Patrick Howard’s Top 10 Films of 2025

Where I have previously reviewed the film (in this case, there is just one), the title is hyperlinked to that review. Where I have not, I have written a short description of the movie to help explain why I chose it.

1. Wake Up Dead Man (Rian Johnson): We are three movies into Rian Johnson’s murder-mystery series, and I need five more as soon as possible. Father Jud, played perfectly by Josh O’Connor is the type of protagonist we need nowadays: a man trying to lead a life of decency in an indecent world.

2. Weapons (Zach Cregger): A whodunit mystery that beautifully combines horror and comedy. This is only Zach Cregger’s second feature film, and he already has a command of his craft like a seasoned pro. Can’t wait to see more from him!

3. Sinners (Ryan Coogler): Ryan Coogler continues his streak of films that are rich with culture and good ol’ fashioned cinematic entertainment. Sinners is a powerful personal statement, a frightening vampire tale, and an important historical glimpse into 1930s southern America.

4. Superman (James Gunn): The stakes were high for James Gunn’s brand-new DC comics cinematic universe to make a big splash for the general public. This Superman, played by David Corenswet, is a true symbol for hope and human decency. It’s a message that is sorely needed in today’s volatile climate.

5. Avatar: Fire and Ash (James Cameron): Somehow, this is even more of a visual marvel than the previous two installments. Avatar 3 is a great showcase of James Cameron’s bold directorial efforts in a story that is all too familiar to us.

6. The Twister: Caught in the Storm (Alexandra Lacey): By the end of this fear-inducing documentary, I just wanted all of the onscreen survivors to meet up somewhere and have a good group hug.

7. KPop Demon Hunters (Chris Appelhans/Maggie Kang): Don’t let the K-pop and K-drama-inspired antics fool you. This movie tackles mature topics, such as shame and personal demons, presenting them in a highly relatable format that has clearly resonated with kids around the world.

8. The Monkey (Osgood Perkins): This dark comedy will be described as an acquired taste for most cinephiles, but Osgood Perkins injects it with so many absurd gore effects and sardonic takes on life itself that it has the chance of becoming a cult classic years later.

9. Predator: Killer of Killers (Dan Trachtenberg/Joshua Wassung): I hope one day I can meet Dan Trachtenberg and thank him for bringing the Predator franchise back from the dead in the span of five years. Killer of Killers is a blood-tastic anthology that offers riveting commentary on the warrior mindset across the ages.

10. The Carpenter’s Son (Lotfy Nathan)

Patrick Howard

Patrick Howard has been a cinephile since age seven. Alongside 10 years of experience in film analysis and criticism, he is a staunch supporter of all art forms and believes their influence and legacy over human culture is vital. Mr. Howard takes the time to write his own narrative stories when he can.