2025's Biggest Films: What Fans Loved and Critics Missed

In 2025, movie lovers had a lot to say about their favorite films. After critics and experts shared their top picks, readers were asked to vote for their favorites. The results? A mix of popular blockbusters and smaller, unique films. Some choices matched the critics', but others were a surprise. Fans and critics agreed on some films. For example, “One Battle After Another” was a hit with both groups. But readers also loved films like “Eddington” and “Friendship, ” which critics didn’t rank as highly. Documentaries, however, didn’t make the cut with readers.The top 50 films voted by readers showed a clear difference in taste between fans and critics. While critics focused on technical skills and storytelling, readers seemed to prefer films that resonated with them on a personal level. This raises an interesting question: Should critics focus more on what audiences love, or should they stick to their own standards? “One Battle After Another” was a standout film. It made it to the top of one critic’s list and the second spot on another’s. It was also named one of the 25 most notable films by a panel of experts. This film clearly had something for everyone, from critics to casual viewers. The results showed that movie lovers have a diverse taste. They enjoy both big-budget films and smaller, independent ones. This diversity makes the film industry exciting and unpredictable. It also shows that there’s no single “best” film—it all depends on who you ask.