Half of 2025: What are the best films of the year so far?

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The first half of 2025 has already brought big surprises and confirmations in cinemas. With famous franchises, unexpected twists and even original hits, the year managed to deliver a good mix of action, horror and drama. Some titles exceeded expectations and are already considered strong candidates for best of the year lists.

To continue, to Tangerine prepared a list of five films that have marked the last few months — whether for cultural impact, box office or artistic quality. The list ranges from blockbusters to more original projects that won over the public and critics in the first half of 2025.

There’s still a lot to come in the second half — including Superman, Wicked 2 and Avatar 3. But for now, these are the five films that stood out:

Sinners

Michael B. Jordan and Miles Caton in a scene from Sinners, one of the best films of the first half of 2025Michael B. Jordan and Miles Caton in a scene from Sinners, one of the best films of the first half of 2025

Michael B. Jordan and Miles Caton in a scene from Sinners

Disclosure/Warner Bros. Discovery

Two twin brothers try to leave their troubled lives behind and return to their hometown to start over. There, they discover that an even greater evil is waiting to welcome them back. Starring Michael B. Jordan, the film mixes suspense, drama and vampires in a script that doesn’t skimp on twists.

Karate Kid: Legends

Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan in The Karate Kid: LegendsRalph Macchio and Jackie Chan in The Karate Kid: Legends

Ralph Macchio and Jackie Chan in The Karate Kid: Legends

Disclosure/Sony Pictures

Jackie Chan and Ralph Macchio join forces for the first time in a crossover that excites old and new fans of the franchise. The new generation is represented by Ben Wang, who gives life to a young fighter torn between the styles of his two mentors. The nostalgia is balanced with exciting action scenes and a plot about identity and honor.

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Premonition 6: Blood Ties

Kaitlyn Santa Juana in Premonition 6: Blood TiesKaitlyn Santa Juana in Premonition 6: Blood Ties

Kaitlyn Santa Juana in Premonition 6: Blood Ties

Disclosure/Warner Bros. Discovery

The sixth part of the horror franchise brought a more emotional and well-constructed approach. In Blood Ties, survivors of an accident discover that they are all linked by family ties. The creativity in the deaths is still present, but the highlight is the more cohesive plot and characters that escape the stereotype.

Novocaine

Jack Quaid in a scene from NovocaineJack Quaid in a scene from Novocaine

Jack Quaid in a scene from Novocaine

Disclosure/Paramount Pictures

A man’s dream girl is kidnapped. He turns her inability to feel pain into an unexpected advantage as he fights a band of bandits to rescue her. Jack Quaid leads this unusual action film, which mixes humor, brawls and a touch of romance at a fast pace.

Thunderbolts*

Florence Pugh em cena de Thunderbolts*Florence Pugh em cena de Thunderbolts*

Florence Pugh em cena de Thunderbolts*

Disclosure/Marvel Studios

The film exceeded expectations by bringing together a team of anti-heroes on a mission that goes wrong from the beginning. The group formed by Yelena Belova (Florence Pugh), American Agent (Wyatt Russell), Red Guardian (David Harbor) and others has chemistry, internal conflicts and well-choreographed action scenes. Even in a turbulent time for the MCU (Marvel Cinematic Universe), Thunderbolts* was well received.