INFOGRAPHIC: America’s Top-Earning YouTube Videos

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To determine which creators and videos boast the highest global reach and revenue on YouTube, the team at BonusInsider analyzed the platform’s publicly available view data and assessed the estimated ad-driven revenue via the online YouTube Money Calculator tool by InfluencerMarketingHub, which factors in views, engagement, and subscribers. The figures in the report represent revenue from views alone, excluding additional income streams such as off-platform monetization, sponsorships, or merchandise sales. The complete dataset behind the report is available on Google Drive via this link.

American creators are YouTube’s biggest powerhouse: Cocomelon, ChuChuTV, Wiz Khalifa, and Bruno Mars together anchor the majority of the platform’s top-ranking viral hits. Data shows that 5 out of the 10 most successful videos globally belong to American productions, earning over $65 million for their channels.

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Here are a few key takeaways from the report:

• Five of YouTube’s ten most-viewed videos come from the United States, driven by a blend of children’s content and major pop hits. South Korea takes two spots with “Baby Shark Dance” (the most-watched YouTube video of all time) and “Gangnam Style”. Puerto Rican artists Luis Fonci and Daddy Yankee claim another with “Despacito”, the platform’s second most-viewed video. The remaining two places go to Romania’s LooLoo Kids channel and its "Johny Johny Yes Papa" and the UK’s Ed Sheeran with his global smash hit “Shape of You”.

• American kids’ content creators continue to dominate YouTube’s global charts - Cocomelon alone takes two of the top ten spots. The number 1 US release on the platform is “Wheels on the Bus”, which is currently the third most popular video globally. Cocomelon’s version of the timeless nursery rhyme has generated more than $15 million in ad revenue from views alone. Right behind is another children’s favorite, the “Bath Song”, produced by the same creators, securing 7.29 billion views and an estimated revenue of $13 million.

• Among the non-kids content in YouTube’s current top ten are two major US productions: Wiz Khalifa’s “See You Again”, which has earned an estimated $13 million from its 6.85 billion views, and Mark Ronson’s “Uptown Funk” featuring Bruno Mars, which has generated nearly $11 million from 5.70 billion views.

• Pinkfong’s “Baby Shark Dance” has held the title for YouTube’s most-watched video for five consecutive years, racking up 16.42 billion views and an estimated $30 million in ad revenue for the South Korean educational brand. Meanwhile, Luis Fonsi’s “Despacito”, which is often credited for reshaping Latin pop’s global reach, is the most-watched non-children's music video on YouTube, with over 8.86 billion views and a revenue of $16 million.

• Five of the top ten most-watched videos on YouTube are children’s songs, which together have generated an estimated $84 million in advertising revenue, accounting for more than half of the total $147 million earned by the top ten videos.

“As YouTube moves into its third decade, the continued dominance of US creators in the all-time top rankings points to a shift in how global audiences consume long-form viral content. American producers have mastered two of the platform’s most lucrative formats - high-retention kids’ videos and evergreen mainstream music. In the future, those categories are expected to grow even more influential. Kid’s content is on track to push revenue ceilings higher due to unmatched repeat watch time, while major US music releases increasingly gain longevity through Shorts-driven rediscovery and cross-platform virality.”

- comments David Sandler from BonusInsider.

More information on YouTube’s ten most viral videos - including view counts, estimated revenue generated from ad monetization, and our complete methodology, is available in the full report.

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INFOGRAPHIC: America's True Christmas Movie Obsession by State

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A new study revealed Love Actually is the most searched Christmas movie in America. The study, conducted by QR Code Generator, analyzed Google search data from October 2024 to September 2025 for 120 Christmas movies across all 50 states to determine which festive films Americans are most eager to watch during the holiday season.

Love Actually secured the top spot with 359,835 monthly searches nationwide, more than 45,000 searches ahead of the second-place film. The 2003 romantic comedy starring a star-studded cast including Hugh Grant, Alan Rickman, Emma Thompson, and Keira Knightley has maintained strong popularity despite being released over two decades ago.

