I went to the movies recently for the first time in a long while.
In fact, it was only my second visit to the cinema so far this year – surprising considering that I love movies and that reviewing them is a hobby of mine!
I didn’t mean to stay away from the theatre that long. We watch most movies at home on streaming platforms, but I do still love a trip to the movie theatre and those enormous screens, especially for a particularly epic or cinematic movie.
You know – those movies where people say “See this on the biggest screen you can!”
Here are my favorite movies that I’ve watched in the first half of 2025 – including a few that were released late in 2024, since most of us don’t see movies right when they first come out.
- Nightbitch (2024) – I absolutely loved this film! It’s a ferocious, funny and unflinching look at motherhood and depicts mothers in all our raw, authentic, messy and primal fierceness and beauty. Watch this one with your mom friends.
- We Live in Time (2024) – If you love romances, especially sad and heart-wrenching ones, then this is for you. Andrew Garfield and Florence Pugh are magnificent. I utterly loved it. Watch this one alone, because if you’re anything like me, you’ll ugly cry.
- The Sand Castle (2024) – I was blown away by this international film. It is mysterious, at times frightening, ultimately heartbreaking and most of all inspiring. A must-watch. I liked watching this one alone and really taking in the experience. I got goosebumps.
- The Gorge (2025) – This scifi flick is pure action and just plain fun! I loved the chemistry between the leads, the ever-wonderful Anya Taylor-Joy and Miles Teller in his best role yet. Don’t think about the plot holes, just enjoy yourself. Watch with friends or family and lots of popcorn!
- Flow (2024) – This award-winning animated film out of Latvia is beautiful, moving and captivating. It reminds me of the Ghibli animated films I adore – just pure art and a pleasure to watch. This one is for all ages, though some scenes may startle or upset a very small child. I watched this one twice, back to back – it was that mesmerizing.
- You’re Cordially Invited (2025) – I attended a screener and reviewed this one for Cinefied.com. I loved Reese Witherspoon and Will Ferrell together SO MUCH more than I ever imagined I would! A really enjoyable watch with some surprisingly heartfelt insights into family drama and relationship dynamics. Watch with friends or family!
- Mickey 17 (2025) – This dark scifi comedy from South Korean director Bong Joon Ho is unique and unforgettable, featuring outstanding performances from a nearly unrecognizable Robert Pattinson who plays the titular role and others. As with so many other movies from this award-winning director, Mickey 17 showcases the best and worst of humanity, social and class themes and empathy for all living creatures. If you liked Bong’s Parasite, Okja and Snowpiercer, you’ll probably love Mickey 17 as I did. This would be a good date movie!
- Sinners (2025) – This is my pick for best movie of the year. Sinners is gorgeous, impeccably acted and filmed, scary, inspiring and richly layered and textured. Sinners is not just a vampire movie – it’s an absolutely beautiful, genre-busting film that instantly became one of my top ten favorite films of all-time. The transcendant and dreamlike time-traveling music and dance scene in the juke joint is one of my favorite scenes in any movie, ever. My highest kudos to Ryan Coogler and his cast and crew. This was one of those “See this on the biggest screen you can” kind of movies. Watch it alone, then take everyone you know and watch it again.
I don’t know when I’ll next head to the movie theatre again, but hopefully soon. I am really excited to see Wicked For Good in November – the new trailer makes it look even better than the first Wicked movie!
What else did you see and love during the first half of the year? I’d love to hear your movie recommendations in the comments below or over on Facebook or Instagram!
