
2025 was a fantastic year for films, with both major franchises and highly anticipated sequels drawing big crowds. While original movies like F1, Sinners, KPOP Demon Hunters, and Marty Supreme also gained attention, the focus on these bigger titles meant some excellent, lesser-known films didn’t get the recognition they deserved.
With so many movies coming out and different ways they’re promoted, it’s easy to miss some great films. As we look ahead to new releases in 2026, now is a perfect time to discover some hidden gems from last year, 2025.
5. Fight or Flight Had a Lot to Compete With
Scheduled for release in May 2025, Fight or Flight faced tough competition from other big movies like Mission Impossible: The Final Reckoning, Thunderbolts and the live-action Lilo & Stitch. Despite this, the film, starring Josh Hartnett, delivers thrilling action, intense fight sequences, and a unique storyline. Hartnett plays Lucas Reyes, a former Secret Service agent brought back into service to hunt down a mysterious hacker known as Ghost.
Lucas is a classic unlikely hero. Driven by a need to make amends for past mistakes, he pursues a mysterious figure named Ghost on a flight, quickly finding himself battling multiple assassins in the air. The movie is a fast-paced, thrilling ride that feels like a throwback to the action movies of the ’80s, and Hartnett delivers a standout performance.
4. American Sweatshop Is Too Good to Ignore
Like Fight or Flight before it, American Sweatshop came out in September 2025 alongside several other popular horror and thriller movies. That September was a busy month for horror fans, with releases like The Strangers: Chapter Two, The Long Walk, and The Conjuring: Last Rites. The Long Walk, based on a Stephen King story, especially stood out and received a lot of buzz.
American Sweatshop, featuring Lili Reinhart (known from Riverdale), is a tense and captivating thriller. The story follows Daisy, a social media moderator who discovers a shocking video of an assault. Determined to find those responsible, Daisy becomes increasingly consumed by the disturbing content she’s exposed to at work, and this case pushes her to her limit. The film’s premise is both interesting and thought-provoking, and Reinhart delivers a powerfully emotional performance, making it a thriller you won’t want to miss.
3. More People Should Watch Bring Them Down
The film Bring Them Down centers on a bitter rivalry between two sheep farmers in the Irish countryside. Years earlier, Michael caused a car crash after discovering his mother was leaving his family, resulting in injuries to his girlfriend, Carole, and the death of his mother. Now, Carole is married to Michael’s neighbor, Gary, and they are struggling financially. Desperate for money, Gary, Caroline, and their son Jack hatch a plan to disable Michael’s sheep by removing their legs and selling them, which sets off a chain of violent events.
Though intense and often violent, Bring Them Down is a compelling film that delves into themes of toxicity and revenge. Christopher Abbott and Barry Keoghan deliver outstanding, powerful performances as Michael and Jack. Despite a low-key release in 2025, it’s a must-see for thriller enthusiasts.
2. There’s a Lot Of Promise in Lilly
I really think Lilly has potential, even if critics weren’t blown away. It tells the incredible true story of Lilly Ledbetter, the woman who took on Goodyear after discovering she was paid significantly less than the men she worked with. Her fight went all the way to the Supreme Court – it was a huge case that brought a lot of attention to the issue of equal pay, and I’m excited to see her story told.
The film Lilly tells an incredible true story, and despite some criticism of its pacing, Patricia Clarkson’s performance is captivating and makes it a film you shouldn’t miss. If you’re looking for a movie that will inspire you with the story of a remarkable activist, Lilly is a great choice.
1. Love, Brooklyn Is a Great Character-Driven Drama
Released in August 2025, the film Love, Brooklyn came out alongside major blockbusters like Fantastic Four: First Steps, Jurassic World: Rebirth, and Freakier Friday. Because of the competition from these well-known franchises, Love, Brooklyn didn’t generate as much buzz. The story centers on three friends in Brooklyn – Andre, a writer; Nicole, his new girlfriend; and Casey, Andre’s friend and ex – as they try to balance love and their professional lives.
Love, Brooklyn is a thoughtful and realistic film that looks at dating, the changes happening in Brooklyn, and how people grow. It’s also a sweet tribute to the borough itself. The movie unfolds at a gentle pace, which is a strength because it lets the characters and the overall feeling of the film really develop. It’s a strong and personal first film from director Rachael Abigail Holder.
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2026-04-07 03:07