Elf, starring Will Ferrell, claimed second place with 314,366 monthly searches. The comedy about a human raised as an elf at the North Pole continues to resonate with American viewers since its release in 2003.

The classic film It's a Wonderful Life ranks third with 233,768 monthly searches. This 1946 movie directed by Frank Capra and starring James Stewart has stood the test of time, remaining one of America's most beloved Christmas films.

National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation takes fourth place with 218,627 monthly searches. The 1989 comedy featuring Chevy Chase as Clark Griswold maintains its status as a holiday favorite across the country.

The Nightmare Before Christmas rounds out the top five with 200,762 monthly searches. This Tim Burton production blends Halloween and Christmas themes, appealing to fans of both holidays.

Bad Santa ranks sixth overall with 161,189 monthly searches, while Jingle All the Way, starring Arnold Schwarzenegger, comes in seventh with 129,058 searches.

Grumpy Old Men, starring Jack Lemmon and Walter Matthau, places eighth nationally with 124,646 searches but ranks as the top Christmas movie in Minnesota and North Dakota.

How the Grinch Stole Christmas (2000) and Four Christmases complete the top ten with 119,846 and 104,921 monthly searches, respectively.

The study also analyzed which states show the most interest in Christmas movies based on search volume per 100,000 residents.

Utah tops the list with 1,575.87 searches per 100,000 population, showing the strongest interest in Christmas movies nationwide. The state particularly favors Love Actually with 142.32 searches per 100,000 residents.

Colorado follows closely in second place with 1,448.29 searches per 100,000 residents, while New Hampshire ranks third with 1,431.77 searches.

Vermont and Oregon complete the top five most Christmas-movie-obsessed states with 1,416.55 and 1,375.52 searches per 100,000 residents, respectively

Regional film preferences reveal state favorites

The data show interesting regional differences in Christmas movie preferences across states.

While Love Actually leads in 36 states, Elf takes the top spot in 12 states including Arizona, Arkansas, Indiana, and Texas.

Grumpy Old Men ranks as the #1 most searched Christmas movie only in North Dakota, suggesting a unique regional preference for the 1993 comedy.

Minnesota also shows particularly strong interest in Grumpy Old Men, with 118.25 searches per 100,000 residents, second only to Love Actually in the state. This may reflect local pride, as the film is set in Minnesota.

Southern states show less interest in Christmas films

The study found that southern states generally show less interest in searching for Christmas movies.

Mississippi ranks last with only 764.45 searches per 100,000 residents, followed by Louisiana with 829.10 searches and Hawaii with 892.36 searches per 100,000 residents.

Alabama and Arkansas round out the bottom five with 949.57 and 958.85 searches per 100,000 residents respectively.

Christmas movie classics vs. recent releases

The data reveals that older Christmas films still dominate search interest compared to newer releases.

The oldest film in the top 10, It's a Wonderful Life (1946), still generates 233,768 monthly searches, outperforming many recent holiday releases.

Modern Christmas movies like Falling for Christmas (30,540 monthly searches) and The Christmas Chronicles (3,991 monthly searches) rank much lower despite their recent release and streaming platform promotion.

Marc Porcar, CEO of QR Code Generator PRO S.L, commented on the findings:

"These search patterns show how deeply classic Christmas movies are embedded in American culture. Films released 20 or even 75 years ago continue to attract significant interest during the holiday season. The strong regional differences we've identified also highlight how certain movies resonate differently across the country."

"What's particularly interesting is seeing how different regions have their unique favorites. The fact that a film like Grumpy Old Men ranks as North Dakota's top choice while barely making the top 10 nationally points to strong regional preferences that go beyond the mainstream hits."

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Methodology

• Data was gathered from Google Keyword Planner, which provides monthly and annual Google search volume for key phrases and terms across the US and for each state.

• 120 Christmas movie titles were used to source data from the past 12 months, including 'Love Actually' and 'Elf'.

• The study analyzed search data across all 50 US states, calculating the average monthly search volume for each movie title and normalizing by population to identify state-level preferences.

