The 15 Best Movies Of 2025 (So Far), Ranked

It’s a Friday evening in early September, and a cool, cinematic mood is settling over London. The explosive, sun-drenched energy of the summer blockbuster season is beginning to transition into the more contemplative, awards-focused atmosphere of autumn. As the Venice, Telluride, and Toronto film festivals signal this seasonal shift, it’s the perfect moment to take stock of the year in film so far. After 2024 was defined by the industry holding its breath, a collective call to "survive 'til '25" in the wake of the historic writers and actors strikes, 2025 arrived with a mountain of expectations.

The year has been a curious one. The box-office explosion many had hoped for hasn't quite materialized, leading to industry-wide debates about the new state of cinema. But while pundits and executives adjust to a new normal, one thing has remained constant: the power of a great film. From dazzling animated musicals that have taken over the music charts to smart, sexy spy thrillers and ambitious, original horror, 2025 has delivered a rich and wonderfully diverse slate of movies. On platforms like TikTok and Pinterest, the trends are clear: audiences are hungry for stories with heart, for characters they can connect with, and for filmmaking that feels bold, fresh, and exciting.

This is our definitive, in-depth guide to the cinematic landscape of the year to date. We have convened, debated, and compromised to bring you this ranked list of the fifteen best films of 2025 so far. It is an intersection of all our interests, a collection that spans from the biggest superhero epics to the most intimate, character-driven dramas. These are the films that have moved us, thrilled us, and reminded us of the enduring magic of the movies.

Enjoyed what you read? If you find this article insightful and it helps you discover your next favourite film, please consider supporting our work. Your generosity allows us to continue creating and sharing in-depth cultural commentary. You can make a donation by moving your cursor to the top of the article or scrolling down to the bottom. Every little bit helps us spread the love, one article at a time!

15. The Naked Gun

The Vibe: A gloriously silly, gag-a-minute revival of a classic comedy franchise, proving that the art of the spoof is not dead.

The Premise: This long-awaited reboot of the iconic 80s comedy series sees Liam Neeson stepping into the bumbling shoes of Detective Frank Drebin. While the plot is, as expected, a delightfully nonsensical web of espionage and intrigue, it is merely a vehicle for an relentless barrage of slapstick, puns, and visual gags. The film follows Drebin as he attempts to solve a high-stakes case, leaving a trail of chaos and destruction in his wake.

Why It's One of the Best: In an era of overly self-serious blockbusters, a truly well-made, unapologetically silly comedy feels like a breath of fresh air. The genius of this reboot is in its commitment to the classic Zucker, Abrahams and Zucker style of humour. The casting of Liam Neeson, an actor known for his gravelly-voiced serious roles, is a masterstroke of comedic subversion. The film is a perfect, lighthearted escape, a reminder that sometimes the smartest thing a movie can be is incredibly, brilliantly dumb.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's success lies in its loving reverence for its source material. It doesn't try to deconstruct the genre; it simply delivers a perfectly executed, joke-dense spoof. It’s a film that had audiences roaring with laughter, a rare and beautiful thing. The show's take on dark comedy is brilliant, a genre you can explore further in our list of 6 Must-See Dark Comedy Movies.

Where to Watch: Stream or rent The Naked Gun on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video and Apple TV.

14. Bring Her Back

The Vibe: A genuinely terrifying, atmospheric, and incredibly stylish A24-style horror film that is a masterclass in building dread.

The Premise: From the brilliant horror duo behind Talk to Me, Danny and Michael Philippou, comes a new and terrifying tale. The film follows a young woman who, after the mysterious death of her reclusive grandmother, inherits her isolated, rural home. As she begins to sort through her grandmother's belongings, she discovers a collection of strange, handmade dolls and a series of disturbing journals that hint at a dark, familial secret.

Why It's One of the Best: This is a perfect example of the "elevated horror" trend that has dominated the 2020s. Bring Her Back is not about cheap jump scares; it's a slow-burn, atmospheric horror that is genuinely unsettling. The film masterfully uses sound design and cinematography to create a palpable sense of dread. Sally Hawkins delivers a stunning, grief-stricken performance in a surprising turn to horror. It’s a film that is as much a heartbreaking exploration of generational trauma as it is a terrifying haunted house story.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's practical effects and its commitment to building a deep, unsettling mythology make it a standout in the genre. It’s a film that will stay with you long after the credits roll, a perfect, sophisticated scare for discerning horror fans. For more on the power of a great horror film, check out our list of 6 Must-Watch Psychological Thriller Movies.

