AFI Announces Top Movies of 2025: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Wicked: For Good’ and More

The American Film Institute (AFI) has unveiled its selection of the top films and television programs for 2025, highlighting this years most noteworthy contributions to cinema and the small screen.

Top Films of 2025

AFIs list of the best films, presented alphabetically, includes:

• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Bugonia
• Frankenstein
• Hamnet
• Jay Kelly
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Sinners
• Train Dreams
• Wicked: For Good

Top TV Shows of 2025

The AFI also recognized the standout television programs of the year, listed alphabetically:

• Adolescence
• Andor
• Death by Lightning
• The Diplomat
• The Lowdown
• The Pitt
• Pluribus
• Severance
• The Studio
• Task

Special Recognition

AFI presented a special award to It Was Just an Accident by filmmaker Jafar Panahi, who was recently sentenced in absentia to one year in prison in Iran. The film is honored for its artistic and cultural significance.

AFI Awards Celebration

The honorees will be celebrated at a luncheon in Los Angeles on January 9. AFI aims to recognize works that exemplify the power of storytelling and creative excellence without fostering competition.

For more than 25 years, AFI Awards has championed the spirit of collaboration and artistic achievement, said AFI president and CEO Bob Gazzale. We are proud to honor these creative ensembles that showcase the impact of art, especially in challenging times.

Analysis of AFI's 2025 Film and Television Selections

The American Film Institute (AFI) has made its annual announcement of the top films and television programs for 2025, shedding light on some of the most influential and innovative works in the entertainment industry. The list showcases an eclectic mix of genres and storytelling approaches, celebrating both established franchises and fresh narratives. Notably, the recognition of "Avatar: Fire and Ash" and "Wicked: For Good" highlights a continuing appetite for cinematic universes and adaptations, while films like "Bugonia" and "Marty Supreme" underscore the growing diversity in themes and filmmaking styles.

The television category is equally diverse, with programs like "Andor" and "Severance" continuing to push boundaries in both plot and production. However, it’s the inclusion of shows like "Death by Lightning" and "Pluribus" that signal the rise of complex, thought-provoking narratives on the small screen. This variety represents a shift in both viewer expectations and industry trends, where traditional formulas are being increasingly replaced by more experimental storytelling.

The special recognition awarded to Jafar Panahi’s "It Was Just an Accident" is a poignant reminder of cinema's power to confront political and social realities. Panahi's film, despite his personal challenges in Iran, stands as a symbol of resilience and artistic commitment. It reflects the continuing role of filmmakers in challenging oppressive regimes and addressing global issues through the medium of film.

As we look ahead, the AFI's 2025 selections reflect both the evolving tastes of audiences and the industry's adaptability in turbulent times. With such a varied collection of works, the focus remains on collaborative storytelling and the enduring power of visual arts to inspire change and provoke thought.

Sources:

• AFI Names Top Films of 2025: ‘Avatar: Fire and Ash,’ ‘Frankenstein,’ ‘Wicked: For Good’ and More