We’re about halfway through 2025 and, holy hell, what a flatline of a movie year it’s been. So far, only two major studio efforts have landed with both critics and audiences: Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” and Steven Soderbergh’s “Black Bag.” That’s it. That’s the list.
So, let’s take the pulse. It’s time for our annual mid-year readers’ poll—drop your top five films of the year (so far) in the comments below. I’ll tally them up and post results next week. And yes, the mid-year critics’ poll is on the way too—expect it late June.
2025 was supposed to be the comeback. After the pandemic, the strikes, the streaming fallout, and the endless executive meddling, this was billed as the rebound year—the one where theatrical movies were going to matter again. But as summer starts heating up, the momentum just isn’t there.
Theaters have been dominated by IP leftovers, franchise fatigue, and misfires. Audiences looking for something worthwhile have had to do some real digging—often at their local arthouse, or waiting for a hidden gem to quietly drop on digital. If you wanted to see something good, chances are you had to go looking for it.
Still, there have been bright spots between the noise. And if early buzz is to be believed, the year’s second half could change the narrative. New films from Paul Thomas Anderson, Yorgos Lanthimos, Darren Aronofsky, Josh Safdie, Noah Baumbach, and Luca Guadagnino are all on the horizon.
In the meantime, don’t overlook the small victories—some of these under-the-radar titles may end up outlasting the so-called event movies that were supposed to define the year. My own personal highlights:
Dea Kulumbegashvili’s April, Albert Serra’s Afternoons of Solitude, Alain Guiraudie’s Misericordia, The Philippou’s Bring Her Back, Andrew DeYoung’s Friendship, Steven Soderbergh’s Presence, Leonardo Van Diji’s Julie Keeps Quiet, Christopher Landon’s Drop, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, Louise Courvoisier’s Holy Cow, Drew Hancock’s Companion, and Alex Garland’s Warfare.