My Top 5 Worst Films of 2025

Since I typically only go out to see movies, I think I might like, there’s probably some pretty crappy movies that came out this year that didn’t make my list. Realistically, this is the top 5 least favorite movies I saw this year. Also, I don’t include streaming films on this list. Straight-to-streaming is the modern-day equivalent of straight-to-DVD, and these types of films are usually not released in theaters for a reason.

5. Captain America: Brave New World – A fairly forgettable film outside of some nice character work from Anthony Mackie and a few fun action sequences.

4. The Running Man (2025) – A somewhat dreary film with mediocre action sequences, a sputtering plot, and half-assed attempt at political commentary/satire. Glen Powell leads a great cast, but his costars just don’t get enough to do.

3. Tron: Ares – A great looking film with an excellent soundtrack that can’t quite overcome a mundane plot and a couple of lead actors without much charisma.

2. 28 Years Later – Works well enough as a standalone post-apocalyptic film…except when it tries to get too artsy for its own good. Doesn’t work so great a sequel to the first two films and fails fairly spectacularly trying to set up its own sequel with the most WTF ending of the year.

1. A Minecraft Movie – Just not a good movie as it’s overly predictable, mostly nonsensical, and is over-stuffed with unnecessary characters. But Jack Black and Jason Momoa try give it their all and somehow they make the whole thing watchable.

My Top 5 Best Films of 2025

Watch the in-depth, SPOILER version on YouTube

I’m not a movie critic, just someone that sees a lot of movies in theaters. When I go, I only see the stuff that looks interesting to me. Which means mostly action movies, especially superhero stuff, plus some sci-fi, a couple comedies and a horror movie or two. There’s probably a lot of great movies that I didn’t see, so don’t be surprised to see my list and wonder where some of these “top” films are at.

5. Sinners– Great characters and an interesting concept that are elevated by an incredible music-fused narrative. The final act falls flat after it becomes an unsatisfying horror movie.

4. Superman (2025) – The film throws you headfirst into a Silver Age of comics world of wackiness, but both Superman and Lois are grounded enough that you’re instantly onboard. The film is a bit overstuffed and can sometimes be too silly for its own good.

3. Thunderbolts* – The film does a great job of bringing together some fairly mediocre characters and turning them into a team you really care about, while also recapturing the magic of the MCU in its prime. The main story is a touch underwhelming, and a few of the characters don’t get enough time to shine.

2. Weapons – Uses its non-chronological structure and amazing camera work to keep you on your toes and expertly let the mystery unfold. But each new chapter initially kills the momentum, and many of the protagonist come off as unlikable at first.

1. The Fantastic Four: First Steps – Captures the magic of the early days of Marvel Comics where the FF was the top dogs and it also nails family dynamic, the wild space adventures, and the scale of Galactus. The first half could have used a bit more action to keep the film from dragging early on.

Movie Review: Avatar: Fire and Ash (3D)

Watch the SPOILER review on YouTube

A gorgeous looking film with a handful of strong character moments that is derailed by its long runtime and a plot that mostly repeats story beats and action sequences from the previous “Avatar” film. Like the earlier films in the franchise, the visuals are just stunning, especially with the creature designs. As expected, the special effects are usually flawless. (However, everything, including the real people, has a hyper-real quality that makes things look a bit off, although this may be partially due to the 3D.) Unfortunately, the plot is quite weak this time around. While it is meant to be a direct continuation of “The Way of Water,” it mostly just feels like a rehash. Too many moments in the film, particularly the action sequences, are way too similar to that last film. And the overall plot just feels more like a bunch of stuff happening until the big finals act battle, instead of the story feeling like it’s building towards something. Add this to the three-hour plus runtime, and the movie often feels like its spinning its wheels. The character stuff is fine and takes everyone’s arcs slightly forward, with a few compelling moments. Returning villain Quaritch can’t seem get the balance right between cartoony bad guy and a conflicted antagonist. And finally, even though the new villain Varang does add something new and potentially compelling the franchise, she comes close but never quite elevates the film.

*** out of *****