Another year has come and passed and here we are at the end of 2025; it is once again time for me to share my annual Top 10 film list. These past 12 months have been very busy for me personally—getting married, going on my honeymoon, and so on and so forth—so I admit with complete honesty that I haven’t seen as many movies as I would have liked to. I only saw half the number as I did in 2024, partly for personal reasons but also due to lack of interest. There just weren’t as many “must-see” films (for me).
Still, there were some noteworthy gems that I was able to see that I feel deserve a shout-out. Also, I heavily enjoy making these lists, so one down year wasn’t going to stop me from doing that! Below you will find my Top 10 films of 2025. For films that I have posted reviews for at Film Festival Today, the title is hyperlinked to my review. If I have not reviewed the film, I include a short synopsis of my thoughts.
1. Weapons (Zach Cregger)
2. Final Destination: Bloodlines (Zach Lipvosky/Adam B. Stein): I would consider myself a casual fan of the Final Destination movies, meaning I have seen all the films and enjoy most of them (though not the 4th), but wouldn’t say they’re some of my favorites. That being said, Final Destination: Bloodlines blew me away with a unique perspective not seen in the other films in the saga. With quality, fleshed-out characters (for once!), some different approaches to classic tropes, and just as much suspense as the other entries, Final Destination: Bloodlines is the best film in the popular franchise by a long shot.
3. The Conjuring: Last Rites (Michael Chaves): If you’re seeing a horror trend on this list, don’t be surprised. It seems even in the busiest years I make time for my favorite genre above all else. The first two Conjuring movies are some of my favorite horror films of all time, though the third disappointed me a bit. Thankfully, The Conjuring: Last Rites restored my faith in the franchise. As heartwarming as it is horrifying, the film delivers entirely on both fronts. Character-focused while maintaining the signature build of suspense that fans have come to love, it doesn’t quite match the sheer intensity of the first two films but is a quality conclusion to a fantastic franchise.
4. Superman (James Gunn): A bit of a break from horror! Refreshing and inspiring, James Gunn’s take on the iconic DC hero seems straight out of a comic book in all the right ways. Though not as visually appealing as Zack Snyder’s Man of Steel, Superman gets the characters right and gives them far more depth and emotion than the somewhat hollow portrayals in Snyder’s film. Quality performances, intriguing dialogue, and bright, impressive images in their own right add up to a feel-good, genuinely fun action-adventure film. It’s everything a Superman film should be.
5. Sinners (Ryan Coogler): OK, now back to horror … sort of? I may have this ranked lower than most, as I hear so many folks putting it as their top film of the year. Honestly, I can’t blame them one bit. While the two halves of the film feel like completely different movies, which hurts it some in my book, each half is equally enthralling and masterfully executed. Michael B Jordan’s exceptional dual performance shines along with each and every other member of the cast. The direction, plot, cinematography, and use of music also impress to create one of the more unique moviegoing experiences of the year.
6. Drop (Christopher Landon): A single-location thriller (and it won’t be the only one on this list) atop a rooftop restaurant involving an awkward first date; director Christopher Landon has plenty to play around with in Drop. He executes the premise to its full extent, with creative character choices, unrelenting suspense, and a fully engaging mystery that keeps the viewer on the edge of their seat for the entire runtime. Quality performances, well-explored characters, and an inventive use of space make Drop soar.
7. Bring Her Back (Danny Philippou/Michael Philippou)
8. Good Boy (Ben Leonberg): An uber-original take on a haunted-house story, Good Boy puts the audience in the point of view of a canine companion who witnesses disturbing events taking place in the home of his owner. The viewer deeply connects with Indy the dog and his struggles to try to comprehend what is going on in the house in which he lives and with his beloved owner, Todd. Leonberg manages to capture an eerie atmosphere and tell a terrifying yet heartfelt story with little use of dialogue, relying mostly on well-crafted visuals and sound, using both to a very effective end.
9. Wicked: For Good (Jon M. Chu): While lacking a bit compared to its predecessor, the second act of the film adaptation of the popular musical still delivers, mostly thanks to its two superstars turning in unsurprisingly phenomenal performances. The audience is invested completely in the relationship between Elphaba and Glinda, leading to some heartbreaking moments that hit to the core. The songs might not be quite as impressive as in Part 1, but any time Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo sing, especially together, it’s pure magic.
10. Turbulence (Claudio Fäh)
Matt Patti
Matt Patti has enjoyed voicing his opinions on films from a young age. He has lived in the Baltimore, Maryland, area since 2015 and is a graduate of Stevenson University’s Film & Moving Image program. Matt is currently back at Stevenson University, working as the School of Design, Arts, and Communication's Studio Manager.