Where to Watch: See Bring Her Back in cinemas or rent on major platforms like Curzon Home Cinema.

13. The Fantastic Four: First Steps

The Vibe: A hopeful, heartfelt, and refreshingly optimistic superhero film that finally gets Marvel's first family right by focusing on the "family" part.

The Premise: This is not another grim and gritty origin story. Instead, the film introduces us to the Fantastic Four as a fully-formed team of explorers and scientists navigating their newfound powers and their complex family dynamic. Set in an alternate, retro-futuristic 1960s, the story follows the team on a cosmic adventure that is as much about scientific discovery as it is about fighting a universe-level threat.

Why It's One of the Best: After several failed attempts, this film finally understands what makes the Fantastic Four so special. It’s not about the powers; it’s about the relationships. The film is a beautiful and often funny exploration of a found family, a theme that resonates deeply with modern audiences. The casting of Pedro Pascal, Vanessa Kirby, Ebon Moss-Bachrach, and Joseph Quinn is a dream, and their chemistry is the undeniable heart of the film. The 1960s setting provides a stunning, vibrant, and unique aesthetic that sets it apart from the rest of the MCU.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's optimistic, "hopepunk" tone is a welcome departure from the cynical deconstructions that have dominated the superhero genre. It’s a celebration of curiosity, intelligence, and the power of family. It is, quite simply, a joy to watch. The show's focus on a found family is a huge part of its appeal, a dynamic explored in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies With An Ensemble Cast. For more on the history of the characters, the official Marvel Comics website is the best source.

Where to Watch: See The Fantastic Four: First Steps in cinemas, with a future release on Disney+.

12. Mickey 17

The Vibe: A high-concept, philosophical, and visually stunning sci-fi epic from the Oscar-winning director of Parasite, Bong Joon-ho.

The Premise: Based on the novel Mickey7 by Edward Ashton, the film stars Robert Pattinson as Mickey 17, an "expendable"—a disposable employee on a human expedition to colonize an ice world. When a mission is too dangerous, they send an expendable. If the expendable dies, a new body is regenerated with most of the original's memories intact. After Mickey 17 is presumed dead, he miraculously survives, only to return to base to find that Mickey 18 has already been created. Now, he must hide his duplicate status, as two expendables are a death sentence for both.

Why It's One of the Best: This film is a brilliant and thought-provoking piece of science fiction. Bong Joon-ho is a master of blending high-concept, genre storytelling with sharp social satire, and this film is no exception. Robert Pattinson delivers a fantastic, nuanced performance, playing multiple versions of the same character. The film is a fascinating exploration of identity, individuality, and corporate disposability.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's unique premise and its deep, philosophical questions make it one of the most intelligent and original blockbusters of the year. It’s a film that is both a thrilling sci-fi adventure and a powerful commentary on what it means to be human. For more on the source material, the Goodreads page for the novel is a great resource.

Where to Watch: See Mickey 17 in cinemas or rent on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video.

11. Killer of Killers

The Vibe: A brutal, stylish, and brilliantly inventive animated action film that is being hailed as the best Predator movie in years.

The Premise: This animated feature is a fresh and violent take on the iconic sci-fi franchise. The story follows a new, highly skilled Predator who, after a series of successful hunts across the galaxy, finds itself the target of an even deadlier, unknown species. The hunter becomes the hunted in a relentless, non-stop battle for survival.

Why It's One of the Best: The film's greatest strength is its stunning, hyper-stylized animation, which allows for a level of kinetic, gravity-defying action that would be impossible in live-action. The film is a pure, unadulterated shot of adrenaline, a masterclass in visual storytelling with very little dialogue. It strips the franchise back to its primal core: the thrill of the hunt.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's decision to focus on the Predators themselves, giving us a deeper look into their culture and their code, is a brilliant move that revitalizes the franchise. It’s a must-watch for any fan of the series and a fantastic entry point for newcomers. The show's focus on a powerful female lead is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Female-Led Action Movies of All Time. (Note: This assumes the new protagonist is female, a common trend in modern reboots).

Where to Watch: Stream Killer of Killers exclusively on Hulu (available via Disney+ in the UK).

10. KPop Demon Hunters

The Vibe: A dazzling, high-energy, and incredibly charming animated musical that is a perfect blend of pop-culture savvy and heartfelt storytelling.

