At a Glance
- 2025 offered a rich variety of original films, free from mainstream superhero and franchise dominance.
- Joachim Trier’s Sentimental Value delves into generational trauma and art.
- Ari Aster’s Eddington captures the tense early COVID-19 pandemic in a fictional New Mexico town.
- Why it matters: It shows how 2025 cinema pushed storytelling boundaries, giving viewers fresh narratives to watch.
The 2025 film season was a quiet revolution, with directors exploring intimate family stories and tense political dramas. Amid the absence of blockbuster franchises, audiences found fresh voices in titles like Sentimental Value and Eddington. Below we highlight the year’s standout films and where you can stream or see them in theaters.
Sentimental Value – A Norwegian Family Drama
Joachim Trier’s latest feature follows sisters Nora and Agnes as they decide the fate of their mother’s home while an estranged father, famed director Gustav Borg, reappears with a new script. The film examines generational trauma, depression, and art, with Nora confronting her own mental health.
- Director: Joachim Trier
- Stars: Renate Reinsve, Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Stellan Skarsgård
- Availability: Select theaters nationwide; available to rent or purchase on most streaming platforms
Eddington – A COVID-Era Thriller
Ari Aster’s Eddington follows mayor Ted Garcia and sheriff Joe Cross as they clash over lockdown orders in a fictional New Mexico town during the early days of the pandemic. The film captures political divides, media mistrust, and the personal paranoia of its characters.
- Director: Ari Aster
- Stars: Pedro Pascal, Joaquin Phoenix
- Availability: Streaming on HBO Max; also rentable or purchasable on major platforms
Other Highlights – From Sirāt to 28 Years Later
Other notable 2025 releases include Óliver Laxe’s Sirāt, Zach Cregger’s Weapons, and Danny Boyle’s 28 Years Later, each offering distinct tones from desert drama to post-apocalyptic thriller.
- Sirāt: Director Óliver Laxe; follows father Luis and son Esteban in a Moroccan desert; select U.S. theaters
- Weapons: Director Zach Cregger; horror about missing students; streaming on HBO Max
- 28 Years Later: Director Danny Boyle; post-apocalyptic community drama; streaming on Netflix
Key Takeaways
- 2025 showcased a shift toward character-driven narratives and political realism.
- Directors like Trier, Aster, and Boyle pushed thematic depth over spectacle.
- Most films are now accessible on major streaming services or select theaters.
Whether you’re drawn to the quiet introspection of Sentimental Value or the tense urgency of Eddington, 2025’s film catalog offers something for every taste. Dive into these stories and discover why this year’s cinema felt fresh and relevant.
