The Best Movies of 2025 (So Far)
From Sinners to One Battle After Another, these films are the top reasons to visit cinemas this year.
A Silent Voice Director's Latest Animation
The new film from anime master Naoko Yamada tells a joyous story about three teenagers who use music to navigate their future paths. Filled with whimsical fantasy and expansive abstractions, yet true to the emotional world of high-schooler Totsuko—a girl who sees people's [translate:«цвета»]—it is a beautiful and deeply sensitive coming-of-age animation. Though it’s early in the year, it could become the best movie of 2025.
Marvel's Refreshing New Entry
After the lackluster Phase 5, Marvel brings excitement with Florence Pugh’s role as broken Russian assassin Yelena Belova. This scrappy team-up film tackles themes of trauma, depression, and mental health while battling a new superhuman threat. Marvel deserves credit for shifting from endless VFX spectacles to a more subtle, practical-effects style, guided by ex-indie director Jake Schreier (Paper Towns).
The rest of the Thunderbolts team offers a fun ensemble experience, with David Harbour shining as an ex-Soviet hero facing obsolescence and a growing waistline. Even the post-credit scene makes it worth staying until the end.
Paul Greengrass’ Signature Style
Paul Greengrass continues to blend fast-paced action with moral depth, adding layers of complexity to his films.
"The Brit’s turn as broken-up Russian assassin Yelena Belova lights up a consciously scrappy team-up movie that plugs into relatable matters of trauma, depression and mental health in its battles with a new superhuman peril."
Author's summary: 2025’s cinema highlights include Naoko Yamada’s poetic anime and Marvel’s grounded action, both exploring inner struggles with fresh creativity and emotional depth.
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