• Months Included in Analysis: 2024/10, 2024/11, 2024/12, 2025/1, 2025/2, 2025/3, 2025/4, 2025/5, 2025/6, 2025/7, 2025/8, and 2025/9

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INFOGRAPHIC: Winter Nights, Chilling Frights: Scary Movies to Warm Your Winter Nights

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A new study has revealed the scariest movies to watch this spooky season, with Evil Dead taking the crown. Online game magazine 1337games.io gathered a list of horror movies and analyzed ten factors: jump count, jump scare rating, Scarymeter’s overall score, as well as the creepy score, gory score, and jumpy score, IMDb ratings, script keyword counts, and kill counts. The movies were ranked based on their total scary scores, which were determined by these factors.

This year's scariest movie is Evil Dead with an impressive score of 80.92 out of 100. Released in 2013, this movie is a remake of the 1981 original The Evil Dead, which follows five friends on a trip to the woods in a remote cabin where they must face the demons lurking there. This movie has a jump count of 20, a high gore score of 9.20 out of 10, but a relatively low kill count of nine.

In second place is the popular horror movie It, released in 2017 and based on the Stephen King novel, scoring 75.76. The movie is based on a supernatural alien creature that takes the form of a clown called Pennywise most of the time, but can also transform into its victims’ biggest fear before eating them. It has 23 jump scares, a high creepy score of 8.32, and a kill count of 31.

Drag Me to Hell has claimed third place, with a scary score of 72.99. Released in 2009, this horror follows a loan officer whose life is turned into a living nightmare after refusing to give a loan to an elderly woman who then curses her. This movie has a jump count of 23, a high jumpy score of 7.86 and a kill count of nine.

Fourth place belongs to the movie Friday the 13th, scoring 72.28 out of 100 on the scary index. Despite being released more than 40 years ago in 1980, this movie continues to be one of the scariest movies of all time. The movie follows a group of teenagers at an abandoned summer camp with a dark past being stalked by a mysterious and relentless killer. The kill count is 10, the jump count is 23 and the gore score is 8.61.

In fifth place is Don’t Listen, also known as its Spanish title Voces, with a scary score of 72.05 out of 100. Released in 2020, this horror follows a couple and their young son moving into a new home where they are troubled by insomnia and hearing ghostly voices. The movie scores a perfect 10 out of 10 for its gory, jumpy and creepy scores, and has 27 jump scares in total.

The Alien movie, released in 1979, has taken sixth place, scoring 71.72. Another classic horror that withstands the test of time, this movie is the first of the Alien franchise, following a starship crew being hunted by a deadly extraterrestrial creature. It has 11 jump scares, a creepy score of 8.38 and the highest kill count among all the movies in the top 10, at 53 bodies.

The Evil Dead is in seventh place, with a scary score of 71.65. Not to be confused with the 2013 remake Evil Dead, also in the ranking, this horror was released in 1981 and is the original cult classic that started the franchise. Despite the modern remake beating the original for scariness, The Evil Dead still scores high for gore at 9.18, 8.47 for creepiness, and has 22 jump scares, but a kill count of just eight.

In eighth place is Scream, scoring a spooky 70.58 out of 100. Released in 1996, a masked killer known as Ghostface terrorizes a group of teenagers, forcing one girl to confront her mother’s dark past. Another cult classic with 19 jump scares, a kill count of 16, and a gore score of 8.57.

The movie Smile is in ninth place, scoring 70.29. Released in 2022, a therapist begins experiencing terrifying, inexplicable events after witnessing a patient’s suicide, as a malevolent entity feeds on her fear and trauma. The jump count is 21, with jump scares rated five out of five, a jumpy score of 8.81, but a kill count of five.

Sinister completes the top ten, with a scary score of 69.65. This horror came out in 2012 and follows a true-crime writer who discovers a box of disturbing home movies, revealing a supernatural entity’s connection to a series of gruesome family murders. The movie has 17 perfectly rated jump scares, a kill count of 20 and a high creepy score of 8.73.

Emre Aksu, a spokesperson for 1337games.io, has commented: “This spooky season’s scariest movies highlight how horror continues to evolve while respecting its roots. The 2013 Evil Dead remake topping the list shows that a modern reinterpretation can amplify the fear factor with intense gore, effective jump scares, and a tense atmosphere, all while staying true to the spirit of the original cult classic.

