Film Technica's list of the best films of 2025 heavily favored modest films produced or acquired by streaming platforms, despite brief theatrical releases, the organization announced Tuesday. The trend, according to Film Technica, was unintentional but reflects a broader shift in the film industry as streaming platforms increasingly invest in small to medium-sized budget films. This type of filmmaking has struggled to compete with blockbusters and superhero franchises in recent decades.
The organization's editors noted that only one superhero film made their final list this year, signaling potential superhero fatigue among audiences. This comes amid Netflix's controversial bid to acquire Warner Bros., which could further reshape how movies are made, distributed, and by whom.
"It's been a strange year for movies," Film Technica stated in an editor's note accompanying the list. "Most of the big, splashy tentpole projects proved disappointing, while several more modest films either produced or acquired by streaming platforms—and only briefly released in theaters—wound up making our year-end list."
The rise of streaming platforms in film production is not new, but Film Technica's assessment suggests a potential acceleration of this trend. Streaming services have been investing heavily in original content to attract and retain subscribers, and this investment is now extending to feature films.
The potential acquisition of Warner Bros. by Netflix could have significant implications for the industry. Warner Bros. is one of the largest and most established film studios in Hollywood, and its acquisition by a streaming giant could further consolidate power in the hands of a few major players.
Film Technica acknowledged the uncertainty surrounding the future of the film industry. "How this all plays out in the coming year is anybody's guess," the organization stated. However, the organization's top picks for 2025 suggest that streaming platforms will continue to play an increasingly important role in shaping the future of film.
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