2025’s 25 best new movies – from Frankenstein to Sinners

The UK has had a fantastic year for movies, with a really diverse range of new releases – check out our top 25 to see for yourself!

Another year in film kicked off with a strong slate of potential awards winners, many of which had premiered late last year overseas. I was particularly impressed with titles like The Brutalist, Nickel Boys, and A Real Pain – they all immediately jumped to the top of my list as serious contenders.

Wow, what a year for horror! I was really blown away by both Sinners and Weapons – they felt so fresh and different. Then, to top it all off, Guillermo del Toro gave us his take on Frankenstein, which is a classic for a reason. It’s been a fantastic time to be a horror fan!

This year’s biggest movies haven’t been quite as standout as usual, but we’ve still got some great films! That includes the latest Bridget Jones movie, along with fantastic international films, smaller independent releases, and some surprising hits. Get ready to discover a few new movies to watch!

But what came in at number one? Scroll down our list to find out.

25. The Seed of the Sacred Fig

Iranian filmmaker Mohammad Rasoulof created this gripping political thriller in secret. Its debut in 2024 led to his arrest and forced exile. The film, set against the backdrop of the 2022 protests in Iran, tells the story of Iman, a Tehran lawyer (played by Missagh Zareh) who is promoted to investigating judge. This news pleases his wife (Soheila Golestani) and their two daughters, but hints at a more complex situation.

However, the increasing violence quickly turns Iman into a figurehead who simply approves harsh punishments, leaving him feeling defeated and deeply upsetting his children. They start to doubt his decisions, particularly after a close female friend is wounded by the police.

This story delicately portrays the gradual breakdown of a family, creating a tense and intimate atmosphere. Real news footage of protests and police violence adds to the emotional weight. When a gun goes missing, the women become consumed by suspicion and fear, leading to a thrilling and suspenseful climax in the desert, reminiscent of a classic thriller. – Jeremy Aspinall, Freelance Reviewer

24. Dreams (Oslo Stories Trilogy)

This Norwegian drama is a sensitive portrayal of a young woman’s experience. It centers on 17-year-old Johanne (Ella Øverbye) and her growing infatuation with a new teacher, which creates tension and complicates her relationships with her mother and grandmother.

Dag Johan Haugerud’s Dreams, the second film in his Oslo Stories trilogy, delicately explores the complexities of relationships and Johanne’s personal journey. The film offers a compassionate and unbiased look at her vulnerabilities and how her connections with others evolve. With strong writing and direction, Dreams is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant coming-of-age story that thoughtfully examines a quiet corner of the human experience. – Chezelle Bingham, Sub-Editor

23. Frankenstein

Director Guillermo del Toro shared with the BFI in 2012 that the story of Frankenstein deeply resonates with his core beliefs and identity. After thirteen years in the making, his adaptation of Mary Shelley’s classic gothic novel has finally arrived. Unlike some personal projects that fall flat, this one is a resounding success. Del Toro masterfully uses his unique style and experience to create a story that is both disturbingly unsettling and deeply moving.

Jacob Elordi, known for his striking looks, transforms into Frankenstein’s monster with a surprisingly nuanced performance. He powerfully conveys the character’s emotional journey as he searches the world for answers from the father who abandoned him, played by Oscar Isaac. The film is a captivating and visually stunning story, brought to life by a talented cast, and its rich world will leave you wishing it lasted even longer than its two and a half hour runtime. – Calum Russell, Sub-Editor

22. Bring Her Back

Horror movies keep getting scarier, and the directors behind “Bring Her Back,” Danny and Michael Philippou, have delivered another truly frightening film. Sally Hawkins gives a fantastic performance as Laura, a foster mother with a lot of emotional baggage, who welcomes orphaned siblings Andy (Billy Barratt) and Piper (Sora Wong) into her home. Though Laura acts strangely, the children begin to adjust – until they uncover disturbing secrets about her and the unsettling truth about their new foster brother, Oliver (Jonah Wren Phillips).

“Bring Her Back” is a truly effective horror film if you go in knowing as little as possible. It’s a disturbing and bloody story about a haunted home that expertly builds suspense and dread. While it has some jump scares, it doesn’t rely on them, and ultimately delivers a moving and satisfying ending. It’s a supernatural horror film that deserves a spot on any fan’s list of favorites. – CB

21. It Was Just an Accident

Jafar Panahi’s latest film, ‘It Was Just an Accident,’ is a powerful and thought-provoking work that received critical acclaim at Cannes – and led to his imprisonment in Iran. The story centers around a mechanic convinced he’s located the man who once brutally tortured him under the Iranian regime. But is he right? The film delves into complex themes of justice and revenge, control versus impulsive action, and the lasting impact of trauma, asking whether it’s possible to break free from a cycle of violence.

