'Frankenstein' and 'Wicked: For Good' ranked among AFI's top movies of 2025

The American Film Institute has revealed its list of the years most outstanding movies and TV shows, providing a guide for audiences ahead of the awards season. On December 4, 2025, AFI unveiled its AFI Awards honorees, highlighting ten films and ten television programs that stood out in 2025.

Notable Films of 2025

• Jay Kelly Starring George Clooney, this film is now in select theaters and streaming on Netflix.
• Frankenstein Guillermo del Toros adaptation features Jacob Elordi as the Creature and is available on Netflix.
• Hamnet Winner of the Toronto Film Festivals Peoples Choice Award, currently in theaters.
• One Battle After Another Directed by Paul Thomas Anderson and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, recently awarded Best Feature at the 2025 Gotham Film Awards.
• Marty Supreme Starring Timothe Chalamet and Gwyneth Paltrow, opening in theaters on December 25.
• Sinners Streaming on HBO Max and available digitally.
• Train Dreams Featuring Joel Edgerton, available on Netflix and select theaters.
• Wicked: For Good The second part of the Wizard of Oz-inspired musical, starring Ariana Grande and Cynthia Erivo, currently in theaters.
• Avatar: Fire and Ash The latest installment from James Cameron, releasing in theaters on December 19.
• Bugonia Available for digital rental and on DVD/Blu-ray starting December 23.

Television Excellence of 2025

The AFI also recognized ten television programs for their exceptional storytelling and performances:

• Adolescence (Netflix)
• Andor (Disney+)
• 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)

Spotlight on Wicked: For Good

The musical sequel has begun its international press tour, with Cynthia Erivo and Jonathan Bailey attending the red carpet in Brazil on November 4, followed by London and Singapore appearances. Ariana Grande joined the cast in London after missing the Brazil premiere due to travel delays. Both Erivo and Grande reprise their roles as Elphaba and Glinda, with Colman Domingo joining as the Cowardly Lion.

AFI Awards Ceremony

The official AFI Awards gathering will take place on January 9, 2026, at the Four Seasons Hotel in Los Angeles, celebrating the selected films and series and providing a preview of potential Oscar contenders.

Author’s Analysis: AFI’s 2025 Highlights Set the Tone for Awards Season

The American Film Institute’s selection of the top films and television programs for 2025 emphasizes both critical acclaim and audience appeal. With titles like Jay Kelly and Frankenstein streaming on Netflix, and theatrical releases such as Hamnet and Marty Supreme, the AFI list demonstrates a balance between mainstream accessibility and artistic recognition.

Television honors reflect a similar breadth, spanning streaming platforms and traditional networks. Shows like Severance and The Diplomat stand out for narrative innovation, while programs like Adolescence and The Lowdown illustrate the growing influence of digital-first content.

The international attention garnered by Wicked: For Good indicates how musical adaptations are becoming major global events, with cast appearances in Brazil, London, and Singapore highlighting the strategic promotion of high-profile releases.

Looking ahead, the AFI Awards ceremony on January 9, 2026, at the Four Seasons in Los Angeles will serve not only as a recognition of excellence but also as a bellwether for potential Oscar contenders, offering audiences and industry professionals a preview of the most influential cinematic and television works of the year.

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• 'Frankenstein,' 'Wicked: For Good' among AFI's top movies of 2025