Season's Greetings, my beautiful readers! I hope you all had a wonderful time with family and friends, and that your neighbor didn't realize you were regifting them the same blender they gave you two years ago. Oops, was that my out loud voice?
Anyway, as the year comes to a close, it's now time to take a look back at some of the offerings from the world of Cinema, to remember the ones that made us laugh, smile, and cry for joy. We will also be looking at the movies that made us angry, frustrated, and bored, but that's for a later entry.
This is TheNorm's Top 5 Movies of 2025
#5
Hit-Man
I've said it before, and I'll say it again: a movie is only as good as the script, and this underrated gem on Netflix has one of the most well-developed and intelligent scripts I have seen in any movie released this decade (so far). It features interesting characters brought to life by engaging performances, witty, charming dialogue, and a story that tackles complex moral concepts in a clever, entertaining way. In short, it is a film with heart and brains to match!
If this ever gets a release on physical media, not only would I buy it, but I encourage you to do the same. This is a worthy title for anyone's collection.
#4
The Thursday Murder Club
You would be forgiven for assuming I was a Netflix fanboy (I assure you, I am not), but it just so happens that many of the films I enjoyed the most this year were on the platform. Regardless, The Thursday Murder Club is a true gem that is well worth the price of admission. Featuring a star-studded cast that bounces off each other with enthusiasm and joy, a script crafted with maturity and charm, and an overarching theme of it never being too late to find your people, nor too late to find a new fascination in life. It's a remarkable story about the underrated and underspoken joys of getting old. Yes, it still sucks in many ways, but that shouldn't deter any of us from still seeking out something new and exciting. Life is short; make the most of it.
#3
Good Boy
Despite not being an adamant horror fan, I have come to enjoy the genre in recent years, especially those that show genuine enthusiasm for what makes it truly fascinating and worthy of our attention. Good Boy, despite its scary nature, is not only a prime example of the power of horror storytelling but also an unexpected beacon of hope for independent filmmakers.
A horror story told exclusively from the perspective of a dog. That is almost all that needs to be said about it! The dog doesn't die; that is the one thing about the film I can happily spoil.
The film stars the director's dog, Indy, who was completely unaware of the filming process, showcasing the power of judiciously edited juxtapositions. The exploration of how dogs can sense things we humans cannot is an underexplored one that shines through in the story. Not to mention, the cinematography is absolutely gorgeous, once again demonstrating how to properly light dark scenes with contrast rather than relying on the sensor's dynamic range. Plus, the film does not overstay its welcome with unnecessary padding; it tells the story in the proper amount of time.
Even if you're not a fan of horror, this film is a must-watch for many different reasons.
#2
K-Pop Demon Hunters
I cannot remember the last time I saw a movie that embraced its own "rediculiousness" with so much earnest enthusiasm, heart, and charm. Not to mention a story about empowered women that's not yet another round of overpowered-girl-boss schlock seen in every release by Disney from the last decade. As a feminist, I want to see more women in lead roles in stories, but not at the cost of their humanity, flaws and all. K-Pop Demon Hunters is a fantastic story about shame, flaws, friendship, and self-acceptance.
The music is catchy, the action scenes are astonishing, the characters are incredibly likable with charming personalities to boot, and their friendship feels genuine and relatable. Plus, unlike other films I could mention, K-Pop Demon Hunters is not "ashamed" or "embarased" of its concept; it wholeheartedly embraces everything it has to offer, and it's having a blast with it all; and because the film is having so much fun, we, the audience, are also having fun!
It's the simplest thing that too many other storytellers overlook entirely: there are NO bad ideas for stories; only bad executions of ideas.
If you haven't seen this movie yet, you need to rectify that ASAP.
#1
Superman (2025)
I have never been more excited, more enthusiastic, or more proud to be a Superman fan! This is the movie I have been waiting for for as long as I can remember. While the Christopher Reeve classic from 1978 will always hold a special place in my heart, and the animated film Superman Vs. The Elite remains my personal favorite; this brand-new film from James Gunn has earned its place on my list of best Superman stories ever told.
In an age when too many people seem to forget or ignore what makes Superman a relatable and human character, it is refreshing and, dare I say, life-affirming to finally have a brand-new film that not only recognizes what makes Superman such a compelling character, but also inspires the very same level of hope and kindness with its story. James Gunn's Superman is exactly what we needed in the modern age, not just for superhero fans, comic book readers, etc., but people as a whole!
James Gunn has done what many of us thought impossible: he saved Superman! And for that, I tip my hat.
Thank you, Mr. Gunn. I look forward to seeing what else you have in store for us all.
And that concludes the best films of the year. Tune in soon for the next part of the list, where I discuss some of the worst stinkers offered up this year. You're gonna need to wash your hands afterwards, believe me.
Ladies & gentlemen, I am TheNorm; thank you all for reading.
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