I can’t believe it’s already August, meaning we’re only a month away from the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF). And given that this year marks the 50th edition of the festival, the excitement is even more apparent than ever. The full TIFF50 schedule launched today on August 12th, 2025, and as per usual I’ve delved through each title on offer, combed through synopses and trailers, and scoured the trades, all in order to select my top most anticipated list of the festival. Narrowing things down to my Top 30, these films may not necessarily represent the best of the best, or even the buzziest, but they represent the titles that speak to my own personal sensibilities as a film lover and amateur cinephile.

This year’s list is a bit of a mix, particularly as I try to expand my own personal film horizons. There’s a handful of big name productions, a few already award-winning flicks, and a couple lesser known projects. I tried to aim for a mix of different countries to really get that international feel, all while still attempting to showcase a few Canadian features. And I also aimed to find entries in all the different TIFF categories, from Gala Presentations, to Discovery, to the coveted Platform prize category. 

I’m hoping to be able to catch all of these during the festival, and maybe even some more in between. So without further adieu here is my Top 30 TIFF Hotlist. These are listed in alphabetical order for ease, and not in any order of specific preference. 

#1 100 Sunset | Director Kunsang Kyirong | Canada | Discovery

TIFF Synopsis: A Parkdale apartment complex becomes a place of intrigue, desire, and deceit in Kunsang Kyirong’s stunning mystery drama.

Why I’m Interested: Starting off strong with a Canadian entry. 100 Sunset is one I’m very much so looking forward to, particularly as it was featured as one of the TIFF programmer’s picks as a hidden gem. I love a film that showcases a part of the community that isn’t always in the spotlight, this time taking place within the Parkdale Tibetan community. So I’m excited to see what drama unfolds.

#2 Ballad of a Small Player | Director Edward Berger | Canada | United Kingdom | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: This seductive character study from Oscar-winning director Edward Berger (TIFF ’24’s Conclave), stars Oscar nominee Colin Farrell as an obsessive travelling gambler and Oscar winner Tilda Swinton as the dogged detective determined to track him down.

Why I’m Interested: From Edward Berger, director of last year’s critically acclaimed film Conclave, and 2022’s All Quiet on the Western Front, Ballad of Small Player is looking like an interesting follow-up for this stellar director. From his filmography we know that Berger is fantastic at building tension, so applying that to a psychological thriller is sure to be entertaining, particularly with Colin Farrell in the lead role. This might be one to watch in the upcoming Oscar’s race. 

#3 Bouchra | Director Orian Barki, Meriem Bennani | Italy, Morocco, United States of America | Platform

TIFF Synopsis: Shot using 3D animation, Orian Barki and Meriem Bennani’s singular and affecting debut feature Bouchra combines documentary techniques with an inventive narrative structure, exploring the relationship between Bouchra, a queer Moroccan Coyote filmmaker, and her cardiologist mother (also a Coyote), who lives in Casablanca.

Why I’m Interested: This is probably my first “wildcard” pick, with a design and style that is incredibly unique. It could end up being a bit too wild. But if my past TIFF experiences have taught me anything, the festival is indeed the perfect opportunity to take big swings at film choices. Showing in the Platform category, this certainly has the potential to be a hit, particularly with its more grounded and emotional premise.

#4 Charlie Harper | Director Tom Dean, Mac Eldridge | United States of America | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: CODA breakout Emilia Jones and Nick Robinson (The Kings of Summer) star in this charming and grounded love story from first-time filmmakers Tom Dean and Mac Eldridge.

Why I’m Interested: In a complete 180 from my last pick, I’ll admit that Charlie Harper is certainly seemingly my “safest” choice. But those who know me know I have a soft spot for a coming of age story, and this seems right up my alley. And I’m compelled to see more by the two leads, both of whom I’ve enjoyed in their past films. This one might not end up being the most exciting film, but I think it will be a thoroughly enjoyable experience nonetheless. 

#5 Dust Bunny | Director Bryan Fuller | United States of America | Midnight Madness

TIFF Synopsis: A 10-year-old girl procures the services of a hit man (Mads Mikkelsen) to kill the monster under her bed in this whimsically macabre feature debut from acclaimed television showrunner Bryan Fuller (Pushing Daisies, Hannibal).

