2025 has been a slow start for the film year, with some highlights in the first quarter but very few flat-out cinematic masterpieces. Here at Next Best Picture, we put together our own individual lists of what we feel are the best films 2025 has had to offer audiences so far, and we’ve combined all of those lists to give you our consensus top 25 list of our favorites. We here at Next Best Picture can’t wait to see what the rest of the year has in store, but for those looking for something to watch right now or in the movie theater, please look at our list below.
25. THE GORGE
THE STORY – Two highly-trained operatives are appointed to posts in guard towers on opposite sides of a vast and highly classified gorge, protecting the world from a mysterious evil that lurks within. They work together to keep the secret in the gorge.
THE CAST – Miles Teller, Anya Taylor-Joy & Sigourney Weaver
THE TEAM – Scott Derrickson (Director) & Zach Dean (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 127 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Fun genre mashup, gripping performances, Dan Lausten’s striking cinematography and Rick Heinrichs’ production design.
24. MAGAZINE DREAMS
THE STORY – Killian Maddox lives with his ailing veteran grandfather, obsessively working out between court-mandated therapy appointments and part-time shifts at a grocery store where he harbors a crush on a friendly cashier. Though Killian’s struggles to read social cues and maintain control of his volatile temper amplify his sense of disconnection amid a hostile world, nothing deters him from his fiercely protected dream of bodybuilding superstardom, not even the doctors who warn that he’s causing permanent damage to his body with his quest.
THE CAST – Jonathan Majors, Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Mike O’Hearn, Harrison Page & Harriet Sansom Harris
THE TEAM – Elijah Bynum (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 124 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Jonathan Majors’ powerhouse performance, the raw intensity of the storytelling that explores themes of obsession, toxic masculinity, and mental instability.
23. EX-HUSBANDS
THE STORY – Peter Pearce’s parents divorced after 65 years, his wife left him after 35, and his two sons, Mickey and Nick, are off leading their own lives. When Peter flies to Tulum, crashing Nick’s bachelor party hosted by Mickey, he realizes he’s not the only Pearce man in crisis.
THE CAST – Griffin Dunne, James Norton, Miles Heizer, Rosanna Arquette, Eisa Davis, Richard Benjamin, John Ventimiglia, Pedro Fontaine, Lou Taylor Pucci, Simon Van Buyten, Ian Owens, Echo Kellum, Rachel Zeiger-Haag, Zora Casebere & Nate Mann
THE TEAM – Noah Pritzker (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 98 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its surprising depth, Griffin Dunne’s poignant performance, emotional honesty, understated romance, and beautifully captured moments of isolation and camaraderie.
22. THE ASSESSMENT 
THE STORY – Set in a world destroyed by climate change. Part of society has created a parallel world for itself. Life is controlled and optimized, and the desire to have children is also not left to chance. The lives of a successful young couple are therefore put under close scrutiny by a female assessor over the course of seven days.
THE CAST – Elizabeth Olsen, Alicia Vikander & Himesh Patel
THE TEAM – Fleur Fortuné (Director), Dave Thomas, Nell Garfath-Cox & John Donnelly (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 114 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its thought-provoking concept, trio of good performances, particularly Alicia Vikander’s uncanny transformation into a childlike evaluator, stunning production design, and escalating tension.
21. MISERICORDIA
THE STORY – Jérémie returns to his hometown of Saint-Martial to attend his former boss’s funeral. He stays for a few days with the widow Martine. His presence angers her son Vincent. This causes a fight between the two men, which ends with Jérémie killing Vincent. He manages to conceal his crime with the unexpected help of the village priest, who provides him with an alibi in exchange for his affection.
THE CAST – Félix Kysyl, Jacques Develay, Catherine Frot, David Ayala & Jean-Baptiste Durand
THE TEAM – Alain Guiraudie (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 102 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its combination of mystery, dark comedy, and quiet menace, all set against a beautiful rural backdrop, and Claire Mathon’s cinematography.
20. BRING THEM DOWN
THE STORY – Michael tends his family’s sheep business entirely on his own. His father is disabled, and his mother died years ago in a car accident in which Michael was the driver. Michael has lived with guilt ever since — as well as a secret he hopes will never come to light.
