Sunday Special: The Best Movies of 2025 - The Daily Recap

Podcast: The Daily

Published: 2025-12-28

Duration: 54 minutes

Guests: Alissa Wilkinson, Nicole Sperling

Summary

As 2025 concludes, Alissa Wilkinson and Nicole Sperling discuss the year's standout films, highlighting the creative achievements and industry dynamics shaping Hollywood. From impactful dramas to blockbuster hits, the conversation delves into the year's cinematic landscape beyond corporate headlines.

What Happened

Paul Thomas Anderson's film 'One Battle After Another' emerged as a significant achievement of 2025, starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn. It grossed $70 million domestically and $200 million worldwide. Nicole Sperling noted Warner Brothers' success with this film amid rumors of leadership changes earlier in the year.

'Sinners,' directed by Ryan Coogler, stood out for its unique blend of vampire themes and racial commentary, with a strong musical component. The film, featuring Michael B. Jordan in dual roles, earned $280 million in the U.S., securing a spot in the top 10 of the box office.

The Minecraft movie topped the year's box office, indicating the continued popularity of game-based films. Meanwhile, James Gunn's Superman movie, released in July, was praised for its humor and visual creativity, reflecting Gunn's impact on the DC comic universe.

Zach Kreger's horror film 'Weapons,' starring Julia Garner, gained cultural traction with its August release. It was part of a year where Warner Brothers had a strong slate of successful films, despite facing potential acquisition by Netflix.

The sequel 'Wicked: For Good' and 'Zootopia 2' were both commercial successes. Released around Thanksgiving, 'Zootopia 2' capitalized on the holiday audience, while 'Wicked: For Good' grossed $300 million in the U.S., continuing its franchise's success.

'Avatar: Fire and Ash,' a film addressing colonialism and family, was another notable release. Directed by James Cameron, it further solidified Cameron's reputation for creating commercially and thematically impactful films.

Jafar Panahi's 'It Was Just an Accident' won the Palme d'Or at Cannes, highlighting its narrative about former prisoners confronting their past torturer. This film marked a significant moment for Panahi, who faced travel bans but attended the New York Film Festival for the first time.

'Marty Supreme,' featuring Timothy Chalamet, mirrored the intense style of 'Uncut Gems' and was notable for its depiction of a 1950s ping pong champion. Gwyneth Paltrow's performance and a soundtrack filled with 1980s hits added to its unique appeal.

Key Insights