Tuesday Tea: Top 5 Movies of 2025

2025 was one hell of a year for movies — the kind that reminded me why I still love going to the cinema in the first place. From animated worlds that feel more alive than reality, to genre films that surprised me in ways I didn’t expect, this year had range.

This list isn’t about box office numbers or critical consensus. These are the movies that stuck with me — the ones I kept thinking about days (or weeks) after the credits rolled. Some made me emotional, some made me laugh, some completely blew my mind with their world-building, and others simply reminded me that good storytelling will always win, no matter the genre.

So here it is — my Top 5 Movies of 2025, ranked purely by vibes, impact, and how hard they lived rent-free in my head.

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5) Weapons

Weapons was one of those movies I went into with curiosity and came out slightly shaken. It’s unsettling without trying too hard, and it thrives on tension rather than cheap shock value. What really stood out to me was how confident the storytelling felt — it trusted the audience to sit with discomfort and piece things together instead of spoon-feeding answers.

It’s dark, eerie, and lingers in your mind long after you’ve watched it. Not an easy watch, but definitely a memorable one — and that’s exactly why it earns a spot on this list.

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4) My Daughter Is a Zombie

This movie completely caught me off guard. On paper, it sounds absurd — and it is — but in the best possible way. My Daughter Is a Zombie balances humor and heart so well that you forget you’re watching something about the undead.

Beneath the comedy is a surprisingly emotional story about family, acceptance, and unconditional love. It made me laugh, it made me a little emotional, and honestly? That combination is harder to pull off than most people think. A fun, heartfelt gem that deserves more love.

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3) Ejen Ali 2

I went into Ejen Ali 2 with zero expectations — and walked out genuinely proud. This wasn’t just a “good local film.” This was a great film, period. The animation was polished, the action sequences were thrilling, and the emotional beats actually landed.

What made it stand out to me in 2025 was how fearless it felt. It didn’t play safe, and it didn’t underestimate its audience. It proved that Malaysian cinema — especially animation — is capable of world-class storytelling when given the resources and ambition it deserves.

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2) Avatar: Fire and Ash

At this point, James Cameron is just flexing. Avatar: Fire and Ash expanded the world of Pandora in ways that felt fresh, emotional, and visually insane. Every frame felt intentional, and the introduction of new clans only made the world richer and more immersive.

What really sold it for me was the scale — not just visually, but emotionally. The war sequences, the conflicts, the characters — it all came together in a way that reminded me why epic cinema still matters. This movie didn’t just entertain me; it made me feel something big.

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1) Zootopia 2

Taking the top spot is Zootopia 2, a sequel that had no business being this good — yet somehow exceeded every expectation. It managed to expand its world while keeping the heart and charm of the original intact.

What stood out most was how smart the storytelling was. It tackled real-world issues through humor, heart, and incredibly sharp writing, proving once again that animated films aren’t just for kids. It was funny, emotional, thoughtful, and incredibly relevant — the kind of movie that reminds you why animation is one of the most powerful storytelling mediums out there.