2025 is more than officially wrapped, and now that we’re firmly into 2026 you’re likely not in the mood for yet another “best of” or “end of year” list. But it always feels like my new year in cinema can’t quite start until I put my thoughts on the previous year down on paper. So thanks for indulging me on this reflective journey. 

It’s always an interesting process to come up with this list. You would think it would be as easy as popping over to my Letterboxd and sorting by rating, and calling it a day. But honestly some movies rate really well in the moment but don’t necessarily stand the test of time in my head or heart. And some movies don’t quite hit on first watch but unexpectedly linger down the road. 

My 2025 wasn’t quite as prolific for me as it usually is in terms of movie watching, particularly with life and wedding nuptials taking up most of my time. But I still managed to watch 138 new releases in 2025, including about 38 films at TIFF50. So rest assured this list remains well informed. 

A few usual disclaimers:

This list is personal to my own taste. I acknowledge that movies at the top of my list may not be objectively the “best” movies, or the best movies for everyone, so take what I say with a grain of salt. I also tend to gravitate away from horror films, with some notable exceptions, so apologies for the blind spot. Also as a note, films are only included that are in contention for the 2025 award cycle – so there may be films that were only released in North America in 2025 that were part of the 2024 award cycle that will not be included on this list. 

The honourable mentions:

As per usual I’ve narrowed things down to my top 30 films, but I’ve decided this year to really focus on my top 10. But I still wanted to let you know what made it into slot 30 through 11. Those films are as follows: 

30: The Fantastic 4: First Steps

29: The Naked Gun

28: Superman 

27: One Battle After Another 

26: Jay Kelly

25: Bugonia

24: Is This Thing On?

23: The President’s Cake

22: The Testament of Ann Lee

21: Thunderbolts*

20: KPop Demon Hunters

19: Arco

18: 28 Years Later

17: A Nice Indian Boy

16: Wicked For Good

15: The Secret Agent

14: Left-Handed Girl

13: No Other Choice

12: Wake Up Dead Man

But with that out of the way, let’s head into our top 10. These are the top 10 most impactful films of the year for me. 

11: Rental Family

The Top 10:

#10: Homebound

Coming in at #10 is a surprise film for me, one that was not on my radar but was so grateful to catch at TIFF. Homebound is a Hindi-language film directed by Neeraj Ghaywan and executive produced by Martin Scorsese. It follows the journey of two childhood friends, played by Ishaan Khatter and Vishal Jethwa, as they grow up in a post-pandemic world and experience the effect of caste and ambition on their friendship. It’s certainly a crowd pleaser, and a tearjerker at times, anchored by the fantastic chemistry of its two leads. I always find that the best movies are the ones that you go into with little expectation, and this one really surprised me as a result. So it’s a big recommendation from me. 

#9: It Was Just An Accident

At #9 is Jafar Panahi’s It Was Just An Accident, yet another international film, this one being France’s entry to the Oscar’s Best International Feature race. Coming from a generation of high profile directors who are critical of the Iranian government, this one is a bit of a standout for me. The film focuses on the experiences of a group of survivors as they confront their mutual torturer that they have captured. This focus is a perfect tool for exploring the effects of the regime on everyday people without getting too lofty and unwieldy. The film as a result feels very real and grounded. The mix of some humour and levity helps make the emotional moments hit harder. Overall, it’s very well deserving of its accolades and makes it on my top list of the year. 

#8: Sentimental Value

At #8, Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value is one of those films that takes a bit of time to sink in, with its slow Scandinavian style and focus on conversation and dialogue. But there are moments in the film that really lingered, particularly the scene pictured above between the two sisters. Sentimental Value revolves around a family of artists and the tension that results when the estranged actor/director patriarch of the family approaches his actress daughter to star in a movie about their lives. The cast, led by the incomparable Renate Reinsve and the ever-dependable Stellan Skarsgård, is absolutely stellar, and what unfolds is an honest and complex representation of trauma and family conflict. It’s a slow burn of a movie, but well worth every minute. 

#7: Bob Trevino Likes It

At #7 is one of the many films on the list that absolutely brought me to tears. Bob Trevino Likes It tells the story of a young woman, played by Barbie Ferreira, who tries to reconnect with her (horrible) father on Facebook, but ends up messaging someone with the same name, played by John Leguizamo, forming a bond with him. While the premise seems a bit oddball and could easily go down many wrong directions. But the relationship that forms between the two lead characters ends up being extremely wholesome, cathartic and downright healing. This film went very under the radar outside of the film festival circuit, but I can’t recommend it enough. 

