After a stellar year for cinema-goers, we’re waiting for awards season with bated breath. In the meantime, however, the SHARP team decided we’d reflect on our favourite feature films of 2025. From outstanding Oscar contenders to underrated gems, these six pictures stayed with us long after the credits rolled.
Nosferatu
What really draws me to a movie is not the plot but rather the intricate costume design. This year, the movie that has stayed with my stylistically is Nosferatu. Even though I am not a big fan of the horror-esque genre, when periodical dressing is mixed with impeccable cinematography, I can’t help but give it a watch. Also featuring one of my style icons Lily-Rose Depp, this movie had multiple themes to draw me in to watch, making it my top movie of the year. — Lindsay Patterson, Social Media Manager
One Battle After Another
The highest praise I can give to a film is if I see it in theatres twice. I knew, undoubtedly, after the first 30 minutes of Paul Thomas Anderson’s latest masterpiece, that I’d be back to see it again. From the screenplay to the costume design to the score to the action sequences, One Battle After Another hits on every conceivable note to near perfection. It’s painfully topical, yet, at other times, truly absurd. Established actors like Leonardo DiCaprio, Benicio Del Toro, and Sean Penn deliver career performances, while a newcomer, Chase Infiniti, proves why she’s bound to be a breakout star. Teyanna Taylor has enough charisma to power a small city and Regina Hall’s quiet, subdued empathy does such a great job of grounding each scene.
The story surrounds Bob Ferguson (DiCaprio), an ex-revolutionary who, 16 years after going into hiding, is living as a paranoid stoner father to his teenage daughter, Willa (Infiniti), but is soon relentlessly pursued by a corrupt military officer (Penn) obsessed with his past. Anderson’s ability to combine such dark, real-life themes alongside genuinely hilarious moments of dialogue is a remarkable balance. There are at least three music drops that are bound to give you goosebumps, and a chase scene that ended up being my favourite action sequence of the year. I really hate how liberally we use this word when it comes to art, but I really do believe this was one of the few films this year that felt “important.” If you have yet to see it, in the words of one of our writers, Ben Kriz: “Run, don’t walk.” — David Stol, Managing Editor
It Was Just an Accident
I had the great honour of meeting one of my favourite filmmakers, Jafar Panahi, at TIFF this past September, where I also attended the North American premiere of his film It Was Just an Accident. When I told Panahi I was excited to watch his film, he jokingly told me in Farsi “it’s not that good.” The film, which recently got nominated for a number of Golden Globes — including best director and best drama motion picture — is a triumph from start to finish. It’s an unexpected revenge thriller packed with dark humour, heartfelt dialogue and strong performances. If you’re unfamiliar with Iranian cinema, start with Abbas Kiarostami’s Koker Trilogy — it’s even Channing Tatum-approved. — Sahar Nooraei, Editorial & Creative Director
Ballad of a Small Player
I’m quick to admit my interest films that follow a downward spiral — the long-standing ranking of Requiem for a Dream as one of my favourite films confirms — but in watching Ballad of a Small Player, this descent into chaos was only small factor in its appeal. The overall aesthetic of this movie is fantastic, with the occasional frame feeling like a not-so-subtle tip of the cap to Wes Anderson’s works, and the character portrayal by both Colin Farrell and Fala Chen kept me deeply engaged in the story arc throughout. This isn’t a light and fluffy Sunday afternoon flick, but it’s one you won’t want to miss either. — Justin Mastine-Frost, Director of Digital Content
Weapons
My favourite film of the year was without a doubt Weapons by director Zach Cregger. An engaging watch that balanced unsettling moments with dark humour. A couple of surprises this year were Roofman and Superman, two films I didn’t necessarily expect to love but found myself really enjoying for how light yet engaging they both were. While it didn’t quite take the top spot, Yorgos Lanthimos’ latest film Bugonia was another standout. Strange and thought-provoking, it stayed with me long after it was over. Regardless of the long list I still have to watch over the holidays (including Hamnet and Sentimental Value) I found this year to be full of bold stories and enjoyable escapes. — Haley Dach, Fashion Director
Splitsville
I can’t remember the last time I watched a trailer. When I go to the cinema (a weekly occurrence at this point), I want a surprise. So, when my friends and I popped into Cineplex to see Splitsville, we had only the poster — featuring four millennials in an embrace, alongside Dakota Johnson’s signature blank stare and bangs — for context. As it turned out, we were in for a solid 105 minutes of laughter. Splitsville starts with a bang (literally!) and leads the audience into a stunning architectural home, where two chaotic relationships begin to unravel. Orbiting the aforementioned four millennials, the film is a light-hearted foray into the woes of modern love; from the set-up to the side characters, it’s a fun romp. — Cormac Newman, Associate Editor
