Every year, the Academy Awards leaves out films with the potential to be award-winners. In the past, similar instances of this have occurred. Movies like “The Dark Knight,” and “Do the Right Thing” famously being snubbed from their respective ceremonies.
This sparked numerous debates about the Academy’s selection process, leading to a new rule implemented in 2009 known formally as “The Dark Knight rule”. Which, according to The Escapist, expanded the best picture category from 5 to 10 nominees.
In 2025 several movies generated a lot of buzz, receiving much critical acclaim and capturing the hearts of many audiences around the globe. Yet they were ultimately ignored by the Academy. This sparked debates amongst both fans and critics alike and, within these debates, 10 movies stood out as most prevalently talked about.
1. Mufasa: The Lion King
Mufasa: The Lion King | Official Trailer
Mufasa: The Lion King, directed by Barry Jenkins, focuses on the future ruler of the Pride Lands’ as he grows from an inquisitive cub into a regal monarch.
Dwight Brown (“DwightBrownInk.com,” via Rotten Tomatoes) praises its appeal for younger viewers, highlighting the perilous adventures that shape its charm.
Katie Walsh (“Tribune News Service,” via Rotten Tomatoes) commends Jenkins for expanding Disney’s beloved mythology without recycling old material. Overall, this prelude honors the 1994 classic, adding fresh perspectives to an iconic legacy.
2. Challengers
CHALLENGERS | Official Trailer 2
Challengers, directed by Luca Guadagnino, portrays a thrilling love triangle amongst a driven tennis coach, her husband, and his former best friend.
Christina Newland (“iNews.co.uk,” via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it “a brutal, animalistic tussle,” emphasising the fierce passion fueling each confrontation.
Tim Cogshell (“Filmweek,” via Rotten Tomatoes) applauds its heightened approach, dubbing it “filmmaking turned up to 11” in a genre that doesn’t usually get that drama. Guadagnino’s vision captivates audiences, balancing love, loyalty, and ambition in one potent package.
3. Sing Sing
SING SING Trailer (2024) Colman Domingo, Drama Movie
Sing Sing, directed by Greg Kwedar, tells of a man wrongfully imprisoned who discovers purpose by staging an original comedy with fellow inmates.
Lauren Veneziani (“WBAL-TV,” via Rotten Tomatoes) hails Colman Domingo’s performance, describing the film as “special” for illustrating how art can reshape a person’s mind.
Steve Crum (“Crum on showbiz,” via Rotten Tomatoes) praises its emotional resonance, calling it “sensitive without being saccharine, sometimes elating, sometimes tearful.” In blending heartbreak and hope, Kwedar’s portrayal underscores the unifying power of creativity.
4. Gladiator II
Gladiator II | Official Trailer (2024 Movie) – Paul Mescal, Pedro Pascal, Denzel Washington
Gladiator II, directed by Ridley Scott, continues the sweeping saga of ancient Rome with fresh battles and political intrigue.
Kristy Puchko (“Mashable,” via Rotten Tomatoes) lauds it as “an extraordinary film,” insisting it’s best seen on the big screen.
Dwight Brown (“DwightBrownInk,” via Rotten Tomatoes) praises the cast, highlighting Denzel Washington’s commanding performance as he “takes the throne.” This sequel retains the original’s epic scale whilst forging a new path in the annals of historical drama.
5. Nosferatu
NOSFERATU – Official Trailer [HD] – Only In Theaters December 25
Nosferatu, directed by Robert Eggers, reimagines the classic vampire legend with eerie visuals and deep mythological underpinnings.
Sergio Burstein (“Los Angeles Times,” via Rotten Tomatoes) commends Bill Skarsgård’s “phenomenal” turn, enhanced by sinister vocal work and top-tier prosthetics.
Richard Whittaker (“Austin Chronicle,” via Rotten Tomatoes) believes Eggers grasps that Nosferatu is rooted in “pure, malevolent, selfish, devastating power,” rather than erotic allure. The film breathes fresh dread into an enduring horror myth.
6. Nightbitch
NIGHTBITCH | Official Trailer | Searchlight Pictures
Nightbitch, directed by Marielle Heller, zeroes in on a stay-at-home mother convinced she’s transforming into a dog.
John Nugent (“Empire Magazine,” via Rotten Tomatoes) finds it “sometimes wackier than biting,” yet an authentic portrayal of motherhood’s raw truth.
Manohla Dargis (“New York Times,” via Rotten Tomatoes) highlights Amy Adams’s emotional vulnerability, crediting her for carrying the film’s tender, biting core. This dark comedy prowls the wild edges of parenthood with humour and heart.
7. Babygirl
Babygirl | Official Trailer 2 HD | A24
Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, offers a bold dive into contemporary relationships and identity.
Jake Wilson (“The Age,” via Rotten Tomatoes) acknowledges it demands emotional risk from viewers, leaving them in “the awkward space between safe distance and all-out commitment.”
Kristy Puchko (“Mashable,” via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it “one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year,” praising its unapologetic provocation. Reijn’s fearless approach balances intimacy and playfulness, crafting an evocative modern fantasy.
7. Babygirl
Babygirl | Official Trailer 2 HD | A24
Babygirl, directed by Halina Reijn, offers a bold dive into contemporary relationships and identity.
Jake Wilson (“The Age,” via Rotten Tomatoes) acknowledges it demands emotional risk from viewers, leaving them in “the awkward space between safe distance and all-out commitment.”
Kristy Puchko (“Mashable,” via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it “one of the sexiest, most thrilling films of the year,” praising its unapologetic provocation. Reijn’s fearless approach balances intimacy and playfulness, crafting an evocative modern fantasy.
8. The Brutalist
The Brutalist | Official Teaser HD | A24
The Brutalist, directed by Brady Corbet, follows a Hungarian architect’s journey to the United States after World War II.
Danny Leigh (“Financial Times,” via Rotten Tomatoes) deems it “a movie of towering scale, gravity and technical accomplishment.”
Max Weiss (“Baltimore Magazine,” via Rotten Tomatoes) appreciates its deeply personal narrative conveyed on a grand stage. This sweeping historical drama illuminates a life shaped by both conflict and ambition.
9. The Outrun
THE OUTRUN | Official Trailer (2024)
The Outrun, directed by Nora Fingscheidt, adapts Amy Liptrot’s memoir about returning to the Orkney Islands to confront personal struggles.
Bill Goodykoontz (“Arizona Republic,” via Rotten Tomatoes) finds it tough viewing, but undeniably compelling.
Richard Brody (“The New Yorker,” via Rotten Tomatoes) admires its sincerity while noting it takes few creative risks. Balancing stark realism and quiet hope, Fingscheidt’s film examines the power of home and self-discovery.
10. Heretic
Heretic | Official Trailer HD | A24
Heretic, directed by Paul Schrader, delves into faith and doubt in a haunting single-location setting.
Mark Kermode (“Kermode and Mayo’s Take,” via Rotten Tomatoes) praises it as a “really adventurous roller coaster” built on a simple, yet potent concept.
Sergio Burstein (“Los Angeles Times,” via Rotten Tomatoes) calls it “a complex debate on the legitimacy of religion,” framed in captivating style. Schrader’s latest is a daring mix of introspection and atmospheric tension.