Top 10 best movies and cartoons of 2025

2025 was marked by a variety of strong movie projects, from deep dramas to spectacular blockbusters and witty comedies. Among the best standouts were “Formula 1,” a sports drama with beautiful shots and excellent acting, and the remake of “Lilo and Stitch,” which touched audiences with its sincerity. These and other notable tapes of the year unites not only a high level of shooting, but also the ability to talk about important things: about love and betrayal, the search for self, the price of power and the strength of the human spirit. Thanks to well-crafted scripts, expressive direction and vivid acting, many of them have become not just entertainment content, but something that can and should be pondered.

Movies and cartoons are arranged in chaotic order. Place in the list does not affect their ranking. The selection of movies and cartoons for this collection is based on the ratings of viewers, critics and the author of this article.

Formula 1

“Formula One” (2025) is Joseph Kosinski’s sports drama about race car driver Sonny Hayes, who returns to the big sport after an accident and personal setbacks. His old friend Ruben Cervantes, owner of the APXGP team, offers Sonny to help save the project from bankruptcy: he needs to win at least one of the nine remaining races of the season. Together with the young pilot Joshua Pearce, the hero goes through intense races, conflicts and personal trials.

The movie stands out for its unprecedented authenticity: filming took place on real Formula One tracks with the support of the Fédération Internationale de l’Automobile and with the participation of current drivers. The actors drove Formula 2 cars, and the racing scenes were filmed in between the real races. The combination of a stellar cast, fast-paced action and realistic visuals makes this one of the best films of the year.

Zveropolis 2

“Zveropolis 2” is the sequel to Disney’s animated hit. Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde, having become partners, investigate a new case: the snake Gary is trying to steal an ancient book that could change the reputation of his species. The heroes will have to uncover the plot, overcome prejudice against reptiles and once again prove the power of friendship and teamwork.

The film is one of the best of 2025 thanks to: preserving the spirit and humor of the first part; impressive animation and vivid characters; expansion of the world of Zveropolis (new locations – snake city, water district, desert); topical themes of tolerance and mutual support. A dynamic plot, witty dialogues and a lot of references make the picture fascinating for viewers of all ages.

How to Tame the Dragon

“How to Tame the Dragon” is a remake of the iconic 2010 animated film. The director of the original trilogy, Dean DeBlois, brought to the screen the story of young Hiccup, who finds a friend in the form of the dragon Toothless (Night Fury) on the island of Oluh, against Viking tradition.

The story of Hiccup, a young boy who finds a friend in the form of the dragon Toothless (Night Fury).

The movie became one of the best of 2025 thanks to: faithfulness to the spirit of the original and key themes; convincing performance of the actors, especially; impressive computer graphics and realistic realization of dragons; picturesque locations (filmed in the U.S., Northern Ireland, Iceland and the Faroe Islands); and John Powell’s music, which enhances the emotional depth. The picture equally captivates both fans of the cartoon and new audiences. And, despite the fact that many were distrustful of the reboot of the motion picture, the movie turned out to be magical.

Neja defeats the Dragon King

“Nezha Defeats the Dragon King” is a Chinese animated sequel about the adventures of Nezha and Ao Bin. The heroes, stripped of their bodies, attempt to recover with the help of the sacred Lotus, but face an attack by a demon and banished dragons. To save his friend and stop the threat, Naeja sets off to Kunlun to fetch the elixir.

The film became one of 2025’s best films due to its fast-paced plot, impressive animation (a synthesis of traditional aesthetics and CGI), deep themes (friendship, responsibility, self-acceptance) and reliance on Chinese mythology. It grossed over $2 billion, confirming the high level of Chinese animation.

Lilo and Stitch

“Lilo and Stitch” is a remake of the Disney cartoon with the addition of new scenes and small plot inserts. A girl named Lilo finds the alien Stitch (Experiment 626) in Hawaii; a friendship develops between them. Stitch is hunted by his creators, scientist Jamba and sidekick Pleakley. The main theme is “ohana”: family as choice and mutual support.

Audiences loved the film because of its faithfulness to the original, the convincing performance of the young actress, the quality CGI portrayal of Stitch, the warm atmosphere and humor. The remake adds new accents to the story while remaining suitable for family viewing. And now everyone is looking forward to the second installment.

Driving you crazy

“Drive Me Crazy” is a romantic comedy with fantasy elements from director Daria Lebedeva. Alice and Vanya, who claim the same apartment in St. Petersburg, discover a “portal” between their worlds – a bathroom mirror. Unable to meet physically, they become close and fall in love.

The film stands out for its original plot, convincing performance by Mila Ershova and Yuri Nasonov, elegant visual style (playing with light and reflections, St. Petersburg landscapes) and light humor. A warm soundtrack, references to contemporary culture and a chamber atmosphere made the story sincere and memorable.

Eternity

“Eternity” is a fantasy drama by David Frayn. After his death, Larry is taken to the afterlife where he must choose “eternity” in a week. Soon his wife Joan arrives there and is faced with the choice of staying with Larry or reuniting with her dead first husband Luke.

The movie has become one of 2025’s best thanks to its original concept, strong acting and balance between irony and drama. The visual style (1960s retro aesthetic, warm colors) and deep themes about love and choice make the film memorable and moving.

Wolverine

“Volchok” is an adventure comedy by Konstantin Smirnov. Set in the Russian Empire at the turn of the 19th and 20th centuries, 13-year-old Vanya Ogaryov flees Moscow to escape his uncle, who wants to take away his inheritance. On his way he hires a fist fighter Volchok as his escort, later joined by a detective Elsa. A series of chases and comic adventures await them.

The movie stands out for its dynamic plot, colorful acting and atmospheric filming in ancient cities. Light humor, spectacular battle scenes and themes of friendship and trust made the film one of the best of 2025.

The Life of Chuck

“Life of Chuck” (2025) is a drama by Mike Flanagan based on a story by Stephen King. In a world on the brink of apocalypse, banners appear with Chuck’s portrait and the words “Thanks Chuck for 39 happy years”. The story unfolds in reverse chronology – from the hero’s last days to his childhood – and shows how the life of an ordinary man becomes the center of the whole world.

The movie is among the best of 2025 thanks to its unconventional structure, philosophical depth and acting. The combination of sentimentality with existential questions, evocative visual aesthetics and music create a strong emotional impact. The picture leaves a light aftertaste, reminding us of the value of every life.

King of Kings

“King of Kings” is an animated movie by Jang Seong-ho based on the book by Charles Dickens. The story of the New Testament is told as a conversation between father and son to make it interesting and understandable for a child.

The story is told as a conversation between father and son to make it interesting and understandable for a child.

The film has become one of 2025’s best thanks to its successful combination of religious theme and family format: vivid 3D animation, dynamic narration and strong voice-over make it accessible to both children and adults, while retaining the depth of meaning.