Why I’m Interested: My Midnight Madness pick for the year, Dust Bunny feels incredibly enticing from its quirky premise, and a match made in heaven with director Bryan Fuller who led the short-lived television show Pushing Daisies. Couple that with the star power of Mads Mikkelsen and Siguourney Weaver, this feels like a promising recipe for success. 

#6 Eleanor the Great | Director Scarlett Johansson | United States of America | 2025 | Gala Presentation

TIFF Synopsis: Oscar nominee June Squibb (The Humans, TIFF ’21; Nebraska) stars in Scarlett Johansson’s thoughtful, provocative, and very funny feature directorial debut, about a nonagenarian who passes herself off as a Holocaust survivor.

Why I’m Interested: I have such a soft spot for films that showcase and honour our older adults, so I just have to watch this one from Scarlett Johansson. And really, we all need to support anything that features June Squibb, hot off of her resurgence into the spotlight from last year’s Thelma. So count me in!

#7 Eternity | Director David Freyne | United States of America | 2025 | Gala Presentation

TIFF Synopsis: Set in the afterlife, this stirring drama from director David Freyne (TIFF ’17’s The Cured) features Elizabeth Olsen (TIFF ’24’s The Assessment) and Miles Teller (Whiplash) as souls in transit — and a troubled love triangle.

Why I’m Interested: This one definitely fills that We Live in Time spot from last year, as a real tearjerker that features top-notch actors delivering top-notch performances. This one definitely has a quirkier and more comedic edge to it, which I am definitely looking forward to. Because don’t we all need a little levity from time to time?  

#8 Frankenstein | Director Guillermo del Toro | United States of America | 2025 | Special Presentation

TIFF Synopsis: Oscar-winning director Guillermo del Toro’s visually sumptuous adaptation of Mary Shelley’s gothic masterpiece finds Oscar Isaac as the brilliant scientist whose unearthly creation, eerily and ingeniously conjured by Jacob Elordi, blurs the boundaries between life, death, and madness.

Why I’m Interested: In theory, Guillermo del Toro and Frankenstein is yet another match made in heaven, as a creator known for bringing monsters to life and imbuing them with real heart. I remain a bit skeptical, because the monster movies as of late haven’t been the most memorable. But I’m hoping this one is the exception. In Guillermo we trust! 

#9 Good Fortune | Director Aziz Ansari | United States of America | 2025 | Gala Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Actor-writer-director Aziz Ansari co-stars with Keanu Reeves, Seth Rogen, Sandra Oh, and Keke Palmer in this hilarious modern fantasy in which the angel Gabriel, dissatisfied with performing minor acts of divine intervention, attempts to improve the lives of several struggling mortals.

Why I’m Interested: I’m cautiously optimistic, but I’m so hoping this one is great! I’m a big fan of Aziz, and the idea of making Keanu Reeves a bit of a dim-witted angel is absolutely genius. With a killer supporting cast, this has the recipe to be a hit. It just needs to lean into the zaniness without losing sight of the heart. 

#10 Hamnet | Director Chloé Zhao | United Kingdom | 2025 | Gala Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Academy Award–winning director Chloé Zhao (Nomadland, TIFF ’20 People’s Choice Award) helms this lush and tender drama about William Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) and his family, as seen through the eyes of his thoughtful wife Agnes (a luminous Jessie Buckley).

Why I’m Interested: What a dream team! First off, I’m incredibly excited to see what Chloé Zhao has in store, with this film marking her 5th directorial feature. But add in the ever dependable Paul Mescal and the incomparable Jessie Buckley, this has the potential to be fireworks on screen. The actual source material itself has me a tad bit worried this might be too much of a slow burn, but I’m hopeful that we can find a nice balance. 

#11 Hedda | Director Nia DaCosta | United States of America | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Transplanted to mid-century England, Candyman director Nia DaCosta’s bold reimagining of Henrik Ibsen’s play features a magnetic lead performance from Tessa Thompson (Passing) in a fresh, feminist game of power.

