Deadline Hollywood Critics Select 2025’s Best Movies

The year 2025 is shaping up to be an exciting one for cinema, showcasing a diverse array of films that encapsulate various themes and storytelling techniques. Here are the standout features recognized by the Hollywood Critics, each presenting unique narratives and cinematic styles.

Notable Films of 2025

• The Secret Agent

  Directed by Kleber Mendonça Filho, this film intricately weaves multiple stories set against Brazil’s military dictatorship backdrop. It resonates with the cinematic climate of 1977, showcasing the influence of films like Jaws and The Omen. The narrative follows a college teacher, portrayed by Wagner Moura, as he navigates his underground existence while evading relentless pursuers.

• Sound of Falling

  Mascha Schilinski’s film, which debuted at Cannes, immerses viewers in the lives of young girls over a century. Echoing the abstract style of David Lynch, it offers a surreal experience where time seems irrelevant, drawing comparisons to a Brian Eno album.

• Sentimental Value

  Joachim Trier’s latest work departs from his previous chapter-format films to deliver a heartfelt father-daughter narrative. Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve’s performances enrich this story of reconciliation.

• One Battle After Another

  Paul Thomas Anderson returns with a film that captures the essence of belief and conflict through evocative music choices reminiscent of the 1970s. The film elegantly intertwines personal and social themes.

• Eddington

  Ari Aster’s thought-provoking satire tackles issues stemming from the Covid lockdown. This film explores a reverse big bang of societal decline, presenting a chilling perspective on contemporary culture.

• Train Dreams

  Directed by Clint Bentley, the film reflects on grief and the passage of time through the eyes of a logger, capturing the essence of solitude and loss with a poetic lens.

• Sinners

  Ryan Coogler’s film blends horror with historical elements, emphasizing music’s pivotal role. It features Michael B. Jordan in a dual role that enhances the narrative’s complexity.

• The Mastermind

  Kelly Reichardt’s drama offers a subtle yet profound performance by Josh O’Connor as a struggling architect. The film examines themes of ambition and failure against a backdrop of 1970s Americana.

• Sirāt

  Óliver Laxe’s apocalyptic road movie takes audiences on a sensory journey through the Moroccan desert, focusing on family and existential questions against a backdrop of raucous rave culture.

• If I Had Legs I’d Kick You

  Mary Bronstein presents a surreal character study featuring Rose Byrne. The film explores the complexities of motherhood through a blend of humor and tension, anchored by intriguing performances.

The Hollywood Critics have marked these films as some of the year’s best, showcasing innovative storytelling and compelling performances. As the release dates approach, excitement continues to build for what promises to be a remarkable cinematic year.