THE CAST – Christopher Abbott, Barry Keoghan, Colm Meaney, Nora-Jane Noone & Paul Ready
THE TEAM – Christopher Andrews (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 105 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its unrelenting exploration of generational violence and inherited rage, relentless tension, and Abbott and Keoghan’s mesmerizing performances. Though, animal lovers should beware!
19. JAZZY
THE STORY – Spanning from ages 6 to 12, the film follows Jazzy, a young Oglala Lakota girl growing up in South Dakota, and her best friend Syriah as they navigate the joys and challenges of their ever-changing relationship, capturing the essence of their unique perspective with a dreamlike, documentary-style approach.
THE CAST – Jasmine Bearkiller Shangreaux, Syriah Foohead Means, Richard Ray Whitman, Raymond Lee & Lily Gladstone
THE TEAM – Morrisa Maltz (Director/Writer), Lainey Bearkiller Shangreaux, Vanara Taing, Andrew Hajek (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 86 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its deeply intimate and beautifully rendered portrayal of childhood, friendship, and loss, improvisational style, and heartfelt celebration of home, identity, and the journey to finding one’s place in the world.
18. THE ACTOR
THE STORY – When New York actor Paul Cole is beaten and left for dead in 1950s Ohio, he loses his memory and finds himself stranded in a mysterious small town where he struggles to get back home and reclaim what he’s lost.
THE CAST – Andre Holland, Gemma Chan, Toby Jones, May Calamawy, Joe Cole, Asim Chaudhry & Fabien Frankel
THE TEAM – Duke Johnson (Director/Writer) & Stephen Cooney (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 98 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its hypnotic use of noir and dreamlike storytelling, with an excellent central performance by André Holland. A richly textured, aesthetically captivating meditation on identity, memory, and the blurred line between performance and reality.
17. HEART EYES
THE STORY – For the past several years, the “Heart Eyes Killer” has wreaked havoc on Valentine’s Day by stalking and murdering romantic couples. This Valentine’s Day, no couple is safe.
THE CAST – Olivia Holt, Mason Gooding, Jordana Brewster, Gigi Zumbado & Devon Sawa
THE TEAM – Josh Ruben (Director) & Christopher Landon, Michael Kennedy & Phillip Murphy (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 90 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – The playful combo of the horror and rom-com genres, delivering both laughs and gruesome thrills in a way that makes it a perfect date-night slasher. Sharp direction, a witty screenplay and electric chemistry between Olivia Holt and Mason Gooding.
16. THE ACCIDENTAL GETAWAY DRIVER
THE STORY – During a routine pickup, an elderly Vietnamese cab driver is taken hostage at gunpoint by three recently escaped Orange County convicts.
THE CAST – Hiep Tran Nghia, Dustin Nguyen, Phi Vu, Dali Benssalah & Gabrielle Chan
THE TEAM – Sing J. Lee (Director/Writer) & Christopher Chen (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 102 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its emotional depth and the terrific performance by Hiep Tran Nghia as Long Ma, whose silent strength and vulnerability captivate throughout the film. A slow-burning but powerful meditation on loneliness and human connection.
15. MY DEAD FRIEND ZOE
THE STORY – Merit is a U.S. veteran who keeps seeing the presence of Zoe, her best friend who died in combat. When her estranged grandfather is diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease, she decides to become his caretaker while also trying to heal herself.
THE CAST – Sonequa Martin-Green, Natalie Morales, Gloria Reuben, Utkarsh Ambudkar, Morgan Freeman & Ed Harris
THE TEAM – Kyle Hausmann-Stokes (Director/Writer) & A. J. Bermudez (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 101 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its emotional portrayal of the invisible scars left on veterans by war, and balance of black comedy and heartbreaking grief.
14. BRIDGET JONES: MAD ABOUT THE BOY
THE STORY – Bridget Jones finally has some luck in her life; she has a great job as a screenwriter, her family and a new boyfriend; the fact that he is over twenty years younger than her isn’t the only thing that is causing problems.
THE CAST – Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Isla Fisher, Colin Firth & Hugh Grant
THE TEAM – Michael Morris (Director/Writer) Helen Fielding, Dan Mazer & Abi Morgan (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 125 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its charming blend of humor, heart, and relatable struggles, as Bridget navigates life in her 50s while dealing with the complexities of widowhood, single motherhood, and the world of modern dating. Another winning performance from Renée Zellweger as Bridget.