“It’s also fascinating to see a mix of films from different eras, from timeless horror like Friday the 13th and Alien, to newer psychological and supernatural thrillers like Smile and Don’t Listen. The scores reflect not just the shock value but also the lasting impression these movies leave on audiences, blending suspense, creativity, and sheer terror in unique ways.

“The ranking gives horror lovers the perfect selection to choose from this winter, so grab your popcorn and prepare to be terrified. Maybe grab a friend to scream with, or a blanket to hide under, too.”

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Methodology

A seed list of horror movies was created, and each one analyzed based on 10 factors. Each factor for each movie was standardized on the same scale from 0 to 10 to allow for accurate comparison between factors.

A weighting was then assigned to each factor reflecting its importance within the analysis. The factors, their source and their percentage weightings are as follows:

·      Jump count 11.24% https://wheresthejump.com/full-movie-list/

·      Jump scare rating 11.24% https://wheresthejump.com/full-movie-list/

·      Scarymeter overall score 11.24% https://m.scarymeter.com/movie/726208

·      Scarymeter creepy score 11.24% https://m.scarymeter.com/movie/726208

·      Scarymeter gory score 11.24% https://m.scarymeter.com/movie/726208

·      Scarymeter jumpy score 11.24% https://m.scarymeter.com/movie/726208

·      IMDb rating 8.99% https://www.imdb.com

·      Script keyword count per 1,000 words 7.87% https://imsdb.com

·      Letterboxd keyword matches review count 7.87% https://letterboxd.com

·      Dead meat kill count 7.87% https://the-dead-meat.fandom.com/wiki/All_Kill_Counts_Sorted_By_Release_Date

Once the weightings were assigned, the total score for the factors was calculated, producing an overall index score out of 100 for each entry, upon which the final ranking is based.

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Tongits Philippines Online Play Expands Reach on GameZone, Attracting Growing Player Communities

Tongits Philippines Online Play is experiencing a notable rise in popularity among Filipino card enthusiasts, thanks to its availability on the GameZone digital platform. The traditional Pinoy card game, long cherished in family gatherings and social events, has now successfully transitioned into the online space, attracting players seeking both cultural familiarity and interactive gameplay. GameZone’s structured interface and community-oriented features are helping Tongits maintain its relevance in the digital age, fostering consistent engagement across diverse audiences.

Digital Transition Brings Traditional Gameplay to Wider Audiences

Tongits, a classic Filipino card game, requires players to form valid melds while reducing the total value of cards in their hands. Traditionally played around family tables or among friends, the game emphasizes patience, observation, and strategic thinking. The online version on GameZone preserves these elements while providing a platform that connects players regardless of location.

GameZone replicates the core mechanics of offline Tongits, including turn order, card movement, and scoring systems, allowing players to experience authentic gameplay digitally. The interface ensures that the familiar flow of the game is maintained, helping players transition smoothly from physical tables to virtual matches. By doing so, Tongits Online supports cultural continuity while offering the convenience of modern technology.

Engagement and Learning Through Structured Play

GameZone’s platform enhances the online Tongits experience through features designed to promote engagement and skill development. Matchmaking systems balance the skill levels of participants, while ranking systems and scheduled events introduce dynamic challenges that maintain interest. Beginner PC strategies provide newcomers with guidance on basic game mechanics, card rankings, and optimal moves, easing the learning curve for first-time players.

Seasonal play strategies offer additional engagement by presenting evolving challenges and objectives. These seasonal dynamics encourage players to adapt their strategies, creating a varied and stimulating gameplay environment. By combining consistent traditional mechanics with innovative online features, GameZone ensures that both new and experienced players find the game rewarding and culturally relevant.

Community Interaction Strengthens Online Play

One of the key factors contributing to the growing popularity of Tongits Online is the community aspect provided by GameZone. Players are able to exchange strategies, share memorable game moments, and offer tips on gameplay. These interactions replicate the social dimension of traditional Tongits while expanding it to a digital network. Discussions in GameZone communities often focus on strategies, timing, and card combinations, allowing players to learn from each other without the pressures of live competition.

