Reflecting on 2025 in film before awards season wraps up
The 98th annual Academy Awards (Oscars) air this Sunday, March 15, where the biggest award of the year closes the 2025 film season and names the best picture of the year. Before the 2025 film season officially wraps up, some of our staff will provide and explain their top four films released last year — in true Letterboxd fashion.
Gia Clarke, Editor-in-Chief
Sinners — This was such a masterpiece of cinema and it deserves every single award at the Oscars. I remember watching it in the movie theater when it first came out and it was truly one of those moments where I felt I was watching something so indescribably perfect at the cinema, in person — definitely an experience I hadn’t had in a while.
Hamnet — This movie had me snot-nosed and ugly crying at the theater. Admittedly I felt it was a little bit long, but the second half made the whole viewing experience worth it. As a former aspiring English major, I was kind of over all of the Shakespeare movies and adaptations — like, let that man rest, for God’s sake. But this movie changed my mind about that sentiment and made Shakespeare (Paul Mescal) interesting again by focusing on his wife (Jessie Buckley), who is less talked about and known.
Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy — I’m sorry to all the cinephile (and honestly kind of misogynistic) snobby purists, but I love the Bridget Jones movies. This one was really nice in particular because it depicted Jones as a middle-aged widow whose sex and romantic life didn’t automatically end just because her husband died. Women definitely need more feel-good rom-com’s starring women who are not in their 20s and 30s.
The Testament of Ann Lee — The shaking Quakers (also known as Shakers) are a community of people that I am absolutely fascinated with. The movie was historically accurate and depicted the brutality of religious persecution, especially for a female church leader in the 1800s. However, I wish that it was done in a first-person narrative style rather than a historical third-person style, as it would’ve been cooler to get in the head of Ann Lee herself rather than be a spectator to her actions.
Dani Snedeker, Managing Editor
Sorry, Baby — Subtle commentary on sexual assault with a powerful impact.
Sinners — Highbrow horror that reinvents vampires with a southern gothic feel and also makes you want to dance.
Wake Up Dead Man — The best installment in the Knives Out series, a film for anyone who loves a whodunit.
One Battle After Another —Extremely relevant to our political climate with detainment camps — as always, Leonardo DiCaprio gives an Oscar-worthy performance.
Seren Winslade, Deputy Managing Editor
Frankenstein — Listen, I’m a huge Mary Shelley fan. I dressed up to see this movie in theatres during the only weekend it was scheduled to play in Chicago, so it’s safe to say I hoped for a lot going in. After the first watch it took me a bit to open up to some adaptation changes — especially the ending — but now I look back on this movie with extreme fondness. The visuals were stunning, as well as the costumes, sets, storytelling and performances. I loved getting a deeper understanding of Guillermo del Toro’s vision through his fan interactions and release of the script and concept work, which I’d love to see in movies more. It ultimately made me content with the changes as they truly felt fitting for the story he was telling, not just Shelley’s. All I can say is that man is truly brilliant, but if you want to see a more in-depth review, you can read it here.
Wake Up Dead Man — My relationship with religion has always been complicated, so I was cautious going into this movie, albeit still excited, because who could pass up another Knives Out film? I left, like so many others it seems, with a sense of, “Man, there’s so many ways this could’ve gone wrong, but they did it right.” The movie brought a true sense of balance in terms of critiquing organized religion, but also showcasing the hope that it provides for so many … Of course, aided in a murder mystery that left me shocked at every turn and always wanting more.
Lost in Starlight — I admit, there weren’t many animated movies on my roster in 2025. But when I say Lost in Starlight outshined them all (quite literally), I mean it. This movie is a South Korean film originally created as a short music video, and was sadly swept under the rug, in my opinion. The concept seems a bit odd at first — a sci-fi romance between an astronaut and a musician? Who would want that? — but, when put together, it’s a brilliant look at love through trauma. The animation especially blew me away — it was so vivid and vibrant in the story it told and, frankly, I’ve never seen animation quite like it.
