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CU Boulder | Culture > Entertainment

Showstoppers: My Top Films of 2025

Hope Marquetti-Cortes Student Contributor, University of Colorado - Boulder
This article is written by a student writer from the Her Campus at CU Boulder chapter and does not reflect the views of Her Campus.

The 2025 bingo card has quite an arrangement going for it. However, one that was not expected was a year’s worth of fantastic media. 2025 has been a noteworthy year for films with features such as Bugonia, Hamnet, Sinners, Caught Stealing, and more! So, to wrap up the year, I wanted to discuss my top 3. 

3. Mickey 17

Artistically, the film is beautiful. The cinematography, sets, costumes, and design are not just backgrounds to the story, but intricately intertwined with it. The film draws you in and keeps your attention through its unconventional narrative and imagery. Nothing in this film feels unwarranted. Although running over 2 hours, it flies by in a consuming haze. Robert Pattinson, Naomi Ackie, Mark Ruffalo, and Toni Collette all gave amazing performances. Emotions almost seep through the screen, never disappointing. 

This movie startled me with its relevance. From commentary on colonization to empathy, the film never misses a beat. It grapples with consent like a boxer, packing each punch with an intense emotional fervor. One of my favorite aspects of this movie is that everything it puts on the table is not neglected. Everything is carefully fleshed out, never leaving the audience lost.  

2. The Long Walk 

I adore this film. Based on the novel by Stephen King, it left many more than just me crying in the theatre. The dystopia feels as real as the characters. Similar to The Hunger Games, you can’t help but hope that the ending will change until the last few moments. This is another one where the relevance is all too relatable. Although a bit less direct of a metaphor, there really is something for every audience member to connect to. 

This film is a brilliant example of how character work and acting can make or break a film. Although dialogue-heavy, there is never a dull moment. Each conversation builds on another in euphoric and tragic climaxes. You find yourself holding onto every word, and grounding yourself in small reprieves of gentle imagery. 

1. Sinners 

Easily, this movie made my personal list of favorite movies. It sparked quite a bit of controversy when it was released, but no one can deny its beautiful imagery and soundtrack. At face value, it is a horror movie, but at its core, it explores colonization, exploitation, systemic racism, religion, and more. The diversity and nuanced relationships in this film offer representation that is lacking in everyday Hollywood. 


Ryan Coogler has consistently shown himself to be one of the most talented and devoted directors we have today. Coogler’s dedication to his art is brought to life with every moment in Sinners, and I am grateful to have seen this fantastic film. 

Overall, these three films left a mark, and all in different ways. This year, I saw a change in the media we have been receiving. I was pleasantly surprised by the abundance of quality content we’ve gotten. I hope that going into the New Year, Hollywood can keep building on that momentum.  

Hope Marquetti-Cortes

CU Boulder '25

Hope is a Political Science and Philosophy student at the University of Colorado Boulder. As a young black and hispanic woman, she strives to incorporate ancestry into her educational and professional ideals. Hope has experience in various civil service positions, and hopes to pursue a robust career in law or policy. However, she still remains passionate about literature, writing, and other creative interests.