As the year draws to a close, the results are in from a major poll of film enthusiasts. Guardian readers have cast their votes to determine the most outstanding cinematic releases of 2025, producing a list that highlights both blockbuster spectacle and profound storytelling.
A Diverse and Surprising Top Ten
The final ranking, compiled from hundreds of reader submissions, showcases a remarkable breadth of genre and style. Topping the list is 'The Brutalist' by director Brady Corbet, a film that captivated audiences with its architectural themes and powerful performances. It secured the number one spot with a significant margin, indicating a strong consensus among voters.
In second place, the sci-fi epic 'Megalopolis' from legendary director Francis Ford Coppola proved that the veteran filmmaker still has the power to dazzle and divide in equal measure. Readers praised its ambitious vision and sheer scale, cementing its place as a major cinematic event of the year.
Completing the top three is Yorgos Lanthimos's 'Kinds of Kindness', a triptych of stories that continued the director's unique and unsettling exploration of human relationships. Its position demonstrates a clear appetite for challenging and auteur-driven filmmaking among the Guardian's readership.
Notable Trends and Omissions
The list reveals several key trends in viewer preferences for the year. There is a strong showing for films directed by women, with notable entries including Mona Fastvold's 'The Governesses' and Andrea Arnold's 'Bird', which also features a standout performance from Barry Keoghan. This suggests a growing prominence and recognition for female filmmakers creating compelling work.
Interestingly, the poll also highlighted a disconnect between critical darlings and audience favourites. Some films that garnered significant awards buzz and praise from professional critics did not make a strong showing in the reader rankings. Conversely, several movies that may have flown under the mainstream radar found a passionate and vocal base of support among the voters, indicating the unique perspective of an engaged cinema-going public.
The Full List of Reader Favourites
Beyond the podium places, the top ten is filled with films that left a lasting impression. The complete ranking, as determined by Guardian readers, is as follows:
- The Brutalist
- Megalopolis
- Kinds of Kindness
- The Governesses
- Bird
- Emmanuelle
- Conclave
- Queer
- The Actor
- Dune: Part Three
This list includes everything from intimate literary adaptations like 'Conclave' and 'Queer' to the grand conclusion of a sci-fi saga with 'Dune: Part Three'. The presence of 'Emmanuelle', a bold reimagining of the classic character, further underscores the eclectic and sometimes unexpected tastes of the voting cohort.
What the Poll Tells Us About 2025's Cinema
The final results paint a picture of a vibrant and healthy film year. Readers demonstrated a clear appetite for original ideas and directorial vision, often favouring these over more conventional franchise fare. While a major sequel like 'Dune' did feature, it sat alongside daring independent projects and auteur-driven stories.
The poll acts as a fascinating snapshot of the films that resonated most deeply with a dedicated audience of cinema lovers. It celebrates not just the technical achievements on screen, but the emotional and intellectual impact these stories had as the credits rolled. As one reader's comment highlighted, the common thread among the chosen films was their ability to provoke thought and linger in the memory long after viewing.
This annual exercise goes beyond a simple ranking; it provides a valuable record of the cinematic moments that defined the year for a community of passionate viewers. The list will undoubtedly spark debate and, for many, offer a checklist of essential viewing from a remarkable year in film.
