10. Novocaine (Dan Berk & Robert Olsen)

Hear me out. I know this is a bit of a wildcard for my top ten films of 2025, but Novocaine was probably the most fun I had in a theater this year, and sometimes we just need a film that’s ridiculously fun. There are plenty of other films that made me laugh and entertained me for most of their runtime, but Novocaine is also just a really well-made film. Jack Quaid is one of my favorite stars of the year (see Companion below), and he brings authenticity to his role as Nate, which grounds the whole film (which very easily could have just been ridiculous). Plus, this was the first film I ever reviewed for the SunBreak, so it holds a special place in my heart.

Novocaine is currently streaming on PrimeVideo and is available to rent VOD.

9. Sentimental Value (Joachim Trier)

Sentimental Value probably won’t get as much attention since most of the film is in Norwegian, and American audiences usually don’t flock to international films. But I really hope I’m wrong because this film deserves more recognition. On the surface, it’s about two daughters reuniting with their estranged father, but I found so much more beneath that. One of my favorite subplots was between Nora (Renate Reinsve) and her sister Agnes (Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas), as they realize they’ve always been each other’s true family and don’t need their dad to be more than he is. It’s a film about purpose and forgiveness and family, told in such a beautiful and understated way.

Sentimental Value is currently streaming on Hulu

8. The Testament of Ann Lee (Mona Fastvold)

With The Testament of Ann Lee, Mona Fastvold tackles two of the most challenging genres: religion and biopic. And she has created something beautiful out of it. Thankfully, she was supported by a talented crew and cast (led by the incredible Amanda Seyfried). Every detail, from the costumes to the sets to the music, feels authentic and beautiful, providing an immersive viewing experience. Daniel Blumberg, with his updates to Shaker hymns and writings, composed a stunning soundtrack. Celia Rowlson-Hall also deserves all of the awards for her impeccable and chaotic choreography.

The Testament of Ann Lee is currently playing in theaters.

7. Train Dreams (Clint Bentley)

Straight down to the red-headed love interest and the ethereal cinematography that lingers just a little longer than normal on nature, Train Dreams is a near-carbon copy of any Terrence Malick film pre-The Tree of Life. But that doesn’t make me love this film any less; in fact, it’s what I love so much about it. Clint Bentley has latched onto what makes Malick’s films so special: giving viewers the time and space to meditate on the story before it’s even over. Train Dreams is a film about love and grief that transcends time and experience, meeting the viewer exactly where they’re at.

Train Dreams is now streaming on Netflix.

6. The Phoenician Scheme (Wes Anderson)

I love Wes Anderson, so it’s no surprise his latest film made my list. The Phoenician Scheme is one of Anderson’s best, reminiscent of classics like The Life Aquatic, and moving away from his more heady, recent works, which I appreciate because it makes this film more accessible. His star-studded cast was a delight, but a highlight of my year was finally seeing Michael Cera enter the universe where he has always belonged, as Bjorn Lund.

The Phoenician Scheme is currently streaming on PrimeVideo

5. One Battle After Another (Paul Thomas Anderson)

Despite making many year-end lists and winning SFCS’s Best Picture, I was hesitant to see One Battle After Another. Its premise—about revolutionaries fighting white supremacists to free immigration camps and kill soldiers—initially turned me off, especially given current events, and I think many others felt the same. But the film is so much more than that. It spends much more time exploring what it means to be family and the unique yet universal relationship between Bob and Willa (portrayed beautifully by Leonardo DiCaprio and Chase Infiniti).

One Battle After Another is currently streaming on HBOmax

4. Bugonia (Yorgos Lanthimos)

Some weren’t surprised by the latest masterpiece from Lanthimos and Stone, but for me, Bugonia was a bit of a wildcard. I respect Lanthimos as a creator, but I haven’t always been captivated by his films. However, Bugonia is nearly perfect artistically and incredibly fun to watch. Lanthimos crafts a movie that makes you think, has an important message, and is so absurd that it appeals equally to casual viewers and arthouse lovers.

Bugonia is currently streaming on Peacock.

3. Companion (Drew Hancock)

This film hasn’t been on many top ten lists yet this year, and I blame that on recency bias since it came out back in January 2025. But Drew Hancock’s beautiful psychological thriller (that addresses AI and the future of technology in a wonderfully fun way) is by far my most recommended film of the year. I tell everyone I know to watch it, and I’m telling you too: please go watch it.

Companion is currently streaming on PrimeVideo.

1. Marty Supreme (Josh Safdie)

I shouldn’t have doubted the dynamic duo that is Josh Safdie and Timothée Chalamet, but I honestly was not expecting a Ping-Pong movie to be in my top ten, let alone top the list. But Chalamet’s Marty stole my heart and, it seems, most of America’s. Plus, what really bumped this film to the top for me was the impeccable supporting cast, not least of all Kevin O’Leary, who absolutely killed it in a role that could have been reduced to a cameo. Overall, this film had so much going on that I was worried it would lose me or fail to tie up loose ends, but Safdie always had a firm handle on every aspect of the film, and nothing in its 2.5-hour runtime feels out of place.

Marty Supreme is currently playing in theaters.