Why I’m Interested: Fun fact, I’ve actually had to perform excerpts from the original Hedda Gabler play in a drama class I took growing up, so shout out to drama class. I’m genuinely excited for this one. Tessa Thompson is indeed magnetic, and I’m excited to see what she does with this meaty lead role. And I’m excited to see what Nia DaCosta does with more fulsome creative control of her project (unlike what she must have experienced on her MCU project). 

#12 Homebound | Director Neeraj Ghaywan | India | 2025 | Gala Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Executive produced by Martin Scorsese, this immensely moving drama from director Neeraj Ghaywan follows two young friends whose bond becomes strained as they each pursue police work in a politically divided India.

Why I’m Interested: spreading some love around to South Asian films, Homebound seems like a stellar and insightful drama, filled with raw and authentic performances, that takes elements of a coming-of-age tale but sets them amongst a very politically charged backdrop. This one looks like it will be equal parts atmospheric and heartwrenching, which is perfect for my personal sensibilities. 

#13 If I Had Legs I’d Kick You | Director Mary Bronstein | United States of America | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Rose Byrne offers a brilliant performance as a woman faced with escalating anxieties and pressures looking after a sick daughter while dealing with a home that’s literally caving in.

Why I’m Interested: This year’s award winner of the Silver Bear for best lead performance at the Berlin Film Festival, Rose Byrne is back with a potentially career-making performance. Having done pretty well in the festival circuit since premiering at Sundance earlier this year, I’m curious about this one. But I’m hoping that the conclusion is a bit more emotionally and narratively satisfying, unlike last year’s Nightbitch.

#14 It Was Just an Accident | Director Jafar Panahi | Iran, France, Luxembourg | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Winner of this year’s Palme d’Or at Cannes, the latest from Iranian auteur Jafar Panahi — his first following his most recent prison sentence — follows a group of citizens pondering revenge against a man they believe was their torturer.

Why I’m Interested: Being this years’ winner of the Palme d’Or is reason enough to be excited for this one, particularly coming off the heels of last years’ Anora which also featured at TIFF. Iranian movies tend to be a real hit at the festival, so I’m hoping this one is no exception. 

#15 Ky Nam Inn | Director Leon Le | Vietnam | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: In post-war Saigon, a young translator and an older widow find comfort with each other in Leon Le’s gentle and subtle sophomore feature, starring Lien Binh Phat of The Outlaw Doctor and Do Thi Hai Yen of The Quiet American.

Why I’m Interested: This one looks like a slower paced and dreamy film, with beautiful cinematography and production design, which may be a nice reprieve from some of the more out-there options on my list. The found family archetype is always a winner in my books. Here’s to hoping this is a good one!

#16 Left Handed Girl | Director Shih-Ching Tsou | Taiwan, France, USA, UK | 2025 | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: Shih-Ching Tsou’s Left-Handed Girl, co-written and produced by her longtime creative partner Sean Baker (Anora, TIFF ’24), is a brilliant solo debut exploring family, tradition, and modernity through a child’s eyes. Vivid visuals and standout performances create a tender, playful portrait of resilience in Taipei.

Why I’m Interested: What has me most excited for this film is director Shih-Ching Tsou, a frequent co-producer of Anora’s Sean Baker. Baker’s films are well known for being about the lives of people from marginalized societies, and showcases them with authenticity and immense respect. And I’m curious what that looks like from another cultural viewpoint, this time looking at modern Taipei. I’m anticipating a great directorial debut! 

#17 Mile End Kicks | Director Chandler Levack | Canada | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: I Like Movies director Chandler Levack’s Mile End Kicks is a bright romantic comedy starring Barbie Ferreira as Grace, a young music critic who moves to Montreal to figure out life and love.

Why I’m Interested: Another Canadian entry to the list, and one of my most hotly anticipated. Mile End Kicks is director Chandler Levack’s follow-up to a personal favourite, 2022’s I Like Movies, a film that oozes with charm and vulnerability. Here Levack partners with Barbie Ferreira, who for me was such a stand out in Bob Trevino Likes It, which came out into theatres earlier this year. I just know this one’s going to be great! 

