- Readers voted ‘One Battle After Another’ the best film of 2025.
- The list blends big box-office hits like ‘Marty Supreme’ with small art-house indies.
- Controversial titles such as ‘Eddington’ and ‘Friendship’ ranked high; documentaries were underrepresented.
- Several winners are available on streaming services including Netflix and Mubi.
H2: Readers pick the year’s favorites
Thousands of New York Times readers cast votes to name their favorite films of 2025, producing a list that ranged from crowd-pleasing blockbusters to intimate art-house fare. At the top of the readers’ poll was One Battle After Another — a title that also figured prominently on critics’ lists — indicating notable agreement between the public and professional reviewers at the very top.
The readers’ Top 50 highlights the diversity of moviegoing in 2025. While mainstream tentpoles like Marty Supreme made strong showings, the full list also includes smaller, risk-taking films that found passionate followings. The New York Times cross-referenced those readers’ picks with critics’ Top 10s and an experts’ list of 25 notable titles, revealing both overlap and divergence.
H3: Surprises and controversies in the rankings
The poll produced some unexpected outcomes. Controversial films such as Eddington and Friendship scored higher than many critics expected, suggesting readers were drawn to provocative storytelling even when reviewers were split. On the other hand, documentaries — often celebrated in awards conversations — were largely absent from the upper reaches of the readers’ list.
These results offer a snapshot of what resonated with general audiences in 2025: high-concept entertainment, personal dramas, and films that sparked conversation.
H4: Streaming and where to watch
Credits for the images and films in the Times roundup included streaming and specialty platforms such as Netflix and Mubi, alongside studio names like Warner Bros. If you’re hunting for new movies to stream, several reader favorites are now available across major services. Rather than rely on a single platform, check your favorite apps — many titles move between theaters, rental platforms, and subscription services.
H4: What the readers’ list means for film in 2026
The readers’ Top 50 is more than a popularity contest: it maps the tastes that will influence recommendations, streaming curations, and awards-season conversations next year. Strong alignment at the top with critics’ picks suggests certain films achieved both critical and popular momentum, while the presence of divisive titles underscores readers’ appetite for films that provoke debate.
For viewers, the list is a practical watchlist: a mix of blockbusters and arthouse gems that reflect moviegoing in 2025. To see the full ranked list and how it compares with critics’ and experts’ picks, consult the original New York Times roundup.
Image Referance: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/31/movies/2025-best-movies-marty-supreme.html