The Premise: This original animated musical follows the story of a world-famous K-Pop girl group who, in addition to being global superstars, are also secretly a team of elite demon hunters. The film follows them as they try to balance the immense pressures of their pop careers with their secret, dangerous mission to protect the world from supernatural threats.

Why It's One of the Best: This film is a pure, unadulterated joy. It is a visual and auditory feast, with vibrant, expressive animation and a soundtrack that is packed with legitimately fantastic, chart-topping pop songs. The film's villain song, "Your Idol," is an all-timer, and tracks like "Golden" are genuinely moving power ballads. The story is a brilliant and witty exploration of the pressures of the modern music industry and the power of female friendship.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film is a masterclass in turning a niche concept into a story with broad, universal appeal. It’s a celebration of K-Pop culture, a thrilling action movie, and a heartfelt story about a group of young women supporting each other. It is, without a doubt, one of the best animated films in years. For more on the global impact of K-Pop, the V&A Museum's "Hallyu!" exhibit page is a fantastic resource. The show's focus on a powerful team is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Teamwork.

Where to Watch: See KPop Demon Hunters in cinemas, with a future release on Netflix.

9. F1

The Vibe: A thrilling, high-octane, and surprisingly emotional sports drama that is the Top Gun: Maverick for the world of Formula 1 racing.

The Premise: The film stars Brad Pitt as a legendary but aging F1 driver who comes out of retirement to mentor and team up with a promising young rookie, played by Damson Idris. The story is a classic underdog tale, following the duo as they navigate the high-stakes, high-glamour, and incredibly dangerous world of professional racing, all while confronting their own personal demons.

Why It's One of the Best: Director Joseph Kosinski has once again proven that he is the master of the modern blockbuster. The racing scenes in F1 are absolutely breathtaking, using groundbreaking camera technology to put the viewer directly into the cockpit at 200 miles per hour. The film is a technical marvel, but its true strength lies in its classic, heartfelt storytelling. Brad Pitt is at his charismatic best, and his mentor-mentee relationship with Damson Idris is the powerful, emotional core of the film. The film's score by Hans Zimmer is an epic, pulse-pounding triumph.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's incredible authenticity is a key to its success. It was filmed in collaboration with the real Formula 1, with the actors actually driving on real tracks during real race weekends. This commitment to realism gives the film a visceral, thrilling quality that is simply unmatched. It’s a perfect, crowd-pleasing blockbuster. For more on the real world of F1, the official Formula 1 website is the ultimate resource.

Where to Watch: See F1 in cinemas, with a future release on Apple TV+.

8. The Life Of Chuck

The Vibe: A deeply moving, structurally inventive, and ultimately life-affirming drama from a modern master of horror, Mike Flanagan.

The Premise: Based on a novella by Stephen King, this is not a horror film. Instead, it is a profound and poignant story about the life of an ordinary man, Charles "Chuck" Krantz (Tom Hiddleston), who is dying from a brain tumor. The film is told in reverse chronological order, in three distinct acts. The first act is an apocalyptic tale, showing the world mysteriously falling apart as Chuck's life ends. The second act is a joyous, magical-realist musical number from the prime of his life. And the third act is a beautiful, nostalgic coming-of-age story about his traumatic childhood in a supposedly haunted house.

Why It's One of the Best: This is a brave, beautiful, and deeply moving film. Mike Flanagan, known for his horror masterpieces like The Haunting of Hill House, shows his incredible range here. The film's reverse-chronological structure is a work of genius, turning a simple life story into a compelling and emotional mystery. Tom Hiddleston gives a career-best performance as Chuck. The film's central message—that every ordinary life contains a universe of extraordinary moments—is incredibly powerful and life-affirming.

What Makes It Stand Out: In a world of blockbusters, a quiet, character-driven drama like this feels like a precious gift. It is a film that will stay with you, a beautiful and gentle reminder to celebrate every moment of our own, ordinary lives. For more on the incredible work of Mike Flanagan, the Flanagan-focused fan wiki is a great resource. The film's focus on a single, powerful life story is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Biopics of All Time.

Where to Watch: See The Life of Chuck in cinemas, with a future release on Netflix.

7. Thunderbolts

The Vibe: A gritty, character-driven, and surprisingly emotional anti-hero team-up that is a breath of fresh air for the Marvel Cinematic Universe.

