We’ve arrived in 2025, a year that movie studios are counting on to revive box-office returns to pre-COVID highs. As a result, they are rolling out some of their largest releases yet, leading to a jam-packed schedule brimming with potential blockbusters. Among these are titles like "Wicked: For Good," "Avatar: Fire and Ash," "Jurassic World Rebirth," James Gunn’s "Superman," Disney’s "Zootopia 2," and Marvel’s "The Fantastic Four: First Steps." It’s set to be a year overwhelmed with excitement — yet as the year unfolds, some of the standout films have proven to be smaller, quirky, more distinct, and personal as opposed to the anticipated blockbuster lineup. Here, Polygon provides personal recommendations for the top films of the year so far, in an ongoing list.
To keep the content fresh, these films are listed in reverse chronological order, ensuring the latest releases appear at the top.
How we select the best new movies of the year
The staff at Polygon stays current with new releases, adding to this list the exceptional films from both theatrical and straight-to-streaming platforms. We focus on quality, distinctive artistic vision, and variety in genres, moods, and approaches, ensuring that every reader can discover multiple options that spark their interest, including new films they might not initially know about.
Images and descriptions of individual films, along with information on where to watch them, are provided throughout the article.
"Where to watch" details are included for in-theater showings and digital rentals/purchases across platforms like Apple TV, Amazon, and Fandango, ensuring viewers can easily access their favorite films.
This curated list highlights the diverse selections available, providing a rich viewing experience suitable for all film enthusiasts. Keep checking back for updates as more films are released throughout the year.
