The Best Reviewed Movies of 2025 So Far

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You’re free to criticize any film critic for their questionable opinions (except mine, as my opinions are always flawless), but when you examine multiple reviews on a site like Rotten Tomatoes, you often get a clear idea of the general sentiment about a movie. When this general sentiment is extremely positive, it typically suggests that the film is worth watching, even if you don’t ultimately agree with the critical consensus or not.

This list, comprising the top 15 critically acclaimed films from 2025 thus far, serves more than just the satisfaction of idle curiosity about it. Chances are you’ve already watched some movies from this list, particularly if you’re into K-pop or deep vampire narratives. However, there are several films here that I’m confident you haven’t seen, and quite a few you may not have even heard of. Yet, they all received extremely high Rotten Tomatoes ratings – the lowest being 95%. Two of them currently boast perfect scores of 100%.

If you haven’t caught them yet, most of these movies can be rented; some are even streaming on popular platforms. So if you’re searching for a fresh movie to enjoy at home this weekend, this list is an excellent starting point. Here are the top-rated films of the year so far on Rotten Tomatoes, listed in order from least to most highly reviewed.

The Best Reviewed Movies of 2025 So Far

15. KPop Demon Hunters

Critics’ Choice: Netflix Movie of 2025

This delightful and vibrant animated film about a K-pop girl group battling demons in their downtime has earned the title as the best-reviewed Netflix movie of 2025. It may not initially seem like a movie that critics would appreciate, but its sheer entertainment value is undeniable – proving that sometimes, a movie can be so enjoyable, it’s impossible to deny its appeal.

14. Pavements

Title Score: 96

Director Alex Ross Perry’s recent creation is an exceptionally innovative piece: Blending elements of documentary, stage play, and fictional film, it centers around the iconic indie rock band Pavement. Fans of this groundbreaking and influential group appreciated Perry’s tribute to the band, as he dared to deviate from conventional biopic norms.

13. Sorry, Baby

In its initial screening at the Sundance Film Festival in January, this directorial debut by Eva Victor (known for her role in Billions) was highly acclaimed. Later, it was released by A24 during the summer. The film’s writing, direction, and performance were praised by a large number of critics, indicating the emergence of a significant triple talent in the filmmaking industry.

Score: 96 on Rotten Tomatoes.

12. The Ugly Stepsister

In a fresh and unconventional take on the classic tale of Cinderella, the film “The Ugly Stepsister” redefines the story by transforming it into a chilling body horror movie. Critics were impressed by its innovative genre twist and its thought-provoking critique of beauty standards for women.

The story of Cinderella has been told countless times and in countless ways, but never quite like The Ugly Stepsister — which reimagines the beloved children’s fairy tale as a full-blown body horror movie. Critics responded to the clever genre deconstruction, as well as its subversive look at female beauty standards.)

11. Black Bag

Title Score: 96

I wasn’t anticipating the steamy “Agatha Christie mystery but much more sensual” atmosphere that permeated Black Bag. I certainly didn’t expect to find myself so drawn to it. Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett play a contented pair of spies, until Fassbender is tasked with investigating his own wife for potential double-agent activities. The film boasts an excellent supporting cast, including Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abela, Naomie Harris, and Pierce Brosnan. However, the true allure of the movie lies in its unique charm: In any given scene or moment, it’s hard to guess what will transpire next. Such unpredictability is a rarity, and incredibly enjoyable.

10. A Nice Indian Boy

A Fresh Take on Romantic Comedies – 96/100 on Rotten Tomatoes

This critically acclaimed film, screened at both Tasveer and Hamptons Film Festivals, offers a unique twist to the conventional romantic comedy genre. The film centers around Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff, portraying a couple embarking on a meeting with the former’s traditional Indian family. Critics were captivated by the authenticity of their performances and the film’s heartwarming message.

A Fresh Spin on Romantic Comedies – 96/100 on Rotten Tomatoes

This award-winning movie, showcased at Tasveer and Hamptons Film Festivals, gives a new angle to the traditional romantic comedy genre. Karan Soni and Jonathan Groff star as a couple visiting the former’s Indian parents for the first time. Critics were impressed by their performances and the film’s empathetic message.

