2025 was the year of horror, not just because of the current unrest in our global political climate, but also because horror films dominated the box office (and most critics’ best lists). The top horror films use allegories of monsters (SINNERS/FRANKENSTEIN), events (WEAPONS), and war (THE LONG WALK) to reflect on audiences’ real-world anxieties. I’m thankful that art created a safe space where audiences’ anxieties could be released in a darkened theater filled with strangers. It was the cathartic healing that I needed, and that’s why three horror films made my top ten list.
10. FRANKENSTEIN
FRANKENSTEIN is a gorgeous love letter to horror, romance, monsters, and men obsessed with their ideas. It’s a brilliant, uneven take on the classic monster that might just be the best version audiences have ever seen.
09. COME SEE ME IN THE GOOD LIGHT
My wife, Kara Goldstein did a guest-star on SpoilerFreeReviews and wrote:
“Not many films make my husband and me feel compelled to get up, move closer, and hold hands while watching. During this film, I didn’t hold his hand, I clutched it, like it was important – because it was.”
It’s so true. This is a life-affirming documentary that soars and shouldn’t be missed.
08. WAKE UP DEAD MAN: A KNIVES OUT STORY
Can we all agree that Rian Johnson is the best writer/director currently making whodunnit thrillers? His Benoit Blanc trilogy is up there with some of the best in modern-day cinema, and with his 3rd outing, he has struck ‘heavenly’ gold. Rian Johnson has once again outdone himself with what
07. WEAPONS
Eli’s review captures WEAPONS spot on:
“Although there are messy parts to it, this still belongs among the top 10 movies of the year so far. It’s entertaining on all levels, has a high rewatchability factor because there are so many layers to it, the performances are remarkable, no matter how unnecessary they may be, and this is the type of movie that proves that 2025 is, in fact, a year where mainstream horror films are having quite the moment.”
06. ZOOTOPIA 2
After nine long years, I was thrilled to see ZOOTOPIA 2 live up to my expectations and, in several ways, surpass them like Flash behind the wheel of a car. ZOOTOPIA 2 surprised me with its complex, thoughtful story that respects both kids and adults. It easily earns a spot in my top 10 films of 2025. Audiences everywhere should have “permission to hug” this likeable, charming sequel.
05. THE LIFE OF CHUCK
Maya’s review of THE LIFE OF CHUCK is spot-on for this overlooked feel-good tearjerker.
“THE LIFE OF CHUCK was the hidden gem of 2025. It has changed my perspective on the time left, not only for myself, but also for my loved ones and the universe as a whole. It is a deep thinker, but one that is not pretentious, so it excludes those who do not want to dig deeper with their casual viewing. I would highly recommend going out to experience it while it’s still in theaters, or viewing it at home when it releases on streaming.”
Charles Krantz- 39 GREAT YEARS! Thanks, Chuck!
04. K-POP DEMON HUNTERS
Now this is ‘how it’s done!’ K-POP DEMON HUNTER is Netflix’s ‘golden’ opportunity to ‘takedown’ the other animated films during award season. The animated style soars, and the themes of becoming ‘free’ from your hidden trauma and being true to yourself are perfection. With universal themes that are more compelling than WICKED: FOR GOOD, K-POP DEMON HUNTERS ‘is what it sounds like, when artists create meaningful work, and I’m grateful that people responded so positively to it.
03. SONG SUNG BLUE
“I’m a Believer” that certain films simply sing. SONG SUNG BLUE demands audiences to “Play Me,” as it’s one of the best times and most heartfelt experiences you’ll have with a “HUGE” group of strangers at the movies this year.
02. ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER
After several Paul Thomas Anderson films that focused on obsessive narcissists, I fell out of love with his work and officially broke up with him. Then he cooked up LICORICE PIZZA, and I was instantly reminded of why he is one of the great filmmakers of my generation. I’m so happy to report that Anderson’s ONE BATTLE AFTER ANOTHER is a beautifully complicated tale about our divided country, which strangely is a love letter to fathers and daughters.
01. SINNERS
Jami’s review captured the essence of SINNERS:
“SINNERS is unlike anything I’ve seen from Ryan Coogler in his career so far, and was not what I was expecting after seeing various versions of the trailer in cinemas over the last several months. It’s bright, scary, funny, surprising, and plays homage to classic horror films like THE EVIL DEAD and NIGHT OF THE LIVING DEAD. Coogler demonstrates the versatility of his talent and brings muse Michael B. Jordan along for a wild ride.”
For me, there wasn’t a movie this year that hit all of the feels as much as SINNERS did. It’s a horror film and an allegory on the exploitation of black culture. Yet, even with that heavy of a theme, it’s never preachy, and it was the best ride I went on in 2025.