Flat Girls — This one surprised me. It was something I randomly found on Netflix and, not knowing the plot, put on as something to decompress with and ended up crying by the end. Despite the story being flawed at times, it’s stuck with me since. I’ve always felt drawn to international coming-of-age movies. For whatever reason, they feel more real and raw than a lot of Hollywood counterparts, and Flat Girls was no exception. It was vulnerable and didn’t shy away from the harshness of two lower-class Thai girls as they explore what it means to grow up and explore identity in such an environment. It made me nostalgic for their childhood even though my own was different, and deeply emotional when it ended.
Sarah Janito, Special Projects Editor
Sorry, Baby — Eva Victor’s directorial debut — which she also wrote and starred in — about living life after a traumatic event and learning to face it is a gut-punch … in the best way. Subtle and simple with a sharp screenplay, Sorry, Baby is my favorite movie of 2025. It doesn’t need to do much to say and make you feel everything, and Victor not getting at the very least an Original Screenplay nomination at the Oscars was a huge snub to me.
One Battle After Another — One of last year’s films everyone is still talking about, Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is this year’s awards darling — a wild thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Teyana Taylor, Sean Penn and more that lives up to its title and beyond, exploring complex themes of humanity and political extremism. The public has gone between this film and Sinners all year, but I preferred this story just a hair more. ¡Viva la revolución!
Sinners — There’s a reason Ryan Coogler’s bloody vampire period piece, Sinners, shattered Oscar records with 16 nominations, a feat no film has achieved before now: because it’s that incredible. It feels great to love this as well as One Battle After Another since the internet is so divided on which is “better.” The storytelling is fantastic, the performances are full of nuance, the score gets better with every rewatch and, maybe the best of all, the cast has two Michael B. Jordans.
Wake Up Dead Man — I was back and forth between this third installment to Rian Johnson’s Knives Out mysteries (starring Josh O’Connor and Daniel Craig) and Hamnet. There are some films I’ve yet to see from 2025 like Die My Love and The Secret Agent, which might have changed my list, but Wake Up Dead Man feels right at home for this fourth spot with what I have been able to see. If you’re familiar with the series, it has the punch and wit of the first (Knives Out) with the absurdity of the second (Glass Onion) and is a must-watch. I wasn’t expecting to enjoy it as much as I did given it takes place in the Catholic church (a context I’m not familiar with or particularly fond of) and my feelings about Netflix as a production company, but I ended up having a blast. How this didn’t get a Best Casting nomination is another Knives Out mystery in itself. Everything from the score to the characters to the cinematography worked so well and unexpectedly became one of my favorites of the year.
Diego Yepez, Pueblo Editor-in-Chief
Sinners — Not only is Michael B. Jordan already amazing, but when you factor in a second version of him, I was glued to my seat as soon as the theater lights dimmed. Every element of this movie was perfect, from the costuming to the tiny details — there really were no notes. With its roots in the survival of the Jim Crow era blended with its 1930s Mississippi Delta blues sound, it’s without a doubt going to be cemented as one of the most culturally significant movies in history. Two things are for certain: this has to be my favorite movie of the year and I’m ready for that Oscars sweep!
The Housemaid — Two words: Amanda Seyfried. From the beginning of the movie I understood her character completely: the woman who somehow has it all, and you just don’t know how she does it. But as it progressed, you could tell that there was more that lies beneath the surface. This book-to-film adaptation takes audiences on a rollercoaster ride as we try to figure out who’s really the insane one, Nina (Seyfried) or her maid, Millie (Sydney Sweeney). Both the performances from Seyfried and Brandon Sklenar as her husband really make up for the staleness of Sweeney’s expressions, so much so that I forget about her entirely. I’m excited to see what awaits in the sequel.
One of Them Days — My days of waiting for a new slapstick comedy are finally over. The chemistry that SZA and Keke Palmer display throughout this movie had me falling out of my seat laughing. A comedy movie produced by the talented Issa Rae is sure to deliver relatable moments, out-of-pocket references and an all around fun time. It’s a movie about lessons like the scams of payday loans and the dangers of women who are male-centered. Not every movie needs to be some multi-layered commentary about the complexities of life, because, in all honesty, sometimes you just have one of them days.
