"2025 was a terrifying year to live through, which might've been why I chose to spend so much of it in movie theaters. The one place where I'm immune to doom-scrolling, I found myself setting an all-time personal record for moviegoing, attending 70 films in theaters, including brag-worthy jaunts to Sundance, Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival (also shout-outs to SFFILM Festival, Mill Valley Film Festival and Frameline). I didn't necessarily see everything this year (the most notable absence"
"Hollywood is in all sorts of financial trouble, especially when it comes to original concepts - 23 of the 25 top box office films of the year built off established IP ("A Minecraft Movie," "Lilo & Stitch" and "Superman" taking the top three honors). But for those willing to look beyond the blockbusters, 2025 held a wealth of fantastic films. Here are my 10 favorites, plus another 10 honorable mentions."
Seventy films were seen in theaters, including screenings at Sundance, Cannes and the Toronto International Film Festival, plus SFFILM, Mill Valley and Frameline. Hollywood faced pronounced financial trouble, with original concepts struggling and 23 of the top 25 box-office films built on existing IP; A Minecraft Movie, Lilo & Stitch and Superman were the highest earners. Strong, inventive films still emerged beyond the blockbusters. Sirat stood out as a Spanish post-apocalyptic survival film set in the Sahara blending rave culture, chosen-family themes and shocking tragedy. Nouvelle Vague offered an entertaining recreation and homage to French New Wave cinema.
Read at SFGATE
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