#18 My Father’s Shadow | Director Akinola Davies Jr. | UK, Nigeria | 2025 | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: Winner of the Caméra d’Or Special Mention at Cannes, My Father’s Shadow is a stunning debut set in 1993 Lagos; a lyrical, emotionally resonant story of two brothers reconnecting with their distant father over a single, transformative day.

Why I’m Interested: Each year I try to showcase a film or two in the Centrepiece category, a category which focuses on global perspectives. Because I think one of the most powerful aspects of film is that it opens us up to parts of the world that we may never get to experience otherwise. Akin to my last year pick, The Village Next to Paradise, My Father’s Shadow looks like yet another thoughtful look into one of those pockets of the world, in this case, Nigeria. Thematically and stylistically this one looks top notch. 

#19 No Other Choice | Director Park Chan-Wook | Korea | 2025 | Gala Presentation

TIFF Synopsis: Adapted from a novel by Donald E. Westlake (Payback), this incisive, darkly comic satire from Park Chan-wook (TIFF ’22’s Decision to Leave) follows a newly unemployed man who, desperate to land a coveted position, hatches a ruthless plan to dispatch his competition.

Why I’m Interested: There’s no denying the quality of Park Chan-Wook’s filmography, which includes incredible films like Old Boy and Decision to Leave. And couple that with a powerful lead actor like Lee Byung-Hun, a pretty frequent TIFF attendee, and you have a template for a strong film. I haven’t always resonated with Park Chan-wook’s films, but it’s hard to not want to give this one a try. 

#20 Nino | Director Pauline Loquès | France | 2025 | Platform

TIFF Synopsis: A sudden diagnosis leaves Nino, a young man in his late 20s, facing mortality with grace, quiet humour, and the company of family and friends over the course of his birthday weekend, all anchored by Quebec actor Théodore Pellerin’s soulful performance.

Why I’m Interested: After watching the trailer, I think this is the one I’m most looking forward to in the Platform category. Nino just looks like my kind of movie – deeply affecting, subtly humorous, and (hopefully) thematically powerful, juxtaposing a celebration of life in the face of potential death. This one looks incredibly personal and moving and hopefully is a tear-jerker. Can’t wait!  

#21 Renoir | Director Chie Hayakawa | Japan, France, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Qatar | 2025 | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: In Renoir, Chie Hayakawa (Plan 75, TIFF ’22) captures the delicate transition from childhood to adolescence through the eyes of Fuki, an 11-year-old girl grappling with her father’s terminal illness, portrayed by incredibly talented newcomer Yui Suzuki.

Why I’m Interested: I was a big fan of Plan 75, and as I’ve mentioned many times in this article, I have a soft spot for films that speak openly and honestly about mortality and death. Because honestly it’s something we need to do more in our society. And also being a huge fan of coming-of-age stories, and stories told from the perspective of children, this one kinda checks off all the boxes. 

#22 Rental Family | Director HIKARI | United States of America, Japan | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Oscar winner Brendan Fraser stars as an American actor in Tokyo who suffers a colossal case of impostor syndrome when he becomes a professional surrogate in this wise and whimsical dramedy from director HIKARI (TIFF ’19’s 37 Seconds).

Why I’m Interested: Another potential for the Oscar race? And definitely a potential for the People’s Choice Award. Brendan Fraser is sure to wow in his lead actor follow-up to The Whale, especially in this dramedy that seems very grounded and emotional. The trailer alone makes me excited to travel back to Japan., so I’m looking forward to seeing what’s in store from director HIKARI.

#23 Silent Friend | Director Ildikó Enyedi | Germany, France, Hungary | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Hungarian director Ildikó Enyedi — who made her Festival debut at TIFF ’89 with My 20th Century — returns to the screen with a tender portal of a majestic tree observing humans over time, starring Tony Leung and Léa Seydoux.

Why I’m Interested: What an interesting premise – a film shot over three time periods and using three different film formats. That alone has me interested from a technical standpoint. But couple that with a very stellar cast, all while exploring some deep and contemplative themes – I’m definitely intrigued. 

#24 Sentimental Value | Director Joachim Trier | Norway, France, Denmark, Germany, Sweden, United Kingdom | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Stellan Skarsgård and Renate Reinsve lead an incomparable cast in Joachim Trier’s moving drama about a director’s bid to revive his career and repair his family’s broken bonds.

