10 Movies From 2025 You Should See
Festival Favorites That May Not Be On Your Radar
This is not a “Top 10 Best of the Year” list, though many have played top film festivals, and are at the top of my personal list. There are plenty of strong 2025 titles you already know about, with studios pushing for Oscar nominations. This list is something different: a curated mix of genres, from comedy and drama to thriller and documentary, spanning international voices and perspectives. Movies you may not have heard much about.
Some of these films are still playing in theaters, most are now available online. They’re not big commercial movies made for the masses, but intelligent, creative festival darlings, films with something to say, thanks to filmmakers taking real risks. For audiences looking for something more than popcorn fare.
Tis the season for prestige pictures, and we all have a bit more free time over the holidays. Below, you will find brief summaries, insights, trailers and links to learn where to watch. Enjoy!
2000 Meters to Andriivka
A Frontline documentary embedded with Ukrainian soldiers during a dangerous mission to reclaim the village of Andriivka, capturing war in real time and close quarters. The film prioritizes lived experience over spectacle. An essential document of the human cost of war and a stark reminder of what’s at stake in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. Where to Watch
April
In rural Georgia, an OB-GYN faces professional and moral scrutiny after a tragic birth outcome, forcing her to confront the personal cost of practicing medicine under social and political pressure. A fearless, unsettling drama about reproductive autonomy and institutional judgment, resonating deeply in today’s global healthcare debates. Where to Watch
It Was Just an Accident
A deceptively simple incident spirals into a quiet psychological and moral reckoning, exposing the fault lines of everyday life under systemic pressure. A subtle yet powerful example of Iranian cinema’s ability to critique authority and social constraint through intimate, human storytelling. Where to Watch
Misericordia
A darkly comic French thriller that unravels buried desires and tensions after a man returns to his hometown for a funeral, triggering jealousy, obsession, and violence. A provocative exploration of guilt, repression, and moral ambiguity that lingers long after the credits roll. Where to Watch
No Other Choice
After losing his job, a man becomes consumed by a radical solution to unemployment, pushing satire into deeply uncomfortable territory. A razor-sharp critique of economic perils and modern capitalism from one of contemporary cinema’s boldest directors. Where to Watch
Resurrection
Set in a near-future where dreams have nearly disappeared, this visually daring film follows characters searching for meaning, memory, and imagination. A mesmerizing meditation on creativity and humanity from visionary filmmaker Bi Gan, celebrated for its cinematic ambition. Where to Watch
Sorry, Baby
A young woman navigates trauma, depression, and awkward human connection with quiet humor and emotional honesty. A refreshingly nuanced portrayal of healing and mental health, praised for its tone, restraint, and authenticity. Where to Watch
The Secret Agent
A paranoid, darkly humorous thriller following a man caught between loyalty, deception, and survival in a shadowy political landscape. A smart genre piece that uses suspense to interrogate power, secrecy, and moral compromise. Where to Watch
The Tale of Silyan
A lyrical documentary centered on a rural farmer, an injured stork, and a disappearing way of life shaped by migration and economic change. A poetic reflection on tradition, resilience, and humanity’s fragile relationship with nature. Where to Watch
Train Dreams
Spanning decades, this adaptation of Denis Johnson’s novella traces the quiet life of a railroad laborer witnessing a rapidly changing America. A hauntingly beautiful meditation on time, loss, and progress—cinema as literature brought to life. Where to Watch