#6: Sorry, Baby

Oh boy, again more films that absolutely broke my heart, and this one is a special one. At #6, Eva Victor’s Sorry, Baby earns its spot on the list as a Sundance Film Festival favourite. Sorry, Baby is a dark comedy that follows the journey of Agnes, a young college literature professor struggling with depression following a sexual assault. In addition to acting in the lead role, Eva Victor also directed and wrote this feature film in her directorial debut. And what results is an extremely earnest and nuanced portrayal of the isolating effects of depression and trauma. Eva Victor is a certainly one to watch, and in my books is the breakout star of the year. 

#5: The Voice of Hind Rajab

At #5 is The Voice of Hind Rajab, a necessary and urgent watch, particularly in our increasingly tumultuous world. Dramatizing the events from the perspective of the emergency response volunteers to the real life calls of a 6 year old girl trapped in a car in war town Gaza, director Kaouther Ben Hania seamlessly interweaves dramatization with real world footage and audio. What results is incredibly raw and tragic. In particular, the way that cell phone footage is incorporated is both uncanny and effective. This is truly must watch cinema. 

#4: The Ballad of Wallis Island

At our #4 spot is a film that is very much a “me” movie. James Griffiths’ The Ballad of Wallis Island hits that special place in my heart, much in the same vein as films like Once, Flora and Son, and Begin Again (and yes I’m basically just naming John Carney movies). The film revolves around the relationship between two estranged former singing partners who reconnect when their biggest fan invites them to perform a private concert on the tiny Wallis Island. Blending acoustic music, beautiful serene landscapes, and deeply layered character dynamics, and not to mention a healthy dose of quirky humour, this one is sure to warm anyone’s heart. It’s always a pleasure to shine some light on small films like this, and it easily lands in my top 5. 

#3: Sinners

And now for our top 3! Starting with #3 is Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. There’s so much I love and respect about the film, and I think it will be the movie that stands the test of time when we look back at 2025, even more than the movies higher on my list (or really any of the other movies in awards contention). There’s just something so awe-inspiring about the creative team, from Coogler’s impressive script and visions, to Ludwig Göransson’s soaring score, Ruth E. Carter’s impeccable costumes, the incredible cinematography from Autumn Durald, and of course the incredible cast. And speaking of the cast, there isn’t a weak link, but I have to say my personal favourites are Wunmi Mosaku and newcomer Miles Caton. I have rewatched that one particular music sequence several times, and each time it gets me. And while horror isn’t always my cup of tea, I’ll gladly make some room for this artistic masterpiece. 

#2: Hamnet

Coming in at #2 is Chloe Zhao’s Hamnet. I can’t think of another film I’ve experienced where there wasn’t a dry eye in the packed theatre and where I left physically vibrating. Chloe Zhao is just so skillful in finding these emotionally resonant moments in otherwise quiet films, combining deft performances with powerful music, strikingly beautiful visuals, and an emotionally weighty script. Jessie Buckley shines, delivering on one of the most powerful endings I’ve witnessed in years. And I never thought I’d say that about a film about Shakespeare. I never thought a period piece like this would be something that would interest me, but it truly blew me away. I hope you give it a chance as well! 

#1: The Life of Chuck

And now to my #1. And for me, it has to go to Mike Flanagan’s Life of Chuck. So hear me out – I may be the only person left campaigning for this film that undeniably got mishandled by the distributor following its TIFF People’s Choice Award win in 2024. But I can’t deny how much this movie has resonated with me and stuck with me in the year and a half since I watched it. As an eternal optimist living in a dreary society, the sentiment of the film – that human connection can be the most powerful thing even in the bleakest of end times – is a sentiment that I think is beyond important for the times we are living in. I have watched this film about five times since its release at TIFF all the way back in 2024, and each time I get chills, particularly in the first act of the film that is undoubtedly the strongest. So for the staying power of the movie alone, it has to remain at the top of my list. I just wish more people would watch this one too. 

And that’s a wrap! 

Another year of amazing movies and unforgettable cinema experiences is behind us! This year I’ll say we didn’t have the deepest pool of films to choose from, but we certainly had a number of really special films that graced our screens. For those interested in my past posts, my #1 choices so far have been as follow: 

2025 Top Pick: The Life of Chuck 

2024 Top Pick: Dune: Part 2

2023 Top Pick: Past Lives

2022 Top Pick: Everything Everywhere All at One

I’m excited to see what 2026 has in store for us, and it’s already been a fantastic start coming fresh out of the Sundance Film Festival. But until then, let me know what your favourite movie of 2025 and stay tuned for more in our year in cinema.