9. Sinners

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 96/100

Is the outstanding vampire film of 2025, the best horror movie, the most thought-provoking film about America, music, cultural appropriation, and the tales we share about artistic origins? It’s all correct – plus Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” offers a blend of terror, seduction, and humor. This film takes a bold swing and comes dangerously close to hitting a home run. However, there are still a few 2025 releases that received an even more widespread acclaim in terms of positive reviews.

9. Sister Midnight

Movie Review: Sister Midnight boasts a remarkable score of 97 on Rotten Tomatoes. This genre-bending film has been highly praised by critics this year. Initially, the story revolves around an unfulfilling arranged marriage, but it soon takes a chilling turn as domestic troubles escalate into supernatural terror. If you’re intrigued, you can watch it from home!

The Rotten Tomatoes score for Sister Midnight stands at 97, making it a critic’s favorite this year. This film skillfully blends genres, starting as a drama about a discontented arranged marriage that gradually transforms into a spine-tingling horror tale. If you’re curious to see what happens next, you can catch it from the comfort of your home!

7. The Ballad of Wallis Island

In the British comedy of 2025, a lottery winner, living secluded on an island, brings back together his favorite former band members for a private reunion. With its unique charm and heartwarming message, this film became one of the year’s most critically acclaimed productions.

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97
(Original text: In this British comedy, a wealthy lottery winner who lives alone on an island engineers a private reunion of his favorite former band, whose members have long since gone their separate ways. A quirky presence and a warm message made this one one of 2025’s biggest critical favorites.)

6. I’m Still Here

Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97
Though the film “I’m Still Here” premiered in Brazil last year, it didn’t make its way to US cinemas until 2025. However, when it finally arrived, it was met with the same positive reception as it had overseas. This poignant and at times disturbing historical drama is set against the backdrop of a military dictatorship in an unspecified country, and tells the story of a family’s resilience in the face of adversity, including the disappearance of their father.

5. Familiar Touch

This heartwarming character examination tackles challenging themes revolving around the hardships of dealing with dementia, doing so with compassion and gentle nuance. Currently, only a single critical review has been recorded on Rotten Tomatoes among numerous articles discussing the movie.

This deeply moving portrayal delves into the struggles faced by individuals living with or caring for those affected by dementia, all while exuding warmth and subtle sensitivity. As of today, only one unfavorable review has been noted on Rotten Tomatoes out of many pieces written about this remarkable film.

4. Vulcanizadora

In this year, the movie “Vulcanizadora” by renowned independent filmmaker Joel Potrykus didn’t set the box office on fire. As per Box Office Mojo, it has earned approximately $25,000 in cinemas to date. However, those who managed to catch this film about two old friends embarking on a chilling journey into the woods for an unsettling reason, have generally praised it. The New York Times described it as “unflinching, emotional, and, momentarily, terrifying.

3. Caught By the Tides

Title Score: 98

Jia Zhangke, a renowned director recognized for his art-house masterpieces such as “Platform”, “Still Life”, and “Mountains May Depart”, unveiled this year’s release, “Caught By the Tides”. This film is a testament to time, as Jia has been capturing footage since the early 2000s, documenting the life of a single woman and China’s transformation in the process. Critics have hailed it as an intimate epic that ranks among Jia’s finest productions.

2. Eephus

Title Rating: Perfect 100
This remarkable film titled “Eephus” is a delightful exploration of an unhurried, seemingly simple game. Much like the eponymous pitch, it subtly creeps up on you, and when you think you have its trajectory figured out, it takes an unexpected turn. (Other fitting titles for the eephus pitch, such as blooper ball, parachute, and gravity curve, could also describe this movie.) The story revolves around two small-town amateur baseball teams playing their last game at their field before its demolition. Across nine extended innings, co-writer/director Carson Lund delves into the bonds between teammates and adversaries alike, using this seemingly insignificant match as a vessel to uncover why baseball’s customs and traditions hold such deep significance for so many. It is one of only two 2025 releases that boasts a flawless score on Rotten Tomatoes.

