The American Film Institute has announced its top 10 motion pictures and television programs of 2025, highlighting a diverse slate of cinematic achievements. Films like 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' from Warner Bros. join indie darlings and blockbusters, while TV honors go to series such as 'The Pitt' on HBO Max and multiple Apple TV+ entries. The list serves as an early indicator for awards season contenders.
Announcement Details
The American Film Institute (AFI) unveiled its annual Top 10 lists for films and television on December 4, 2025, recognizing outstanding achievements in storytelling and production. Selected by juries comprising industry experts, critics, and scholars—including Lily Gladstone, Leonard Maltin, and Jeanine Basinger—the lists emphasize artistic merit over commercial success. The film selections blend high-profile releases with auteur-driven works, reflecting a vibrant year in cinema.
Top Films
AFI's motion pictures of the year include:
- “Avatar: Fire and Ash” (20th Century Studios, directed by James Cameron)
- “Bugonia” (Focus Features, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos)
- “Frankenstein” (Netflix, directed by Guillermo del Toro)
- “Hamnet” (Focus Features, directed by Chloé Zhao)
- “Jay Kelly” (Netflix, directed by Noah Baumbach)
- “Marty Supreme” (A24, directed by Josh Safdie)
- “One Battle After Another” (Warner Bros., directed by Paul Thomas Anderson)
- “Sinners” (Warner Bros., directed by Ryan Coogler)
- “Train Dreams” (Netflix, directed by Clint Bentley)
- “Wicked: For Good” (Universal Pictures, directed by Jon M. Chu)
Neon’s “It Was Just an Accident,” directed by Jafar Panahi, received the AFI Special Award for international films outside traditional eligibility.
Top TV Programs
Television honors spotlight prestige series across platforms:
- “Adolescence” (Netflix)
- “Andor” (Disney+, season two)
- “Death by Lightning” (Netflix)
- “The Diplomat” (Netflix)
- “The Lowdown” (FX)
- “The Pitt” (HBO Max)
- “Pluribus” (Apple TV)
- “Severance” (Apple TV)
- “The Studio” (Apple TV)
- “Task” (HBO Max)
Apple TV+ and Netflix each secured three spots, underscoring their dominance in quality programming.
Context and Implications
Historically, AFI selections align closely with Oscar best picture nominees, often matching seven or eight. This year's list boosts Focus Features and Netflix after other precursor snubs, while omissions like “F1” (Joseph Kosinski) and “Wake Up Dead Man” (Rian Johnson) may hinder their awards paths. The AFI Awards ceremony is set for January 9, 2026.