Best Apple TV+ Movies Of 2025

Apple TV+ solidified its reputation as a powerhouse for premium cinema in 2025, delivering a record-breaking slate of original films that dominated both the box office and streaming charts. From high-octane blockbusters and prestige dramas to intimate documentaries, the platform offered something for every type of cinephile this past year. Major directors like Paul Greengrass, Spike Lee, and Scott Derrickson brought their unique visions to the screen, while A-list stars including Brad Pitt, Denzel Washington, and Julianne Moore delivered career-best performances. This list compiles the standout feature films that defined the year, showcasing the diversity and quality of the studio’s 2025 output.

‘F1’ (2025)

Brad Pitt stars as Sonny Hayes, a retired Formula 1 driver who returns to the track to mentor a young prodigy and save a struggling team. Director Joseph Kosinski utilizes groundbreaking camera technology to capture the speed and intensity of the sport with unprecedented realism. The film balances heart-pounding racing sequences with an emotional narrative about redemption and legacy. Critics praised the authentic sound design and the visceral experience of the race scenes, which were filmed during actual Grand Prix weekends.

‘The Lost Bus’ (2025)

Paul Greengrass directs this harrowing survival thriller based on the true story of the 2018 Camp Fire in California. Matthew McConaughey plays a school bus driver who must navigate a vehicle full of children through a deadly inferno with the help of a teacher, played by America Ferrera. The film is a tense, claustrophobic experience that highlights the heroism of ordinary people in the face of catastrophe. It stands as a poignant tribute to the resilience of the Paradise community.

‘Highest 2 Lowest’ (2025)

Spike Lee reunites with Denzel Washington for this gripping crime thriller, which serves as a modern reinterpretation of Akira Kurosawa’s classic ‘High and Low’. Washington plays a wealthy executive whose life unravels when he is targeted by a kidnapper, forcing him to make an impossible moral choice. The film explores themes of class disparity and justice against the backdrop of a sweltering New York summer. Lee’s signature visual style and a sharp script make this one of the most talked-about dramas of the year.

‘The Gorge’ (2025)

This genre-bending film from Scott Derrickson blends action, romance, and sci-fi horror into a unique cinematic experience. Miles Teller and Anya Taylor-Joy star as two elite snipers stationed in watchtowers on opposite sides of a massive, mysterious gorge. As they guard against an unseen evil, they form a deep connection from a distance, only to discover the terrifying truth about their mission. The chemistry between the leads and the atmospheric tension keep viewers on the edge of their seats.

‘Echo Valley’ (2025)

Julianne Moore and Sydney Sweeney deliver powerhouse performances in this psychological thriller directed by Michael Pearce. Moore plays a horse trainer in rural Pennsylvania whose quiet life is shattered when her wayward daughter arrives late one night covered in someone else’s blood. The narrative twists through a dark labyrinth of secrets, exploring the lengths a mother will go to protect her child. Its atmospheric cinematography and tight pacing make it a standout entry in the domestic noir genre.

‘Fountain of Youth’ (2025)

Guy Ritchie brings his kinetic directing style to this globe-trotting heist adventure starring John Krasinski and Natalie Portman. The duo plays estranged siblings who must team up to solve historical puzzles and locate the legendary Fountain of Youth before a rival organization gets there. Filled with witty banter, elaborate set pieces, and exotic locations, the film captures the spirit of classic adventure serials. It proved to be one of the year’s most entertaining crowd-pleasers.

‘All of You’ (2025)

Brett Goldstein and Imogen Poots star in this futuristic romance that asks difficult questions about love and compatibility. Set in a world where a test can determine your true soulmate, the story follows a couple who must decide whether to trust their feelings or the science. The script is both humorous and heartbreaking, exploring the complexities of modern relationships. Critics lauded the film for its grounded approach to a high-concept premise.

‘Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost’ (2025)

This touching documentary serves as a love letter to the legendary comedy duo Jerry Stiller and Anne Meara. Through archival footage and intimate interviews, the film chronicles their personal and professional partnership that spanned decades. It offers a warm, funny, and poignant look at their enduring bond and their impact on the world of comedy. Audiences found it to be a deeply moving tribute to two beloved entertainers.

‘Stick’ (2025)

A hilarious sports comedy that takes a swing at the world of professional golf, featuring a star-studded ensemble cast. The story follows a disgraced caddie who discovers a diamond-in-the-rough player and tries to hustle his way back onto the tour. The script is packed with rapid-fire jokes and slapstick humor, reminiscent of classic underdog sports movies. It became a surprise hit, charming viewers with its heart and irreverent tone.

