Michael Frank's Best 10 Movies of 2025

      In line with The Film Stage’s collective top 50 films of 2025, part of our year-end coverage includes our contributors sharing their individual top 10 lists.

      I've had the privilege of watching numerous films in the past year, engaging with filmmakers, attending film festivals, and enjoying movies with friends, family, and loved ones. 2025 has brought forth some remarkable films, and it will likely be remembered for its outstanding films and performances.

      This year-end list serves as a chance to spotlight films and experiences that made 2025 memorable, despite the chaos, stress, and challenges. The movies on this list may not necessarily be the “best” I’ve seen this year, and there are still several films I have yet to experience, but each left a significant mark on me. Sometimes a delightful outing at the cinema is sufficient to create a lasting impression. For me, these films encapsulated my experiences in 2025.

      Honorable Mentions: Urchin (Harris Dickinson), Sorry, Baby (Eva Victor), Hamnet (Chloe Zhao), Eephus (Carson Lund), Highest 2 Lowest (Spike Lee)

      10. Peter Hujar’s Day (Ira Sachs)

      Ira Sachs’ Peter Hujar’s Day is a subtle, 76-minute portrayal of an artist in 1974 New York. With Ben Whishaw as Peter Hujar and Rebecca Hall as his friend Linda Rosenkrantz, the film follows their day as they walk, sit, smoke, and eat around Hujar's apartment. It reflects on the cost of artistry, the challenges of creation, and the perpetual self-doubt of an artist. As Hujar recounts his day to his friend, using authentic transcripts from a 1974 interview, the film meditates on daily experiences and our relationship with time. Whishaw delivers a remarkable performance, and his effortless chemistry with Hall lends the film a tranquil charm, captivating in its simplicity.

      9. Lurker (Alex Russell)

      Alex Russell’s Lurker explores themes of fame in the digital era, but any uncertainty regarding his confidence is dispelled by the film's conclusion, featuring one of the year's standout endings. Lurker examines the complex relationship between a fan-turned-assistant named Matthew (Théodore Pellerin) and a burgeoning music star, Oliver (Archie Madekwe). Russell’s psychosexual thriller analyzes the fandom culture, the fame industry, and the hustle involved. Pellerin and Madekwe share a tense compatibility, while Russell employs VHS-camcorder aesthetics to enhance the narrative of the intense bond between fan and artist. In his impressive debut, Russell suggests that they are mutually dependent.

      8. Predator: Badlands (Dan Trachtenberg)

      Amidst a Hollywood landscape where franchise IP often falters, Predator: Badlands stands out. Dan Trachtenberg, who has revitalized the Predator franchise since 2022’s Prey, demonstrates a keen ability to transform a familiar concept into something fresh, enjoyable, and consistently engaging. Badlands follows a young Predator, Dek, who seeks to restore his pride by defeating a monster. It presents a straightforward premise executed well. The film features no human characters, with the talented Elle Fanning taking on a dual humanoid role to complement the diverse creatures in this realm. Badlands is pure entertainment, an enjoyable theater experience, and a franchise entry that advances the storyline rather than recycling the previous narratives.

      7. Weapons (Zach Cregger)

      Weapons is a complex, thrilling horror film that uses character-focused chapters to guide the audience. Zach Cregger’s follow-up to Barbarian maintains an exhilarating momentum despite its structured format. The plot involves missing children in a small town, addressing themes of loss, abandonment, and panic. It delves into a range of fears—of needles, HIV, and losing loved ones or control. Amy Madigan anchors a cast that excels under Cregger’s direction, portraying a character that is both disarming and terrifying. The film combines tones of anger, regret, and horror, delivering a chaotic catharsis once all elements fall into place.

      6. No Other Choice (Park Chan-wook)

      Park Chan-wook’s unique mix of dark humor and violent storytelling makes No Other Choice a film that could solely be his. Featuring a down-on-his-luck paperman who begins to eliminate job competition, the South Korean auteur’s latest film cleverly mirrors the contemporary struggles of job seekers. What surprised me was the inventive camera angles Park employed. Known for his skill in cinematography, his collaboration with Kim Woo-hyung elevates the drama and humor in the material. With Lee Byung-hun giving a standout performance as the frustrated, absurdist family man, No Other Choice excels. Park does not disappoint.

      5. Marty Supreme (Josh Safdie)

      Timothee Chalamet is electrifying in Josh Safdie’s rapid-paced ping pong drama,