Top Movies of 2025 - Our Curated Watchlist
2025 can be termed as a very unpredictable year for films. The year saw plenty of releases from big-budget, highly anticipated names, franchise continuations, and various unprecedented blockbusters. As the year finally comes to its ultimate lap, we are here to give you our list of the Top Movies of 2025.
Statutory Warning – In the list that follows, we may not have created a dedicated review for all (as we were so engrossed in it that we forgot to write a review, or there were plenty of reviews available online already by the time we saw it). The list is compiled solely on our preferences, and you may or may not agree with our selection. Before cursing us or lodging an FIR, we would urge you to share your opinions on the matter in the comments section.
So, now that we have deployed our armor, without any further ado, let us dive into the list.
Don’t worry, we have segmented the list into Hollywood, Indian, and Anime to serve you better.
Top Hollywood Movies of 2025
1. Sinners
Sinners, directed by Ryan Coogler and headlined by Michael B. Jordan, was one of the most talked-about movies of this year. It came out of the blue and created waves as one of the biggest surprises of the year. Critics called it haunting, layered, and bold. Word of mouth pushed it even further. And as always, with that kind of buzz came the backlash with people calling it “artsy for the sake of being artsy,” “overhyped,” or “uneven.” But when we saw it, we found out that sometimes the most interesting films are hidden under the loudest debates.
Highly recommended by our team, and I would not reveal anything more about it. Watch it if you haven’t yet and let us know your thoughts.
2. Weapons
2025 can be termed the year of revival of the horror genre. Weapons deal with the sudden disappearance of students from a classroom, all but one, in the middle of the night. After repeated rounds of investigations and suspicions of the parents of a newcomer teacher, Justine (Julia Garner), the case has gone cold. But what happened is for you to find out. This film was another unexpected hit among all the big releases.
Don’t miss it, it’s a request.
3. One Battle After Another
When the trailer of this thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio came out, several critics were claiming it to be “the best movie of the year”. We didn’t buy it and thought of it as paid PR. But thanks to the makers, we were proven wrong, and how! It may look to you as a simple rebel-vs-establishment narrative, but it has more than you can even think of. Packed with stellar performances, amazing visuals, and gripping politics, it would definitely be on our Top Hollywood Movies of 2025. We enjoyed it till the very end and didn’t move an inch. We hope you would feel the same too.
4. Mission Impossible Final Reckoning
In 2025, we saw the final chapter of Tom Cruise’s prized possession, Mission Impossible. This film proved true the age-old proverb – All’s well that ends well. In the final chapter of the franchise, agent Ethan Hunt is looking for a reckoning to undo a global crisis created due to his past decisions – The Entity. This AI is always learning and evolving, and throws the toughest challenge ever to Ethan. Can he stop this? Find out for yourself. Guaranteed top action, insane stunts, and Tom Cruise doing the impossible, again.
5. Superman
This year, we got a reboot of the most famous superhero in the world courtesy of James Gunn. A big thanks to him for reviving DCU with a fresh new take, which is highly faithful to the comics, has a fresh and positive tone, and isn’t dark literally. David Corenswet does a great job as the Big Blue Boy Scout, but the most talked-about point was Guy Gardner. This film shows that beneath this super costume and powers lies a MAN, a human! Enjoy this film this holiday season with your friends and family.
Top Indian Movies of 2025
1. Stolen
We are beginning the list with a film that was released directly on the OTT platform. It can now be termed as Bollywood’s best thriller of 2025. The film begins at a small rail station in Rajasthan where Gautam (Abhishek Banerjee) arrives to pick up his brother Raman (Shubham Vardhan), who is reuniting for their mother’s wedding. But at the same time, a woman named Jhumpa, whose daughter Champa has been kidnapped from the same station. Stolen packs a punch with a tight, 90-minute thrill ride that keeps you hooked till the very last frame. It’s highly underrated.
