The 15 best movies of 2025 from an “exceptional” spy thriller to an “unmissable” drama

Robert Eggers, the writer and director, has spent years working on a new version of the 1922 horror film, Nosferatu. That dedication shows in the finished movie, which is a haunting and deeply unsettling horror experience.

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The spy thriller Black Bag is exactly the type of film Hollywood seems to want: a smart, character-driven story with a strong script, rather than relying on flashy special effects. Plus, it’s a concise 94 minutes without any unnecessary scenes.

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Okay, so Michael B. Jordan is amazing in Sinners, totally captivating, but I was really blown away by Miles Caton too. He’s the heart of the movie, really connecting the history of the blues with what’s happening now. And in the final act? Wow. His guitar playing isn’t just music, it is his voice, and he uses it to fight for a better life, to escape the segregation he’s living under. It’s powerful stuff.

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Despite being a later installment, Final Destination: Bloodlines successfully captures the core essence and unsettling tone of the Final Destination series. This is particularly noticeable in the creatively gruesome deaths and the respectful, poignant final performance by the late Tony Todd, which is sure to be emotionally impactful.

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While the film has touching scenes, it’s primarily a funny look at dealing with loss – lost relationships and missed career opportunities. It playfully explores whether it’s possible – or even desirable – to get back what you’ve lost.

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“Bring Her Back” solidifies the Philippou brothers’ position as exciting and unsettling new voices in horror. While it shares some similarities with their first film, it demonstrates a bolder approach to shocking and challenging viewers.

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The new movie Weapons is predictably intense, and perhaps even more disturbing than director Zach Cregger’s previous work. Similar to his film Barbarian, it manages to be both frightening and surprisingly humorous.

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“Sorry, Baby” is a deeply moving and hilarious film – just one of the many reasons you won’t want to miss it.

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JT Mollner’s revisions to the script powerfully update The Long Walk. Considering the strength of the original ending, the changes were surprising. While the story served as a warning in 1979, the updated version suggests it’s now too late for prevention, but not too late to take action.

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This is the type of film only director Paul Thomas Anderson could create—a movie boasting an incredible cast, including Leonardo DiCaprio, where every performance is strong and it’s likely to be an awards season favorite.

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Robert Aramayo delivers a standout performance in I Swear, supported by a talented British cast. The film is both funny and deeply moving, leaving you feeling hopeful. It’s not just entertaining – it also tackles important themes.

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Tessa Thompson is a major draw for this exciting and well-made update to a beloved story, but she’s not the only reason to watch. Director and writer Nia DaCosta has done a fantastic job of bringing a fresh perspective to the original.

Watch now: Prime Video

Like all films by Yorgos Lanthimos, Bugonia is a truly original movie, and it ends with a powerful and unforgettable scene.

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The film It Was Just an Accident rightfully won the Palme d’Or at Cannes. It’s a powerfully acted movie that keeps you on the edge of your seat as a thriller, while also making you think, and features one of the most unsettling endings of the year.

Watch now: Out now in UK cinemas

This film is a tense and gripping 150-minute ride through New York City, and Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating performance that keeps you glued to the screen.

Watch now: Released in UK cinemas on 26 December