20 best movies of 2025: Ranking the films — from dramas to thrillers and comedies — that we loved this year

If 2025 proved anything to me this year, it's that, as much as films with significant theatrical releases, A-list stars, and directors are certainly entertaining, sometimes it's the smaller movies that have the lasting impact. From thrillers to comedies, dramas and animated musicals, there was a wide range of new movies to see this year, while many of the "best" films may be more unexpected hits.

While movies like One Battle After and Marty Supreme have certainly gotten a lot of attention, and for good reason. Films like Sorry, Baby from Eva Victor and Pools from Sam Hayes were also must-see movies of the year.

Here are the 20 best movies of 2025 ranked (based on Canadian release dates), and how to watch them in Canada:

20. Bob Trevino Likes It

A film that deserves more attention is Tracie Laymon's Bob Trevino Likes It, starring Barbie Ferreira and John Leguizamo. It is raw, honest, and emotional. It's an incredibly accurate portrayal of childhood trauma, filled with layers of complexity, told through incredibly sincere dialogue. The film offers a perspective on volatile parental relationships that's more authentic than you've ever seen before, with Laymon never sugarcoating the experience. Beautiful performances and incredibly vulnerable filmmaking make for a massive success.

Where to watch Bob Trevino Likes It: Apple TV

19. Companion

Companion is a film that I rewatched several times this year, with Drew Hancock crafting a thriller that takes what you'd expect from a "robots go rogue" story and adds incredibly unique twists. The comedy in this movie is brilliantly placed, leaning into the absurdity in the story, and the film's most gory moments give the exact thrills you want. It's all elevated by an incredible cast, anchored by Sophie Thatcher.

Where to watch Companion: Crave

18. KPop Demon Hunters

A fan-favourite movie of the year, KPop Demon Hunters was certainly one of the most exciting film releases. The animated movie captured the hearts of audiences of all ages, with the soundtrack going platinum. Inspiring Halloween costumes and countless rewatches by many, it's a movie for the whole family that's incredibly heartfelt, and you have to appreciate all the care that was put into crafting these incredible characters.

Where to watch KPop Demon Hunters: Netflix

17. Friendship

Tim Robinson had a particularly successful 2025, with The Chair Company among the best TV shows of the year, and his movie Friendship also showcases his brilliant comedy. There's an endearing awkwardness, in addition to some incredibly wacky moments that are thrilling and incredibly infectious.

Where to watch Friendship: Paramount+ and Crave

16. Die My Love

The first thing that has to be said about Die My Love is that Jennifer Lawrence's performance is breathtaking and stunning. Lynne Ramsay's film is completely enthralling in its portrayal of postpartum depression, presenting the complexity it deserves. But Lawrence and another brilliant performance from Sissy Spacek hold the film together.

Where to watch Die My Love: Mubi

15. The Ballad of Wallis Island

The Ballad of Wallis Island, written by and starring Tim Key and Tom Basden, directed by James Griffiths, is melancholic, but also incredibly joyful and funny, making it among the best movies of the year. You can tell that this trio has a really effective way of working together, able to unlock characters that carry a real emotional weight, while also presenting a lot of fun. Paired with some great music throughout the movie, it's a really satisfying watch.

Where to watch The Ballad of Wallis Island: Prime Video

14. Hamnet

Chloé Zhao's Hamnet is a movie that will completely devastate you, particularly with its painfully sad developments in the latter portion of the film. It's really no surprise that audiences have left movie theatres sobbing. Any film that can elicit such a strong reaction is impressive. Much of that is a result of Jessie Buckley's performance, which is so incredibly moving and pierces right through your heart. Paired with Paul Mescal, and it's one of the most exciting partnerships of the year.

Where to watch Hamnet: In theatres

13. Train Dreams

Train Dreams is easily the most beautiful film of the year, visually stunning in a way that will take your breath away. Clint Bentley's movie, starring Joel Edgerton, is a standout in its quietest moments, with a script that is incredibly intentional with its dialogue, making the film impactful. And in 2025, it feels particularly affecting to watch a movie where kindness is such a significant theme explored.

Where to watch Train Dreams: Netflix

12. Bugonia

Another Yorgos Lanthimos project starring Emma Stone, Bugonia continues the trend of these films being among the most interesting and unique movies each year they're released. Lanthimos doesn't shy away from the bizarre, and that's what makes all his films exciting. For Bugonia, it takes risks with big shifts throughout the movie, which I won't entirely spoil, but it's a film that challenges you to go along for the ride, to lean into the nuances in the story and fight your expectations.

Where to watch Bugonia: Prime Video

11. The Mastermind

Josh O'Connor is certainly one of the most exciting actors being featured in some great films at the moment, but Kelly Reichardt's The Mastermind stands out from the rest. There's a way that O'Connor commands the screen that is so singular to him and compelling to watch, while Reichardt's take on a heist movie is so finely tuned, layering in the historical context of 1970 effectively.