Freakier Friday — Here’s something you almost never hear: what a great sequel. This sequel did what many others mess up with the “next generation” trope, by keeping the spotlight on the characters that we hold so close to our hearts through the lens of the “new kids,” while also doing a great job of not screwing up what so many fans love about the original. I love a plot that involves a crazy day and a hopeful message at the end. Plus, anything involving Lindsay Lohan you can immediately count me in. I’ve been ready for the Lohanaissance!
Kateleen Quiles, Senior Associate Editor of Audio
Superman — This movie was so refreshing compared to most dark, slow-motion superhero movies I grew up with (the “Zack Snyder” effect). David Corenswet’s ambivalence lit up each scene he was in — he is so perfectly Superman. He balances earnest charisma with gorgeous human vulnerability that made for such a compelling performance. Additionally, Nicholas Hoult’s Lex Luthor was so corrupt that it made for the best current political commentary on billionaires and power. Everything about this film was perfectly combined in a product that consumed mainstream media and box offices. I also loved the “hopecore” trend that this film sparked with the message of acts of kindness and empathy towards those around you.
Sinners — I have absolutely no words for how perfect this film was. Michael B. Jordan’s dual performance as Smoke and Stack was jawdropping, alongside director Ryan Coogler and cinematographer Autumn Durald Arkapaw’s visual mastery. I’m a sucker for vampire movies, but also using horror as a tool to commentate on systematic and economic racism was so brilliantly executed in this film. Especially since this movie was filmed between shifting aspect ratios, it was a successful combination of music, cinematography, storytelling and acting — a masterclass of a film.
The Fantastic Four: First Steps — The set design, world building and thematic continuity throughout this movie was so compelling on screen. My biggest gripe with the film was the pacing at times, but Pedro Pascal as Mister Fantastic and Julia Garner as the Silver Surfer both delivered such memorable performances. Being a fan of the Fantastic Four comic series brought this on my list.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 — Hear me out: as a fan of the video game franchise growing up, I had a really great time watching this! This movie’s release caused a Five Nights at Freddy’s fandom resurgence, which made me that much more excited to watch. In the film, there was more than enough homage to the fandom that brought dedicated audience members — myself included — to dress up in costumes at movie theaters and build community with one another. While I thought that the script could’ve been much less corny, the production value behind each of the animatronics combined with Josh Hutcherson’s acting was enough to have an enjoyable movie experience.
Naimah Arteaga, Associate Editor
Weapons — This film explores some of my favorite themes: guilt, pressure, fear and unraveling mental states. I love watching movies that push characters to the extremes. In Weapons, we see characters flawed in ways that make you question your own perspectives. It is deeply haunting, raw and psychologically honest. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time, questioning which characters were going to do what and when. I felt especially resonant with the teacher, Ms. Gandy (Julia Garner), despite her allegations of being the orchestrator behind the children missing. She is passionate and has everyone’s best interests at heart despite the issues she’s grappling with outside the incident. Looking at the plot, I was also endeared by the ritualistic aspects. The supernatural horror doesn’t feel totally ridiculous despite the insane events that take place, it feels intentional and well-placed for the meaning of the movie.
Frankenstein — I am obsessed with Mia Goth, and that is a big reason I enjoyed this movie. I love the concept of her being a moral compass and a sort of bridge between creator and creation. She is compassionate and offers love when others don’t. I also loved the level of vulnerability in this film, especially from The Creature. This movie isn’t just a monster movie — it reveals so much about loneliness, longing and rejection. I really enjoyed the dark, gothic, romantic vibe the movie had, and Guillermo del Toro did a great job at representing it in an artistic manner.
