10. Presence
The first of two Steven Soderbergh films in this list, Presence, written by the talented David Koepp, twists the conventions of the haunted house genre by following events from the point of view of an unseen Ghost. Lucy Liu plays a mother who relocates her family to a new home in the suburbs, only to find themselves haunted by the apparition.
Soderberg who also acted as cinematographer on the film, turns this intriguing premise into a spellbinding chiller.
9. Frankenstein
Mexican Auteur Guillermo Del Toro fulfils his lifelong dream, by re-animating Mary Shelley’s classic Frankenstein for the modern age. Oscar Issac is the brilliant but egotistical scientist, who releases his monstrous creation into the world with disastrous consequences. With terrific performances from Issac, Mia Goth and Jacob Elordi as the monster, the film is an astounding visual feat, with Del Toro’s trademark gothic style evident in every frame.
8. A Complete Unknown
Focusing on Bob Dylan’s early career as he pushes the boundaries of conventional folk music, this excellent biopic from director James Mangold sees Timothée Chalamet excel as the influential musical Icon, amazingly singing and performing all the songs himself and delivering a nuanced acting performance that perfectly captures Dylan’s spirit and restless ambition.
Not a generic cradle to the grave life-story some might expect, but more of an intimate portrait of an artist in transition.
7. The Running Man
British filmmaker Edgar Wright goes back to the source by adapting Stephen King’s darkly dystopian 1982 novel, rather than remaking the shonky 80’s actioner.
Glen Powell takes on the lead role of Ben Richard’s, a broke blue-collar worker with a sick daughter, who is tempted by the huge sums of prize money on offer if he can avoid the highly trained hunters in the Running Man. In keeping with the books angry tone, the film has a propulsive energy to it, with Powell proving to be a charismatic leading man, while Josh Brolin, Colman Domingo and Michael Cera, add weight to the impressive ensemble cast. Arguably the most exciting big budget blockbuster of the year, and as fun a trip to the movies as you could wish for.
6. One Battle After Another
When a group of ex-revolutionaries are drawn back together to help a former ally ,old ideals clash with present-day reality and unresolved loyalties are put to the test.
Possibly Paul Thomas Anderson’s most accessible film in years, sees Leonardo DiCaprio’s Pat, attempting to protect his daughter from Sean Penn’s relentless Colonel Steven Lockjaw.
Featuring star making turns from Teyana Taylor and Chase Infiniti, this madcap caper is tense, funny and unrelentingly thrilling.
5. Black Bag
Another fantastic collaboration between the prolific Steven Soderbergh and David Koepp, Black Bag follows George and Kathryn Woodhouse (Michael Fassbender and Cate Blanchett) married counter- intelligence agents whose bond is put to the ultimate test when George is tasked with flushing out a traitor in the service only to find his wife top of the suspect’s list.
A super slick, morally ambiguous espionage thriller that is anchored by sharp dialogue and great performances.
4. The Ballad of Wallis Island
Tim Key (of Alan Partridge fame) brings his charming trademark awkwardness to this beautifully melancholy tale of an oddball superfan who pays for his favourite folk duo, McGwyer & Mortimer, to play for him at his secluded island home. The only problem is, the said duo have been estranged for years and don’t know the other is coming. Carey Mulligan and Tom Basden brilliantly embody the aforementioned duo, who have some legitimately great songs, but Key, who co-wrote the script with Basden, is the undeniable star. While he is the source of some legitimately funny moments, his beautifully sincere portrayal of Charles, a rich but lonely widower, gives the film real heart.
3. 28 Years Later
Director Danny Boyle and writer Alex Garland return to the franchise they began with this long-awaited second sequel to their seminal 2002 zombie classic.
Set in a now quarantined Britain, the story takes place nearly three decades after the Rage Virus outbreak and is broken into two tonally very different halves, the first delivers what most people would be expecting from a 28 days later sequel, but the second half is altogether more melancholy. The film takes unpredictable risks for a zombie sequel, but delivers some profoundly moving moments. On this evidence the franchise is in very safe hands as 28 Years later is arguably the best of the series so far. Thrilling, provocative and tinged with sadness, its everything you’d want from this type of genre movie, but never dare to expect.
2. Weapons
This brilliantly bonkers second feature from director Zach Creggar sees Julia Garner’s Primary school teacher arrive at school only to find all but one of her class have completely vanished. We then witness events from five other differing viewpoints which each add an extra layer to the narrative. The films non-linear episodic structure is an absolute master stroke, with Creggar gently building dread and tantalisingly revealing more and more as the film progresses towards its gripping finale. Co-staring Josh Brolin, Alden Ehrenreich and Benedict Wong, Weapons is astoundingly inventive and as unsettling as it gets.
In a banner year for horror. Weapons stands out as one of the films of the year.
1. Sinners
Michael B. Jordan shines in dual roles as gangster brothers Smoke and Stack who return to their Mississippi hometown to set up a country and blues club on the grounds of an old mill.
Directed by Ryan Coogler, this 1930’s set film has a methodical opening but takes a sharp twist into horror territory when Jack O’Connell’s mysterious stranger shows up looking for blood.Ingeniously incorporating musical elements, Sinners is thematically dense and packed with commentary on black history, community and culture.
By blending so many genres, Coogler has delivered something truly unique.
Paul Steward 31/12/25