Why I’m Interested: Yet another potential for the Oscar’s race. Sentimental Value was the winner of the Cannes Grand Prix, the second most coveted prize at the festival. Featuring two stellar leads in the always reliable Stellan Skarsgård and The Worst Person in the World’s incredible lead Renate Reinsve, you just know this one is going to be good. 

#25 She Has No Name | Director Peter Ho-Sun Chan | China | 2025 | Gala Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Based on a true story, this engrossing crime drama from director Peter Ho-Sun Chan (TIFF ’13’s American Dreams in China) stars Zhang Ziyi (TIFF ’00’s Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon) as a woman falsely accused of killing her husband in 1940s Shanghai.

Why I’m Interested: The visuals, the style, and what I expect is a solid lead performance from Zhang Ziyi – this film looks truly captivating. I can’t say I know much about the film, and I definitely don’t know very much about 1940s Shanghai, but I am certainly interested to see where this ride goes. 

#26 Sk+te’kmujue’katik (At the Place of Ghosts) | Director Bretten Hannam | Canada, Belgium | 2025 | Platform

TIFF Synopsis: This genre-bending otherworldly drama follows two brothers’ journey to avenge the spirits that haunt them from their childhood.

Why I’m Interested: This year at TIFF I’m pushing my comfort zone a bit when it comes to film selection, and this ghost story tale of two brothers feels like a great stepping stone to some darker films and themes. Having the film in the Platform category doesn’t hurt either. I’m cautiously optimistic about this one! 

#27 The Love That Remains | Director Hlynur Pálmason | Iceland, Denmark, Sweden, France | 2025 | Centrepiece

TIFF Synopsis: In portraying the end of a marriage, Icelandic director Hlynur Pálmason (Godland, TIFF ’22) favours moments of poignancy and humour over expressions of anger.

Why I’m Interested: Icelandic films in general tend to be so deeply meaningful, tackling heavy-hitting and human topics but in a way that is incredibly grounded and humanistic. There’s an atmospheric melancholy to these films, enhanced by the natural rugged beauty of the Icelandic landscape itself. Last years’ Icelandic film When The Light Breaks was one of my personal favourites, taking the heavy topic of the loss of a friend and focusing on the subtle performances of the young people left behind. I can only hope that this film is just as beautifully poignant. 

#28 Three Goodbyes | Director Isabel Coixet | Italy, Spain | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Based on the bestselling novel by Michela Murgia, the latest from Isabel Coixet is a heartfelt love letter to life — precious and fleeting — starring Alba Rohrwacher and Elio Germano.

Why I’m Interested: There really is such a theme in my film choices, with yet another film (maybe the third or fourth on this list) that explores our relationship to death and mortality. This one looks emotionally painful in all the best ways, and I’m looking forward to letting the tears flow. 

#29 Uiksaringitara (Wrong Husband) | Director Zacharias Kunuk | Canada | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: A strange death, village upheavals, and swarming suitors lead to a love story gone awry in acclaimed Inuk filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk’s latest enthralling imagining of ancient Inuit stories.

Why I’m Interested: Zacharias Kunuk is a Canadian gem of a director, and watching one of his films at a festival is truly an incredible treat. Wrong Husband is yet another Inuit legend brought to screen, and I’ve heard this one leans even further into the supernatural, which I’m looking forward to. 

#30 Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | Director Rian Johnson | United States of America | 2025 | Special Presentations

TIFF Synopsis: Benoit Blanc (Daniel Craig) faces his most dangerous mystery yet in the latest entry in Rian Johnson’s beloved Knives Out series.

Why I’m Interested: And finally rounding out our list is the new entry into the Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man. And really, how can you not be excited and interested in this one? Rian Johnson has really hit his stride in his revamped and modernized detective story genre, with the films being filled with huge casts delivering eccentric and electrifying performances. I think this one will be no exception. Here’s hoping for a full cast Q&A! 

In Conclusion

So there you have it, my top 30 most anticipated films of the Toronto International Film Festival #TIFF50. Now to start building my schedule! So what films are you most looking forward to this year? Are there any missing you think I shouldn’t sleep on?