10 Hidden Movie Gems from 2025 You Need to Watch
2025 delivered a wave of standout films that flew under the radar. Discover ten overlooked movies from this year that critics loved but mainstream audiences missed.
This year, a handful of blockbuster franchises dominated the box office, but a wealth of lesser-known films quietly made their mark. Even as the industry buzzed about Netflix ’s potential acquisition of Warner Bros and the future of theatrical releases, 2025 proved to be a remarkable year for film. While hits like Zootopia 2 and the upcoming Avatar: Fire and Ash reassured studios that audiences still crave big-screen experiences, a number of smaller productions earned critical acclaim without the same fanfare. Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another is already a frontrunner for Best Picture, but it ’s just one of many titles that captured the attention of festival crowds, including Sentimental Value, Hamnet, Marty Supreme, Jay Kelly, Train Dreams, and Frankenstein. Yet, every year, some films slip through the cracks—whether due to limited marketing, niche appeal, or restricted distribution. These underappreciated movies deserve a spot in your end-of-year watchlist.
Unforgettable Stories and Bold Visions
Magellan (Lav Diaz) stands out as a raw, unflinching look at colonialism, following Ferdinand Magellan’s harrowing journey through Southeast Asia. Gael Garcia Bernal delivers a haunting performance in this slow-burning epic, which immerses viewers in the psychological unraveling of its characters. The film’s meditative pace and striking visuals make it a challenging but rewarding watch.
Nicolas Cage takes center stage in The Surfer (Lorcan Finnegan), a psychological thriller that channels the wild energy of 1970s Australian cinema. Cage’s portrayal of a father facing off against a menacing group of beachgoers is both intense and unexpectedly heartfelt. Julian McMahon’s turn as the film’s antagonist adds another layer of tension to this sun-soaked drama.
Paolo Sorrentino’s La Grazia offers a vibrant, emotionally charged exploration of political and personal dilemmas. Toni Servillo stars as an Italian president wrestling with the decision to legalize euthanasia. The film’s bold colors, evocative music, and nuanced performances make it a standout in Sorrentino’s filmography.
Fresh Perspectives on Modern Life
The Plague (Charlie Polinger) dives into the harsh realities of adolescent bullying at a boys’ water polo camp in 2003. Everett Blunck leads a talented young cast in this suspenseful, atmospheric drama that captures the emotional turbulence of growing up. Polinger’s direction brings a sense of dread and authenticity to every scene.
In Lurker (Alex Russell), the dangers of parasocial relationships and celebrity obsession are brought to life through the story of a reserved retail worker who becomes fixated on a pop star. Théodore Pellerin and Archie Madekwe deliver compelling performances in this timely psychological thriller, which examines the blurred lines between fandom and reality.
Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut, Eleanor the Great, features June Squibb as a former New Yorker forging new connections in the city. The film evolves from a lighthearted tale into a deeper exploration of compassion and its complexities. Johansson’s patient, character-driven approach allows the cast—including Chiwetel Ejiofor and Erin Kellyman—to shine.
Intimate Dramas and Moving Relationships
The History of Sound (Oliver Hermanus) tells the true story of two young men collecting folk music recordings after World War I. Josh O’Connor and Paul Mescal bring vulnerability and depth to this period romance, which offers a poignant look at love and resilience in a changing world.
Jay Duplass’s The Baltimorons breathes new life into the mumblecore genre with a heartfelt holiday dramedy set in Baltimore. Michael Strassner and Liz Larsen’s natural chemistry anchors this story of connection and self-discovery, making it a potential future holiday classic.
A Little Prayer (Angus MacLachlan) is a quiet family drama that explores forgiveness and loyalty. David Strathairn delivers a career-best performance as a father grappling with his son’s betrayal. The film’s understated approach and authentic character moments make it a standout slice-of-life story.
Finally, Rebuilding (Max Walker-Silverman) follows a cowboy in Arizona as he helps his community recover from devastating wildfires. Josh O’Connor and Meghann Fahy lead this thoughtful western, which reflects on nature, memory, and the bonds that hold families together. The film’s subtle storytelling and emotional depth leave a lasting impression.