The Housemaid — This film was so twisty to me. Nothing is as it seems, and the psychological journey it takes you on keeps you on the edge of your seat. The characters are very emotionally charged, and I really enjoyed Amanda Seyfried’s ability to play a seemingly elegant but actually twisted wife. The elements of seduction and gaslighting interplay so well with each other when Millie (Sydney Sweeney) enters the scene. There are moments where you do empathize with the problematic characters, and I appreciated that as well.
Sinners — The atmospheric vibes in this film are what had me hooked. It feels so bizarre and otherworldly. The dynamic of the twin brothers, Smoke and Stack (Michael B. Jordan), and the journey they embark on was very striking and kept me engaged. There is so much tension in their differences that drives most of the movie and its psychological toll. The way they mirror each other at times really adds to the creepiness, and we see how their actions not only affect each other, but everyone around them. Watching how they push and pull is fascinating. This watch had me thinking about them so much and I was talking about it for days.
Yodaris Frausto, Associate Editor
The Fantastic Four: First Steps — I’m not a big Marvel person, but I love the Fantastic Four. Sue Storm is probably one of my favorite comic book characters of all time, and seeing her have so much relevant screen time made the entire watching experience worth it. Getting Michael Giacchino to compose the soundtrack is just the cherry on top. He’s a master of his craft when it comes to composing atmospheric music — he also did the music for Ratatouille, for example. Vanessa Kirby is also so alluring to me; seeing her on the big screen had me hypnotized. This is a must-watch considering it’s Marvel’s best movie since Captain America: The Winter Soldier.
Wake Up Dead Man — I’ve been obsessed with the Knives Out series since it first came out. I didn’t care for Glass Onion too much, I feel like COVID really killed the vibes for it, but Wake Up Dead Man blew me away. First of all, the cast was fantastic — Andrew Scott and Josh O’Connor are amazing. Showing Jud’s (O’Connor) character and empathy throughout the film despite being on trial for murder is, for lack of a better word, a chef’s kiss. I want this series to continue tenfold because I don’t think I’ll ever get tired of this genre.
Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 — I’m honestly not the biggest fan of Five Nights at Freddy’s (FNAF), but having followed all of the game’s lore and breakdowns, I thought it was only fitting to see the movies. The first one was actually pretty enjoyable, and I thought the production team did a good job at incorporating enough of the games so both fans and non-fans could sit down and enjoy. With the second film, that seemed to go out the window, and it felt like you really needed to understand the second game to pick up on the more subtle details of the film. This is a lot scarier than the first, which I loved, but scarier does not equal better. This has always been my issue with the game’s franchise, and it’s disappointing to see the same problems plague the movies, but it’s not very surprising, considering game creator Scott Cawthon is the sole credited writer for the movies.
Wicked: For Good — I don’t have much to say about Wicked: For Good. The sequel was ten times better than the first part, but in my personal opinion that doesn’t mean too much, since I’m indifferent about both films overall. I only saw the second one in order to finish up the story, although the soundtrack is amazing. Cynthia Erivo is truly a powerhouse, and her rendition of “No Good Deed” sends chills down my spine every time I listen to it. She is the real star of those movies.
Macy Hildebrand, Staff Writer
Train Dreams — A quiet exploration of loneliness, loss and the meaning of life set in the wilderness. The ending will leave you reflective and teary-eyed. Reignited my will to live … seriously. Its simplicity is calming and the cinematography is beautiful. Watch this!
Nouvelle Vague — This beautiful movie is a tribute to the French New Wave genre, featuring a look at Jean-Luc Godard’s making of Breathless, a groundbreaking 1960 film known for its impact on the future of cinema. It doesn’t take itself too seriously, and I would highly recommend it if you’re interested in charming black-and-white movies.
Together — A unique body horror that is more unsettling than scary. Alison Brie and Dave Franco’s real-life chemistry makes this movie addictive and fun. One of the first horror movies I’ve seen in a while that didn’t feel predictable.
Materialists — Admittedly, this is in my ranking because I have a Dakota Johnson bias. But, it was also a fun watch that examined the commodification of dating and the lack of romance that it can bring to modern relationships. If you’re looking for amazing acting and intelligent dialogue, do not watch this. But if you enjoy making fun of movies with your friends as you watch them, Materialists is a great choice.
