AFI Includes 'Hamnet,' 'One Battle After Another' and 'Sinners' in Annual Top 10 List.

The American Film Institute has unveiled its annual list of the 10 best films of 2025, spotlighting Hamnet, One Battle After Another, Sinners, Frankenstein, and Marty Supreme. Other entries on the prestigious list include Avatar: Fire and Ash, Bugonia, Jay Kelly, Train Dreams, and Wicked: For Good.

The lineup blends blockbuster spectacles like the latest installments of Avatar and Wicked with critically acclaimed works such as One Battle After Another and Marty Supreme, alongside smaller, intimate dramas including Train Dreams.

Three films from NetflixFrankenstein, Jay Kelly, and Train Dreamsmade the list. Meanwhile, several highly anticipated films did not appear, including F1, Weapons, A House of Dynamite, Wake Up Dead Man, and Sentimental Value.

The AFI also presented a special award to Jafar Panahis acclaimed thriller It Was Just an Accident. Panahi, a Palme dOr winner at Cannes, has also received recent recognition from the Gotham Awards and the New York Film Critics Circle.

On the television side, the AFI recognized the years top programs: Adolescence, Andor, Death by Lightning, The Diplomat, The Lowdown, The Pitt, Pluribus, Severance, The Studio, and Task.

The AFI announcement is a significant nod for Chloe Zhaos Hamnet, which had previously not been acknowledged by the New York Film Critics Circle or the National Board of Review despite winning the Toronto Peoples Choice award.

Since 2000, the AFI has honored outstanding films annually, adopting the current format of 10 films and 10 television shows in 2002. Historically, nearly 80% of AFI Top 10 films have earned an Oscar nomination for Best Picture, though the two lists do not always align perfectly.

The honorees are selected by juries composed of scholars, filmmakers, actors, historians, journalists, and critics. Recipients will be celebrated at a luncheon on Friday, January 9.

AFI Motion Pictures of the Year

• Train Dreams
• Wicked: For Good
• Avatar: Fire and Ash
• Frankenstein
• Jay Kelly
• Marty Supreme
• One Battle After Another
• Rental Family
• Wake Up Dead Man

AFI Television Programs of the Year

• Adolescence
• Death by Lightning
• The Diplomat
• The Lowdown
• Severance
• The Studio

AFI Special Award

It Was Just an Accident

Analysis: AFI's 2025 Top Films and Television Programs List

The American Film Institute’s (AFI) annual selection of the top films and television programs for 2025 stands as a testament to both blockbuster appeal and critical recognition. With films like *Avatar: Fire and Ash* and *Wicked: For Good* included, the lineup highlights the continued dominance of large-scale franchises. However, it also acknowledges the rising importance of critically acclaimed films such as *One Battle After Another* and *Marty Supreme*, underscoring the AFI's role in recognizing both commercial and artistic merit.

Notably, Netflix continues its strong presence on the list with *Frankenstein*, *Jay Kelly*, and *Train Dreams*. The streaming giant’s growing influence on the film industry is now clearly reflected in its prominence at the AFI’s annual event, as these films offer a mix of innovative storytelling and notable directorial vision.

While some anticipated titles, such as *F1*, *Weapons*, and *A House of Dynamite*, failed to make the cut, the exclusion of these films may only indicate that AFI’s jurors are looking for projects that resonate not just in terms of box office potential but also in narrative depth. The selection process, which involves scholars, filmmakers, and critics, appears committed to maintaining a balance between popular culture and deeper, more intimate works.

The presentation of a special award to Jafar Panahi's *It Was Just an Accident* further elevates the AFI’s focus on global cinema and its dedication to recognizing standout international works. Panahi, who has received international accolades, adds further credibility to the AFI's broader scope in embracing diverse cinematic voices.

As AFI's recognition typically serves as a harbinger for future Oscar nominations, the selection this year also offers clues about the films and shows that could become critical fixtures during the award season. While not all of these films and programs will ultimately land Oscar nods, the AFI list provides a roadmap for the year’s standout cinematic achievements.

The announcement also underscores the importance of independent cinema alongside mainstream offerings. While films like *Hamnet* may have slipped through the cracks of other prestigious awards bodies, its inclusion on this list indicates the AFI's ability to recognize and reward groundbreaking work that might otherwise go unnoticed.

Sources:

• AFI Names ‘Hamnet,’ ‘One Battle After Another’ and ‘Sinners’ to Annual Top 10 List

Author: Olivia Parker
Olivia Parker is a journalist and editor with over 8 years in media. She focuses on culture, arts, and social issues, skilled in feature writing and critical reviews.