The Standout Movies of 2025 (So Far)

We’re only halfway through 2025, but the movies have already given us plenty to talk about. From big blockbusters to hidden gems, here are a few of our favourites (so far).

Honourable Mentions

Mission: Impossible –The Final Reckoning

Yes, the film is unnecessarily long, and no, it isn’t as good as the four that came before it, but The Final Reckoning is still one of the best action movies of the year. Like him or loathe him, Tom Cruise is the best action star on the planet, and I’ll continue to say that until another 62-year-old comes along and tries doing the things he does on the big screen.

Straw

Taraji P. Henson deserves her flowers. She has 78 acting credits on IMDB, one Academy Award nomination and countless standout roles but it’s her performance in Tyler Perry’s Straw that should serve as a reminder that her career is far from over. Playing a woman having the worst day ever, her performance as Janiyah Wilkinson is a masterclass. The movie as a whole is good, albeit somewhat over-the-top at times, but Henson is phenomenal.

The Life List

There is something very touching about this film about a young woman (Sofy Carson) who s dealing with the loss of her mother (Connie Britton). Her Mom communicates to her through pre-recorded messages as she challenges her daughter to get comfortable with being uncomfortable while she attempts to complete a list created for her by her mother.

I love the casting of this film; I also love how well it handles grief. Sure, there are elements of it that make it feel like every other Hallmark movie, but that wasn’t my takeaway.

The Best Movies of 2025 . . . so far (Alphabetically)

Black Bag

Stephen Soderbergh has had two movies released this year (the other being Presence), and while both are entertaining, I really appreciated this sexy thriller. Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett lead this solid cast, where you don’t really know where anyone stands, and the audience tries to unravel it all.

Materialists

Celine Song (Past Lives) is back with a love triangle film…again…starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal and Chris Evans in the best performance of his career. Song takes a subject that has been done to death and still finds a way to make it all her own.

Mickey 17

Bong Joon Ho’s follow-up to his Academy Award-winning film, Parasite, does not disappoint. Once again, you go into it thinking you know what the film is about, but director Bong is a master of misdirection. Robert Pattinson, again, delivers an incredible performance, leaving no doubt that he is a solid actor.

My Dead Friend Zoe

Writer/director Kyle Hausmann-Stokes has presented an incredible film here. A love letter to those who have served in the military, this film showcases the impact of grief and features an extraordinary performance from Sonequa Martin-Green. This is a film that went under the radar, but it shouldn’t.

Novocaine

This was a fun ride. Jack Quaid, who has already appeared in several projects this year, shines as an individual who seems to be immune to pain. He is on the trail of those who have kidnapped the girl of his dreams. Is it silly? Somewhat. Is it entertaining and worth seeing? Absolutely!

One of Them Days

Keke Palmer and SZA (who is having a great 2025) star as friends who are having difficulties paying their rent to do a series of events. This film is a callback to great buddy comedy films and also classic movies like Friday.

Paying For It

Former Muchmusic VJ Sook-Yin Lee co-wrote and directed this film about a man who frequents sex workers after his breakup. This a fun, entertaining movie filled with witty dialogue and situations that just happens to be Canadian.

Sinners

The term ‘masterpiece’ gets thrown around a lot, but it fits here as that is exactly what Ryan Coogler has crafted. Showing that he can do a lot more than the Black Panther movies. Michael B. Jordan plays a dual role in a film that blends historical drama and horror.