The Premise: The film brings together a group of Marvel's most compelling anti-heroes and reformed villains, including Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), Bucky Barnes (Sebastian Stan), and U.S. Agent (Wyatt Russell). Assembled by the enigmatic Valentina Allegra de Fontaine, this government-sanctioned team is sent on a dangerous mission that forces them to confront the darkness of their own pasts and decide what kind of heroes they want to be.

Why It's One of the Best: After a period of "superhero fatigue," Thunderbolts* has revitalized the MCU by taking a completely different approach. It’s a film that eschews the typical, CGI-heavy final battle in favour of a more grounded, character-focused story. The film is anchored by a phenomenal, star-making performance from Florence Pugh, who truly comes into her own as a compelling and complex lead. The "found family" dynamic between this group of broken, cynical misfits is the powerful, beating heart of the film.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's surprisingly timely and relatable message about confronting the "Void"—a metaphor for depression and trauma—gives it a depth and relevance that is often missing from modern blockbusters. It is a film that proves that the most compelling battles are often the internal ones. It’s a new and exciting direction for the MCU, and one that has been embraced by both critics and fans. The show's complex and often toxic relationships are a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Movies About Toxic Relationships.

Where to Watch: See Thunderbolts in cinemas, with a future release on Disney+.*

6. Black Bag

The Vibe: A smart, sexy, and incredibly stylish spy thriller that is more interested in psychological tension than explosive action.

The Premise: From the master of the modern heist, Steven Soderbergh, comes a sleek and intricate spy thriller. The film stars Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett as a married couple who are both secretly spies. The story kicks off when Fassbender's character, George, is forced to question his wife's loyalty, not just to him, but to their country. The film is a tense, paranoid, and beautifully crafted story about the secrets we keep and the lies we tell, both in espionage and in marriage.

Why It's One of the Best: This is a perfect example of a smart, adult-oriented thriller, a genre that has become increasingly rare. The chemistry between Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett is absolutely searing. The film is a masterclass in building suspense, with the climactic dinner table confrontations being as thrilling as any car chase. Soderbergh's direction is, as always, incredibly cool and stylish, giving the film a glossy, invigorating sheen.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's genius is in its ability to make the intimate stakes of a marriage feel as high as the fate of the world. It’s a film that trusts its audience with a complex, dialogue-driven plot and rewards them with a captivating and intelligent story. It’s a hidden gem of the year that is destined to become a modern classic. The show’s intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Gripping Suspense Thriller Movies You Can't Miss.

Where to Watch: See Black Bag in cinemas or rent on major platforms like Amazon Prime Video.

5. Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning

The Vibe: The epic, jaw-dropping, and surprisingly emotional conclusion to one of the greatest action franchises of all time.

The Premise: This is, at least for now, the final chapter for Tom Cruise's iconic Ethan Hunt. The film is the direct conclusion to the events of Dead Reckoning, with Ethan and his IMF team on a final, desperate, globe-trotting race to destroy "The Entity," a rogue AI that threatens to upend the global world order. It is the most dangerous and personal mission of Ethan's career, one that will force him to confront the ghosts of his past and make an impossible choice.

Why It's One of the Best: This film is a stunning achievement in practical filmmaking. The stunts, as always, are absolutely breathtaking. Tom Cruise, a true movie star in every sense of the word, once again puts his life on the line for our entertainment, hanging off the wing of a flying plane and navigating a tumbling submarine in sequences that will leave you breathless. But beyond the spectacle, the film is a powerful and fitting conclusion to Ethan Hunt's journey, a surprisingly emotional exploration of a man who has dedicated his entire life to a single, impossible mission.

What Makes It Stand Out: In an age of CGI-dominated blockbusters, the Mission: Impossible franchise's commitment to real, practical stunts feels like a revolutionary act. This film is a celebration of the power of pure, unadulterated cinematic spectacle. It is a fun, thrilling, and deeply satisfying conclusion to a legendary series. For more on the history of this incredible franchise, the Paramount Pictures website is a great resource. The film’s focus on a powerful team is a key to its success, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Movies About Teamwork.

Where to Watch: See Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning in cinemas, with a future release on Paramount+.

4. 28 Years Later

The Vibe: A terrifying, intense, and emotionally devastating return to the world of one of the most influential horror films of the 21st century.