Even with its intense political themes, the film is deeply moving, filled with relatable moments like a couple’s wedding photos, a daughter’s wish for a dance with her father, and unexpected compassion within a hospital setting. The story culminates in a powerful and explosive finale, ending with a scene so impactful it leaves viewers breathless and stunned until the credits finish.

20. Pillion

A romantic comedy about a BDSM relationship within a motorcycle gang sounds unusual, but director Harry Leighton pulls it off beautifully in his first feature film. It’s surprisingly funny, heartfelt, and could be one of the most genuinely moving movies you see all year.

Based on Adam Mars-Jones’ poignant novel Box Hill, Pillion follows Colin (played brilliantly by Harry Melling), a reserved and kind man, as he encounters Ray (a captivating Alexander Skarsgård), a striking and enigmatic motorcyclist. This meeting leads Colin into a dynamic where he willingly follows Ray’s lead, and he’s drawn into a unique community where he finds both belonging and a deeper understanding of himself.

Lesley Sharp delivers a remarkable performance as Colin’s sick mother, offering honest advice because she wants what’s best for him. The film is also a strong contender for a non-traditional holiday movie – it’s heartwarming, funny, and challenges expectations. – Lewis Knight, Trends Editor

19. Hard Truths

Mike Leigh is known for creating realistic and insightful films about working-class British life, and his newest movie continues that tradition of excellence.

Marianne Jean-Baptiste shines as Pansy, a woman who openly dislikes people and often complains, which is funny at first. However, the director skillfully helps us understand the pain behind her behavior, revealing a deeply troubled woman who’s reached her limit.

Baptiste and Michele Austin, who plays Chantelle, Pansy’s optimistic sister, deliver wonderfully balanced performances. It’s a shame neither received an Oscar nomination this year. Overall, the film is a compelling and subtle exploration of human character, reminding us that people often conceal their struggles. – Patrick Cremona, Senior Film Writer

18. Nosferatu

Robert Eggers, known for his unsettling historical horror films, revisited the classic silent film Nosferatu (1922) – a movie originally based on Bram Stoker’s Dracula. His new film focuses on the emotional and psychological experiences of the main character, Ellen Hutter, brilliantly portrayed by Lily-Rose Depp, who develops a strange, almost spiritual connection with a terrifying count from a distant country.

As their emotional connection deepens, her husband falls into serious danger under the monster’s control. With a classic gothic style, a pervasive sense of dread, and a chilling performance by Bill Skarsgård as the vampire, Nosferatu is a haunting story about who we are, the weight of our mistakes, and the forces that guide our lives.

The supporting cast is excellent, especially Nicholas Hoult as Thomas, Ellen’s constantly challenged husband, and Willem Dafoe, who perfectly embodies the eccentric vampire expert, Albin Eberhart von Franz. The film is captivating, spooky, and immersive – everything you’d want in a vampire movie. – LK

17. Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy

I could only say “Oh Bridget!” after watching Mad About the Boy, the lovely fourth and final movie in the Bridget Jones’s Diary series.

It’s heartbreaking when Bridget Jones and Mr. Darcy split up, but Bridget’s story also resonates with us all. Whether she’s navigating motherhood and work or searching for love in unexpected places, many of us see parts of ourselves in her journey – she’s a relatable character because we’ve all been there.

As a long-time fan, watching this latest Bridget Jones felt a little bittersweet – knowing it’s probably the last time we’ll see her on screen is definitely sad. But honestly, it feels like a really lovely, satisfying ending to a series that’s given us so many laughs and relatable moments over the past twenty years. It just wraps everything up so nicely!

16. Die My Love

In Lynne Ramsay’s new film, Die My Love, Jennifer Lawrence delivers a nuanced performance, skillfully blending moments of sadness with dark humor. The movie delves into the challenges of motherhood and mental wellbeing. Based on Ariana Harwicz’s 2012 novel, Lawrence plays Grace, a recent mother who relocates from New York to rural Montana with her partner, Jackson (Robert Pattinson), who isn’t very supportive. After giving birth, Grace’s life starts to fall apart, worsened by feelings of isolation, monotony, and a constantly barking dog that Jackson brings home.

