
Like every year, a few movies really stood out in 2025. Superhero films were popular again, with fresh versions of Superman and Fantastic Four generating a lot of excitement. Horror movies also did well, with original films like Ryan Coogler’s Sinners and Zach Cregger’s Weapons becoming widely discussed. Anime made a big impact too, as Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – The Movie: Infinity Castle and Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc both topped the box office and helped launch a new wave of anime films. It was a packed year for movies, meaning some excellent films didn’t get as much attention as they deserved.
We’re not focusing on typical awards-season movies, as those usually don’t gain much attention until after the Oscars and Golden Globes. Instead, we’re highlighting seven films from 2025 that have strong potential with fans but didn’t quite reach a wider audience.
7) Keeper

Osgood Perkins is gaining recognition – and a bit of notoriety – with his recent horror films, including 2024’s Longlegs and the upcoming The Monkey (2025). His film Keeper has been kept largely under wraps, with the trailer only hinting at the story: Tatiana Maslany (known from She-Hulk: Attorney at Law) and Rossif Sutherland (ER) play a couple seeking reconnection at a secluded cabin, but they soon find themselves entangled in a bizarre and potentially supernatural mystery.
The film Keeper left many viewers and critics puzzled, and it also led to discussions about its story and the direction of independent horror. It’s a film that warrants further consideration.
6) Primitive War

Every year seems to have at least one hilariously bad-but-enjoyable movie, and Primitive War could be that film for 2025. Combining a Vietnam War story with a giant monster movie isn’t a new idea—Kong: Skull Island did something similar—but giving it a feel reminiscent of Jurassic World actually makes it work.
Director Luke Sparke reportedly made the dinosaur film Primitive War on a modest budget of under $10 million, yet still delivered impressive visual effects. The movie features a strong cast of familiar faces, including Ryan Kwanten (known from True Blood), Tricia Helfer (Battlestar Galactica), Nick Wechsler (Revenge), Ana Thu Nguyen (Mortal Kombat II), and Jeremy Piven (Entourage) – a remarkable feat for an independent production. If you’re looking for a fun, classic B-movie experience, Primitive War might be just what you need.
5) The Life of Chuck

2025 was a significant year for Stephen King, with many of his stories being adapted for the screen. While the TV series Welcome to Derry became incredibly popular, and new movies based on The Long Walk and Running Man gained a lot of attention, the film adaptation of The Life of Chuck didn’t receive nearly as much recognition – which is surprising, considering it’s also a Stephen King story.
The film boasts a strong cast led by Tom Hiddleston, known for his role as Loki in the Marvel universe. It was written and directed by Mike Flanagan, a filmmaker celebrated for his work blending horror, drama, and the supernatural, as seen in projects like Doctor Sleep and the Netflix series The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass. The supporting cast is equally impressive, featuring Chiwetel Ejiofor, Karen Gillan, Carl Lumby, Jacob Tremblay, and Mark Hamill. The Life of Chuck is a thought-provoking and unusual film that explores life, death, and the connection between all things, and it tells its story in a unique reverse chronological order. Despite being challenging, it’s a film well worth watching.
4) Hell of A Summer

Generation Z is now old enough to start creating their own movies that reflect their experiences and viewpoints, and Hell of A Summer is a perfect example. Originally filmed in 2023 but released this year, this satirical comedy-horror was co-written and co-directed by Finn Wolfhard, known for his role in Stranger Things.
This movie uses the classic summer camp slasher setup seen in films like Friday the 13th, but with a fresh perspective. It explores how young people today – those who grew up with true crime podcasts, popular horror movies, and the desire for online fame – would react to and experience a similar situation. It’s a clever and humorous horror film geared towards Gen Z, and deserves more attention.
3) Dangerous Animals

Can’t decide between a thrilling shark attack movie and a suspenseful serial killer story? Why not create both! It’s the perfect solution when you’re torn between ideas.
I have to admit, Dangerous Animals totally slipped past me amidst all the horror talk last year, and honestly, that feels like a crime. Sean Byrne is a director I’m keeping my eye on, and this movie is really putting him on the map. Jai Courtney, who you might know from The Suicide Squad, gives a seriously captivating and unhinged performance as Tucker, a boat captain offering shark tours that go horribly, tragically wrong. It’s a film that absolutely deserves to be part of the conversation when we talk about the best horror had to offer in 2025.
2) Last Breath

Stories of survival consistently deliver both excitement and emotional impact. Director Alex Parkinson impressively transformed his 2019 documentary into a captivating movie. It’s a genuinely enjoyable film and deserves more attention as a solid, fun watch.
This thrilling movie features Woody Harrelson, Simu Liu (known from Shang-Chi), Finn Cole (Peaky Blinders), and Cliff Curtis (The Meg). The story centers on a team of deep-sea divers repairing gas lines who face a desperate fight for survival when one of them becomes trapped underwater with limited oxygen. It’s a tense and exciting film geared towards adults, and a fantastic opportunity to see Simu Liu shine – he’s a talented actor who hasn’t gotten enough recognition.
1) Black Bag

As a movie fan, I’m always up for a clever spy thriller, and this one really delivers. It’s like Steven Soderbergh – the guy behind Ocean’s Eleven – took that whole genre and blended it beautifully with a really engaging romantic drama. Plus, he cast Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett, two actors who are just incredible. The whole thing has Soderbergh’s signature smooth, almost dreamlike style, and the story itself, written by David Koepp (who’s done Jurassic Park, Spider-Man, and Mission: Impossible), is genuinely smart and full of twists you don’t see coming.
Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett star as George and Kathryn, a married couple and experienced government agents specializing in cyber security. George uncovers a dangerous scheme related to the Russia-Ukraine war and the theft of highly classified software, and the evidence points to Kathryn as a possible accomplice. Investigating her professionally strains their marriage, turning their home life into a minefield of distrust mirroring the dangerous world of espionage they both inhabit. It’s another stylish, intelligent, and captivating film from director Steven Soderbergh, and it’s well-deserving of more recognition.
Read More
- Ashes of Creation Rogue Guide for Beginners
- Best Controller Settings for ARC Raiders
- ARC Raiders – All NEW Quest Locations & How to Complete Them in Cold Snap
- Meet the cast of Mighty Nein: Every Critical Role character explained
- Netflix’s One Piece Season 2 Will Likely Follow the First Season’s Most Controversial Plot
- Fishing Guide in Where Winds Meet
- Eldegarde, formerly Legacy: Steel & Sorcery, launches January 21, 2026
- Bitcoin’s Wild Ride: Yen’s Surprise Twist 🌪️💰
- 18 Years Later, One Piece Finally Hints At The Mysterious Pirate With an Eye Patch
- 10 Best Rick and Morty Jokes About Marvel and the MCU
2025-12-24 19:13