10 Brilliant Films from 2025 That Flew Under the Radar

While the year’s box office was propped up by a handful of big-name franchises, there’s been a stack of smaller releases that are just as deserving of a look. With all the chatter about Netflix possibly snapping up Warner Bros and what that might mean for cinemas, 2025 still turned out to be a top year for film. Even with ongoing worries about whether punters would return to the cinema after Covid, the massive takings for flicks like Zootopia 2 and the much-hyped Avatar: Fire and Ash show that Aussies and folks everywhere are still keen for a proper night out at the pictures. There’s been no shortage of critical darlings either, with Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another cleaning up at the early awards and looking set for a big run at the Oscars. But with so many festival favourites like Sentimental Value, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Jay Kelly, Train Dreams, and Frankenstein in the mix, it’s easy for some gems to slip through the cracks.

Every year, a few films get all the buzz, but plenty of others don’t get the attention they deserve. Sometimes it’s down to a lack of promo, a niche story, or just not landing a wide release. These are the ones that could use a bit more love when folks are looking back at the year in film.

Epic Journeys and Uncomfortable Truths

Magellan (Lav Diaz) takes a hard look at colonialism, steering clear of the usual action-packed tropes. Gael Garcia Bernal leads as the infamous explorer, with the film focusing on the slow, grim reality of conquest in Southeast Asia. It’s not a popcorn flick, but the visuals and raw honesty make it a standout for those after something more challenging.

Then there’s The Surfer (Lorcan Finnegan), where Nicolas Cage goes head-to-head with a gang of aggressive beach blokes. What sounds like a bit of a lark turns out to be a trippy psychological thriller, with Cage delivering a surprisingly grounded performance. Julian McMahon also shines as the menacing local, making this one a wild ride with a distinctly Aussie flavour.

Bold Drama and Social Commentary

Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia is a colourful, heartfelt drama about an Italian president, played by Toni Servillo, wrestling with the decision to legalise euthanasia. Despite the heavy subject, the film is full of Sorrentino’s trademark style and warmth, with Servillo giving one of his best turns yet.

On the other side of the world, The Plague (Charlie Polinger) dives into the harsh world of teenage bullying at a boys’ water polo camp in 2003. The young cast, led by Everett Blunck, brings a heap of depth to the story, and the film’s mix of realism and suspense makes it a tough but rewarding watch.

Modern Life and Unlikely Friendships

Lurker (Alex Russell) nails the dangers of celebrity obsession in the age of social media. Théodore Pellerin plays a quiet retail worker who gets way too invested in the life of his favourite pop star, played by Archie Madekwe. The film digs into the weirdness of parasocial relationships, showing just how messy things can get when the lines between fan and friend blur.

Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, sees June Squibb as a former New Yorker forging an unexpected bond with a widowed news anchor (Chiwetel Ejiofor) and his daughter (Erin Kellyman). What starts as a light-hearted tale about trying new things later in life soon explores how kindness can sometimes be used for less-than-noble reasons. Squibb’s charm and Johansson’s patient direction make this one a real treat.

Quiet Stories with Lasting Impact

The History of Sound (Oliver Hermanus) is a tender period romance starring Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal as two young men collecting folk music recordings after World War I. The film’s old-school approach and the vulnerability of its leads make it a moving look at love and history.

Jay Duplass’s The Baltimorons brings the mumblecore style back with a Christmas dramedy about Cliff (Michael Strassner) and Didi (Liz Larsen) finding connection on Christmas Eve. The film’s sincerity and natural dialogue could see it become a cult holiday favourite.

A Little Prayer (Angus MacLachlan) finally hit cinemas after a long wait, offering a subtle family drama about forgiveness and loyalty. David Strathairn stands out as a father dealing with his son’s betrayal, with the film’s understated approach making it feel all the more real.

Rounding out the list is Rebuilding (Max Walker-Silverman), where Josh O’Connor plays a cowboy trying to help his community recover after devastating wildfires. With Meghann Fahy as his ex-wife, the film quietly explores themes of memory, nature, and family, building to a powerful finish without ever getting flashy.