1. On Becoming a Guinea Fowl

Title of the Year on Rotten Tomatoes: The Exceptional Movie from Zambia

This critically acclaimed film, titled “On Becoming a Guinea Fowl,” is currently ranked as the top movie of 2025 by Rotten Tomatoes. The story revolves around a family’s struggle after one of its members mysteriously turns up dead on the side of the road, discovered by his niece. Critics have gone to great lengths in praising this film, with words such as “unparalleled,” “masterful,” and “moving” frequently used to describe it. If you’re intrigued and wish to watch the most favorably reviewed movie of 2025 on Rotten Tomatoes, you can stream it right now on HBO Max.

The Best Sequels Made From Bad Movies

15. Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted (2012)

Originally, I wasn’t too optimistic about the third Madagascar movie following the first two rather uneventful installments of this mild animated animal adventure series. However, Europe’s Most Wanted might as well be the most drug-infused children’s film since Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. Europe’s Most Wanted doesn’t quite follow a coherent narrative – essentially, our heroes are trying to return to New York City while being chased by an obsessive animal control officer (Frances McDormand) – but it possesses the relentless energy and over-the-top silliness reminiscent of classic Looney Tunes cartoons.

14. Ghost Rider: Spirit of Vengeance (2011)

A Revised Version: The sequel Spirit of Vengeance, released in 2011, surpasses the original Ghost Rider (2007) in many aspects, but falls short of reaching the wild and intense level that a Neveldine/Taylor Nicolas Cage superhero film typically provides. The portrayal of Ghost Rider and his motorcycle has been significantly improved in this sequel with a grittier design. However, screen time for Ghost Rider is limited. Despite Nicholas Cage delivering some eccentric performances, he was more peculiar in the first movie, where he adopted an unexplained Elvis accent and exhibited more distinct personality traits. (In this film, he speaks like Nicolas Cage and confines his outbursts to a few scenes.) The Ghost Rider franchise is unique as it showed potential for growth; had there been a third installment, they might have created something truly extraordinary and iconic.

13. xXx: Return of Xander Cage (2017)

A New Take On: xXx (2002)

Vin Diesel, savvy enough to acknowledge the absurdity of a 50-year-old man portraying an anti-establishment extreme sports enthusiast turned secret agent in 2017’s Return of Xander Cage, opted to embrace the silliness. He replaced his stern action hero scowl from the original xXx with a playful grin. Although his distinctive tattoos are the only thing that suggests continuity with the first film, Diesel appears to be enjoying himself immensely; this might be his most laid-back performance yet. The original xXx now seems more outdated than the old James Bond films intended to “update.” However, Return of Xander Cage plays it all with a knowing wink, which keeps it relevant.

In 2017’s Return of Xander Cage, Vin Diesel played his character with a sense of humor, instead of the serious demeanor he had in the original xXx film from 2002. His performance felt more relaxed and less dated than the early Bond movies that were meant to be modern. The movie still works because it acknowledges its absurdity.

12. Star Wars: Revenge of the Sith (2005)

A more eloquent version could be:

Among the Star Wars prequels, Revenge of the Sith (2005) undeniably shines brightest. Comparing it to other instances of feeling nauseous might seem harsh, but it effectively illustrates how this film surpasses its predecessors in terms of emotional depth and impact. The transformation of Anakin into Darth Vader, reminiscent of Frankenstein’s monster, is undeniably absurd, yet the closing scenes featuring Vader and the Emperor watching the Death Star’s destruction are genuinely chilling. Moreover, blockbusters often lack complexity and depth, making it hard not to appreciate or at least grudgingly admire one that concludes with most major characters either meeting their demise or succumbing to the control of an evil Emperor.

11. Desperado (1995)

A New Perspective: Originally made on a shoestring budget of $7,000, some of which came from Robert Rodriguez’s participation in drug trials, the extraordinary story behind the creation of “El Mariachi” (1992) can sometimes overshadow its modest production quality. For his subsequent project, Rodriguez had a Hollywood budget and rising stars like Antonio Banderas and Salma Hayek. This upgrade led to significant enhancements in all aspects compared to the original, with more compelling acting, clearer direction, and heightened action sequences.

10. Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning (2012)

A Rewritten Version of: Universal Soldier (1992)
Universal Soldier: Day of Reckoning, in my opinion, is the epitome of a direct-to-video sequel. It employs an established intellectual property merely as a pretext to create a bizarre film that would not be produced otherwise if it wasn’t linked to a popular franchise. The initial Universal Soldier, which was a forgettable action movie starring Jean-Claude Van Damme during his ’90s peak, serves as the foundation for this film. Day of Reckoning — being the sixth installment in the series about reanimated war dead turned into programmable assassins — is a peculiar and trippy production, with Van Damme portraying an undead version of Marlon Brando’s Colonel Kurtz from Apocalypse Now, who is amassing an army to execute his twisted commands. Meanwhile, a character reminiscent of Captain Willard (Scott Adkins) is assigned the task of finding and eliminating him. On paper, the plot may seem derivative, but in execution, it’s far from it; featuring false memories, unusual dreams, and intense fight scenes, this sequel stands out as truly unique.

9. Undisputed III: Redemption (2010)

A Rewritten Version: The initial film Undisputed (2002), directed by Walter Hill, isn’t a complete disaster; it’s an acceptable B-movie that can be likened to The Longest Yard but for boxing, where prisoners fight each other in jail. The third installment of Undisputed features the antagonist from the previous sequel, Boyka (portrayed by Scott Adkins, who seems to excel in direct-to-video sequels), and transforms him into an anti-hero aiming to reduce his prison sentence by participating in a prison MMA competition. The plot isn’t particularly complex; however, the fights are grandiose and magnificent, with well-executed choreography skillfully captured in long shots by director Isaac Florentine. Merely pondering this movie makes me eager to rewatch it.

8. The Suicide Squad (2021)

A Misstep Corrected From: The 2016 Film Suicide Squad

Marvel committed an error by letting go of James Gunn from Guardians of the Galaxy Vol. 3, which potentially allowed him to switch allegiances and revamp the struggling Suicide Squad series under a rival studio. Instead of sticking with the disarray left behind by Warner Bros., Gunn salvaged the most compelling characters from the original cast, such as Margot Robbie’s Harley Quinn and Viola Davis’ Amanda Waller, while discarding the rest (apologies to Jared Leto).

In their stead, Gunn injected more humor and introduced several fresh faces, including Idris Elba’s Bloodsport and John Cena’s Peacemaker. The latter’s muscular physique and twisted sense of humor make him an ideal fit for portraying a satirical take on the overzealous patriotic heroes. Brimming with violence, laughter, and an unexpected beauty, The Suicide Squad is the film that many had hoped the initial Suicide Squad would become.

7. Ouija: Origin of Evil (2016)

In my opinion, I was pleasantly surprised by the second Ouija film, considering it was still tied to a toy company’s product. Given the same circumstances as its predecessor, I believe it significantly surpassed expectations. The credit for this transformation undoubtedly goes to Mike Flanagan, who later proved his prowess in the horror genre with shows like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. With his skillful hand, he transformed what could have been a mere marketing tool into a somber and genuinely chilling tale about the spirits that linger near those mourning the loss of loved ones, whether or not they resort to using a planchette for communication.

6. Star Trek: First Contact (1996)

A Revised Version Of: Star Trek: Generations (1994)
The film series based on The Next Generation began with a shaky start in Generations, an attempt that felt clumsy to adapt the charm of the television series for the big screen. However, the producers corrected course with the subsequent release, First Contact, a tale involving time travel where Captain Picard and his crew from the Enterprise journeyed into the past to prevent the Borg from altering the formation of the Federation. This film had high-stakes and a powerful portrayal by Patrick Stewart as Picard, who dislikes the Borg due to their actions against him in the The Next Generation television series. In comparison to Star Trek II: The Wrath of Khan, First Contact can be considered a second film that warrants such praise.