Though it unfolds at a deliberate pace, this film is captivating thanks to Lawrence’s heartfelt performance. She beautifully portrays a woman struggling with emotional burnout, and combined with Ramsay’s sensitive direction, a carefully chosen soundtrack, and a strong supporting cast including Sissy Spacek and LaKeith Stanfield, Die My Love is both engaging and skillfully made. – CB

15. Bugonia

It was almost certain that the new film from Emma Stone and Yorgos Lanthimos would be a hit, thanks to its unusual story, intense energy, and excellent acting. This dark comedy and science fiction movie is an English-language remake of a South Korean film. It centers around two cousins who believe in conspiracy theories (played by Jesse Plemons and Aidan Delbis) and their kidnapping of a pharmaceutical company’s CEO (Emma Stone), convinced she’s an alien from the Andromeda race.

This film delivers 118 minutes of darkly funny, tense, and unsettling moments, all while exploring increasingly important questions about human nature and the lengths people will go to in order to be proven right. Emma Stone gives a powerful performance, supported by strong turns from Jesse Plemons and the memorable characters of Teddy and Donny. It’s a classic Yorgos Lanthimos film, complete with his signature surreal style. Be warned: the film ends with a polarizing sequence that’s sure to leave you both shocked and slightly confused. – CB

14. On Falling

Laura Carreira’s first feature film powerfully depicts the emotional toll of working in today’s demanding gig economy, reminiscent of Ken Loach’s style. “On Falling” tells the story of Aurora (Joana Santos), a Portuguese woman working in a Scottish warehouse, and her search for meaning and connection in a job that leaves her feeling powerless.

Look, “Carreira” isn’t a comfortable watch. It really dives into the harsh realities faced by the people doing these kinds of jobs. But even with all that bleakness, a surprisingly tender story emerges – one that beautifully captures the pain of suppressing our basic humanity. And let me tell you, Santos delivers one of the most quietly devastating performances I’ve seen all year. They perfectly embody a deep, vacant anguish that slowly, heartbreakingly, comes to the surface. It’s a truly gut-wrenching portrayal.

13. Dying

This dark and emotional German story centers on a family struggling with difficult circumstances. The parents, Lissy and Gerd, are facing serious health issues – cancer and dementia – and their grown children are more focused on their own lives than providing the care they need.

Conductor Tom is deeply involved in preparing for the debut performance of a new orchestral piece called ‘Dying,’ and he’s also preparing to become a parent. Meanwhile, his sister, Ellen, struggles with alcohol. Despite dealing with themes of loss, Matthias Glasner’s film is a compelling and well-acted story that skillfully blends tragedy and humor as it shows characters navigating the complexities of everyday life. – Tom Dawson, Freelance Reviewer

12. The Long Walk

While some Stephen King adaptations haven’t been hits, “The Long Walk” has exceeded expectations. The film centers around a disturbing marathon where fifty boys must maintain a three-mile-per-hour pace or face deadly consequences. The boys’ struggle for survival feels incredibly real, particularly through moments like Arthur (Tut Nyuot) making a heartbreaking last request for his grandmother, and the sorrowful fate of Hank (Ben Wang).

David Jonsson and Cooper Hoffman deliver standout performances in this movie, creating a surprisingly touching friendship. The fact that only one of them can ultimately survive makes their connection even more powerful. Their chemistry is what truly drives the film, and you’ll quickly find yourself invested in both characters and feeling like you’re walking alongside them through this difficult journey. – KM

11. Sorry, Baby

Eva Victor’s first time directing, this film is a touching and somewhat sad story that ultimately leaves you feeling hopeful. It skillfully mixes moments of pain with gentle humor as it explores life after a very difficult experience.

Victor plays Agnes, a brilliant student whose life is shattered after being assaulted by her supervisor. The film follows Agnes in chapters as she tries to heal and come to terms with the lasting impact of the trauma.

The film smartly chooses not to depict the violent event – simply called “The Bad Thing” – and this actually makes it more impactful. As the story unfolds, there are many wonderfully written scenes showing Agnes dealing with the emotional challenges of her new life. The supporting actors, including Naomi Ackie as her kind and supportive best friend and Lucas Hedges as her friendly neighbor and eventual partner, bring a lot of heart to the film. And it even features what might be the best cat performance in any movie this year! – PC

10. Nickel Boys

This powerful and moving film, adapted from Colson Whitehead’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, offers a fresh and unique perspective. Director RaMell Ross tells the story of Elwood Curtis (Ethan Herisse), a young Black teenager falsely accused of a crime and sent to a harsh, segregated reform school in Florida during the Jim Crow era.

