Best Films of 2025 According to Critics: A Deep Dive into the Year’s Top Picks
What makes a film stand out in a crowded industry? Sometimes, it’s the artistry, other times it’s the storytelling. This year, one film rose above the rest, earning not just the admiration of audiences but the clear favorites from critics around the world.
The Top Film: “One Battle After Another”
Taking the top spot as the #1 film of the 2025 IndieWire Year-End Critics Survey, One Battle After Another surged ahead with a staggering 101 out of 148 critics placing it in their Top 10—43 of those critics ranked it as their #1 choice. That kind of consensus is rare in the film world.
Paul Thomas Anderson, the visionary director behind One Battle After Another, also received accolades for Best Director, marking a significant achievement this year. Critics highlighted the film’s intricate storytelling and bold cinematography, leading to this unanimous love fest in the industry. Compared to previous years, where outcomes were more mixed, this widespread acclaim signals something truly unique about Anderson’s latest work.
The Global Perspective
The diversity in critics voting demonstrates that One Battle After Another resonates well beyond American borders. While the bulk of votes came from the United States, there were strong showings from critics across six continents, showing that great cinema knows no bounds.
Countries represented in the poll included Argentina, Egypt, India, Japan, and South Korea, among others. With 76% of critics hailing from the U.S., it’s heartening to see opinions from an international perspective shaping the conversation around cinema.
Critic Voices and Insights
Participants in the poll spanned a range of respected publication powerhouses like IndieWire, The Hollywood Reporter, and Rolling Stone, as well as freelance critics from various corners of the world. Each brought their own cultural interpretations and cinematic literacy to their votes.
This year’s method of voting employed a ranked-choice system that gave more weight to higher placements. Each first-place vote earned 10 points, while subsequent ranks received decreasing points. This calibrated approach highlights films that not only receive love but also deep affection from critics.
Notable Entries and Rankings
In addition to the top honors awarded to One Battle After Another, several other films captivated the critics:
- “One Battle After Another” – 573 points
- “It Was Just an Accident” – 501 points
- “Sinners” – 479 points
- “Sentimental Value” – 391 points
- “The Secret Agent” – 336 points
While One Battle dominated, films like It Was Just an Accident and Sinners managed to capture a significant amount of acclaim, showcasing a rich tapestry of narratives that resonated with audiences around the world.
Exploring Director Achievements
Paul Thomas Anderson’s win for Best Director elevates his status in a year filled with remarkable directorial talents. The closest contenders were Ryan Coogler for Sinners and Kleber Mendonca Filho for The Secret Agent, demonstrating the competitive spirit of this year’s achievements.
The accolades speak volumes not just to individual films but are also reflective of the evolving landscape of cinema in the face of challenges brought on by the pandemic. Each film remains a testament to what unique storytelling can achieve in troubling times.
Acting Mastery
When it comes to performances, One Battle After Another actors also garnered attention, with notable names like Regina Hall and Leonardo DiCaprio turning in performances that left a lasting impact. Rose Byrne took home the Best Performance award for her role in If I Had Legs I’d Kick You, a performance that showcased her talent in a compelling narrative context.
The Documentary Category
Documentaries are often the unsung heroes of cinema, but this year, The Perfect Neighbor rose to the forefront, capturing the Best Documentary title. This documentary promises to deliver insightful cultural narratives, much needed in today’s media climate.
Breaking Down Categories
The IndieWire Critics Survey this year also focused on technical achievements, recognizing cinematography, screenplay, and even first features:
- Best Cinematography: Train Dreams emerged as the favorite, showing strong visuals play a significant role in cinematic storytelling.
- Best Screenplay: One Battle After Another further solidified its hold on the industry with the top award in this category.
- Best International Film: The award went to It Was Just an Accident, which had a notable impact within the foreign film sector.
Conclusion: What This Means for Film Lovers
So why does all this matter? For cinema lovers, these awards not only acknowledge excellence but also help steer future viewing choices. With so many fascinating films released this past year, meaningful dialogue surrounding cinema is crucial.
As we reflect on these achievements, consider the powerful stories unfolded on screen this year. Every nomination and award is a reminder of the creativity and resilience in the film industry, even amid uncertainty.
Next time you’re deciding on a movie to watch, take a moment. Look at these award-winning films; dive into a world crafted by visionary directors and skilled actors, and you might just find your next favorite film. The stories told in these films resonate deeply—and that’s what makes cinema truly magical.
