Film enthusiasts across the UK and beyond have spoken, sharing the cinematic releases that left the most significant mark on them in 2025. From a long-awaited monster masterpiece to a surreal Scottish western, the selections highlight a year of diverse and powerful storytelling.
Blockbuster Adaptations and Genre Triumphs
For many, the year was defined by major adaptations that delivered on their promise. Guillermo del Toro's 'Frankenstein' emerged as a particular favourite, with reader Sylvia Rowe from Tennessee declaring it the film she had "waited for my whole life." She praised Jacob Elordi's "masterly" performance as the Creature and Oscar Isaac's turn as the tormented Victor Frankenstein, alongside Kate Hawley's costume design and Alexandre Desplat's score.
Another literary adaptation earning high praise was 'Nickel Boys', described by Sean from London as a "wonderfully evocative, Malick-style film" that is "emotional and thoughtful without descending into brutality." Meanwhile, the conclusion of a major musical saga, 'Wicked: For Good', was hailed by a reader from California as a powerful experience that "changed me for good," commending its meticulous detail.
Unexpected Gems and Critical Darlings
Beyond the anticipated releases, several films surprised and delighted audiences. Martin McDonald from Manchester, having seen 156 films at the cinema, named the Rodgers and Hammerstein biopic 'Blue Moon' as his unexpected favourite, predicting Oscar and Bafta nods for its cast including Ethan Hawke and Andrew Scott.
In London, Izzy was "blown away" by the sexy and subversive 'Pillion', noting the unique communal experience of watching it in a packed cinema. From the surreal fairytale 'The Ice Tower', which bound Lauren in "chilling wonder," to Richard Linklater's witty 'Nouvelle Vague' about the making of 'Breathless', readers celebrated films that offered unique visions and narratives.
Powerful Stories from Around the World
The selections also showcased compelling international cinema and genre-bending works. 'Tornado', a revenge western set in 18th- to 19th-century Scotland with a Japanese samurai hero, was succinctly endorsed by Tim Bradshaw from Devon with "What’s not to like?"
The raw Corsican drama 'The Kingdom', compared by Catherine Laz in London to 'The Beasts', explored culture clashes and independence. From the US, the gripping nuclear thriller 'A House of Dynamite' and the terrifying parental drama 'If I Had Legs I'd Kick You', featuring a captivating Rose Byrne, were singled out for their intensity and social relevance.
Other notable mentions included the meditative 'Train Dreams' with a career-best Joel Edgerton, the innovative true-crime documentary 'The Perfect Neighbour', and the thrilling, nostalgic 'Caught Stealing' set in 1998 New York. The collective voice of the readers paints a picture of a rich and varied year for film, where both grand spectacle and intimate storytelling found passionate audiences.