5. Friday the 13th Part VI: Jason Lives (1986)

Initially released in 1980, “Friday the 13th” is a typical slasher film that capitalized on the success of John Carpenter’s “Halloween.” The series took several installments before it found its unique identity and introduced its iconic villain, Jason Voorhees. Interestingly, in the first movie, Jason was not the main antagonist. The fourth film, titled “The Final Chapter,” surpassed the original in terms of scares, but for me, “Part VI: Jason Lives” stands out even more. This film acknowledges the absurdity of the fictional world these movies create and pokes fun at slasher movie rules; it could be seen as a precursor to later meta-horror films such as “Scream.” In essence, it’s a more entertaining watch compared to the original “Friday the 13th.”

In this version, I have attempted to maintain the original meaning while using different words and sentence structures for variety and readability.

4. Fast Five (2011)

A Transformation From: The Fast and the Furious (2001)

Fast Five marks the point where the blockbuster Fast & Furious franchise transformed from its humble origins as a quirky thriller about street racing into an exhilarating ode to unbridled, extravagant madness. Street races are scarcely present in this film; instead, it leans more towards a high-octane heist movie reminiscent of Ocean’s Eleven, fueled by Muscle Milk and NOS energy drinks. What sets Fast Five apart from other movies in this category (apart from the obvious emphasis on cars and death-defying stunts) is the heartfelt camaraderie between the characters. Heist films are often populated with cold, calculating professionals; Fast Five, however, showcases a tightly-knit group of friends who refer to themselves as a “family.” (This is the installment where this bond becomes the franchise’s defining trait.) When the going gets tough, they choose each other over self-interest.

Fast Five is a shift from the original street racing movie into an action-packed heist story with lots of muscle and speed. What makes it unique is the strong bond between characters who consider themselves a family, choosing to stick together even in tough situations.

3. Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior (1981)

George Miller considered Mad Max 2: The Road Warrior as a chance to excel; an opportunity to build upon the lessons from the challenging production of the initial Mad Max, and effectively apply them on-screen. Evidently, Miller proved himself to be a remarkable student. Unlike the first Mad Max, which was an unrefined film with a raw performance by Mel Gibson and a few outstanding car stunts, The Road Warrior is a legendary masterpiece; a compelling fable about a weary hero, shattered by past hardships, who finds his inner strength again through action and self-sacrifice. In comparison to the original, The Road Warrior uses a larger canvas and evokes much stronger emotional responses. It surpassed its predecessor so significantly that it practically made it irrelevant.

2. Hellboy II: The Golden Army (2008)

The sequel, “Hellboy: The Golden Army” (2008), surpasses the original 2004 film in numerous aspects. Gone are the dull characters from the first movie, with Hellboy himself getting rid of a bland supporting character by sending him to Antarctica – a joke hinted at in the movie. The antagonists in this film are far more captivating and complex, serving as almost tragic heroes due to their disdain for humanity.

The visual effects are more refined, the monster designs align better with Guillermo del Toro’s signature style, and every character is involved in high-stakes situations. Even the side character, Abe Sapien, gets a personal arc and a love interest! If you ask me, Guillermo del Toro should have won his Oscar for this film instead of “The Shape of Water.

1. Logan (2017)

Initially, there is no comparison greater than the gap in quality between the disappointing initial film, X-Men Origins: Wolverine (2009), and its remarkable sequel, Logan. The latter successfully portrayed the title character’s gritty, heart-wrenching persona. With its R-rating, it offered a more mature, intense journey that perfectly encapsulated the narrative of the hero’s twilight years. Furthermore, this rating elevated the stakes for a character whose healing factor had previously made every fight seem insignificant.

In Logan (2017), Hugh Jackman’s character is now old and his mutant abilities are deteriorating. This would not be such a problem if he didn’t suddenly find something new to protect and fight for – a young girl named Laura (Dafne Keen), who shares the same DNA as Wolverine, making her like the only child he will ever have. This provides an excellent foundation for a concluding Wolverine story, and writer/director James Mangold delivered it with the perfect mix of melancholic emotions.

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2025-07-18 19:00