‘Bono: Stories of Surrender’ (2025)

Filmed during his book tour, this performance film captures U2 frontman Bono as he shares stories from his memoir intercut with musical performances. It is an intimate portrait of the artist, blending spoken word, theater, and rock concert elements. The film offers insight into his songwriting process, his activism, and his life with the band. Fans praised the unique format and the emotional depth of the storytelling.

‘Deaf President Now!’ (2025)

This powerful documentary recounts the historic 1988 student protests at Gallaudet University that led to the appointment of the school’s first deaf president. Through interviews with protest leaders and archival news footage, the film captures the energy and significance of the movement. It highlights a pivotal moment in the fight for disability rights and representation. The documentary was acclaimed for its educational value and inspiring narrative.

‘Smoke’ (2025)

A gritty crime drama set in the underground world of London’s high-stakes poker games. The film follows a young card sharp who gets in over his head after accidental involvement with a notorious crime syndicate. With stylized visuals and a pulsating soundtrack, it delivers a tense, atmospheric ride through the city’s nightlife. The film introduced breakout talent and was noted for its sharp dialogue and noir influences.

‘Lulu Is a Rhinoceros’ (2025)

Based on the beloved children’s book, this animated feature tells the heartwarming story of a bulldog who believes she is a rhinoceros. The film features a vibrant art style and voice talents that bring the charming characters to life. It tackles themes of identity and acceptance in a way that resonates with both children and adults. The movie quickly became a favorite for family movie nights on the platform.

‘The Wild Ones’ (2025)

This adventure drama follows a group of teenagers who stumble upon a government conspiracy while exploring a restricted wilderness area. Channeling the spirit of 80s adventure films, it blends nostalgia with modern stakes and character dynamics. The young cast delivers authentic performances, anchoring the fantastical elements of the plot. It was praised for its sense of wonder and its thrilling, fast-paced screenplay.

‘Not a Box’ (2025)

Another animated hit for Apple, this film expands on the simple premise of the classic picture book about the power of imagination. A young rabbit transforms a cardboard box into a rocket ship, a mountain, and a burning building through the power of his mind. The minimalist animation style sets it apart from other CGI-heavy releases, creating a unique visual language. It celebrates creativity and play, earning critical acclaim for its artistic boldness.

‘Dolly’ (2025)

Florence Pugh plays a robotic companion on trial for the murder of her owner in this courtroom sci-fi drama. The film explores themes of artificial intelligence, sentience, and the legal definition of personhood. Pugh’s performance as the machine is chilling yet sympathetic, driving the emotional core of the story. The script is intellectually stimulating, drawing comparisons to classic legal thrillers and speculative fiction.

‘Aurora’ (2025)

Kathryn Bigelow returns to directing with this tense cyber-warfare thriller about a massive grid collapse in the United States. The film focuses on a family trying to survive in a suburb as society rapidly disintegrates without power. It is a terrifyingly realistic portrayal of modern vulnerability, shot with Bigelow’s trademark urgency. The movie sparked conversations about infrastructure security and preparedness.

‘Deep Water’ (2025)

Ana de Armas and Ben Affleck reunite in this erotic thriller that explores a toxic marriage and the deadly games the couple plays. The film is stylish and moody, delving into themes of jealousy and obsession. It updates the classic noir tropes for a modern setting, featuring sharp dialogue and twisted morality. The chemistry between the leads sizzles, driving the dark narrative forward.

‘The Summit’ (2025)

A mountain climbing adventure that turns into a fight for survival when a storm traps a team on K2. The film was shot on location and on high-altitude sets, providing a breathtaking sense of scale and danger. It focuses on the psychological toll of extreme environments and the bonds formed under pressure. The cinematography captures the terrifying beauty of the high peaks.

‘Legacy’ (2025)

A sprawling family saga covering three generations of an industrialist dynasty. The film explores the corrupting influence of wealth and the burden of expectations passed down from parents to children. With a runtime of nearly three hours, it takes its time to flesh out each character and time period. The production design and costumes are lavish, immersing the viewer in the changing decades.

‘Number One on the Call Sheet’ (2025)

This documentary examines the history of Black leading men and women in Hollywood. Featuring interviews with icons like Sidney Poitier, Halle Berry, and Denzel Washington, it traces the evolution of representation on screen. The film is both a celebration of achievement and a critical look at the industry’s shortcomings. It serves as an essential history lesson for film buffs.

‘Bread & Roses’ (2025)

A harrowing documentary produced by Jennifer Lawrence that focuses on the plight of women in Afghanistan after the fall of Kabul. The film follows several women as they navigate the loss of their rights and freedoms. It is a raw and urgent piece of filmmaking that shines a light on a humanitarian crisis. The courage of the subjects is the film’s most powerful element.

What was your favorite Apple TV+ release of 2025? Share your thoughts in the comments.