7 top films of 2025 up to this point

      It is still too early to determine which film will be the best of 2025. However, there have already been several outstanding films this year. While Hollywood blockbusters and the remarkable success of Sinners have received much attention over the past couple of weekends, 2025 has also been a solid year for original films that defy traditional genres.

      Our picks for the top films so far include those that delve into well-known themes of love, war, betrayal, grief, and the essence of being human in a world that often lacks humanity. Although no one has all the answers, movies that examine deep emotions can provide a sense of catharsis.

      Sinners is too impressive to leave off this list. Additionally, you might find some of our selections for the seven best films of 2025 so far surprising. Thankfully, most of these films will be available for streaming in a few months, if they aren't already. You'll be able to make your own informed opinions after watching them.

      7. Companion

      New Line Cinema

      It would be unfair to Companion to reveal all of its surprises. It’s important to know that it’s a thriller with a hint of sci-fi centered on a couple named Iris (Sophie Thatcher) and Josh (Jack Quaid). After enduring an attempted sexual assault during a weekend getaway, Iris realizes that her relationship with Josh is not as it seems.

      Mistakes ensue, leading to growing tension between Josh and Iris. With newfound truths, Iris's breakup is the least of Josh’s concerns. He may have to face consequences for his actions that led to this situation.

      Stream Companion on Max.

      6. Warfare

      A24

      Warfare is a challenging film to watch, as it doesn’t portray a sanitized version of battle like many Hollywood films do. Co-written and co-directed by Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza, a former Navy SEAL who served in Iraq, the film dramatizes the Battle of Ramadi with a focus on historical fidelity.

      The cast includes a host of rising stars, such as Cosmo Jarvis from Shogun, D’Pharaoh Woon-A-Tai, Joseph Quinn, Will Poulter, Noah Centineo, Kit Connor, and Michael Gandolfini. These familiar faces depict SEALs trapped in a desperate firefight against Iraqi insurgents, faced with overwhelming odds. Warfare is likely to be acknowledged during next year's awards season, but many viewers may find one viewing sufficient.

      Warfare is currently in theaters.

      5. The Friend

      Bleecker Street

      The Friend might draw comparisons to Lost in Translation due to Bill Murray’s presence in both films. Each story features an uncommon friendship that Murray's character has with a significantly younger woman. The crucial difference here is that Walter (Murray) is deceased, leaving his friend Iris (Naomi Watts) to care for his giant Great Dane, Apollo.

      Although Watts shares the screen with the comically inclined dog, this film revolves around her character. Iris is deeply mourning Walter due to their profound bond, which unfolds in flashbacks. The narrative follows Iris’s grief for Walter as she navigates finding a place for Apollo in her life. Thus, the emotional stakes are sincere.

      Purchase or rent The Friend on digital platforms.

      4. Bring Them Down

      Mubi

      There are numerous jokes about Bring Them Down that could easily write themselves, particularly since one central conflict in this Irish drama involves stolen sheep and livestock. Writer and director Christopher Andrews finds a dark humor in this premise, using non-linear storytelling to explore the complexities of the characters involved.

      Michael O’Shea (Christopher Abbott) is a disgruntled rancher living with his bitter father, Ray O’Shea (Colm Meaney). Michael harbors his own resentments, partially because his ex-lover, Caroline (Nora-Jane Noone), married his neighbor, Gary (Paul Ready), and they had a son, Jack (Barry Keoghan). Jack's choices set the stage for a potential violent confrontation between Michael and Gary. Through shifting perspectives, viewers see each character in a fresh light before the inevitable occurs.

      Stream Bring Them Down on Mubi.

      3. Black Bag

      Focus Features

      Steven Soderbergh’s spy thriller Black Bag opens with the realization that there’s a mole in MI6, and George Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender) must uncover the identity of the traitor. With only five suspects, all entangled in relationships with other MI6 agents, the plot thickens. Clarissa Dubose (Marisa Abela) is dating Freddie Smalls (Tom Burke), while James Stokes (Regé-Jean Page) is involved with Dr. Zoe Vaughan (Naomie Harris).

      Although there are certainly secrets among these suspects, George becomes increasingly fixated on the fifth suspect: his wife, Kathryn St. Jean (Cate Blanchett). The more he investigates Kathryn’s activities, the more suspicious she appears. Is George being manipulated into