SAVANNAH, Ga. — As 2025 wraps up, we bid farewell to a remarkable era in the world of cinema. This year has been nothing short of extraordinary for movie enthusiasts, offering an array of thrilling blockbusters, daring independent films, and innovative storytelling—all best enjoyed on the silver screen.

Reel Coastal’s host, Austin Michelson, had the pleasure of watching 60 new releases this year. Here are his top ten picks for the best films of 2025.

10. “KPop Demon Hunters”

This summer, “KPop Demon Hunters” became Netflix’s most successful film to date, and it’s easy to see why. Sony Pictures Animation has set a new standard for creative and original animation, captivating audiences of all ages. While some elements may follow a familiar formula, the film’s action sequences and animation quality are exceptional. The catchy soundtrack has also been a fan favorite, topping many Spotify Wrapped lists, including mine.

“KPop Demon Hunters” is available to stream on Netflix.

9. “Good Boy”

In a world of corporate mergers, independent art is the future and it’s hard to get more independent than “Good Boy”. Director Ben Leonberg’s thrilling debut feature stars his dog Indy as a canine companion moving with his owner to a spooky house in the woods. But it’s more than just simple frights – the film tackles themes like loss and mental health, too. It was also largely made by a shoestring crew over the span of three years on a budget of $70,000. And did I mention that the leading actor is a dog?

“Good Boy” is available to stream on Shudder and AMC+ or to rent or purchase via video on demand.

8. “Marty Supreme”

Director Josh Safdie’s first solo effort is a kinetic, propulsive sports drama about a man desperate to make a dream that no one respects come true. Leading man Timothée Chalamet is magnetic as brash table tennis player Marty Mauser in what will become a career-defining role for him. Safdie and co-writer Ronald Bronstein’s script is sharp, funny and exciting as well, with some of the best use of music I’ve seen in a film in a while.

“Marty Supreme” is in theaters now.

7. “Sorry, Baby”

Another assured and powerful debut from an exciting independent filmmaker. Writer/director/star Eva Victor crafts a touching story about moving on and just how difficult that can be. The film deftly juggles heavy topics with heart and humor in what I think is the year’s best screenplay.

“Sorry, Baby” is available to stream on HBO Max or to rent or purchase via video on demand.

6. “Frankenstein”

Director Guillermo del Toro finally made the film he was born to make. His Gothic reimagining of science fiction’s seminal text is an exciting showcase for both Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, with towering sets, gorgeous visuals, and a knockout script.

“Frankenstein” is available to stream on Netflix.

5. “Sinners”

Perhaps the biggest original film of the year, it’s tough to say anything about Sinners that hasn’t already been said. A phenomenal ensemble cast brings writer/director Ryan Coogler’s fantastic script to life in a film full of wit, music, and a fair amount of scares. Michael B. Jordan is obviously great, but a star is born in Miles Caton’s film debut.

“Sinners” is available to stream on HBO Max and Prime Video, or to rent or purchase via video on demand.

4. “Sentimental Value”

Norwegian director Joachim Trier’s rumination on art and family was one of my most anticipated films of the year and it did not disappoint. Renate Reinsve proves she’s one of the best actresses of her generation alongside a trio of equally excellent performances from Stellan Skarsgard, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas and Elle Fanning. They breathe life into another great script from Trier and his writing partner Eskil Vogt.

“Sentimental Value” is in select theaters now or to rent or purchase via video on demand.

3. “One Battle After Another”

Director Paul Thomas Anderson delivers yet another masterful instant classic in an already unimpeachable canon of work. Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn deliver possibly the best performances of their careers but it’s newcomer Chase Infiniti who truly runs the show in this film. There’s been a lot already said about this film as well and for good reason. Believe the hype.

“One Battle After Another” is available to stream on HBO Max, or to rent or purchase via video on demand.

2. “It Was Just an Accident”

Iranian director Jafar Panahi won the coveted Palme d’Or at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival for his kinetic thriller about a man seeking vengeance on his past torturer. The film plays like a road trip to hell with fantastic direction and incredible performances from an ensemble made up of non-actors. It’s easily the best Palme winner since 2019’s “Parasite” – a comparison I don’t make lightly. If you’re going to watch it, go in blind.

“It Was Just an Accident” is available to rent or purchase via video on demand.

1. “Hamnet”

Oscar winner Chloé Zhao brings to life Maggie O’Farrell’s tragic historical novel about William Shakespeare, his wife Agnes and the loss of their son Hamnet. Jessie Buckley is raw and powerful in the single best performance of the year as a mother mourning a horrible loss, but it’s the young Jacobi Jupe as Hamnet who is truly the heart of the film. He gives one of the best child performances I’ve ever seen. I wept more than once during this heartbreaking story of life, death, art, beauty and love – 2025’s best film.

“Hamnet” is in theaters now.

Be sure to catch Austin every week as he hosts Reel Coastal, ’s digital entertainment show. Check out past episodes here.