What if one of your favorite films of the year is the one everyone else swears is terrible? My feelings drive this countdown of the 10 movies I watched in theaters that defined my 2025. I kept the scope tight: only films I watched on the big screen, tracked on my AMC app, so each pick reflects not just craft, but the vibes, the audience reactions, and the afterglow that lingered on the subway ride home.
I move from the spectacle of Wicked for Good and a surprisingly propulsive Predator Badlands to The Fire Inside, a Claressa Shields biopic that dares to ask what happens after winning the gold medal fades. A refreshed Superman wins on character chemistry and warmth over grit, while Mickey 17 turns high-concept sci-fi into a playful, precise performance showcase. Pattinson really makes multiple iterations feel distinct and alive. I also defend The Woman in the Yard, a misunderstood genre piece I read as an unflinching portrait of depression, anchored by Danielle Deadwyler’s quiet intensity.
Animation shines twice: Elio, a tender Pixar story buried by weak marketing but rich in heart, and Zootopia 2, a sequel that earns its stripes with smart social storytelling, fast jokes, and genuine growth for Judy and Nick. Horror fans get a gripping entry with Weapons, a lesson in dread over cheap shocks. And topping the list, Sinners delivers a daring new spin on vampire lore. It includes lush cinematography, musical sequences that soar, and performances from Michael B. Jordan and Hailee Steinfeld that pulse with soul, guided by Ryan Coogler’s sure hand.
Hit play to hear why these movies rose above the rest, where they surprised me, and how they’ll stick in my mind. Then tell me your own top picks from 2025. What did I miss, and where do we agree? If you enjoyed this episode, follow the show, share it with a friend, and leave a quick review so more movie lovers can find us.
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