During his time there, he forms a connection with the subtly defiant Turner (Brandon Wilson) and relentlessly seeks hope amidst extreme violence. The film’s distinctive visual approach might take a moment to get used to, but it soon captivates you, creating a powerfully realistic and deeply affecting experience, often featuring very disturbing moments.

The film is visually striking, with Ross incorporating artistic touches, cleverly using old footage, and employing well-timed glimpses into the future, culminating in a breathtaking montage at the end. The two main actors deliver excellent performances, and Aunjanue Ellis-Taylor is particularly impressive as Elwood’s grandmother, bringing heartfelt emotion to some of the film’s most powerful scenes. – PC

9. Marty Supreme

Marty Supreme is a fast-paced and unpredictable film about ping pong star Marty Mauser. It jumps quickly between exciting scenes as Marty chases success, and his journey unexpectedly impacts everyone around him, often with chaotic results. What starts as minor side stories quickly become important parts of the plot.

Odessa A’zion and Gwyneth Paltrow deliver particularly memorable performances, fully embracing the comedic energy of Josh Safdie’s bold script. The film’s soundtrack, featuring ’80s music, subtly suggests that its flawed protagonist, Marty, is actually quite forward-thinking. Like Marty himself, the movie is demanding, thought-provoking, and ultimately, a remarkable achievement.

Timothée Chalamet truly shines in this role, delivering what many consider his strongest performance yet. The actor, known for ‘Dune’ and ‘Wonka,’ recently stated his ambition to become a legendary performer, and his work in ‘Marty Supreme’ suggests he’s well on track to achieving that goal. – CT

8. 28 Years Later

Since Danny Boyle and Alex Garland’s film 28 Days Later popularized fast-moving zombies, the genre has become incredibly crowded, with shows like The Walking Dead and The Last of Us dominating the landscape. That makes you wonder – why bring back a zombie series that seemed finished for good?

“28 Years Later” brilliantly explores what comes after the chaos. While it still delivers intense, brutal moments, the film is really about a broken Britain trying to find itself and create a new story in a world utterly changed. The remnants of society are more like the horrifying, shambling creatures on the ground than the powerful, dominant infected that still roam free.

Alfie Williams delivers a fantastic performance as young Spike in this film. His understanding of what it means to be a hero is challenged as the story shifts from spooky fantasy to a more realistic and heartbreaking scenario, then takes a wildly unexpected turn at the end. With a sequel, The Bone Temple, coming in January and plans for a third film underway, the 28 Years series clearly has a lot more story to tell. – CT

7. A Real Pain

Jesse Eisenberg’s first film as a writer and director, while not universally loved, has been a critical success, even winning an Oscar. The movie centers on two cousins exploring their Jewish roots on a trip through Poland, and the story feels both very personal to the filmmaker and relatable to everyone.

Both Benji, played by Jesse Eisenberg, and David, played by Kieran Culkin, are incredibly realistic and relatable characters – you’ll likely recognize yourself in at least one of them. Culkin seems perfectly suited for the role of David, making it surprising that Eisenberg didn’t specifically write the part with him in mind.

The film tackles important and complex themes, but it manages to balance darkness and humor effectively. It’s genuinely funny, not only because of the two lead actors, but also thanks to the strong supporting cast, particularly a standout performance by Will Sharpe. – James Hibbs, Drama Writer

6. Train Dreams

I just finished watching “God’s Lonely Man,” and it’s a really moving film. It’s based on a story by Denis Johnson, and director Clint Bentley handles it with a delicate touch. Joel Edgerton gives a fantastic performance as Robert Grainier, a railroad worker who’s just trying to figure things out. We see him find some happiness building a life with Gladys, played beautifully by Felicity Jones, but then tragedy strikes and everything changes. It’s a quiet, thoughtful movie that really stays with you.

This is a thoughtful and moving story about what it means to be human amidst a broken world. Like the films of Terrence Malick, it uses stunning natural beauty and breathtaking cinematography to draw you in. ‘Train Dreams’ is a short, powerful, and poetic celebration of the simple things in life. – CR

5. The Ballad of Wallis Island

Movie lovers start each year anticipating the big releases and making predictions about which films will be their favorites by December. But every year, unexpected movies break through and become huge hits – and one of 2025’s biggest surprises is shaping up to be The Ballad of Wallis Island.

This delightful and funny film, created by and starring Tom Basden and Tim Key alongside Carey Mulligan, tells the story of a lottery winner who attempts to bring his beloved folk music duo back together for a private concert. The simple premise allows the characters to develop naturally and showcases Tim Key’s brilliant comedic timing. Despite being filmed entirely on a small island with a limited cast, the movie remains engaging and is perfectly paced at just 100 minutes.