2. Maareesan
Our favorite actor from South India, Fahadh Faasil, makes his presence felt in 2025 with the Tamil thriller. Directed by Sudheesh Sankar, this film will at first make you laugh out loud, then make you go crazy, and finally make you feel a little sad. The film is a culmination of multiple genres, and FaFa and Vaidelu shine with their performances in each scene. It will keep you hooked till the end for sure.
3. Thudarum
Termed as the next Drishyam, Thudaram stars Mohanlal as a taxi driver who loves his car more than anything. His happy and fun-filled life soon turns upside down due to some mysterious events. What unfolds next is something that you can’t even predict. The film is not just packed with powerful performances, but an amazing story, moments, and BGM. I think Ajay Devgan will soon make a remake out of this, but you should watch it before he does that.
4. Homebound
Directed by the man who gave us Masaan, Neeraj Ghaywan, and backed by the legendary international filmmaker Martin Scorsese, Homebound is a must-watch in our Top Movies of 2025. The film is about two childhood friends from a small village who are trying to crack a government job entrance exam to earn respect from which they have been denied. But their path to success isn’t that easy, and challenges their bond. This film is also India’s Official Selection for the Oscars.
5. Kantara A Legend: Chapter 1
This year, Rishab Shetty returned with the next saga of his magnum opus. He made this film with sheer dedication and hard work by overcoming all the little shortcomings of the first film. It didn’t just break records at the box office but also delivered 3X more entertainment. Its rooted folklore received praises from both franchise fans and cinephiles. Definitely a top pick in our list.
6. Dhurandhar
This film is still running at the box office, and if you haven’t watched it yet, then go see it now. If you have been missing a good Bollywood movie that entertains you, leaves you on your toes, and gives you BGMs to add to your gym playlist, then this film is for you. Based on real events, this film was released without any PR, and despite many critics bashing it, it broke many box office records and became a viral sensation because of the legend that is Akshaye Khanna. Find more details in our dedicated review.
Top Anime/Animated Movies of 2025
1. Demon Slayer Infinity Castle
One of the most awaited movies of 2025, Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle, didn’t just meet expectations, but it pushed boundaries. Ufotable has taken Koyoharu Gotouge’s manga arc and brought it to life with breathtaking fidelity, enhancing it with fluid fight choreography, haunting atmosphere, and emotional weight. This isn’t just another Demon Slayer movie; it’s the turning point of the entire saga. The beginning of the end. Humanity versus Muzan and the Upper Moons, a full-scale war where every member of the Demon Slayer Corps steps up, making their training count. A treat for all the anime lovers.
2. Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc
Right after Demon Slayer: Infinity Castle stormed theaters, another powerhouse stepped onto the scene, Chainsaw Man Movie: Reze Arc. Produced by MAPPA, the studio behind Jujutsu Kaisen and Attack on Titan: The Final Season, this movie adapts one of the most beloved arcs of Chainsaw Man: the Bomb Girl, Reze arc. And what a ride it is. Rightfully deserves a spot in the Top anime movies of 2025. Arguably a better movie than Demon Slayer, but who are we to say. You watch it and let us know.
3. Mahavatar Narsimha
Not exactly an anime, but termed as India’s answer to anime, Mahavatar Narasimha was a sleeper hit this year. Not just that it impressed with its amazing visuals, but top-notch action and unexpected gore. Made on a tight budget of Rs 15 crores, this film made a global collection of Rs 320 crores! At a time when Bollywood has stopped making films for kids, this one is bringing back the lost mythologies for Gen Zs.
Well, this completed our list of the Top Movies of 2025. But please don’t consider this a ranking; it’s a list. We may have missed out on several films that we may not have seen or have a different opinion on.
Like we said earlier, our we at The Watchlist Diaries have too many opinions, not enough sleep, and a backlog of shows that could crush a small child.
If you agree with us or have any other name on your mind, please comment below and let us know. Until then click here and check out more of our reviews, breakdowns and recommendations.
What do you think about this film? Do let us know in the comments below.
Avik
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