Dalia De Leon’s Top 10 Movies of 2025

2025 came and went in the blink of an eye. I had my bingo card all made out and barely got half of it done. It’s pathetic! Note to self, next year make a horror themed card. One thing I can say is I enjoyed, or should I say, watched a lot of horror. Truth is, it wasn’t all great. While it would be interesting to share the misses, it’s more fun to share the favorites. It wasn’t easy putting this list together. So, I made a list of movies that truly wowed me and movies that were just plain fun to watch. Now here we go, on to the list!

10. Hacked: A Double Entendre of Rage Fueled Karma

This is one of the movies that was just fun to watch. I saw this at Chattanooga Film Fest and what a delight it was! We have a couple who is just trying to buy a house but instead gets hacked. After losing all their money, they track down the guy who did it and exact some sweet, well deserved revenge. Chandler Riggs does a great job of playing the jerk in the movie. 

9. Host (2025)

The thing about foreign horror is it has to be recommended to you, or you have to be browsing and take a chance on it. It doesn’t get the same airplay some of these mediocre films get here. I saw this film recommended on discord and I jumped on it. Set in Thailand at a reform school, Ing is at the center of some, let’s just say, interesting occurrences. It is a slow burn, for sure, but it’s definitely worth it. I knew this going in, so I’m passing this on to you. PS: I love Thailand so I may be a little biased.

8. Weapons 

I realize this is a polarizing take. I don’t think I’ve met anyone who was just meh on the Weapons. To be honest, it was Amy Madigan’s performance that won me over. Her portrayal as Aunt Gladys somehow bewitching the town into doing her bidding, is phenomenal. And I actually like the child actors. They didn’t annoy me too much. Sounds horrible, I know. But usually they can take me out of a flick quick.

7. Buenas Noches

I’m cheating a little here as this isn’t exactly horror, but actually more thriller. I loved this Argentine film, though, so I am including it in my list. I watched it for my Chattanooga Film Fest run and enjoyed every minute of it. Laura is visiting Argentina from her native Brazil only to run into some trouble when she loses her phone and bags. A night of absolute chaos rains upon her as she tries to survive the mayhem. 

6. The Long Walk

Listen! I don’t want to hear it. As a matter of fact, my fingers are in my ears and I’m screaming “la la la la la” at you right now. Here’s the thing. I am actually a huge fan of the book. I’m a Gen X girl. I’ve read this book countless times and really appreciated the Bachman books. When I saw they were making a movie I knew I had to watch it. Now, is the movie on its own worthy of being on my list? Honestly, no. However, it’s on my list because of my affinity to the book and its pure nostalgia factor. It holds true enough for me to list it as my number six.

5. Companion

Iris is in love with her boyfriend, Josh. On a weekend getaway something horrible happens and Iris learns she’s in fact not human at all. She’s a companion robot controlled by an app and her boyfriend. Her world is turned upside down and I could not turn away from the screen. It’s heartbreaking and funny and it has Harvey Guillén from What We Do In the Shadows, so you know it’s a good time. 

4. Monkey’s Magic Merry Go Round

This is a treat of a film I got to watch thanks to Imagine Fantastic Film Festival. An existential gut punch finds its way into your heart. I promise that’s a good thing. I had to list this as one of my top five of the year. It’s a trippy ride as you follow along a TV host’s journey while he tries to remember, well, anything. His puppet co-hosts by his side only add to the nightmare he must endure. It’s Mr. Rogers on acid and I’m here for it.

3. The Ugly Stepsister

Oh dear, so many times have I seen Cinderella told. So many times I have never grown tired of it. With each retelling there is a new addition and a new takeaway. The Ugly Stepsister is no different in that respect. However, what I love about this version is we can be delightfully more wicked and grotesque. My heart hurts with each disfigurement as body horror always finds its way under my skin. True horror for me.

2. Bring Her Back

This movie is hilarious. Just kidding. It’s all kinds of messed up. A foster mom is up to rituals and shenanigans with her poor foster kids. We have possession and pica popping off over here. Bring Her Back is a great movie to watch fully immersed in a dark room, windows and curtains closed, the way I watched it. It’s the best way to get truly and completely creeped out. 

1. Sinners

What can I say? Absolute masterpiece! Was there ever any doubt this beautiful movie would not be included in my Top 10? Sinners stands tall amongst all movies this year. At a run time of over two hours, you might be tempted to skip it, but each minute of the film feels purposeful. You might think vampires mean automatic win, but after Twilight, I’d say you’re very wrong. Sinners wins because it’s visually stunning and musically captivating. The acting is strong and I couldn’t ask for anything more. 

And just like that, the year is over. Head over to Bluesky and let me know what you think of my list. Or share yours with me. I bet you’ve got some bangers I’d love to check out. 

Click here to read Dalia’s thoughts on Rosemary’s Baby!