Practice areas and companion modes further support skill development. Players can engage in offline-style practice sessions within the digital platform, analyzing card patterns, experimenting with strategies, and building confidence before participating in live games. This flexibility allows participants to develop skills at their own pace, fostering long-term engagement and mastery of the game.

Supporting Skill Development and Strategic Thinking

Tongits Online Play on GameZone provides systematic opportunities for learning. New players can observe the outcomes of their decisions, experiment with different approaches, and gradually internalize the rules and strategic patterns of the game. Digital tutorials and intuitive interfaces guide participants through key gameplay concepts, including card rankings, valid melds, and optimal discard choices.

By incorporating both practice zones and competitive matches, GameZone ensures that players develop critical thinking and adaptability. The structured environment allows participants to focus on timing, observation, and hand management, core aspects that are essential for success in Tongits. This approach to learning emphasizes skill acquisition while retaining the cultural and social elements of the traditional card game.

Maintaining Cultural Relevance Online

Tongits Online Play plays an important role in preserving Filipino card culture in the digital age. By adhering closely to traditional rules, pacing, and social dynamics, the online platform ensures that the essence of the game remains intact. This fidelity allows players to experience the same strategic challenges and cultural enjoyment as they would in offline settings, reinforcing a shared sense of heritage.

The online format also encourages intergenerational interaction. Younger players can learn strategies and techniques from older participants, bridging gaps between generations and ensuring the continued transmission of cultural knowledge. Community discussions within GameZone further strengthen these connections, offering spaces for dialogue, learning, and socialization.

Balancing Tradition with Digital Accessibility

GameZone has successfully balanced the cultural authenticity of Tongits with the convenience and accessibility of digital play. The platform allows for flexible session lengths, enabling players to fit games into their daily routines. Clear interfaces, intuitive controls, and well-structured gameplay ensure that both novices and seasoned players can participate comfortably.

The digital environment enhances accessibility without compromising the traditional experience. Players can engage in competitive matches, practice sessions, or casual games according to their preferences. Seasonal events and ranking systems provide additional incentives to remain active, while community features encourage collaboration and social interaction.

Online Play Encourages Continued Engagement

The online adaptation of Tongits has broadened the reach of the game, attracting both new and returning players. By providing a consistent, fair, and culturally faithful platform, GameZone encourages repeated engagement. Participants return not only to play but also to interact with community members, exchange strategies, and participate in seasonal events. This sustained involvement fosters a robust and active online community, which further promotes interest in Tongits across the digital landscape.

Feedback from the community highlights the effectiveness of GameZone’s approach. Players appreciate the balance between preserving traditional gameplay and incorporating interactive digital features. The structured environment allows participants to develop skills, enjoy social interaction, and maintain cultural connections, making Tongits Online a comprehensive and enriching experience.

Looking Ahead: The Future of Tongits Online

As digital platforms continue to expand, Tongits Online Play is expected to maintain its role as a cornerstone of Filipino card culture. Future developments may include enhanced social features, competitive tournaments, and additional practice modes to further enrich gameplay. By maintaining the integrity of traditional rules while adapting to modern digital expectations, Tongits Online ensures that players can enjoy a culturally meaningful experience with added convenience and accessibility.

The success of Tongits Online demonstrates how traditional games can thrive in digital spaces without losing their essence. GameZone’s platform has created a space where cultural heritage, skill development, and community interaction converge, offering a meaningful and engaging experience for Filipino card enthusiasts.

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Choosing an Online Interior Design Course | Top Tips

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Short courses are convenient and easily accessible these days. They are popular among students and professionals. It’s one way to grow professionally. It is one of the preferred ways to improve academically in interior design. And there are several interior design programs these days. Choose the right online course by considering the factors discussed here.

List Your Objectives

Be clear with your intention in taking these courses. This can help you find one that matches your goals. It is often preferred for those who want to pursue a career in interior design. While some have specific goals. See if you have the following objectives in taking interior design courses:

• Learn more about interior design principles.

