Letterboxd’s Top 10 Films of 2025: The Standouts Ranked

2025 delivered another cracking year for film lovers, with a diverse mix of stories that got punters talking and left a real impression. Letterboxd, the go-to spot for cinephiles with a reputation for sharp taste, has once again tallied up the year’s most celebrated releases. Here’s a look at the ten features that truly struck a chord, cutting through the noise of box office stats and hype.

Period Pieces, Dark Comedy, and Gripping Dramas

Clint Bentley’s Train Dreams kicks off the list, bringing Denis Johnson’s novella to life. Joel Edgerton stars as Robert, a bloke who’s spent his days on the railways and in logging camps, only to be hit by tragedy after finding a bit of happiness. The film’s striking visuals and understated emotion have been widely praised.

Next up, Sinners sees Michael B. Jordan take on dual roles as twin brothers in a supernatural horror set during the Great Depression. Directed by Ryan Coogler, the story follows their attempt to run a juke joint, only for things to go pear-shaped when dark forces emerge. Audiences have been keen on its style, music, and layered themes.

Park Chan-wook’s No Other Choice offers a sharp slice of South Korean cinema. The plot centres on Yoo Man-su, who, after being made redundant, hatches a wild plan to literally knock off his job competition. It’s a dark comedy with biting social commentary, perfect for those who like their laughs with a side of cynicism.

Heartbreak, Family, and Unlikely Heroes

Hamnet reimagines the life of Shakespeare and his wife Agnes, played by Paul Mescal and Jessie Buckley. The film explores their relationship and the grief that follows the loss of their young son. It’s a tough watch, but for those willing to face the pain, there’s plenty to take away about love and loss.

Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value is a Norwegian drama about two sisters reconnecting with their estranged dad after their mum’s passing. Old wounds resurface as their father, once a big name in film, tries to rope one of them into his comeback project. The film’s intimate, character-driven approach has made it a favourite during awards season.

I Swear tells the true story of John Davidson, a Scottish man living with Tourette’s syndrome. Robert Aramayo’s performance as John has been called a standout, with the film balancing humour and empathy while raising awareness about the condition.

Action, Animation, and Real-Life Tragedy

Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another stars Leonardo DiCaprio as Bob Ferguson, a former revolutionary whose past comes back to haunt him. With a strong supporting cast, the film’s blend of action and comedy has made it a frontrunner for major awards, even if not everyone’s on board with its style.

Marty Supreme features Timothée Chalamet as Marty Mauser, a table tennis hopeful with a knack for chaos and questionable decisions. The role has been called some of Chalamet’s best work, and he’s already picked up a couple of big gongs for it.

The Voice of Hind Rajab is a Tunisian-French docudrama based on the harrowing true story of a young Palestinian girl trapped in Gaza. The film uses actual audio of Hind Rajab’s pleas for help, with actors portraying those on the other end. It’s been described as one of the year’s most powerful and haunting releases, earning a standing ovation at Venice.

Animation Takes the Top Spot

In a twist that’s surprised some, Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc has claimed the top spot. This Japanese animated feature, adapted from the popular manga, picks up after the first season of the anime. Denji’s complicated romance with Reze and the ensuing battles have been a hit with fans, thanks to the film’s energetic animation and emotional punch.

Here’s a quick look at how these films fared with critics and where you can catch them:

Train Dreams (Netflix), Sinners (HBO Max), No Other Choice (not available), Hamnet (in cinemas), Sentimental Value (Prime Video), I Swear (not available), Marty Supreme (in cinemas), One Battle After Another (HBO Max), The Voice of Hind Rajab (not available), Chainsaw Man – The Movie: Reze Arc (Prime Video).

These ten titles show that great storytelling isn’t tied to any one genre or language. Audiences are always up for something honest, original, and made with real effort.