Introduction
2025 has already delivered an incredible range of films that push boundaries, blend genres, and capture the imagination. From brutal war dramas to surreal comedies, BBC critics Caryn James and Nicholas Barber have selected their top cinema highlights of the year so far. Here’s your essential guide to the must-see movies of 2025.
Companion
Starring Jack Quaid and Sophie Thatcher, Companion begins as a potential romantic comedy before revealing itself as a sharp, sci-fi satire on technology and masculinity. Directed by Drew Hancock, this sparkling debut is packed with surprises, making it one of the most entertaining American indies of the year.
Sinners
Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is an ambitious blend of period drama and vampire horror, starring Michael B Jordan as twin brothers in 1930s Mississippi. With its swirling mix of the supernatural, blues music, and racial tensions, this film cements Coogler’s status as one of the most innovative directors today.
Art for Everybody
Miranda Yousef’s documentary Art for Everybody dives into the strange life of Thomas Kinkade, the “Painter of Light.” It explores questions about art, culture wars, and the hidden darkness behind Kinkade’s sunny public persona, offering both a sociopolitical and deeply personal narrative.
Warfare
Directed by Alex Garland and military veteran Ray Mendoza, Warfare thrusts viewers into a visceral real-time battle. The film focuses less on politics and more on the harrowing personal cost of combat, redefining the war movie genre with breathtaking immediacy and technical brilliance.
Bring Them Down
Bring Them Down stars Barry Keoghan, Christopher Abbott, and Colm Meaney in a gripping Irish Western about feuding sheep farmers. With its clever narrative shifts and poignant exploration of pride, hardship, and generational trauma, it’s a hauntingly powerful debut by Christopher Andrews.
Misericordia
Alain Guiraudie’s Misericordia combines comedy, mystery, and human drama as it follows Jeremie navigating love, loss, and suspicion in a French village. Nominated for eight César awards, this film deftly explores complex themes with humor and emotional depth.
Holy Cow
Louise Courvoisier’s Holy Cow is a heartwarming coming-of-age story about a teen who dreams of making luxury cheese to save his family farm. Set in rural France, this charming film captures the beauty and struggles of agricultural life with warmth and authenticity.
The Friend
Based on Sigrid Nunez’s novel, The Friend stars Naomi Watts as a woman coping with grief through an unexpected bond with a Great Dane. Directed by Scott McGehee and David Siegel, the film offers a touching portrayal of love, loss, and resilience without slipping into sentimentality.
Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl
Wallace and Gromit return in Vengeance Most Fowl, facing off against their old foe Feathers McGraw. Packed with classic Aardman humor and surprisingly relevant commentary on AI, this delightful claymation adventure reminds us why these beloved characters endure.
On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
Rungano Nyoni’s On Becoming a Guinea Fowl tackles family secrets and cultural conflict with stunning visual flair. Set during funeral rites in Zambia, the film explores buried trauma and generational silence, delivering one of the most emotionally resonant stories of the year.
Conclusion
From the satirical brilliance of Companion to the profound drama of On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, 2025 has been an exceptional year for cinema. Whether you crave gripping war stories, heartfelt dramas, or inventive comedies, these films promise unforgettable viewing experiences. Which one will you watch first?