• Improve confidence in creativity and design.

• Learn practical skills.

• Explore a potential new career path.

• Upgrade skills for freelancing.

• Learn about modern design trends.

The Course Content

Make sure that the course offers topics that can help you further your education in interior design. The lessons should develop your creative and technical skills. The course should be crafted to make you stand out as an interior designer. You can graduate with a professional portfolio. This can give you an edge among other professionals. 

The curriculum at Interior Design Institute includes the following. 

• 12 Modules and Assignments

• Specialized Tutors

• 12 Months to Study

• Diploma of Interior Design

• Professional Portfolio

• Networking Opportunities

Choose Reputable Course Providers

Look more into the reputation of the course platform. Make sure that they have accredited programs. This can help ensure that you are getting quality education. Ensure that the institution can provide completion diplomas or certificates. You can use this as leverage when applying for a job. The certifications can improve your credibility. 

Consider Your Learning Style

Remember that online courses may vary in structure. Every student has a preferred learning style. Some of these classes are available at a fixed schedule. You might want modular classes. The schedule should align with your availability. Most of these classes are conducted online. It is best if there are different types of learning methods available to students. 

Cost for Taking the Courses

It is important that you can afford the classes that you want to take. They may be priced differently depending on the course provider. Check first how much you have to save for this course. You can look around for course packages. This would often include several classes at a discounted rate. This is often more convenient for students who are on a budget. 

Interior Design Career Path

Finishing an interior career degree may lead you to different paths. Know what’s the right career path for you. It can be one of the following:

• Interior Designer. You may want to be a professional who plans and designs functional and aesthetically pleasing interior spaces. You may find clients for residential and commercial properties.  

• Interior Decorator. You can also be a specialist for styling interiors. Your main focus is to make use of the right color schemes, furniture, and décor without altering structural elements.

• Home Stager. You can follow a career as a professional who prepares homes for sale. Make the property more appealing to buyers. 

• Design Consultant. Offer expert guidance on interior design. This includes the layouts, materials, color palettes, and décor. 

• Lighting Designer. You can be a designer who creates custom lighting pieces that match the needs of interior environments.

Conclusion

There are several course providers to choose from and days. Make sure that you are lenient with your decisions. Select a course that you find beneficial to your career. Discover different types of courses specifically for interior designers. 

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COLUMN: My 10 Best Movies of 2025

For the third year in a row, some kind of meaningful quote about the year feels apprpopriate. Reflecting on 2025, my head and heart are here:

"A man travels the world over in search of what he needs and returns home to find it.” - George Moore

Last year was a period for learning to say “no” more often in carrying on this double life of a school teacher and a film critic. That sure worked because 2025 might be the year where I anchored myself to home the most since the pandemic year. I switched teaching jobs from a place that had a 20-minute commute to a local one mere blocks from my home that I could walk or bike to.

Being that close to home, the reduction of logistical stress has been staggering, but so has the narrowing of habitat, so to speak. It feels like I left home for fewer screenings and movie events than I ever have. I let others get the by lines and let the movies come to me, and that turned out just fine for the 15th anniversary year of Every Movie Has a Lesson.

According the Letterboxd diary logs, I saw about 100 movies that received a theatrical or digital release in 2025. I stayed home this year, and it shows. From Somewhere in Montana on January 10th to Anaconda on December 23rd, 90 written reviews were published on Every Movie Has a Lesson, a dip from 107 in 2024 where I had a bump from participating in festival coverage. Many of those 90 also ran on my top outlet of Film Obsessive, where I successfully completed my second year as Editor in Chief and Content Supervisor. All told, combining reviews, editorials, awards coverage, and podcast articles, I authored and published 160 pieces on Film Obsessive in 2025—a site I’m damn proud to help lead.

Over on the podcast front, the Cinephile Hissy Fit podcast with Will Johnson produced 39 episodes in 2025, including our landmark 200th episode. Hitting #200 and having the chance to visit Los Angeles again count as my movie highlights of 2025. My trip this time came as a member of the Critics Choice Association invited by Netflix to cover Jay Kelly with a press conference including stars George Clooney, Adam Sandler, Laura Dern, Emily Mortimer, and director Noah Baumbach. Every now and then, I sure get to do cool things. In being part of the CCA, I continue to gain long-distance friends, and I remain eternally grateful for all of the perks that come with being part of that recognized leader in journalism and film criticism.