Marcy Menzes, Staff Writer
Superman — Growing up, I was never someone who gravitated towards the world of superheroes. I never read any comics, binged any cartoons or watched any movies that came out. Going into Superman, I was not expecting for this movie to touch my heart in the way that it did, mirroring modern, real-world conflicts in a delicate manner. Nicholas Hoult plays a genuinely rotten, malign Lex Luthor that had me wanting to reach through the screen and punch him square in his bald dome, which complemented David Corenswet’s acting as the titular honest and, ironically, human Superman. Overall, this movie is easily one I would recommend to others, even if you’re like me and don’t find yourself interacting with media involving superheroes.
Weapons — From the start, I was invested in what this movie had to offer. As someone who loves horror flicks, I am happy to say that I came out of this film with an elevated sense of wonder after what I had watched. Whether it be highlighting the imagery of the floating assault rifle in Archer’s (Josh Brolin’s) dream or the commentary on American suburbia, I find the discourse surrounding this movie and the cinematography excellent and engaging. The jumpscares and generally uncomfortable moments in Weapons don’t feel cheap or cliché, but are instead expertly crafted in order to create a genuine feeling that danger is present. Seriously, go check this movie out and engage with it!
Pillion — For the majority of my first viewing of Pillion, I was genuinely unsure as to where this movie would take me. Throughout its runtime, I was as uncomfortable and tense as I would be watching a genuinely thrilling giallo flick, waiting in anticipation to see what would happen next. Bearing witness to Harry Melling’s role as Colin, a timid and frankly meek gay man who’s finding his way through a 24/7 sub/dom BDSM dynamic, it made me feel like I had constantly been peering into some of the most complicated and confusing times in someone’s life, which is how Colin is portrayed for most of the film. During the last couple minutes, however, it instantly clicked with me what Pillion’s focus was: discovery of one’s sexual and romantic identities. Being able to see Colin feel comfortable with establishing boundaries in future intimate relationships made it worth my time despite the omnipresent tension throughout the majority of its runtime.
One Battle After Another — One Battle After Another features incredible acting, eye-catching cinematography and an engaging second half with plenty of heart-pounding action to get invested in. Despite the positives, however, I can’t say I’m a huge fan of the film upon a few rewatches and its fatal flaws. For instance, the film’s revolutionary group, the French 75, feel more like a disconnected group of people who share similar ideals pertaining to the world around them and the governmental structures which are in place as opposed to a legitimate group of revolutionaries who serve their communities. The ineffectiveness of the French 75 as a part of the plot also doesn’t help this movie in feeling genuine, especially when it’s clear that One Battle After Another is attempting to touch on real-world issues in the U.S. In addition to this, the first half or so feels like a complete drag, with Leonardo DiCaprio’s character Bob not helping me stay invested enough to want to continue watching … until the movie steps on the gas. It’s not a complete waste of time as it has some high highs, but I wouldn’t actively recommend it. However, you should still give it a watch in order to formulate your own opinion!
Stephanie McClintic, Multimedia Editor
Sorry, Baby — This is a perfect movie and feels so real. I like the style of film where it feels like real life and looking in on the little moments. It’s important to delve into the difficult parts of life, and this feels like an authentic attempt at doing so. Everyone feels like they’re not enough at some point in their life, and this film makes it feel okay to not always feel okay. I love movies that make you feel something, and this is definitely one of them.
Die My Love — This film paints a beautiful, raw and sometimes hard-to-watch picture of motherhood and life. It shows us that nothing is an easy fix and sometimes there’s not a clear cut answer, but we have to try and be there for the people we love. For me, Die My Love was a difficult watch, but also so beautiful I couldn’t look away. The film shows us how complicated, beautiful and hard motherhood can be. It doesn’t try to maintain the stereotype of the perfect mother and woman, it shows the reality of postpartum struggles and doesn’t shy away from the very real emotions women face, but don’t often get shown.