The Premise: This long-awaited sequel, which brings back original director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland, revisits the post-apocalyptic, rage-infected landscape of Great Britain nearly three decades after the initial outbreak. The film follows a new group of survivors as they navigate a world that has been irrevocably changed, all while confronting a new, even more terrifying evolution of the "Infected."

Why It's One of the Best: This film managed to do the impossible: it lived up to the legacy of the groundbreaking original. It captures the same terrifying, empty, and eerily beautiful atmosphere of the first two films, while also pushing the story forward in new and unexpected ways. The film is relentlessly intense, with the introduction of the "Alpha Infected" creating some of the most terrifying and impactful horror sequences of the year. The "Bone Temple" scene, in particular, is a masterpiece of emotional horror, a beautiful and heartbreaking gut-punch that will stay with you for years.

What Makes It Stand Out: The film's bold, cartoonish pivot in its final act is a brilliant and divisive move that sets up the next chapter of the story in a truly audacious way. It’s a film that is not afraid to take risks, a powerful and intelligent piece of horror that is as much about grief and memory as it is about "fast zombies." For more on the original film's incredible impact, the BFI (British Film Institute) has some fantastic articles. The show’s post-apocalyptic setting is brilliantly realized, and for more on the genre, check out our list of The Top 5 Best Post-Apocalyptic Movies of All Time.

Where to Watch: See 28 Years Later in cinemas, with a future release on major streaming platforms.

3. Weapons

The Vibe: A thrilling, hilarious, and genuinely terrifying horror-mystery that is a masterclass in tonal whiplash.

The Premise: From Zach Cregger, the brilliant mind behind the 2022 breakout horror hit Barbarian, comes a new and incredibly ambitious film. The story is a multi-narrative epic that revolves around the mysterious disappearance of a group of high school students in a small, tight-knit town. The film is a thrilling mystery, a dark comedy, and a gnarly gorefest, all rolled into one perfectly executed package.

Why It's One of the Best: This film is a pure, unadulterated thrill ride. Cregger has once again proven that he is a master of subverting audience expectations. The film is famous for its ability to seamlessly blend different tones, lulling you into a false sense of security with a laugh-out-loud comedic scene before pulling the rug out from under you with a moment of shocking, unshakeable horror. The ensemble cast, featuring stars like Pedro Pascal, is phenomenal, and the central mystery is genuinely compelling and full of surprising twists.

What Makes It Stand Out: Weapons is a film that has become a true cultural moment. It is a film that is so entertaining, so surprising, and so full of unforgettable images that it has dominated conversations all year. It is a testament to the power of original, director-driven horror and is, without a doubt, one of the most essential and enjoyable cinema experiences of 2025. The show's intricate plot will keep you guessing, a quality it shares with the films on our list of 6 Edge of Your Seat Thriller Movies That Will Keep You Guessing.

Where to Watch: See Weapons in cinemas, with a future release on HBO Max.

2. Superman

The Vibe: A bright, hopeful, and joyfully cinematic superhero film that is a beautiful and inspiring love letter to a timeless icon.

The Premise: This film, the official launch of James Gunn's new DC Universe, introduces a new generation to the legendary hero. The story is a self-contained and character-focused look at a young Superman (David Corenswet), who is already established as the hero of Metropolis. He is trying to balance his life as the mild-mannered reporter Clark Kent, his budding romance with the brilliant and tenacious Lois Lane (Rachel Brosnahan), and his duty as the world's greatest hero, all while confronting a new threat from the villainous Lex Luthor (Nicholas Hoult).

Why It's One of the Best: In a sea of dark and cynical comic book movies, James Gunn’s Superman is a beacon of hope. It is a film that is not afraid to be sincere, to be optimistic, and to be joyful. It perfectly captures the inspiring spirit of the classic Richard Donner films while also feeling completely fresh and contemporary. The casting is a triumph. Corenswet is the perfect Superman, embodying both the character’s immense power and his deep, gentle kindness. The entire ensemble cast is fantastic, with scene-stealing performances from Skyler Gisondo's Jimmy Olsen and Edi Gathegi's Mister Terrific.

What Makes It Stand Out: This film is a special and inspiring piece of filmmaking that is a much-needed reminder of the power of kindness and hope. It is a beautiful and aspirational vision for the future of superhero cinema. The show's complex hero is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of the Top 7 Best Superhero Movies of All Time. For more on the new DCU, DC.com is the official source for all the latest news.

Where to Watch: See Superman in cinemas, with a future release on HBO Max.