Alright, let’s get to the precious list. Here’s my “10 Best” list for 2025. As comfortable as I am, I can never see everything, as I have my blind spots and gaps. Nonetheless, I still value digging for treasure behind the mainstream where I can.

All poster images: impawards.com, Letterboxd, and IMDb

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MY 10 BEST FILMS OF 2025

1. Sinners

2. Black Bag

3. One Battle After Another

4. IS THIS THING ON?

5. Jay KellY

6. Hamnet

7. The Life of Chuck

8. Eddington

9. Rental Family

10. Sentimental Value

On my ledger, 2025 was a very good year, but not a far-and-away great year, at least in terms of star ratings. There are years I have filled an entire top 10 (and sometimes more) with all 5-star reviewed films. This year, either I was stingy, or things were just a shade less, because I only had six. Moreover, that score count was two until September. I feel like this year’s Oscar races reflect that level field as well, where most of the races are very competitively open here at the end of the year.

As for my Top 10, nothing has been able knock Ryan Coogler’s Sinners out of the top spot. I found the quality across the acting, storytelling, music, and production value to be nearly flawless and undoubtedly impactful. I know Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another has leapfrogged Sinners at Warner Bros. in studio favoritism and in many awards categories. Still, I think Coogler’s degree of difficulty was far greater. I have never been a There Will Be Blood fan and think Boogie Nights is Anderson’s leader-in-the-clubhouse in the masterpiece department, but it’s quite alright if 2025 becomes PTA’s year to get all the Academy flowers for the lightning rod of a statement film.

In between Sinners and One Battle After Another is Steven Soderbergh’s Black Bag, a movie as sharp and as engrossing as any other in the director’s stellar and varied filmography. It’s just a damn good 94-minute original movie, which is hard to find this day and age. With that in mind, I can readily admit that originality scores well with me, as eight of my Top 10 are non-IP original screenplays. The other two are adaptations of best-selling novels. As much as I loved Superman, there’s not a comic book movie in sight. Annually, my heart comes into play plenty. Thanks to Jay Kelly, Hamnet, The Life of Chuck, Is This Thing On?, Sentimental Value, and Rental Family, go ahead and call me that “rank sentimentalist” from Casablanca. That’s my taste and comfort zone and always will be. I welcome rewatching those six for years to come. Don’t worry. The acid of Eddington all by itself balances that softness out.

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THE NEXT TEN BEST:

11. F1

12. Song Sung Blue

13. Warfare

14. She Rides Shotgun

15. Magazine Dreams

16. Frankenstein

17. Roofman

18. Highest 2 Lowest

19. The Knife

20. Rebuilding

These next ten are a fun and eclectic mix. Song Song Blue is arguably the best crowdpleaser of the year. Going larger, the big screen electricity of F1 and the impeccable artistic grandeur of Frankenstein stand next to little indies like She Rides Shotgun, Rebuilding, Magazine Dreams, and The Knife. Those latter four were likely made for less than probably the wardrobe budgets of the first two.

Three of those four were anchored by extremely good under-the-radar lead actor performances from Taron Egerton, Josh O’Connor, and Jonathan Majors respectively. None of those three will get a whiff at Oscar consideration, and that’s a shame. The Knife, a home-based cop procedural pot boiler, is the directorial debut of former NFL All-Pro Nnamdi Asomugha, adding the big chair to his excellent second talent of acting. Seek those smaller gems out.

Once again, originality and strong filmmaking win, as shown by heavyweights like Spike Lee, Guillermo del Toro, Derek Cianfrance, Alex Garland, and Richard Linklater holding places in this next ten. The best filmmakers tend to make the best cream capable of rising to the top.