Frankenstein — I am loving the return to gothic stories, especially in film. I enjoyed every minute of this, especially the humanization of The Creature. From the costumes to the set design, this film really delivered for me. It transported me to another world and I enjoyed watching it. That’s really all you can ask for when it comes to a movie!
The Roses — This film follows the ups and downs in the relationship of the Rose couple (Olivia Colman and Benedict Cumberbatch). From being madly in love to attempted murder, this film addresses all the normal and abnormal parts of being in a relationship. I enjoyed how funny and engaging the film was. We need more of these! The ending was surprising, too, and I was laughing the whole time. I think this can appeal to a lot of audiences. I haven’t seen a lot of great comedies lately, but this was a good one for me.
Alex Carrasquillo, Art & Design Editor
ChaO — This animated film follows an ordinary office worker who finds himself proposed to by a mermaid princess. As he spends more time with her, he learns to love her despite their difference in species. I might be biased as an animator myself, but this movie truly was amazing. The film is beautifully made, seen through its dynamic movements and bright colors. I especially love the unique character designs and the way that they embrace weird appearances. Overall, this film was so fun to watch, and I highly recommend you go see it when it releases in American theaters on April 10!
KPop Demon Hunters — As someone who used to be a very active KPop fan and is currently an animator, this movie was such a fun experience. The animation during the fight scenes was exciting and so satisfying to watch. It was also funny seeing parts of KPop fandom culture on the big screen and remembering things from when I was younger. On top of everything, it has a banger soundtrack, too.
Wake Up Dead Man — The release of this film was a big deal in my house. We’re big fans of the previous movies and couldn’t wait to see what they could possibly throw at us next. Whenever I watch mystery films, I try to pick up on clues and solve it myself before it’s relieved. This film, however, constantly kept me guessing and left me in shock at what would happen next. While I didn’t solve the mystery, I still had a great time.
War of the Worlds — Yes, the Ice Cube one. Let me start by saying that this is not a good movie. It’s actually really bad. However, the fact that it sucks is what actually made it fun to watch. The writing is horrible, the visuals are janky, and the acting is so awkward it’s almost physically painful. But this was honestly one of the most memorable things I’ve seen all year, and that’s what counts to me. This is definitely a film you watch with a group of friends and loudly make fun of it the entire time. It’s a film that becomes an inside joke among viewers. So, while this movie is not good in the slightest, I feel like I have to give it some credit for being an unforgettable bonding experience.
Connor McCallion, Photographer
One Battle After Another — I watched this in 70mm at the Music Box and it was one of the best experiences I’ve had in a theater. As expected from a Paul Thomas Anderson movie: the directing, writing, cinematography and acting are all top tier … Sean Penn is ridiculously good. This movie is able to provide comedy, action and drama while remaining extremely relevant to today’s political climate. I love how this movie works, especially its ability to deliver everything in an entertaining way.
Is This Thing On? — A dad going through a divorce (Will Arnett) randomly decides to walk into an open mic comedy club, and finds performing standup comedy to be incredibly therapeutic to him. I watched this in the theater with my dad. Immediately after, he told me that he already knows that this is one of those pivotal movies for him. And I felt that too. This is such an honest movie about being middle-aged and still searching for what you want in life.
Eddington — It’s May 2020, and a small-town sheriff and a mayor are running against each other for the next mayoral race of Eddington, New Mexico. Eddington is a great satire about the polarization in this country. I loved the overdramatization of the different perspectives within the 2020 COVID era. Joaquin Phoenix is, unsurprisingly, great in this as the anti-masker sheriff of the town. This movie just shifts into a whole ‘nother gear in the third act.
It Was Just an Accident — In this movie, a former Iranian prisoner encounters one of his abusive jailkeepers and, in order to confirm his identity, he rounds up other fellow ex-prisoners. This has one of the best endings to a movie this year, with incredible dialogue on the different sides of war that explores the impact of violence and the trauma it can have on multiple individuals. I need to see more Jafar Panahi films after experiencing this one.
