Sunday Special: The Best Movies of 2025
The Daily
2025/12/28
Sunday Special: The Best Movies of 2025
Sunday Special: The Best Movies of 2025

The Daily
2025/12/28
As the year draws to a close, film critics and culture reporters gather to reflect on a dynamic 2025 in cinema—one marked by bold storytelling, unexpected hits, and shifting industry tides.
The conversation explores 2025’s most impactful films, from Paul Thomas Anderson’s critically adored literary adaptation to Ryan Coogler’s genre-blending 'Sinners,' which combined vampire thrills with sharp social commentary. Warner Bros. reemerged as a powerhouse thanks to successes like 'Superman' and 'Mission: Impossible — The Final Reckoning,' fueling speculation about potential acquisition by Netflix or Paramount. Meanwhile, controversial yet compelling films like Zach Kregger’s 'Weapons' showcased horror’s evolving tone, and family-friendly sequels such as 'Zootopia 2' and 'Wicked: For Good' dominated holiday box offices with innovative audience engagement. International cinema made waves too, particularly with the clandestinely filmed Palme d’Or winner 'It Was Just an Accident' and the spiritually charged musical 'The Testament of Ann Lee.' The episode closes with heartfelt praise for Andrea Gibson’s poetic journey in 'Come and See Me In the Good Light' and a playful dive into cinephile trivia, celebrating both artistry and fandom.
00:03
00:03
One Battle After Another is Alissa Wilkinson's top-ranked 2025 movie
05:48
05:48
'Sinners' made $280 million in the U.S. and stayed in the top 10 at the box office
11:41
11:41
James Gunn waited for a ready screenplay before making 'Superman,' prioritizing quality over schedule.
19:45
19:45
Despite poor performances by most fall 2025 films, 'Wicked: For Good' achieved strong box office success around Thanksgiving.
31:47
31:47
It Was Just an Accident won the Palme d'Or at Cannes and was shot undercover in Iran.
38:04
38:04
'Come and See Me In the Good Light' is a life-affirming film about poet Andrea Gibson.