13. ONE OF THEM DAYS
THE STORY – When best friends and roommates Dreux and Alyssa discover Alyssa’s boyfriend has blown their rent money, the duo finds themselves going to extremes in a race against the clock to avoid eviction and keep their friendship intact.
THE CAST – Keke Palmer & SZA
THE TEAM – Lawrence Lamont (Director) & Syreeta Singleton (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 97 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its infectious chemistry between lead actresses Keke Palmer and SZA, relatable humor, overall vibe, energy, and heartfelt moments.
12. NOVOCAINE
THE STORY – When the girl of his dreams gets kidnapped, a man turns his inability to feel pain into an unexpected advantage as he fights a bunch of thugs to get her back.
THE CAST – Jack Quaid, Amber Midthunder, Ray Nicholson, Jacob Batalon, Betty Gabriel & Matt Walsh
THE TEAM – Dan Berk, Robert Olsen (Directors) & Lars Jacobson (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 110 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its entertaining and brutal premise, Jack Quaid’s incredibly charming performance, inventive action sequences and tongue-in-cheek tone.
11. THE MONKEY
THE STORY – When twin brothers Bill and Hal find their father’s old monkey toy in the attic, a series of deaths start. The siblings decide to throw the toy away and move on with their lives, growing apart over the years.
THE CAST – Theo James, Tatiana Maslany, Elijah Wood, Christian Convery, Colin O’Brien, Rohan Campbell & Sarah Levy
THE TEAM – Osgood Perkins (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 98 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its twisted mix of horror and comedy, creative and gory set-pieces Theo James’s dual performances and the handling of generational trauma with a tight control over pacing and tone.
10. THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP: A LOONEY TUNES MOVIE
THE STORY – Porky and Daffy, the classic animated odd couple, turn into unlikely heroes when their antics at the local bubble gum factory uncover a secret alien mind control plot. Against all odds, the two are determined to save their town (and the world!)…that is if they don’t drive each other crazy in the process.
THE CAST – Eric Bauza, Candi Milo, Peter MacNicol, Fred Tatasciore, Laraine Newman & Wayne Knight
THE TEAM – Pete Browngardt (Director/Writer); Darrick Bachman, Kevin Costello, Andrew Dickman, David Gemmill, Alex Kirwan, Ryan Kramer, Jason Reicher, Michael Ruocco, Johnny Ryan & Eddie Trigueros (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 91 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Nostalgic callbacks, slapstick humor, and heartfelt character development between the animated characters we know and love. A hilarious, fast-paced story with a lively vocal performance from by Eric Bauza.
9. NE ZHA 2
THE STORY – After the catastrophe, although the souls of Nezha and Aobing were saved, their bodies would soon be shattered. Taiyi Zhenren planned to use the seven-colored lotus to rebuild their bodies.
THE CAST – Lu Yanting, Han Mo, Lü Qi, Zhang Jiaming, Wang Deshun, Yu Chen, Li Nan, Zhou Yongxi & Yang Wei
THE TEAM – Jiaozi (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 144 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its gorgeously animated visuals, engaging storytelling, and mixture of highbrow mythology and lowbrow humor make it an unforgettable action epic that successfully captures both the grandeur and absurdity of the characters’ journey.
8. ON BECOMING A GUiNEA FOWL
THE STORY – A Zambian woman becomes exasperated when the members of her extended family turn a blind eye to a dead uncle’s crimes.
THE CAST – Susan Chardy, Elizabeth Chisela, Henry B.J. Phiri, Roy Chisha & Benson Mumba
THE TEAM – Rungano Nyoni (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 98 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its haunting exploration of family silence, secrets, and the lingering effects of abuse, with Rungano Nyoni’s controlled storytelling and subtle direction keeping viewers captivated from the first frame all the way to the the unforgettable third act that leaves a lasting impact.
7. PADDINGTON IN PERU
THE STORY – Paddington and his adopted family, the Browns, decide to visit his aunt Lucy in Peru, but circumstances lead them towards misadventures in the Amazon rainforest and mountains of Peru.