The film features a remarkably catchy and powerful soundtrack that perfectly enhances the story, making you fully invest in the relationship between McWyer Mortimer and Charles. Be prepared to experience a full range of emotions – laughter, tears, and a constant urge to tap your feet – and know that this is a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll. – JH

4. Weapons

Following the success of his 2022 horror film, Barbarian, Zach Cregger delivers another chilling and exciting horror story. This time, the film centers around a new teacher, Julia Garner, whose third-grade class is devastated when nearly all of her students mysteriously disappear from their homes overnight.

Revealing more about the story would spoil the enjoyment, but director Cregger’s clever use of multiple perspectives – telling the story from six different viewpoints – lets the film delve into how damaged communities, past trauma, and even the weather can deeply impact people’s minds.

The story slowly reveals details about the strange happenings in town, building a fast-paced and expertly timed thriller. It keeps you guessing with a fantastic reveal of a memorable villain towards the end. While genuinely scary – using unsettling, almost fairytale-like imagery – the film also showcases the director’s talent for comedy. This skillful blend of horror and humor is what made the film such a unique and successful achievement. – PC

3. The Brutalist

Director Brady Corbet delivers another ambitious film, this time a harsh look at the American Dream. The story centers on László Tóth, a Hungarian-Jewish Holocaust survivor and architect, powerfully portrayed by Adrien Brody, who immigrates to the US hoping for a new life for his family. However, he encounters numerous hardships, largely caused by the manipulative businessman Harrison Lee Van Buren, played with subtle brilliance by Guy Pearce.

Felicity Jones delivers a truly captivating performance as Erzsébet Tóth, László’s wife, whom he reconnects with after they’ve both endured years of hardship. This powerfully moving film is visually stunning thanks to Lol Crawley’s beautiful cinematography and deeply affecting with Daniel Blumberg’s emotional score. It’s a grand, sweeping, and ultimately sad story.

Corbet consistently demonstrates a unique and personal style as a filmmaker, and we’re eager to see his future projects. – LK

2. One Battle After Another

Whenever Paul Thomas Anderson releases a new film, it’s cause for celebration. But even considering his diverse body of work, his latest, One Battle After Another, is surprising. While distinctly his – a unique vision from a celebrated director – it’s also a genuinely exciting and fast-paced action movie that should appeal to a wide range of viewers. It’s loosely based on Thomas Pynchon’s novel Vineland.

Everyone in the cast delivers a fantastic performance. Leonardo DiCaprio powerfully leads the story, Chase Infiniti is captivating in every scene, Benicio Del Toro provides much of the humor, and Sean Penn creates a truly disturbing and memorable villain.

Anderson’s film is a thrilling success, featuring stunning action sequences, beautiful visuals, and a consistently engaging pace throughout its nearly three-hour runtime. He’s supported by a talented team, including cinematographer Michael Bauman and composer Jonny Greenwood, who elevate the experience. – JH

1. Sinners

Ryan Coogler’s latest film, Sinners, tells the story of brothers Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan) who return to their Mississippi hometown hoping for a fresh start, but instead find themselves facing a dangerous and unsettling situation.

Filmed using both IMAX and Ultra Panavision cameras, the movie looks absolutely stunning. The Juke Joint dance scene, in particular, is a masterpiece and will likely be remembered as one of the most visually impressive scenes ever created for the big screen.

Ludwig Göransson’s music beautifully combines Irish folk and blues, creating a soundtrack that reflects both hardship and the desire for freedom. It captures each character’s escape from their daily struggles, offering a moment of liberation, even if temporary. – KM

Here’s a list of the writers who contributed to this poll: Jeremy Aspinall, Calum Baker, Chezelle Bingham, Max Copeman, Patrick Cremona, Tom Dawson, Darcy Giles, Dave Golder, Kevin Harley, James Hibbs, Alan Jones, Lewis Knight, Sean McGeady, Katelyn Mensah, Steve Morrissey, Molly Moss, James Mottram, Jayne Nelson, David Parkinson, Emma Simmonds, Terry Staunton, Christian Tobin, Amber Wilkinson, Jamie Windust, and Josh Winning.

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Authors

Patrick CremonaSenior Film Writer

Patrick Cremona is TopMob’s Senior Film Writer, covering new movies in theaters and on streaming platforms. He’s been with the site since October 2019, during which time he’s interviewed many famous actors and reviewed films of all kinds.

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2025-12-30 10:11