Max Hechtman's Top 10 Films of 2025
The full list of Max Hechtman’s Top 10 Movies of 2025.
With the year coming to an end, now is the time to unveil my top 10 films of 2025. This year, two films from the same studio (Warner Bros.) have made it into my top 2, and even, for the first time on any of my public lists, two animated films have also made it in. Each film had something for everyone and I'm sure you're enjoyed them as much as I did. What were your favorites from 2025?
1 - One Battle After Another
Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson
Topping the list this year is Paul Thomas Anderson's magnum opus of epic, action-packed proportions. With a strong all-star cast led by Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn, spectacular VistaVision cinematography and a haunting score by Jonny Greenwood, One Battle After Another is a mirror reflecting our own world back at us, making us all think and reflect on its modern-day parallels as the credits roll. Might not just be one of the best films of the year - but possibly of the decade as well. A worthy frontrunner for the Academy Award for Best Picture.
2 - Sinners
Directed by Ryan Coogler
This is more than a horror movie. It's a genre-bending cinematic experience that transcends all the cinematic norms and keeps us at the edge of our seat. Ryan Coogler's magnetic direction, Autumn Durald Arkapaw's award-worthy IMAX cinematography and unforgettable performances from Michael B. Jordan (in a dual role) and Miles Caton complete this masterpiece filled with vampires, 1920s American Southern goth, and toe-tapping musical sequences.
3 - Wicked: For Good
Directed by Jon M. Chu
The epic conclusion to the untold story of the Witches of Oz satisfyingly completes Jon M. Chu's magical two-part cinematic journey that kicked off last year and became an instant global phenomenon embraced by audiences everywhere. Our leading ladies Cynthia Erivo (who once again brings down the house as our Wicked Witch of the West, Elphaba) and Ariana Grande (who just might finally win her Best Supporting Actress Oscar for elevating her portrayal of Glinda the Good to newer heights, literally by bubble) couldn't have made a more iconic duo. Jonathan Bailey is as dashing and "swankifying" as ever as Fiyero, even after what he becomes at the end (without spoiling it). Jeff Goldblum's Wizard of Oz and Michelle Yeoh's Madame Morrible remain the delicious and "love to hate" antagonists whose allegorical symbolism becomes much louder than ever.
4 - Superman
Directed by James Gunn
DC's first superhero returns with a franchise launch that finally does him justice, even without showing his origin story again. James Gunn's inaugural entry in the new DC Universe sets future adventures in motion thanks to David Corenswet's star-making portrayal of the Man of Steel, the return of John Williams' iconic 1978 theme being integrated into John Murphy and David Fleming's energetic score, and colorful and vibrant visuals that make this look like a comic book come to life. Oh, and Krypto the Superdog steals the show every time he's on screen.
5 - Hamnet
Directed by Chloé Zhao
Chloé Zhao returns 5 years after her Oscar-winning success with Nomadland to bring to life Maggie O’Farrell’s 2020 novel depicting a fictional account of Hamnet, the son of William Shakespeare, and how his tragic death both impacted the lives of William and his wife Agnes Hathaway (Anne Hathaway in real life), and inspired William to write the theatrical masterwork that would become one his most famous: Hamlet. Jessie Buckley and Paul Mescal give two of the best performances of the year, coupled with grounded visuals and a fittingly atmospheric underscore.
6 - Billy Joel: And So It Goes
Directed by Jessica Levin & Susan Lacy
This two-part HBO documentary pulls back the curtain on the life of one of music's most iconic names. From his childhood on Long Island to superstardom as a semi-autobiographical singer/songwriter to his legendary residency at Madison Square Garden, we can all relate to Billy Joel and his struggles and triumphs. As a Long Islander myself, this really moved me.
7 - Frankenstein
Directed by Guillermo del Toro
The latest cinematic version of Mary Shelly’s timeless and thrilling story of the titular scientist and the human Monster he created sees Guillermo del Toro return to form by presenting the classic tale through a modern lens, resulting in a thematically relevant experience. Oscar Isaac gives one of his best performances to date and Jacob Elordi is a revelation.
8 - Zootopia 2
Directed by Jared Bush & Byron Howard
Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde are back in this worthy sequel to Disney’s 2016 animated hit. Filled with colorful and vibrant world building, surprise cameos and some cinematic references, it’s another trip to a world you just don’t want to leave.
9 - Out of Order
Directed by Guy Jacobson
One of the funniest films of the year, and one where I was extremely lucky to have attended its NYC premiere at this year’s Chelsea Film Festival, this laugh-out-loud courtroom comedy sees 2006 Superman himself, Brandon Routh, taking on two distinct identities on both sides of a case involving the same client. A light-hearted comedy that fits right in with the likes of My Cousin Vinny and Mrs. Doubtfire.
10 - KPop Demon Hunters
Directed by Maggie Kang & Chris Appelhans
The most original animated film of the year takes the final spot in my top 10 of 2025 with its eye-popping visuals and the extremely catchy soundtrack that took the world by storm with the chart-topping hit "Golden." Sony Pictures Animation raises the bar higher with their imagination, creativity and technological advancements that energize this musically-charged story about teamwork and fighting against impossible odds.
