10 Best Netflix Movies of 2025, Ranked

With 2025 ending, it’s a good moment to remember the year’s best films. Although Netflix didn’t have quite as impactful a year as Warner Bros. or Disney, they still released some truly great movies. You might have missed a few on Netflix this year, but there are at least 10 worth checking out.

Here’s a personal list of the 10 best movies that came out on Netflix in 2025, counting down from number 10 to the top spot. This ranking is based on my own viewing experience – it’s not based on how many people watched them or what critics said. As someone who watches a lot of films and writes about streaming, these are the Netflix movies from 2025 that I think deserve more attention.

10. Nonnas

Many people missed it, but this movie is a real gem. It’s incredibly heartwarming and a pleasure to watch, making it something you can enjoy again and again.

The movie Nonnas, inspired by a real restaurant that hires grandmothers as cooks, is a heartwarming and much-needed film. It proves that genuine sincerity can make a movie truly special. Vince Vaughn delivers one of his most earnest performances to date, and he’s wonderfully supported by a fantastic cast of veteran actresses – Susan Sarandon, Lorraine Bracco, Talia Shire, and Brenda Vaccaro – who are all excellent in their roles.

9. The Thursday Murder Club

When it comes to fantastic casts, The Thursday Murder Club really stands out as one of the best Netflix movies of the year. Helen Mirren, Pierce Brosnan, Ben Kingsley, and Celia Imrie are brilliant together as a group of amateur detectives, and the supporting cast – including Tom Ellis, Naomi Ackie, and David Tennant – are also excellent.

Directed by Chris Columbus, who also made Home Alone, The Thursday Murder Club is based on Richard Osman’s book of the same name. The story centers around a group of retirees who investigate unsolved crimes, and unexpectedly find themselves caught up in a brand new mystery.

8. Ballad of a Small Player

Unlike the previous films on this list which featured many actors, Ballad of a Small Player earns its place in the Top 10 thanks to one outstanding performance. If you’re a fan of Colin Farrell, this movie is a must-see.

Colin Farrell and director Edward Berger (known for Conclave) have collaborated on a fast-paced, darkly funny film about a gambler deeply in debt and desperate to escape his past. While the movie jumps around a bit, it’s never dull, and Farrell delivers his signature performance – playful, yet with a hint of danger. It’s not for all tastes, but Farrell’s acting alone makes Ballad of a Small Player worth watching.

7. Steve

Cillian Murphy delivers another compelling performance in Steve, a film that truly highlights his talent. Following his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, Murphy plays a teacher at a school for troubled youth, where he struggles to support his students while also dealing with his personal challenges.

As a film fan, I honestly think Cillian Murphy’s movie, Steve, is just a more consistently strong piece of work than Colin Farrell’s Ballad of a Small Player. It’s also much more immediately engaging – I didn’t find it needed any getting used to. It’s really well-crafted, stays focused, and delivers these unexpected emotional hits that really get to you.

6. Jay Kelly

Noah Baumbach’s new film pairs two acting greats, and the result is captivating. George Clooney remains a compelling leading man, while Adam Sandler demonstrates his impressive range beyond comedy. Though Clooney plays the main character, Jay, Sandler truly shines and delivers the more memorable performance.

Jay Kelly is a film that’s both hilariously funny and profoundly sad, offering a realistic look at what it means to live a full life. Be warned – the ending is incredibly powerful and will likely leave you feeling thoughtful and a little down.

5. Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl

Everyone’s expecting the new Wallace & Gromit movie to be fantastic, especially with the long-awaited return of the villain Feathers McGraw. This series has always been high quality, and Aardman Animation has a strong track record of success.

I just saw Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl, and while it might not be quite as amazing as Curse of the Were-Rabbit (that movie is a classic!), it’s still a really funny and smart film. It made me think about how much we depend on gadgets, and how even the best friendships can be tested over time. Honestly, it’s one of the best animated movies I’ve seen all year – a really complete and satisfying story.

4. Train Dreams

Clint Bentley and Greg Kwedar’s new film is receiving widespread critical acclaim, and it’s easy to see why. Heavily influenced by the style of Terrence Malick, Train Dreams is a moving and reflective look at a man’s entire life.

Joel Edgerton delivers a career-defining performance as a man building a life and family in Idaho, dedicating years to working for the railroad. The film is visually stunning and deeply moving, offering a genuinely authentic portrayal of the American experience – one of the most honest we’ve seen recently.

3. Frankenstein

Guillermo del Toro is a remarkably creative and talented director, and he’s long been open about his love for the original Frankenstein film. That story’s influence can be seen in all of his movies. Now, he’s finally had the chance to make his own version, and it’s great that Netflix supported his vision.

This film is quintessential Guillermo del Toro. It’s a gothic romance – much like his other strongest works – and focuses on the heartbreaking love story at its core, rather than relying on typical monster-movie scares. And, as with all great adaptations of Frankenstein, the movie clearly shows us who the true monsters really are.

2. KPop Demon Hunters

The movie KPop Demon Hunters is Netflix’s biggest hit yet, and deservedly so. Unlike some previous record-breakers like Red One and Bird Box, this film truly justifies its popularity. It’s difficult to imagine another movie surpassing the incredible viewership numbers Demon Hunters has achieved.

Since its release in June, KPop Demon Hunters hasn’t fallen off the Netflix Top 10 Movies list – not even once. For six months straight, this animated film from Sony has consistently been among the most popular movies on the platform. That’s an incredible run!

While being popular is one thing, KPop Demon Hunters truly delivers with surprisingly high quality, especially considering its Netflix presentation. The animation is fantastic, consistent with other recent Sony Animation films. You’ll quickly become invested in the three main characters, and their songs will likely stay with you even after the movie is over.

1. Wake Up Dead Man

Rian Johnson consistently delivers excellent films, and his newest movie, Wake Up Dead Man – the third in the Knives Out mystery series – might be his best one yet.

Compared to the first two films, Wake Up Dead Man takes a more serious tone, presenting a genuine murder mystery centered around the death of a priest. Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc, heading up a stellar cast that includes Josh O’Connor, Glenn Close, Josh Brolin, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner, Kerry Washington, Andrew Scott, Chile Spaeny, Daryl McCormack, Thomas Haden Church, and Jeffrey Wright.

If you only have time for one Netflix movie before the end of 2025, make it Wake Up Dead Man. However, you really can’t go wrong with anything else on this list, except for The Electric State – you might want to skip that one.

What’s the best movie you’ve watched on Netflix this year? Share your pick in the comments and join the discussion in the ComicBook Forum!

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2025-12-25 22:43