Mid-Year Best of Film


 We've reached the mid-point in the year, meaning it's a good time to stop and take stock. Today, it's the best of film. Usually the first half of the year is slower for film, though there are often a few that stick all the way through to the end. How many of the films on this list will be there in December? Let's find out. No. 20 through 6, in ascending order, appear in list form. For No. 5 to No. 1, also in ascending order, I'll provide a few thoughts.

20. Pee-Wee As Himself
19. Number One on the Call Sheet
18. Companion
17. Fountain of Youth
16. The Monkey
15. Drop
13. Elio
13. Thunderbolts*
12. My Dead Friend Zoe
11. Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning
10. Materialists
9. Lilo & Stitch
8. Karate Kid: Legends
7. The Phoenician Scheme
6. The Life of Chuck

No. 5: The Accountant 2
About: I have only given four stars or higher five times in 2025 so far, so all five of them are in this range. The Accountant 2, which debuted in late April, is a sturdy action film. I enjoy the back-and-forth between Jon Bernthal and Ben Affleck and had a great time watching this one.

No. 4: Black Bag
About: This is the second of Steven Soderberg's theatrical releases in 2025, this one based on a script from David Koepp. It features a great cast, some stirring dialogue, and some fun performances. This is a fun spy thriller.

No. 3: Warfare
About: This film from Alex Garland and Ray Mendoza is an incredible look at the cost of war. It's based on real experiences and real people, and it drops you right in the middle of the action in a compelling way. It stayed with me for a while after I watched it.

No. 2: F1
About: This one drops you in the middle of the action. Brad Pitt, Damson Idris, and Kerry Condon are great, but it's the racing action that sets this one apart. It's also the kind of film that needs to be seen on the big screen.

No. 1: Sinners
About: Will this be No. 1 at the end of the year? Hard to say. But I doubt it falls out of my Top 5. It's an incredible achievement from the performances and craft to the story and the music. This was easily the best film of the year so far.

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