Best Movies of 2025: Critics Share Their Top Picks for Home Viewing
As the long holiday weekend approaches, film critics are recommending a variety of movies to enjoy at home. Linda Holmes, host of NPR’s Pop Culture Happy Hour, and Mike Sargent, co-president of the Black Film Critics Circle, joined Jeffrey Brown to highlight their favorite films of the year, showcasing a mix of genres and themes.
Why It Matters
With many Americans spending extended time indoors, the suggestion of standout films can significantly enhance home entertainment options. These selections reflect not only artistic value but also resonate with contemporary social issues, offering viewers a chance to engage with important narratives during the holiday season.
Key Developments
- Linda Holmes praised “Sinners” as her top movie of the year, emphasizing its impact.
- Holmes also commended “Superman” for its fidelity to the character, stating it’s a more authentic portrayal than recent adaptations.
- Mike Sargent highlighted “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery” as possibly the best installment in the franchise.
- Both critics lauded “Weapons” for its storytelling approach, noting its depth and innovation.
- Holmes expressed admiration for “My Mom Jayne,” a family documentary she found refreshingly honest.
- Sargent suggested “SLY LIVES! aka The Burden of Black Genius” offers a profound exploration of cultural issues.
- Animation films like “Zootopia 2” and “Arco” were noted for their creativity and emotional resonance.
Full Report
Top Film Selections
During the discussion, Holmes selected “Sinners” as the movie of the year, citing its multifaceted impact on viewers. She also praised “Superman” for its true representation of the iconic character, differentiating it from past adaptations.
Sargent showcased “Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery,” suggesting it might be the best of the trilogy due to its engaging premise. He remarked on “Weapons,” stating that its narrative style illustrates the importance of how a story is presented to an audience.
Documentaries and Social Issues
Holmes shared her thoughts on “The Perfect Neighbor,” describing it as a challenging film that tackles race and violence through the lens of neighborhood interactions. She expressed skepticism regarding celebrity family documentaries but found “My Mom Jayne,” directed by Mariska Hargitay, refreshingly sincere.
Sargent also recommended “SLY LIVES! aka The Burden of Black Genius,” emphasizing how it transcends typical music documentaries to address the emotional and cultural weight carried by Black individuals in America. He highlighted “Orwell: 2+2=5” for its eerily relevant observations about societal issues.
Animation Highlights
Both critics acknowledged the significance of animated films, with Holmes finding “Zootopia 2” visually inventive and enjoyable. Sargent noted “Arco,” reflecting on its endearing storyline and exceptional animation quality. Additionally, he called “The Bad Guys 2” a high standard for the genre.
Context & Previous Events
This discussion of best films comes as audiences look for engaging content during holidays spent primarily at home, emphasizing a shift toward meaningful storytelling and representation in cinema.
