The best movies of 2025 (so far)

From Sinners to One Battle After Another, these films are the top reasons to visit the cinema this year.

A Silent Voice Director’s New Animated Film

Naoko Yamada’s latest work is a joyous story about three teenagers using music to navigate their futures. Filled with whimsical fantasy and profound abstractions, yet true to the inner world of high-schooler Totsuko, who can see people’s «цвета», this coming-of-age animation is beautiful and deeply sensitive. It may prove to be the best film of the year.

Marvel’s Florence Pugh Shines in Thunderbolts

The underwhelming Phase 5 of the MCU finds new hope in Florence Pugh’s role as Yelena Belova, a fractured Russian assassin. Her presence energizes a scrappy team-up film that thoughtfully addresses trauma, depression, and mental health amid battles with a new superhuman threat. Marvel deserves credit for moving away from endless VFX-heavy scenes toward a more intimate style under ex-indie director Jake Schreier (Paper Towns).

The Thunderbolts ensemble is enjoyable to watch, featuring David Harbour as a former Soviet superhero confronting obsolescence with humor and heart. Even the post-credit scene is worth the wait.

Director Paul Greengrass’s Signature Style

Paul Greengrass continues to blend hyper-kinetic action with moral complexity, establishing a strong cinematic voice.

"The A Silent Voice director has conjured up a beautiful, deeply sensitive coming-of-age animation."

"Florence Pugh’s turn as broken-up Russian assassin Yelena Belova lights up a consciously scrappy team-up movie."

Summary: 2025 offers standout films blending emotional depth, fresh storytelling, and dynamic performances, highlighting directors like Naoko Yamada and talents such as Florence Pugh.

Time Out — 2025-11-06