Blockbuster movie releases and long-awaited TV show returns are some of the few things that still feel universally exciting. No matter how busy life gets, people always make time for the things they love on the screen. People highlight release dates months in advance, argue in group chats, refresh timelines for trailers, and turn Twitter into a war zone the second an episode drops. Entire friendships are built and tested over debates about what is overrated, what is a classic and what deserves much more love than it gets.
Source: Warner Bros. Pictures / Warner Bros. Pictures
There's something special about seeing anticipation turn into payoff. Whether it's staying up late for a midnight premiere, avoiding spoilers like your life depends on it, or watching the same scene three times just to catch what you missed, film and television still know how to grab us. Let's be real, nothing beats experiencing something for the first time. That moment when you realize a show has you in a chokehold, or a movie just did something you weren't ready for, it's unparalleled.
Every year, a fresh crop of movies and series appear and remind us why we keep tuning in. This year, superhero stories pushed emotional boundaries instead of just flexing CGI. Murder mysteries left us second guessing everyone. Sports documentaries pulled back the curtain on bigness, pressure and ego in ways that felt raw and personal. Even well-known franchises found new ways to surprise us, while original stories proved that creativity is far from dead.
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2025 was no different! It was a year where big budgets came with big ideas, performances felt lived in, and stories actually trusted the audience to stick around. Some projects gave us spectacle, others gave us depth, but the best gave us both. With that in mind, here's a look at the TV shows and movies that defined the year and had everyone talking.
This show doesn't talk down to its audience or sugar coat anything. It delves head first into identity, pressure and the quiet chaos of growing up in a world that never stops watching. The performances feel raw and uncomfortable in the best way, making it the kind of series that will stick with you long after the episodes have ended.
The Chair Company (HBO Max)
At first glance it feels like a workplace drama with some laughs, but it quickly reveals much deeper layers. Power, ego and ambition collide in ways that feel painfully realistic. It's sharp, character-driven, and the kind of show where every conversation actually matters.
Pluribus (Apple TV)
Pluribus plays with big ideas and society, control, and who really benefits from “the system.” The world building is subtle but effective, drawing you in without overwhelming you. It's one of those shows that has people pausing episodes just to debate what something really means.
The Studio (Apple TV)
This series pulls back the curtain on Hollywood without feeling like a blockbuster. It perfectly balances humor and dysfunction, and shows how creativity and chaos often go hand in hand. The writing is tight, the performances are strong, and the satire hits close enough to feel personal.
The Pitt (HBO Max)
Gritty, intense and emotionally heavy, The Pitt don't crawl when it gets dark. It explores trauma, loyalty and survival in a way that feels earned rather than exploitative. Each episode builds tension, making it hard to stop once you're locked in.
Severance – Season 2 (Apple TV
Season two took everything that made the first season special and turned the volume up. The mystery deepened, the stakes got higher, and the emotional weight eventually lifted the concept. It's still one of the smartest shows on TV, rewarding patience and close attention to detail.
Andor – Season 2 (Disney+)
Andor remains to prove that Star Wars is at its best when it is grounded and political. This season pay even harder in sacrifice, rebellion and the costs of resistance. It is slow, deliberate and incredibly powerful when it all comes together.
Paradise (Hulu)
Paradise lures you in with beauty and comfort before withdrawing its darker truths. What begins to feel serene quickly turns unsettling as secrets come to the surface. It's the kind of show that thrives on suspense and moral gray areas.
IT: Welcome to Derry
IT: Welcome to Derry was more than just a prequel. It added to the allure of one of Stephen King's most popular horror stories. Bill Skarsgård's amazing storytelling and atrocious acting will leave you terrified and wanting more at the same time.
TOP FILMS OF 2025:
Sinners
Sinners is heavy, emotional and unapologetic in its themes. It wrestles with guilt, faith and consequences in a way that feels deeply human. The performances carry the film, making even its quiet moments hit hard.
One battle after another
This film explores the toll of conflict long after the fighting stops. It's less about action and more about aftermath, trauma and survival. Every scene feels intentional, letting the story breathe instead of rushing to the next moment.
Marty Supreme
Marty Supreme is flashy on the surface, but surprisingly thoughtful underneath. It captures ambition, obsession, and the cost of chasing greatness. By the end, it's clear that this isn't just a coming-of-age story—it's also a warning.
Sorry, Baby
Tender, awkward and deeply honest, this film finds beauty in emotional messiness. It doesn't rely on big moments, instead letting small interactions do the heavy lifting. The result is something intimate and quietly powerful.
Weapons
Weapons thrives on tension, keeping viewers uncomfortable from start to finish. It gradually unravels its mystery, revealing something much darker under the surface. The atmosphere alone makes it impossible to forget.
F1
Fast, loud and visually stunning, F1 sit right in the driver's seat. But beyond the speed, it's really about pressure, legacy, and what it takes to stay up. It manages to balance spectacle with real emotional commitment.
Thunderbolts
This one turns the superhero formula on its head by focusing on broken people instead of perfect heroes. The team dynamic is messy, funny and sometimes uncomfortable. It's less about saving the world and more about surviving yourself.
New Wave
New Wave feels stylish, reflective, and deliberately paced. It celebrates art, rebellion, and the spirit of reinvention. The film trusts its audience, letting mood and imagery speak as loudly as dialogue.
