The Best Films of 2025 – The Steel Frog Blog

For most of you, this is going to be one giant roll call of “WTF?” I don’t blame you. Well, not a lot, but only because you’re not alone. Here’s the thing – although I never state it, I like agreeing with the Academy, or critics, or audiences. Because they reinforce that I’m not crazy. It doesn’t make me happy to have a completely different reaction than everybody else. Marty Supreme immediately comes to mind – all three groups I mention above seemed to think this is quality film.

You’re wrong. Each and every one of you.

But I get no pleasure saying that, believe it or not. You’re also wrong on The Secret Agent, but I suspect most of its fans haven’t actually seen the film, so it’s harder to be annoyed about that one. Anyway, I’m done exploring feelings. You’re not gonna like this list, but I made it anyway, because I make one every year.

HONORABLE MENTIONS

We Bury the Dead

The honorables begin with a series of forgotten horror films. Horror has evolved significantly in the modern era, and I imagine it will continue to do so all long as Trump and Trumpies remain in power (for obvious reason). We Bury the Dead is my favorite zombie movie of the past year, one that has a bit of a different take than most. Not that it matters, but the film blames the decimation of the entire animal population of Tasmania on US weapon testing. Honestly? That tracks.

Predator: Badlands

You won’t believe how much this franchise has grown up. OK, I don’t believe how much this franchise has grown. I used to think of Predator as Alien’s much uglier Karen-like sister. Now? I look forward to them. That is quite a turnaround.

Together

This is a weird, creepy, and rare horror/romance. Fans of the mindfuck will instantly recognize the joy this picture has to offer. Warning: you’re not going to want to have sexual encounters with a partner for a period of time following.

The Long Walk

Running Man got all the attention, but The Long Walk was the best Stephen King adaptation of 2025, and -like much good modern horror- it described a world that was 100% dystopian and, yet, strangely familiar at the same time. Could I see a world in which the government has a contest where kids walk to death for the sake of prize money/entertainment? Oh yeah. It isn’t even much of stretch with the kakistocracy in charge right now.

Freaky Tales

This particular sci fi/horror probably doesn’t belong on the list for several reasons, but no film hit closer to home for me in 2025. I was a huge Golden State Warriors fan at the time, attended the “Sleepy Floyd Game” in person, and still visit the Grand Lake Theater at least once a month.

Thunderbolts*

Score one (1) for the superhero crowd. And this one made it because it didn’t feel much like a superhero picture. The Thunderbolts* are, like Deadpool, what happens when the upper echelon is closed off and the also-rans -the heroes with limited powers and much more human intellects- have to take charge. I think that is exactly what drew me to this picture.

How to Train Your Dragon

This one is just cheating. I love this film. I could even have put it #1 in a year like 2025 *had it not been for the fact that it is a remake*. And it’s not a subtle remake with changed details, different emphasis, or alternative perspective; the How to Train Your Dragon is practically a shot-for-shot and line-for-line live remake of the 2010 animated original. Yes, it is a fantastic story. Yes, everything in this picture is wonderful. But … we’ve seen this. It was wonderful then, too.

THE TOP TEN

10. Sinners

Vampiric delight
In a period setting
Michael B plays twins

9. One Battle After Another

Reliving battles
That hippies should have settled
Fantastic car chase

8. It Was Just an Accident

Revisited grudge
The details are hazy
The pain remains fresh