1. Sinners

The Vibe: A breathtakingly original, deeply entertaining, and thematically rich vampire horror film from one of the best working directors in Hollywood.

The Premise: This is the first wholly original film from the brilliant director Ryan Coogler (Black Panther, Creed), and it is a masterpiece. The story is a fresh and inventive take on the vampire genre, set in the American South and deeply infused with the history of Black music. The film follows a group of characters who are easy to connect with, and for the first hour, you might not even realize that you are watching a vampire movie. When the horror does arrive, it is captivating and terrifying.

Why It's at the Top: Sinners is, quite simply, the best movie of the year so far. It is a film that works on every single level. It is a purely entertaining and original piece of storytelling, a thrilling and scary horror movie with a chillingly twisted villain. But it is also a film with a rich and layered subtext, exploring powerful themes of assimilation, the power of Black music, and the enduring strength of family. The performances from the ensemble cast, including Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and Wunmi Mosaku, are all phenomenal.

What Makes It a Classic: The film is a technical and artistic marvel. The show-stopping, one-shot sequence in the "Club Juke" is a breathtaking piece of filmmaking that is destined to be studied for years. The score by Ludwig Göransson, the shifting aspect ratios, and Coogler's masterful direction all combine to create a film that is a true cinematic experience. It is a film that will be remembered as a defining release of the 2020s. The show's complex and terrifying villain is a fascinating character study, a theme you can explore in our list of The Top 5 Best Villains of All Time.

Where to Watch: See Sinners in cinemas, with a future release on Disney+.

Conclusion

In a year that began with uncertainty, the first nine months of 2025 have delivered a powerful and reassuring message: the magic of the movies is alive and well. The fifteen films on this list are a testament to the incredible diversity, creativity, and resilience of the cinematic arts. We have been transported to the high-speed world of Formula 1, the far reaches of a colonized ice planet, and the terrifying, rage-infected streets of a post-apocalyptic Britain. We have seen the superhero genre reinvented with both hope and cynicism, and we have witnessed the birth of new, original masterpieces.

These are the films that have started conversations, sparked trends, and brought us together in the shared, communal darkness of the cinema. They are a powerful reminder that a great film can be both a thrilling escape and a profound exploration of the human condition. As we head into the awards season, the bar has been set incredibly high.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. Which of these movies are based on a book or comic? The Life of Chuck (based on a Stephen King novella), Mickey 17 (based on the novel Mickey7), Superman, Thunderbolts, and The Fantastic Four: First Steps (all based on DC and Marvel comics).

2. What is the best action movie on this list? For pure, practical stunt work and blockbuster spectacle, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning is the top choice. For thrilling, high-speed action, F1 is a must-watch.

3. Are there any family-friendly options on this list? KPop Demon Hunters is a great animated musical that will appeal to older kids and teens. The Fantastic Four: First Steps is also designed to be a more optimistic, family-friendly entry into the MCU.

4. What is a "one-shot sequence" as seen in Sinners? A "one-shot" or "oner" is a filmmaking technique where a long, complex scene is filmed in a single, continuous take with no cuts. It is a technically difficult and visually impressive feat.

5. What is the "MCU" and the "DCU"? The MCU is the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the shared world where films like Thunderbolts are set. The DCU is the new, rebooted DC Universe, masterminded by James Gunn, which officially begins with his film Superman.

6. I love horror. Which films on this list should I prioritize? You are spoiled for choice in 2025! Weapons is a thrilling mystery-horror, Bring Her Back is a slow-burn atmospheric horror, 28 Years Later is a classic zombie-style horror, and Sinners is a brilliant vampire horror.

7. Where can I find more information about these upcoming films? Websites like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes are fantastic resources for cast information, trailers, and release date updates. Reputable entertainment news sites like Variety and The Hollywood Reporter also provide extensive coverage.

8. What does "PVOD" mean? PVOD stands for "Premium Video on Demand." It's a system where a new film is made available to rent at home for a premium price shortly after its theatrical release.

9. What are the fall film festivals mentioned in the introduction? The Venice, Telluride, and Toronto film festivals are three of the most important and prestigious film festivals in the world. They take place in late August and early September and are often where major awards contenders premiere for the first time.

10. What does "anti-hero" mean? An anti-hero, like the characters in Thunderbolts*, is a protagonist who lacks conventional heroic qualities. They may be cynical, morally ambiguous, or even criminal, but they are still the central character that the audience is meant to root for.