The 10 Best Movies of 2025 Thus Far, According to PureWow's Editors

We've yet to hit the halfway mark in 2025, but this year has already brought us some of the best movies. Millions have flocked to theaters to see blockbuster hits like Sinners and Companion, while streaming services like Netflix delivered unforgettable titles like Bullet Train Explosion. So, naturally, I thought I'd poll the other PureWow editors to craft a list of the 10 best movies of 2025 so far, ranging from laugh-out-loud comedies to nail-biting thrillers.

Now, not every popular release made the cut (sorry, Exterritorial). But my colleagues and I can assure you these top movies of 2025 will make your movie nights ten times better.

• Cast: Keke Palmer, SZA, Katt Williams, Vanessa Bell Calloway
• Rating: R

Palmer and SZA star as best friends who scramble to raise enough money for rent after one of their boyfriends steals it—and guys, these two are such a delight to watch. The chemistry between them is so genuine, and I love how the film smartly uses humor to tackle real issues.

Associate Commerce Strategist Jael Rucker wrote, "I didn’t realize how much a film like One of Them Days was needed within Black storytelling—just two young women in a movie that is…funny. There’s no traumatic retelling, nothing that will make you emotional and no critical deep-thinking required—just lighthearted fun."

• Cast: Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, Miles Caton, Jack O'Connell, Wunmi Mosaku
• Rating: R

Black Panther director Ryan Coogler strikes again with this Oscar-worthy horror film, where Jordan plays a dual role as twin brothers who return to their hometown to get a fresh start. Unfortunately, they come to realize that things have changed, and they're forced to confront something terrifying and evil. From Coogler's masterful direction to Jordan's captivating performance, I can see why it debuted with a 100 percent on Rotten Tomatoes.

Rucker says, "I feel confident saying that this is Jordan's best role to date, or at least his most diverse. Playing a dual role is the ultimate of an actor's prowess, in my opinion, because the actor has to convincingly play two different characters within the same project—not an easy task by any means, but one Jordan does with ease."

• Cast: Sophie Thatcher, Jack Quaid, Lukas Gage, Megan Suri, Harvey Guillén
• Rating: R

In the mood for a twist-filled thriller that's fun and thought-provoking? Try Companion. Without giving too much away, it revolves around Iris and Josh, a young couple who join their friends for a getaway at a remote cabin. But things take a wild turn when a gruesome death occurs, and Iris makes a shocking discovery.

In his review, PureWow's VP of News & Entertainment, Philip Mutz, wrote, "Though Companion is definitely a thriller, it's also so fun to watch. It's jam-packed with humor—much of it coming from one of Josh's friends, Eli, played by the brilliant Harvey Guillén—and ridiculous plot twists. It's a wicked and wild ride that I'm so glad I went on."

• Cast: Renée Zellweger, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Leo Woodall, Jim Broadbent, Gemma Jones, Isla Fisher, with Colin Firth and Hugh Grant
• Rating: R

In this fourth installment of the beloved franchise, Bridget is a widowed single mother of two, having to juggle her family and career with an unexpected love triangle. Even if you've never seen any of the films, it's just as charming as a standalone rom-com.

Per PureWow's Senior Editor, Dana Dickey, "The film is fast-paced, with surprising character arcs and narrative twists. There’s a centerpiece performance by one of the children that you’ll get misty-eyed watching. A recurring owl is a resonant symbol of grief. There is physical comedy, and there are montages and—no spoiler here, it’s in the trailer—a cameo from Bridget’s famous granny panties." 

• Cast: Lucas Jade Zumann, Beverly D'Angelo, William Baldwin, Ashanti, Ty Pennington
• Rating: NR

Inspired by true events, this eye-opening drama follows a group of people who are experiencing homelessness. They all forge an unbreakable bond and look out for each other as they deal with criminals, gangs and an apathetic community.

Rucker wrote in her review, "This film is actually a cross between a mystery and a thriller, taking you through the gut-wrenching reality of what can happen when you are homeless. If you're looking for a unique storyline that provides an in-depth look on a topic that doesn't get discussed nearly enough, I highly suggest giving this film a shot."

• Cast: Meghann Fahy, Brandon Sklenar, Violett Beane, Jeffery Self
• Rating: R

Edge-of-your-seat thrillers like Carry-On and Havoc have become my bread and butter, and Drop is easily one of the best I've seen. It follows Violet, a widowed mom who goes out on her first date in years. However, the date takes a dark turn when she starts to receive threatening messages from a mysterious hooded figure. To ensure her kids don't get killed, she's commanded to follow one task: murder her date.

Fahy is truly the star here, convincingly portraying an overwhelmed mom who's forced to keep up a charming facade with her date while communicating with her blackmailer and trying to plot an escape. It's tense, it's full of suspense and it's got the ultimate plot twist that'll make your jaw drop. (Pun intended.)

7. Bullet Train Explosion

• Cast: Tsuyoshi Kusanagi, Kanata Hosoda, Non, Takumi Saitoh, Machiko Ono, Jun Kaname
• Rating: TV-14

In the high-stakes thriller, which serves as a sequel to the 1975 film, The Bullet Train, a group plants a bomb on a Tokyo-bound train. Panic ensues when news gets out that the bomb will go off if the train's speed drops below 100km per hour.

If you liked Speed (which, FYI, was inspired by the original film), then you'll enjoy the palpable tension and suspense. The main cast also delivers unforgettable performances.

8. Captain America: Brave New World

• Cast: Anthony Mackie, Harrison Ford, Danny Ramirez, Shira Haas
• Rating: PG-13

MCU fans may have expected an action-packed, heart-pumping spectacle with all the CGI effects, but in a refreshing twist, Wilson puts on his detective cap as he investigates a major conspiracy—one that involves U.S. president Thaddeus Ross.

Per Rucker's review, "The film is a full-blown conspiracy thriller—so different from what has become typical in the MCU that you can almost separate it completely. Perhaps this was deliberate on the part of director Julius Onah, as many people (myself included) are 'superheroed out,' and this was the perfect way to slowly reel those of us in this category back in."

9. The Life List

• Cast: Sofia Carson, Kyle Allen, Connie Britton
• Rating: PG-13

Based on Lori Nelson Spielman’s novel, the romantic drama follows Alex Rose, a young woman who tries to fulfill her late mom's wish of completing a teenage bucket list. The feel-good story explores grief, self-discovery and the importance of taking risks.

Danielle Long, PureWow's Assistant Editor of News and Entertainment, writes, "It’s the kind of film that has you feeling all the emotions as Alex navigates this second coming-of-age moment and learns to live fully again. It’s a mix of drama, romance and self-reflection."