National Board of Review Announces the Best Films of 2025

The National Board of Review has officially unveiled its selections for the most outstanding cinema of the year. This annual announcement marks the beginning of the major awards season and highlights a diverse collection of studio blockbusters and independent dramas. The organization honored films that span genres from high-octane racing and gothic horror to intimate character studies set abroad. Cinephiles and critics alike will analyze this list as a predictor for future accolades.

‘F1’ (2025)

Brad Pitt stars as a former Formula 1 driver who returns to the sport to mentor a younger teammate. Director Joseph Kosinski utilizes groundbreaking camera technology to capture the visceral speed of the race track. The film blends intense vehicular action with a human story of redemption and legacy. Audiences are placed directly into the cockpit for an immersive cinematic experience unlike any other racing movie.

‘Sinners’ (2025)

Director Ryan Coogler reunites with Michael B. Jordan for this atmospheric supernatural thriller set in the Jim Crow South. The narrative follows twin brothers who return to their hometown only to discover a terrifying ancient evil lurking in the shadows. Coogler masterfully combines historical drama with genre elements to create a unique horror experience. The tension builds relentlessly as the characters fight for survival against forces they cannot comprehend.

‘Jay Kelly’ (2025)

Noah Baumbach directs this poignant comedy about a fading movie star and his loyal manager on a European trip. George Clooney delivers a vulnerable performance as the titular character who is grappling with his fading relevance and past mistakes. Adam Sandler shines in a supporting role that balances humor with deep emotional resonance. The film explores themes of friendship and the bittersweet nature of aging in the public eye.

‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

Guillermo del Toro brings his lifelong passion project to the screen with this dark and romantic adaptation of the classic Mary Shelley novel. Jacob Elordi portrays the Creature with a tragic physicality while Oscar Isaac plays the obsessive doctor. The production design creates a gothic world that is both beautiful and terrifying. This interpretation digs deep into the themes of creator responsibility and the monstrosity of human ambition.

‘Train Dreams’ (2025)

Clint Bentley directs this sweeping adaptation of the Denis Johnson novella about a logger in the American West. Joel Edgerton gives a quiet and powerful performance as a man losing his family and his way of life to the march of progress. The cinematography captures the vast beauty of the Pacific Northwest landscapes in contrast to the intimacy of the protagonist’s struggle. It is a meditative look at grief and the passage of time in a rapidly changing world.

‘Rental Family’ (2025)

Brendan Fraser stars in this touching drama about an American actor finding connection in Tokyo. He takes a job with a company that provides stand-in family members for lonely clients. Director Hikari crafts a sensitive story that examines the complexities of human relationships and the universal need for belonging. The film navigates cultural barriers to reveal the shared emotional truths that bind us all.

‘Marty Supreme’ (2025)

Josh Safdie captures the electric energy of the professional ping pong world in this fast-paced drama. Timothée Chalamet transforms into a charismatic table tennis prodigy inspired by the legendary Marty Reisman. The film features the director’s signature chaotic style and kinetic editing to mirror the intensity of the sport. It serves as a gritty and vibrant portrait of a subculture obsessed with victory and style.

‘Wicked: For Good’ (2025)

The second chapter of the musical adaptation brings the saga of Elphaba and Glinda to its emotional conclusion. Director Jon M. Chu expands the world of Oz with dazzling visual effects and showstopping musical numbers. The story focuses on the final rift between the two witches and the events leading into the original Wizard of Oz tale. Fans will find closure in this grand spectacle that celebrates friendship and defiance.

‘Avatar: Fire and Ash’ (2025)

James Cameron takes audiences back to Pandora to explore a new and dangerous region inhabited by the Ash People. The visual effects continue to push the boundaries of what is possible in cinema with stunning fire and volcanic environments. Jake Sully and his family face an aggressive clan of Na’vi that challenges their understanding of the planet. This third installment deepens the lore while delivering the massive action set pieces the franchise is known for.

‘Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery’ (2025)

Rian Johnson returns with the third installment in his acclaimed whodunit series starring Daniel Craig. Benoit Blanc investigates a new murder with a star-studded suspect list that includes Jeremy Renner and Mila Kunis. The script is filled with the sharp wit and intricate puzzle-box plotting that fans have come to expect. It offers a fresh setting and a darker tone that distinguishes it from its predecessors.

‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Paul Thomas Anderson delivers an epic contemporary thriller that the National Board of Review has named the Best Film of the year. Leonardo DiCaprio stars as a father trying to protect his daughter from a corrupt political figure played by Sean Penn. The film balances high-stakes action sequences with a complex examination of American authority and rebellion. It stands as a monumental achievement in direction and storytelling that defines the cinematic landscape of 2025.

Tell us which of these 2025 masterpieces you are most excited to see in the comments.