2025 doesn’t feel like a year with a lot of content, but as we near the mid-year and look back, there has actually been quite a bit of solid content. Original IP movies feel especially scarce these days, so it’s easy to want to find more and support them, but while we also get swarmed with remakes and sequels, it leaves us plenty to contemplate. We’ve still got a number of films we’re looking forward to this year, but here are the five must-watch movies of 2025 so far.
1. Sinners
Thus far, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners is undoubtedly the film of the year. Terrifying, profound, and shot in a manner that deserves the theatrical experience, it’s everything a moviegoer could hope for with an original film. It might not be for the faint of heart, but if you know what you’re in for, it’s worth the entire journey. Sinners is the type of movie that will continue building an audience and find its footing, resulting in a word-of-mouth popularity that makes it a classic. Years from now, the themes of agency, racial violence, religious perspectives, and questions of unwavering loyalty in the midst of uncertain times will still have a lasting impact on the audience. Rich in every way, from the original score to every performance, it’s a feat that deserves immense praise.
2. Materialists
Celine Song’s sophomore romance, Materialists, is the film of the summer. Gorgeously moving, full of heart, and poignant from beginning to end, it’s a poignant reminder to most people of how vast our ability to connect with other humans is. Starring Dakota Johnson, Pedro Pascal, and Chris Evans, Materialists also doesn’t miss a single beat in reminding skeptics of how important romance is as a genre. The original film’s critical reception has been incredible, but so are the box office numbers, signaling to people that we’ll always take more romance. Here at Lady Geeks, we’ll always run where romance is, but it’s nice to see other critics catch on to what we’re constantly screaming about.
3. Thunderbolts*
Now, while Thunderbolts* isn’t an original IP, it’s still the best movie from the Marvel Cinematic Universe in the last year. Emotional, deeply human, and full of exceptional performances from the whole cast, Thunderbolts* delivers a gratifying story about existential dread, complexities, atonement, and grief. Equal parts funny and action-packed, it’s astounding how much lies in every scene. And with a standout performance from Florence Pugh, it’s a Marvel film we’re going to be thinking about for a long, long time.
4. Paddington in Peru
Paddington in Peru might not be as good as Paddington 2, but it’s still the type of wholesome coming-home story we could all use and one of the must-watch movies of 2025. The reminder of Paddington’s kindness and the importance of the Brown family is always a comfort, so while the film is indeed part of a series, it’s one we’ll never say no to. The story is relatable and sweet enough to leave its mark, and with some darker stories this year, it’s the perfect cleanser.
5. Black Bag
Black Bag is the most surprising film of the year, but as yet another original, it’s fully worth every minute. Stacked with fantastic action sequences, a great score, and incredible performances from the entire cast, it’s perfect for fans of spy dramas who love a romance attached to the narrative. And in many ways, Black Bag is a romance. If we didn’t have Materialists this year, we’d maybe even call it the best one thus far this year. Steven Soderbergh knows how to make films that we can turn to for the full entertainment package, and Black Bag is certainly one of them.
What are your five must-watch movies of 2025 so far?