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HONORABLE MENTIONS

DOCUMENATARY: John Candy: I Like Me

SHORT FILMS: Death is Business, Liquor Bank

I don’t nearly have enough time to cover as many documentaries or short films as I should, but I try to champion what I can. A critic could review just documentaries dropping through the calendar year and the work would fill a full-time position. The best one I saw in 2025 was John Candy: I Like Me, a beautiful personal and industry tribute to the late Canadian star directed by Colin Hanks. On the short film side, I’ve been following Chicago filmmaker Matthew Weinstein’s work for years, and he hasn’t missed yet. Death is Business continues to sharpen Matthew’s storytelling chops. Another Chicago artist on the rise is Marcellus Cox. His Liquor Bank was a stiff sermon on manhood and accountability are stronger than the drinks being poured down the drain. I look forward to what he produces next.

Other 4-star movies (in alphabetical order):

Blue Moon, Bridget Jones: Mad About the Boy, Dog Man, Eleanor the Great, Elio, Familiar Touch,The Fantastic Four: First Steps, How to Train Your Dragon, Mission: Impossible - The Final Reckoning, The Naked Gun, Predator: Killer of Killers, No Other Choice, The Smashing Machine, Superman, Suze, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, The Wedding Banquet, Wicked: For Good, Zootopia 2

LOGO DESIGNED BY MEENTS ILLUSTRATED

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How to Steal (Okay, Borrow) Style from Movie Characters—And Make It All Your Own

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We all have that one movie or TV character whose style just sticks with us. Maybe it’s Audrey Hepburn in “Breakfast at Tiffany’s,” Ryan Gosling’s “Drive” jacket, or the entire wardrobe from “Clueless” (raises hand). There’s something magnetic about on-screen style—it’s iconic, it’s bold, and it somehow manages to be both timeless and just a little bit daring. The good news? You don’t need a Hollywood budget or a personal stylist to channel a little of that magic.

Figure Out What Actually Catches Your Eye

Start by asking yourself, what is it about that look that makes you pause? Is it the color palette—think all black, neutrals, or tons of color blocking? Maybe it’s the fit—oversized coats, perfectly tailored suits, high-waist pants, or dresses that twirl? Even little touches, like a scarf tossed just so or a statement pair of glasses, can transform a basic outfit into something movie-worthy.

Let’s be honest, Carrie Bradshaw’s wild shoe collection or Holly Golightly’s signature pearls aren’t just accessories—they’re personality, cranked up to 11. So, jot down or screenshot what you love during your next movie night. Bonus tip: keep a little inspiration folder on your phone for all those “must try this” fleeting moments.

Adapt the Vibe—Don’t Just Copy and Paste

Here’s where people get tripped up. You don’t need to cosplay as Elle Woods to bring a little “Legally Blonde” into your workday. Pick one or two signature elements—the bright pink blazer, the classic silhouettes, maybe a clever hair accessory—and weave them into your own wardrobe. Blend them with what’s already in your closet. The end goal is to look like you—just with a wink to your fave character.

Play With Accessories—You Don’t Need the Exact Thing

Accessories are the secret sauce. Sometimes, a nod to your movie muse is enough to turn a casual Wednesday into something a little special. Whether it’s bold sunglasses, a vintage brooch, or a structured statement purse, small details go a long way. For example, there’s something about women’s luxury bags that just screams “leading lady.” You don’t need a designer price tag, but a well-made structured bag (inspired by your favorite on-screen power player) brings instant polish. 

Mix In Your Own Personality

Don’t forget—your favorite character might live in ’90s plaid, but if that’s not your thing, pick the essence instead. Maybe it’s their confidence or the color combos, not the exact boots. Give yourself permission to get playful and experiment, even if you miss the mark sometimes. (Hey, that time I tried to “Annie Hall” my wardrobe? I still laugh about those giant trousers.)

Style is About Feeling, Not Just Looking

The best thing about movie-inspired style is how it makes you feel. Channeling a character you adore can turn an ordinary day into one where you feel a little braver, a little cooler, or maybe just a bit more yourself. A great outfit, after all, is your daily plot twist.

Movie style isn’t reserved for the credits—steal a little inspo, make it your own, and strut into your everyday like you’re about to nail the perfect scene. Lights, camera… you.

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