What did Brownell students and staff enjoy most on the screen this year? BT Verbatim collected votes from across the school to discover the top movies of 2025.
10. The Black Phone 2:
The Black Phone 2 is a visually compelling horror sequel, leaving many fans satisfied and successfully meeting the high expectations left by the first film. Starring Mason Thames, Madeleine McGraw, and the infamous Ethan Hawke, the film picks up four years after the events of the first movie. It centres on siblings Finney and Gwen as they struggle to rebuild their lives with the lingering trauma of their encounter with The Grabber. With a gross of 131.9 million dollars globally, it debuted at Number 1 at the North American Box Office in 3,400 theatres.
9. The Bad Guys 2:
The Bad Guys 2 brings back the fun and mischievous charm from the original. This animated sequel, adapted from the popular book series, delighted fans of all ages. Featuring the voices of Sam Rockwell, Marc Maron, Awkwafina, and Craig Robinson, the movie follows a fun adventure as a group of animal friends tries to stay out of trouble. When a new villain tries to tarnish their hard-earned reputation, the group jumps back into action. This film had a strong global box office debut and has earned around 240 million dollars worldwide. This film proved there is plenty left in their story.
8. Lilo and Stitch & Frankenstein
The live-action Lilo and Stitch is playful, heartfelt, and everything Disney fans could have hoped for in a remake. This adaptation brings this iconic story to life with warm visuals, charming performances, and authentic Hawaiian vibes. This film follows Lilo, an adventurous Hawaiian girl, and Stitch, a chaotic alien. Starring Maia Kealoha and the returning director and voice of Stitch, Chris Sanders, the film truly honours the original while introducing a modern take. This film opened strongly and earned 180 million dollars in its first few weeks. This film did an excellent job of bringing back the Lilo and Stitch journey for a new generation.
The 2025 version of Frankenstein is a reimagined classic of the novel by Mary Shelley. With its bold and gothic take, it has captivated viewers everywhere. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, and starring Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi, this movie blends horror and emotion to explore the theme of humanity. The story follows Doctor Frankenstein’s obsessive journey to defy nature and the consequences once his creature gains consciousness. This film premiered at an Italian Film Festival and was later streamed on Netflix. This film received a lot of praise from fans for its top-notch acting and how well it depicted the iconic story.
7. K-POP Demon Hunters
K-POP Demon Hunters became a big hit for all audiences on Netflix very quickly. It is now the most-watched movie on Netflix, with over 400 million views worldwide. The animated film stars the voices of Arden Cho, May Hong, Ji-young Yoo, and Daniel Dae Kim, bringing energy and personality to its unique characters. This film blends K-pop performances with some action and entertainment. Its massive streaming numbers show how versatile the film is, and how it resonated with viewers all over the world
6. Superman
The 2025 Version of Superman is a fresh and feel-good take on the classic superhero. Directed by James Gunn and starring David Corenswet as Clark Kent, alongside Rachel Brosnahan as Lois Lane, this remake focuses on Superman’s struggle with the absence of his biological parents. With striking visuals, emotional depth, and enough action to make any superhero fan happy, this film is a strong addition to the DC universe. Its bold and realistic special effects and widespread attention made it one of the most talked-about films of 2025, including among the BT students and staff!
5. How to Train Your Dragon
The 2025 How to Train Your Dragon brings the beloved animated story to life in a live-action remake. Directed by Dean DeBlois, the film revisits the bond between Hiccup and Toothless as they challenge expectations, stereotypes, and prove that understanding is stronger than fear. It also stars Mason Thames, who has starred in three movies that opened at number one in 2025. With awesome visuals and great emotional storytelling, the movie appeals to longtime fans of the franchise as well as the new, younger generation of viewers. Its high anticipation and widespread attention made it one of the most talked-about family films of 2025, proving that the heart of this story still soars.
4. Jurassic World: Rebirth
Jurassic World: Rebirth revives the iconic dinosaur franchise with intense action, suspense, and a fresh storyline. The film introduces a new chapter in the Jurassic universe, following humanity’s struggle to coexist with dinosaurs after years of chaos and destruction. With realistic visual effects and nonstop tension, the movie was satisfying and rewarding for long-time fans. Its anticipation and widespread attention for being the “scariest Jurassic film yet” made Jurassic World: Rebirth one of the most talked-about blockbuster releases of the year.
3. Wicked: For Good
Wicked: For Good delivers a powerful and emotional conclusion to the beloved Broadway adaptation. This film, along with its predecessor, brings the story of Oz full circle. Starring Cynthia Erivo as Elphaba and Ariana Grande as Glinda, the film explores the consequences of their choices as their friendship is tested. With stunning visuals, memorable music, and deeper emotional stakes, the movie resonated with both longtime fans of the musical and new audiences. Wicked: For Good opened to a $147 million domestic opening weekend and grossed around $312 million in the United States and Canada. Its strong anticipation and widespread attention made Wicked: For Good one of the most talked-about films of 2025, proving that this story’s message of identity and courage still holds a lasting impact.
2. Zootopia 2
Zootopia 2 returns to the animal metropolis, called Zootropolis, with even more humour, heart, and mystery. Featuring the voices of Ginnifer Goodwin and Jason Bateman, the sequel follows Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde as they team up to solve a new case that tests both their partnership and the city they protect. With sharp social commentary and colourful animation, the film appeals to longtime fans and new, younger audiences alike. Its predecessor film’s popularity made it one of the most anticipated and talked-about animated releases of the year, proving that Zootopia still has plenty of story left to tell.
1. F1: The Movie
F1: The Movie delivers a high-action ride that thrills and satisfies viewers while delivering feel-good moments. This film entertains racecar fanatics and general audiences alike. Directed by Joseph Kosinski and starring Brad Pitt alongside Damson Idris and Javier Bardem, the film follows a retired Formula One driver, Sonny Hayes, as he returns to the racing world after a career-ending injury to help an underdog team achieve success. This movie has it all, including intense racing scenes, immersive cinematography, and heartfelt storylines. This film captures the intensity of Formula One racing like never before. This film debuted at Number 1 at the box office and has grossed over $630 million globally. This movie is one of the biggest hits of 2025, and with its blend of emotion, spectacle, and heart‑pounding action, it encompasses the passion in Formula One racing. F1: The Movie was the top 2025 movie among Brownell Talbot students and staff, earning its spot at number one on this list!
