Nobody can watch every film that's released each year, and often times you'll find that some gems fall between the cracks. That's why it's great to see where you might have missed some future classics, and there's no better place to find out than Rotten Tomatoes' list of 2025's best movies.
Whether the cinema is your second home or you prefer the comfort of your living room couch, there's never not a good time to dive into a great movie and you should always be on the hunt for your next favorite.
It's never been easier to find films that you might have otherwise missed thanks to film-based communities on social media and dedicated websites like Letterboxd, yet it's still surprisingly easy to miss out on watching some of the year's best releases.
That's why you might want to work your way through any movies you haven't yet seen from Rotten Tomatoes' 2025 roundup, as these critical successes have earned a staunch fanbase for a reason.
#1: On Becoming a Guinea Fowl
The best film of the year according to Rotten Tomatoes is Rungano Nyoni's On Becoming a Guinea Fowl, earning (like many on this list) a perfect score of 100% on the website's famed Tomatometer. This is from over 100 different critic reviews too, so every registered reviewer believes that this particular movie is worth watching.
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Following a girl after she finds her uncle's dead body in the middle of the road during the night, On Becoming a Guinea Fowl features a surreal and memorable narrative where secrets are unveiled, so if that sounds like your cup of tea then you should definitely give it a go.
#2: No Other Choice
Park Chan-wook's follow up to the similarly celebrated Decision to Leave is No Other Choice, and many critics have hailed it as one of their favorite films to release this year.
If you're a film fan then here's a good chance you've already watched Oldboy, and with No Other Choice returns the precision and cutting social commentary that people have come to expect from Park, earning itself a 100% rating on the Tomatometer. It's poster alone should convince you to give it a try!
#3: Eephus
While you don't need to be a sports fan to enjoy Eephus, having a pre-existing love of baseball will only enhance what many critics consider to be one of 2025's must-see movies.
The film follows a Sunday league team as a construction project looms over their baseball field, as various teams face off amid the impending doom and uncertainty of their future.
Being a mix of comedy and drama, many critics have praised Eephus' mix of heartfelt moments with lighthearted fun, and it could be the film you're looking for to round off the year in style.
#4: Pillion
While many might be drawn to the star power of Alexander Skarsgård here, Pillion's impressive qualities will likely make it a film to remember — especially for a directorial debut.
It might not necessarily be one to watch with your parents, but this thrilling romance is one that you definitely shouldn't miss out on, as it's not only celebrated by critics but has been an awards favorite too, winning the Best British Independent Film at the BIFAs, alongside the Best Screenplay award at the Cannes Film Festival's Un Certain Regard showcase.
#5: Souleymane's Story
Rounding out the top five is a hard-hitting drama that's as relevant as ever in the current political climate worldwide, as director Boris Lojkine shows a wonderfully human depiction of the struggles that immigrants face right now.
Acting newcomer About Sangaré has received particular praise for his performance in the film, as he authentically and painfully portrays the incredibly challenging like that Souleymane and many others like him have to go through, scraping by on the bare minimum while fighting to be recognized.
These aren't the only fantastic films you might not yet have seen this year though, as the rest of the top 20 highest-rated films on Rotten Tomatoes are well worth seeking out:
- #6: Deaf President Now!
- #7: Come See Me in the Good Light
- #8: The Secret Agent
- #9: Left-Handed Girl
- #10: The Perfect Neighbor
- #11: Caught by the Tides
- #12: It Was Just An Accident
- #13: Sister Midnight
- #14: Predators
- #15: Marlee Matlin: Not Alone Anymore
- #16: Familiar Touch
- #17: From Ground Zero
- #18: Secret Mall Apartment
- #19: Megadoc
- #20: To A Land Unknown
This list features new features from highly-lauded auteurs like Jia Zhangke, alongside fascinating documentaries like Megadoc – which focuses on the production of Francis Ford Coppola's last film Megalopolis – and even the most recent winner of the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival, It Was Just An Accident.