Cahiers du Cinéma Names Its Top 10 Films of 2025: A Closer Look
The influential French film journal reveals its 2025 Top 10 list, led by a European documentary about a famed matador, with a diverse mix of drama, thriller, and satire.
The venerable French cinema journal Cahiers du cinéma has unveiled its official Top 10 for 2025, limited to titles released in French cinemas this year. The selections span documentary portraits, tense thrillers, brisk dramas, and sharp satirical pieces from Europe and beyond.
At the top of the list is Afternoons of Solitude (2024), a European documentary that offers an intimate look at the life of famed bullfighter Andres Roca Rey.
In second place is One Battle After Another (2025), a gripping thriller featuring Leonardo DiCaprio in a lead role that keeps viewers on edge with political stakes and fast pacing.
The No. 3 entry is Yes! (2025), a satirical drama about a pianist-comedian who, after the October 7 attacks, is asked to compose a new national anthem, mixing humor with a probe into national identity.
- The Secret Agent (2025) — a taut espionage tale set in a modern city, exploring loyalty and betrayal.
- I Only Rest in the Storm (2025) — a character-driven drama set against a backdrop of upheaval, with a focus on resilience.
- The Adventure (2025) — a sweeping journey about risk, discovery, and self-discovery.
- 7 Walks with Mark Brown (2024) — an intimate documentary-style portrait built from a director's personal conversations with a philosopher.
- Nouvelle Vague (2025) — a fresh interpretation of a classic film movement, blending homage and innovation.
- Drifting Laurent (2025) — a moody, observational drama about a man adrift in a changing city.
- Mirrors No. 3 (2025) — a reflective, visually inventive meditation on identity and memory.
Share your favorite picks from this year's list in the comments below.
Expert comment: A veteran film critic notes that Cahiers du cinéma continues to balance intimate character studies with high-concept thrillers, enriching the conversation around global cinema in 2025. The selections signal a broader, more inclusive slate that welcomes diverse voices and genres.
The Cahiers du cinéma Top 10 for 2025 demonstrates a broad spectrum of storytelling, from intimate documentaries to suspenseful thrillers and witty satire. The lineup underscores cinema's ongoing evolution toward global perspectives, bold ideas, and human-centered storytelling. English-language viewers have a curated gateway to contemporary European and international cinema this year.
Key insight: 2025’s top ten show how modern cinema blends personal narratives with ambitious experimentation, inviting audiences to think while they are entertained.