Every year, thousands of movies are released for audiences around the world. The vast amount of them makes it undoable for anyone to watch everything, and each year molds its own cinematic footprint. 2025 in particular has been an amazing year for cinema, distributing a blend of amazing original stories, anticipated sequels, and phenomenal performances that have had critics and audiences raving. So if you missed some visits to the theater, here are The Lance’s picks for the top 5 movies of the year, which are guaranteed to get you back into the loop!

5. Frankenstein:

Rounding out the top 5 is Guillermo del Toro’s adaptation of Frankenstein. The plot follows Victor Frankenstein (Oscar Isaac), a scientist obsessed with the search for immortality, who constructs his very own super human: “The Creature” (Jacob Elordi). The events that take shape are recounted in the points of view of both of the characters which are complete polar opposites: Frankenstein’s, which characterizes his creation as a failed monstrosity, and The Creature’s, which brings to light his suffering and search for love. Ideal for anyone who is enamored with classic horror, innovative storytelling, and heavy emotionality.

4. The Phoenician Scheme:

Claiming fourth place is Wes Anderson’s latest film, The Phoenician Scheme. The plot follows Zsa-Zsa Korda (Benicio Del Toro), a successful businessman who has repeatedly been on the brunt of many assassination attempts. Recognizing that his time is running short after his most recent survived attempt, he summons his only daughter, Liesl (Mia Threapleton), to his estate to name her the sole heir of his fortune when his inevitable death occurs. As events transpire, Liesl, who is hesitant to take her father’s fortune due to their distant relationship, begins to mend the conflict that they once had. Perfect for viewers who want a blend of witty humor, eccentric style, and faced-paced drama.

3. Mickey 17:

In third place is Bong Joon Ho’s sci-fi thriller Mickey 17. The plot follows Mickey Barnes (Robert Pattinson), who is an “expendable” on the planet of Nilfheim, a human colony. It’s Mickey’s job to continuously be cloned in order to complete dangerous tasks on the planet, ultimately leading to his prevailing cycle of death and resurrection. But when Mickey survives his most recent task and is presumed dead, a new clone is made which actively contradicts the policy of the colony. Both not wanting to die, the clones must work together in order to make it out alive. This is an amazing choice if you’re looking for sci-fi that’s clever, creative, and surprisingly touching.

2. Sinners:

Coming in at number two is Ryan Coogler’s Sinners. The plot follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack (both played by Michael B. Jordan) who are First World War veterans and bootleggers who return to their hometown in the Mississippi Delta for business opportunities. Their new business plan is to revitalize their town by establishing a juke joint where members of their community can escape the hardships of the Jim Crow era south. Unbeknownst to the twins, the music played at their establishment attracts a slew of vampires that try to turn the patrons into these supernatural beings as well. It’s up to the surviving townsfolk to repel them and survive the night. This is a unique choice for anyone looking for on edge, lively horror with a great twist.

1.Bugonia:

• The Lance’s number one movie of the year is Bugonia! Directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, the plot follows two alien-conspiracy-theory-consumed men, Teddy Gatz (Jesse Plemons) and his cousin Don (Aidan Delbis), as they kidnap the CEO of a powerful pharmaceutical company, Michelle Fuller (Emma Stone). As events transpire, Fuller attempts to reason with her captors for her release while Gatz and Don resort to more extreme measures in order to get her to admit she’s an “Andromeden,” an extraterrestrial creature, sent from space to destroy Earth. If you’re looking for an entertaining dark comedy with plenty of twists and turns, this is the perfect movie for you!

As 2025 nears its end, it is evident that this year has left a remarkable impression on the history of cinema. Whether you are into amazing originals, expansive world-building, or the revisiting of classic stories, films have pushed the boundaries that have ultimately kept audiences at the edge of their seats. So, if you’re trying to catch up as the year draws to a close, these five films are a reminder why movies continually captivate, provoke, shock, and inspire audiences throughout the world.