, the titular character feels hopeful again. Not only has Gunn made some of the best Marvel movies ever, but he has singlehandedly saved DC Studios as a whole. Superman tells the story of the last son of Krypton, Kal-El, as he juggles being mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent and the metahuman superhero, Superman. This is ‘THE’ superhero movie of the year. Every character rounds it out in the best way because none of them feel out of place or synthetic. With this return to form for Superman, Gunn shows us that being kind is the real punk rock.
(PG-13 / HBO Max)
One Of Them Days
Directed by Lawrence Lamont and produced by Issa Rae, One of Them Days is one of the better comedies that has come out as of late. It stars Keke Palmer and SZA (in her film debut) as best friends Dreux and Alyssa as they struggle to find money for rent before they’re evicted by the end of the day. The performances from Palmer and SZA are put on display to great extent throughout the film and it never gets tiring. The writing, build-up and execution of jokes are done well to a high degree. One could even say it may be the new age Friday (1995) due to its similarity in characters and plotlines. An excellent watch for those looking to have a good laugh during movie night.
(R / Netflix)
Sinners
If you asked a random group of people what their movie of the year is, a majority would likely say Sinners. Directed by Ryan Coogler, Sinners is being hailed as a return to classic cinema. The cultural impact of Sinners has created shockwaves that still haven’t been quelled 7 months later. The cult following that this film gained after its release was so wild that it was re-released back into theaters on Halloween within the same year. The passion of the team behind Sinners bleeds through and becomes palpable within the first few minutes. They even invented a new type of device called the halo rig to capture Michael B. Jordan’s facial expressions. That’s just a cog in a film that can be considered a technical marvel and the perfect cinematic experience. It’s even able to make the cliché vampire into a compelling villain that’s just too charismatic to hate. Overall, if there was any movie from this year that’s worth checking out, it’s Sinners.
(R / HBO Max)
Honorable Mentions: The Monkey / Tron: Ares / The Long Walk / Mickey 17
Upcoming: The Running Man / Wicked: For Good / Bugonia / Predator: Badlands
