2025 In 50 Films - Part Two

I could see a world where this was my top ten list and I’d feel really good about it.

That’s how deep the roster was this year. There were so many films that I feel like could have been at almost any spot on this list and I’d be okay with it. I keep this as a running list these days as a way of really actively thinking about these things all year long and not just for one or two weeks while trying to write about the end of the year. Every time I add a film to the list, I try to figure out where it goes in relation to everything else for the year. Stuff moves around, especially when I rewatch things, and things settle in for me the longer I have to chew on them.

You’ve got a couple of old masters still working, although in minor keys. You’ve got a sophomore film from some strong new genre voices, and a recut version of a new international superstar’s earlier hit. Throw in a couple of rude and rowdy debuts, a technical trick that gives an actor room to run, and a sequel that doesn’t do anything I expected, and you’ve got a fistful of experiences that made this year better.