The Best Movies of 2025 (So Far)
The year’s cinematic lineup has already brought some standout films that remind audiences why the big screen still matters.
Naoko Yamada’s Animated Gem
Renowned anime director Naoko Yamada returns with a luminous story about three teenagers using music as a tool to navigate the uncertainties of youth. The film blends fantasy and emotional depth with remarkable precision, centering on high-schooler Totsuko, a girl gifted with the ability to see people’s “colours.”
“It might even be the year’s best,” one early critic suggests.
Yamada, the creator behind A Silent Voice, continues to explore the subtle emotional worlds of her characters, crafting a work that feels both intimate and universal.
Marvel’s Grounded Turn
While the MCU’s Phase 5 has had a mixed reception, its highlight comes from Florence Pugh’s portrayal of the Russian assassin Yelena Belova. Her powerful performance anchors a film that delves into trauma, depression, and shared pain within a team of flawed heroes.
Director Jake Schreier brings a stripped-down, authentic style that steps away from Marvel’s usual VFX overload, relying instead on engaging, in-camera sequences. This creative shift gives the film a tangible energy and emotional authenticity rarely seen in superhero productions.
“Props to Marvel for shifting away from endless VFX battles to a more in-camera approach overseen with understated flair,” notes one reviewer.
Supporting performances also shine, particularly David Harbour’s turn as an aging ex-Soviet superhero confronting irrelevance and self-doubt, offering humor and heart in equal measure.
Even the much-discussed post-credit sequence earns its reputation this time, leaving audiences eager for what’s next in the expanding cinematic universe.
Paul Greengrass: Action with Conscience
Paul Greengrass continues to refine his signature blend of hyper-kinetic action and moral tension, balancing spectacle with complex themes. His latest work once again proves his ability to fuse energy and ethical reflection into mainstream cinema.
Author’s Summary: 2025’s standout films—from Yamada’s heartfelt anime to Marvel’s introspective superheroes—showcase creativity and emotion redefining modern cinema.