THE CAST – Ben Whishaw, Imelda Staunton, Hugh Bonneville, Emily Mortimer, Julie Walters, Olivia Colman, Haley Atwell, Jim Broadbent & Antonio Banderas
THE TEAM – Dougal Wilson (Director), Mark Burton, Jon Foster & James Lamont (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 106 minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Despite not quite reaching the heights of its predecessor, it continues the franchise’s legacy with heartwarming charm and delightful humor that appeals to both kids and adults. Olivia Colman’s scene-stealing performance.
6. EEPHUS
THE STORY – In a small Massachusetts town in the 1990s, the Adler’s Paint baseball team, led by Ed Mortainian, face the Riverdogs, led by Graham Morris, in one last game before their stadium is demolished to make room for a new school.
THE CAST – Keith William Richards, Frederick Wiseman, Cliff Blake, Ray Hryb, Bill “Spaceman” Lee, Stephen Radochia, David Pridemore, Keith Poulson, John Smith Jr., Pete Minkarah, Wayne Diamond & Theodore Bouloukos
THE TEAM – Carson Lund (Director/Writer), Michael Basta & Nate Fisher (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 98 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its almost real-time approach to baseball and a beautifully laid-back tone that feels both timeless and universal. An unpretentious portrayal of everyday people that is poignant, funny, and bittersweet. Nostalgic and sentimental without being overbearing.
5. COMPANION
THE STORY – A weekend getaway turns bloody and violent when a subservient android that’s built for human companionship goes haywire.
THE CAST – Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén & Rupert Friend
THE TEAM – Drew Hancock (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 97 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its clever execution and exploration of modern relationships, consent, and power dynamics, all wrapped in a thrilling, darkly comedic package with standout performances from Sophie Thatcher and Jack Quaid.
4. THE BALLAD OF WALLIS ISLAND
THE STORY – Eccentric lottery winner Charles dreams of getting his favorite musician duo, McGwyer Mortimer, back together. His fantasy becomes reality when the bandmates and former lovers accept his invitation to play a private show at his home on Wallis Island. Old tensions resurface as Charles desperately tries to salvage his dream gig.
THE CAST – Tom Basden, Tim Key, Sian Clifford, Akemnji Ndifornyen & Carey Mulligan
THE TEAM – James Griffiths (Director), Tom Basden & Tim Key (Writers)
THE RUNNING TIME – 100 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its wit, humor, and surprising emotional depth, which elevates it beyond typical reunion tropes, the chemistry between its beloved cast, themes of loneliness, reconciliation, and moving are all handled with sensitivity. And, of course, the music!!
3. MICKEY 17
THE STORY – The unlikely hero, Mickey Barnes, has found himself in the extraordinary circumstance of working for an employer who demands the ultimate commitment to the job…to die, for a living.
THE CAST – Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Steven Yeun, Toni Collette & Mark Ruffalo
THE TEAM – Bong Joon-ho (Director/Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 132 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Bong Joon-ho’s unique fusion of high-energy and biting social commentary with wacky humor and existential depth backed by Robert Pattinson’s quirky dual performance.
2. PRESENCE
THE STORY – A family discover they are not alone when they move into a new house.
THE CAST – Lucy Liu, Chris Sullivan, Callina Liang, Julia Fox, Eddy Maday & West Mulholland
THE TEAM – Steven Soderbergh (Director) & David Koepp (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 85 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Its brilliant concept and masterful execution, with Steven Soderbergh using his incomparable filmmaking style to craft an unsettling experience from a voyeuristic perspective where the camera itself serves as the ghost of this story.
1. BLACK BAG
THE STORY – When his beloved wife, Kathryn, is suspected of betraying the nation, intelligence agent George Woodhouse faces the ultimate test — loyalty to his marriage or his country.
THE CAST – Michael Fassbender, Cate Blanchett, Regé-Jean Page, Marisa Abella, Naomie Harris, Tom Burke & Pierce Brosnan
THE TEAM – Steven Soderbergh (Director) & David Koepp (Writer)
THE RUNNING TIME – 101 Minutes
WHY WE LOVE IT – Tight direction from Steven Soderbergh, who crafts an exhilarating spy film that is heavy on dialogue and complex character relationships. Rich, sexy, and slick dialogue with compelling performances from the entire cast.
What has been your favorite film from the first three months of 2025? What are you looking forward to for the rest of the year? Please let us know in the comments section below or on our X account.