Foster Benco, Illustrator
Superman — I’m a sucker for a good superhero movie, and I really enjoyed the choice of going in a more positive and happy direction with the plot compared to the other dark and gloomy versions of Superman. Also, any movie where I can actually see what is happening regarding lighting is a plus. I also really dig how they chose to portray the Green Lantern constructs. When I saw the announcement for the film, I wasn’t terribly involved with the comic aspects of superhero media. Since seeing the trailer and the online hype cultivated due to the accuracy of the small things shown, like the suit, it pushed me to start actively reading the source material. While it may be another superhero film in an increasingly large list, I feel that the online support and general anticipation made it one of the most memorable films for me from the year.
Together — With many of the horror movies I’ve been watching lately, they tend to resort to jump scares for that fear factor. It’s always cool to see a different method of getting to the scare. The fear in this film stems from the discomfort that arises from elements of body horror and the anxieties that come with a loss of bodily autonomy, while simultaneously playing with anticipation and tension that is built with suspense. The final scene reveal, despite the unsettling vibe of the rest of the film, had me laughing with the absurdity of the resolution to what the rest of the film makes look like a life-ending experience.
The Monkey — In brief, this film is about what happens when two brothers find an evil wind-up monkey doll that kills people after the key is turned. Again, I’m almost always on a horror movie kick, and the constant obliteration of characters in this was amusing in an ironic, Final Destination kind of way. This ultimately put me on to actually getting around to looking at more of Stephen King’s works and some of the other films in his horror universe, which are quite entertaining by themselves, but also the tie-ins they all have into one another.
Now You See Me: Now You Don’t — The third installment of the Now You See Me series, this film has the same general idea of the magician group, “The Four Horsemen,” stealing from morally dubious rich people and giving away the money. But, this one also introduces additional younger magic group wannabes who get involved with the Horsemen after pretending to be them and copying their main gimmick. I love this series. It might be a little repetitive in how the stories end by the third film, but I can suspend my disbelief and just enjoy the goofy tricks and weird plot development routes this franchise has.
Taylor Harper, Video Editor
Sinners — I loved everything about this movie: the cultures highlighted, the lore, the old school references, and it’s about vampires! The sound design and the music makes me want to be the best video editor I can be to get to work on pieces like this. It was an awesome movie and I still listen to the soundtrack. I also saw it in theaters and was so happy. Overall, it was a great movie, and I loved dissecting it with people.
Black Phone 2 — This was the first time in a long time that I think a sequel was as good as the first movie. I know certain plot points can be argued, but I don’t think it’s needed. Some people are just naturally evil, for example, and it was really cool. Despite some of the gore, I loved it.
Wake Up Dead Man — I love Agatha Christie-esque movies. Daniel Craig carried the whole movie. I was happy to see his character act silly for once, and I think it goes well illustrating it as a younger version of himself.
Nobody 2 — I loved Nobody, so I was so excited that there was a second one. It wasn’t the best sequel, though I did really like the action. Bob Odenkirk was cool as always, and I was so happy that Christopher Lloyd and RZA came back. Sharon Stone was also hilariously bad.
Our 10 Best Picture nominees, according to how often they were ranked number 1 and/or generally seen on lists:
- Sinners — 1st place 3 times, on 7 lists total
- Sorry, Baby — 1st place 3 times, on 3 lists total
- Superman — 1st place 3 times, on 3 lists total
- One Battle After Another — 1st place 1 time, on 4 lists total
- Frankenstein — 1st place 1 time, on 3 lists total
- Weapons — 1st place 1 time, on 2 lists total
- The Fantastic Four: First Steps — 1st place 1 time, on 2 lists total
- Wake Up Dead Man — 1st place 0 times, on 6 lists total
- The Housemaid — 1st place 0 times, on 2 lists total
- Together and Five Nights at Freddy’s 2 — 1st place 0 times, on 2 lists total
Header Image by Sarah Janito
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