Favorite Movies of 2025

This year I decided to keep track of all the things I saw, read, heard, and experienced! I created a template in my journal to record all the important artists that contributed to a project and my ratings and reviews on each piece. This project ultimately helped me find patterns of what I enjoy and inspired my own creative work! It was also just fun to do and made me feel like I was 'doing the work' instead of just consuming content for no reason. I highly recommend you try it - stay tuned for this template on the blog soon!

Let's talk...

MOVIES

I watched a lot of movies this year (shoutout AMC A-List!) and loved so many of them.

2025 Releases

Hamnet - Chloe Zhao

I haven't been able to talk about this movie without crying. It was simply beautiful. Jessie Buckley's performance was like nothing I've ever seen - somehow both otherworldly and the pure essence of raw humanity. The movie perfectly conveys why humans need art. I already loved Shakespeare before, but this story enhanced my reverence for his work and connection to him as a real living person. It's a wonderful example of the importance of story telling, empathy, and shared experiences. A must-see.

Sing Sing - Greg Kwedar

I sat in the parking lot and cried for about 10 minutes after watching. I wish everyone was forced to watch this movie to experience first hand the power of art, community, ensemble, theater, second chances, growth, healing, forgiveness, and resilience. Colman Domingo's performance is vulnerable and strong. It is a beautiful film.

Zootopia 2

The Zootopia franchise is simply the best animated series of all time. It is pure joy encapsulated. Every line and idea is so clever! Both the second movie and second Shakira anthem are equally as good as their predecessors! I literally haven't stopped singing Zoo - it's stuck in my head as I write this. Can't wait to rewatch over and over again. I'm taking my family to see it again on Christmas Day!

Wicked: For Good - John M. Chu

I saw the musical in fifth grade and didn't like it. Then I proceeded to forget literally everything about it. As a theater worker, this became an ongoing joke among friends. But I somehow managed to stay completely in the dark about the story until I saw the movies. I'm so glad I went into it blind - there are so many surprising twists I was not expecting! Both movies are beautiful in all aspects. I continue to be blown away by this creative team, and Ariana's performance is a stand-out in this one. Proud to say after 20 years that I'm now officially a Wicked fan!

Good Fortune - Aziz Ansari

It's so good to see Aziz back on screen! And I'm so impressed with his success as a Writer, Director and Performer on this one. This movie is my kind of humor - I laughed loud enough for the whole theater. I loved the indie vibe, the love for Los Angeles throughout, and the genuinely clever concept.

Ballad of Wallis Island - James Griffiths

This movie is the definition of heartfelt. It started as a short film created by Tom Basden and Tim Kay (the two lead actors) back in 2007. This version still feels like a true indie passion project in the best way. It has a special kind of energy - you can feel how much these artists loved making it. The music, the moments, the pictures are all so beautiful. It truly touches your heart.

One Battle After Another - Paul Thomas Anderson

I enjoyed this so much more than I thought I would. I was not expecting it to be as funny and absurd as it was! Maybe one of my favorite Leo performances. Also, is it just me or do him and Benecio Del Toro look so similar in this movie? It's a unique story and dynamic film that I thoroughly enjoyed.

2025 Releases - Runner Ups

Now You See Me, Now You Don't - Ruben Fleischer

I love these movies. The second one is directed by Jon M. Chu! The cast is perfect. Get on board if you haven't already.

Superman - James Gunn

I'm not really a super hero person, but I liked this one! I saw it twice in theaters! I'd see it again! I was impressed with David Corenswet! I just wanted more of him and Rachel Brosnahan together - their chemistry was so great!

The Accountant 2 - Gavin O'Connor

I watched the first and second back-to-back and had so much fun with both. They have Jason Bourne vibes, which I love. It was fun to get more brotherly chemistry between Ben Affleck and Jon Bernthal in the second.

F1 - Joseph Kosinski

Brad Pitt is a true movie star, the story was enjoyable for F1 fans and non-F1 fans, and the race sequences were thrilling!

Previously Released But New To Me

Zero Dark Thirty - Kathryn Bigelow (2012)

What an epic movie. It feels like you are literally there. So captivating from beginning to end. Jessica Chastain is brilliant - she is strong, raw, determined, human, vulnerable - her performance is inspiring and actually makes me want to act.

Moneyball - Bennett Miller (2011)

I'm not sure how I haven't seen this yet - it is right up my (baseball) alley! It's so deserving of it's Best Picture nomination.

My Old Ass - Megan Park (2024)

I want to make movies like this. A beautiful coming-of-age love story with a twist that really hits your heart. Beautiful visuals and indie tone throughout. Stayed with me for a long time.

Challengers - Luca Guadagnino (2024)

Another one I was surprised to enjoy as much as I did! I was expecting constant threesomes, but that was not the case! I loved the artistry throughout, especially the slo mo shots and creative use of the score/soundtrack to enhance the viewing experience.

Previously Released But New To Me - Runner Ups

Do Revenge - Jennifer Kaytin Robinson (2022)

Another pleasant surprise! It's a fun and modern rom-com! With a twist I didn't see coming!

Where the Crawdads Sing - Olivia Newman (2022)

I love this book and thought the adaptation was really well done. I loved the visuals, tone, pace and performances (especially Daisy!). I felt so many unexpected emotions by the end - nostalgia, love, pain, and hope to name a few I have names for.

Rewatches

Wolf of Wall Street - Martin Scorsese (2013)

People are always surprised to learn that this is one of my favorite movies. I love the artistry, the visual story telling, the performances (Margot is insane and how did Leo not win!!). Every choice is purposeful and creative - the style matches the story perfectly. It earns every minute of the three hours and is epic in all proportions.

She's the Man - Andy Fickman (2006)

Can we make movies like this again please? This is a perfect movie. It's silly and fun and still has so much substance and heart at its core!

Princess Diaries 2 - Garry Marshall (2004)

Same comment as above. I want more movies like these! I especially love the quippy dialogue and silly B-roll shots in this. Equally as good as the first one. I watched it on my birthday, so that proves how much I love it.

You can check out my Favorite TV Shows and Favorite Theatre & Events posts if you're interested in more of my opinions about content in 2025! Hope this inspires you to either watch these movies and/or keep track of your own favorites in 2026!