As the semester winds down, the Avenue desk wanted to reflect on some of our favorite films from throughout the year. This was a big year for movies, so here’s a list of our favorites — from new franchise installments that offer a fresh perspective to original stories that helped shape our culture.
Aaliyah’s Pick: “Sinners”
Ryan Coogler’s “Sinners” stands out as one of 2025’s boldest releases, a Southern Gothic horror-drama that blends sensational thrills with soulful character work. Set in 1930s Mississippi (Jim Crow era), the film follows twin brothers Smoke and Stack, played with both sharp contrast and emotional grit by Michael B. Jordan, as they return home to open a juke joint and rebuild their fractured community. Their plans unravel when a trio of vampires turn a night of celebration into a violent reckoning.
Coogler balances atmospheric tension with rich period detail, letting the blues-driven soundtrack and moody cinematography shape the film’s feverish tone. Jordan’s dual performance anchors the story, offering both swagger and vulnerability as the brothers confront buried sins.
While “Sinners” reaches wide with its ambition, the film’s thematic force and stylistic confidence make it a standout. Strong supporting performances from Miles Caton, Wunmi Mosaku and Hailee Steinfeld deepen its emotional pull, helping turn this into a rarity among major releases — a genre film that feels both mythic and intimate.
Juliana’s Pick: “Bugonia”
You’ll probably experience a lot of emotions watching “Bugonia.” Definitely some fear, disgust and shock, but also, hopefully, amusement, anticipation and satisfaction. It’s the kind of movie that makes you lean forward in your seat, only to recoil mere moments later. And you’ll probably repeat that again and again.
When beekeeping conspiracy theorist Teddy, played by Jesse Plemons, kidnaps prominent pharmaceutical CEO Michelle, played by Emma Stone, the situation quickly spirals as Teddy tries to get Michelle to admit she is an alien sent to destroy Earth.
Stone and Plemons breathe life into an enthralling screenplay, one that grapples with the very essence of human communication. Director Yorgos Lanthimos strikes gold again with this newest film, dissecting our modern, opaque use of language and individualistic whims.
Equally action-packed and cerebral, “Bugonia” deals with betrayal, manipulation and revenge. It’s easily one of the best films to come out of 2025 and is undoubtedly deserving of your attention.
Isabel’s Pick: “Jurassic World Rebirth”
I have been a “Jurassic Park” nerd since I collected dinosaur encyclopedias as a kid.
Not many movie moments can give me chills like the T. rex’s iconic roars or leave me in awe like the massive beauty of a Brachiosaurus. After seeing the seventh film in the “Jurassic Park” franchise, I was struck with the same amazement.
“Jurassic World Rebirth,” released on July 2, had all of the adrenaline-charged action of its predecessors, if not more.
The movie follows a team of operatives — and a dorky paleontologist — as they journey to the island research facility of the original Jurassic Park. Their mission is to extract dino-DNA from the most colossal prehistoric creatures that will yield life-changing medicine.
The cast is led by the one and only Scarlet Johanssen, accompanied by Johnathan Bailey of “Wicked” fame. Even if you’re not interested in dinosaurs, the Sexiest Man Alive and his “slutty little glasses,” as they’ve since been dubbed, are reason enough to watch the film.
While I was worried about breaking from the classic lineup, especially after the epic return of Sam Neil, Laura Dern and Jeff Goldblum in “Jurassic World Dominion,” the cast thrived on their own. But after all, the dinosaurs are the real stars of the show.
Full of stunning special effects and nostalgic parallels to the original trilogy, “Jurassic World Rebirth” reawakened my excitement for a franchise I hope never dies. If only little Lego dinosaur-building Izzy knew that her favorite series would still live on 32 years after it began.
Summer’s Pick: “Thunderbolts”
After being wildly disappointed by Marvel movies in the last five years or so, I was skeptical as I took to the box office to watch “Thunderbolts*” after its release on May 2 of this year.
But unlike past movies, this one didn’t disappoint. “Thunderbolts*” had emotional depth, relatable themes and dynamic characters. I felt inclined to root for the underdog, Yelena Bolova, played by Florence Pugh, who was plagued by her past trauma and broken family dynamics.
It explored mental health struggles like depression, isolation and PTSD as core themes in ways the franchise never has.
I was gripped by the web of misfit side characters turned into a band of anti-heros. Familiar characters like Black Widow and Captain America star alongside new characters.
Brutal fights and explosive scenes create a sense of gritty, flawed adventure. Dysfunctional humor breaks up the dark plot.
My only criticism is that the digital villain, “The Void,” is underdeveloped. Some scenes feel a bit rushed and frantic, missing moments for better character development.
Overall, Marvel needs more movies like this: dark, raw, relatable and funny.
Chris’ Pick: “One Battle After Another”
In my first semester as a reporter at The Alligator, my coverage has largely focused on the small communities within Gainesville that make the city so great. It’s this same power of community that is central to Paul Thomas Anderson’s “One Battle After Another,” my favorite movie of the year.
In a time when there seems to be a new scandal every other day, when social media notifications dictate our moods, it can feel like we’re fighting battle after battle.
Emphasizing the importance of local community to create change, and how crucial it is to focus on the nation’s youth in revolutionary efforts, feels more topical than ever.
A surprisingly comedic performance from Leonardo DiCaprio and one of the best soundtracks in years from Radiohead’s Jonny Greenwood make “One Battle After Another” the single most relevant movie this year.
Juliana is the Fall 2025 Avenue editor. She is a second-year journalism student and spent her first two semesters with The Alligator as an Avenue reporter. In her spare time, she can be found reading, updating her Letterboxd account, or doing crossword puzzles.
Isabel is a general assignment reporter for The Avenue and is starting her first semester with The Alligator. She is a junior journalism student and transferred to UF from Daytona State College after her freshman year. When she's not writing for Ave, she loves going to concerts, crocheting and designing spreads for Rowdy Magazine.
Aaliyah is a general assignment reporter for The Avenue. She's a second-year journalism student in her first semester at The Alligator. In her free time, she loves to bake, read and also write for Her Campus UFL.