Where to watch The Mastermind: Mubi

10. Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore

We've never seen Oscar winner Marlee Matlin open up the way she does in the documentary Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore. Directed by Shoshannah Stern, the impact of this film extends far beyond what you expect to see in a film about someone's life; it completely reframes the narrative about Matlin's life. It explores her success while also delving into elements such as language deprivation and how these experiences have shaped her life. But most importnatly, it's a joyful film, primarily thanks to the endearing rapport between Stern and Matlin.

Where to watch Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore: Kino Film Collection

9. The Last Showgirl

Gia Coppola's The Last Showgirl is an incredibly emotional and moving film, showcasing Pamela Anderson at her best. All the characters in the film are beautifully crafted, and it's an incredibly profound film about the value of women being tied to their youth, as Coppola skillfully explores the exhausting pressure and complexity that comes with that. The cinematography, courtesy of Autumn Durald Arkapaw, who also worked on Sinners, is absolutely breathtaking, elevating the story's intimacy.

Where to watch The Last Showgirl: Crave

8. Pools

An underrated film of the year is Pools. Writer and director Sam Hayes crafted a truly unique coming-of-age film that also addresses the often-overlooked reality that growing up continues long after high school. Hayes is incredibly honest and authentic in capturing the complexity of life, particularly in one's 20s, and it's refreshing to see a film that doesn't rely on any forced romances. Stylistically, the film's visuals beautifully enhance the story, and while everyone is talking about Odessa A'zion in Marty Supreme, she's astounding in Pools.

Where to watch Pools: Apple TV

7. No Other Choice

Park Chan-wook's film No Other Choice is a dark comedy that doesn't shy away from embracing its outrageousness, with Lee Byung-hun delivering a particularly engaging performance that easily captivates the audience. A sharp and intelligent script, it's one of the most fascinating stories of the year, paired with incredibly impressive and unique shots, making this a particularly stylish film that never wastes a moment.

Where to watch No Other Choice: In theatres Dec. 25

6. Sinners

Ryan Coogler's Sinners is one of the most distinct horror films, from the uniquely thrilling story to the perfectly crafted score that accompanies the movie. And all held together by a stellar performance from Michael B. Jordan. But a particular highlight is Autumn Durald Arkapaw's cinematography, who also made history as the first woman to shoot in 15-perf IMAX 65mm. There's such a richness to the texture and visual language of this film that's extraordinary.

Where to watch Sinners: Crave

5. One Battle After Another

Certainly among the buzziest films of the year, Paul Thomas Anderson's One Battle After Another is a film that has maximum impact, both in its relevance and execution. It's a movie that doesn't slow down, and while Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn are, as expected, experts in navigating this cat-and-mouse chase, Chase Infiniti is the real heart of the movie in a particularly beautiful way.

Where to watch One Battle After Another: Crave

4. It Was Just an Accident

Jafar Panahi's previous film, Taxi, is one of my favourite movies, so admittedly, I was particularly excited to watch It Was Just an Accident, and it still exceeded my expectations. A master of dark comedy, Panahi's film balances humour with the real terror and tensions of the story in a way that's signature to Panahi's filmmaking, specifically. A passionate piece of work that's devastating and honest, Panahi's film leans into humanity, making it one of the most powerful films of the year.

Where to watch It Was Just An Accident: In theatres

3. Marty Supreme

No one can build tense energy in a film like Josh Safdie, but Marty Supreme really takes that up a notch. It's one of the most frenetic and stressful films you'll ever see, and it feels so satisfying. Meticulously shot, beautifully acted, Marty Supreme has an overwhelming, infectious energy that epitomizes the joy of watching movies. While this is a career best for Timothée Chalamet, Odessa A'zion is absolutely captivating and a real highlight of the film.

Where to watch Marty Supreme: In theatres Dec. 25

2. Sorry, Baby

Sorry, Baby is an incredibly impressive feature debut for a filmmaker, with Eva Victor crafting and starring in a film about the aftermath of assault and healing after it that's authentic and poignant, all while incorporating this witty humour as well. The scene where Victor's character, Agnes, is at jury duty is the most memorable scene in a film I've seen all year.

Where to watch Sorry, Baby: Apple TV

1. Sentimental Value

Joachim Trier's Sentimental Value is a film that I haven't stopped thinking about since watching it. Starring Renate Reinsve, Stellan Skarsgård, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning, the movie is a unique and affecting look at generational trauma and family dynamics that leaves a mark. The way Trier utilizes the film's location, the family's home, to tell this story is brilliantly executed, and the way he builds emotion in the film with such restraint and subtlety is truly masterful.

Where to watch Sentimental Value: Prime Video