National Board of Review Announces the Best Films of 2025

The National Board of Review has announced its picks for the best movies of the year, kicking off awards season. Their selections include a wide range of films, from big-budget blockbusters to smaller, independent dramas, covering everything from action-packed racing movies and spooky horror to personal stories filmed in other countries. Movie fans and critics will be closely watching this list to see which films might win awards later on.

‘F1’ (2025)

Brad Pitt plays a retired Formula 1 racer who comes back to help a promising young driver. Director Joseph Kosinski uses innovative camera work to make the races feel incredibly fast and exciting. The movie combines thrilling car action with a heartfelt story about second chances and what people leave behind. It puts viewers right in the driver’s seat for a uniquely immersive racing experience.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

Director Ryan Coogler and Michael B. Jordan team up again for a spooky thriller set in the racially charged South of the Jim Crow era. The story centers on twin brothers who come home to find a terrifying, age-old evil hidden in their town. Coogler skillfully blends historical storytelling with horror, creating a truly original and suspenseful experience. As the characters struggle to survive, the tension steadily increases as they face a threat they can’t understand.

‘Jay Kelly’ (2025)

I was completely captivated by Noah Baumbach’s latest film! It’s a really touching comedy about an aging movie star and his longtime manager taking a trip through Europe. George Clooney is incredible – he portrays the star with such vulnerability, really showing his struggle with getting older and facing up to his past. And Adam Sandler? He’s fantastic! He brings so much heart and humor to his supporting role. It’s a beautiful story about friendship and what it’s like to deal with growing older when your life has always been in the spotlight.

‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

Guillermo del Toro finally brings his dream project to life with a haunting and romantic take on Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein. Jacob Elordi powerfully embodies the Creature, portraying his pain and physicality, while Oscar Isaac delivers a compelling performance as the driven doctor. The film’s stunning and unsettling visuals create a truly gothic atmosphere. This version of the story explores the weighty questions of what creators owe their creations and the dangers of unchecked human desire.

‘Train Dreams’ (2025)

Directed by Clint Bentley, this film is a beautiful and expansive take on Denis Johnson’s story about a logger in the American West. Joel Edgerton delivers a compelling and understated performance as a man grappling with personal loss and the decline of his traditional way of life. The film’s stunning visuals showcase the majestic scenery of the Pacific Northwest, highlighting the contrast between the grandeur of nature and the quiet desperation of the main character. It’s a thoughtful exploration of grief and how time passes in a world that’s changing quickly.

‘Rental Family’ (2025)

Brendan Fraser delivers a heartfelt performance in this drama about an American actor who finds an unexpected connection while working in Tokyo. He takes a job playing family members for people who are lonely, and the film, directed by Hikari, beautifully explores the challenges and rewards of human connection and our basic need to feel like we belong. It shows how people can connect across cultures by focusing on shared emotions.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

Josh Safdie’s new film is a thrilling look inside the competitive world of professional ping pong. Timothée Chalamet delivers a captivating performance as a young table tennis star, modeled after the famous player Marty Reisman. The movie uses Safdie’s trademark quick cuts and energetic style to capture the fast-paced action of the sport, offering a raw and exciting glimpse into a dedicated subculture driven by winning and looking good.

‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

The second chapter of the musical beautifully wraps up the story of Elphaba and Glinda. Director Jon M. Chu brings Oz to life with incredible visuals and unforgettable songs. This installment explores the heartbreaking falling-out between the two witches and sets the stage for the classic Wizard of Oz story. It’s a satisfying and spectacular finale that honors the power of friendship and standing up for what you believe in.

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

James Cameron returns to the world of Pandora in this new film, taking viewers to a previously unseen and perilous region home to the Ash People. The movie’s visuals are breathtaking, featuring incredible fire and volcanic landscapes that redefine cinematic effects. Jake Sully and his family encounter a hostile Na’vi clan, forcing them to re-evaluate everything they thought they knew about the planet. This third film expands on the rich story of Pandora while still delivering the large-scale action sequences fans expect.

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)

Rian Johnson is back with the latest film in his popular mystery series, once again featuring Daniel Craig. This time, detective Benoit Blanc tackles a new murder case with a cast of famous suspects, including Jeremy Renner and Mila Kunis. The movie delivers the clever writing and complex story twists that fans love, but this installment stands out with a new location and a more serious mood.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest film is a thrilling and sweeping story named the best of the year by the National Board of Review. Starring Leonardo DiCaprio as a father fiercely protecting his daughter, and Sean Penn as a powerful, corrupt politician, the movie expertly blends intense action with a thought-provoking look at power and defiance in America. It’s a remarkable film that sets a new standard for cinematic achievement in 2025.

Tell us which of these 2025 masterpieces you are most excited to see in the comments.

2025-12-04 17:19