With the end of 2025 fast approaching, John Waters has released his annual list spotlighting the year’s standout movies. The cult filmmaker’s picks are known for their daring selections, focusing heavily on auteur-driven cinema with a distinct perspective, and this year’s list is no exception. The John Waters 2025 top films lineup continues his tradition of highlighting bold storytelling and international talent.
Ari Aster’s ‘Eddington’ Secures First Place
Occupying the top spot on Waters’ list is Ari Aster’s controversial feature, Eddington, echoing his admiration for Aster’s earlier work. Waters’ decision is both provocative and expected, as Aster’s Beau Is Afraid also led his 2023 selection. Regarding Eddington, Waters commented,
“My favorite movie of the year is a disagreeable but highly entertaining tale as exhausting as today’s politics with characters nobody could possibly root for,”
—John Waters, Director. He further praised its unique qualities, stating,
“Yet it’s so terrifyingly funny, so confusingly chaste and kinky that you’ll feel coo-coo crazy and oh-so-cultural after watching. If you don’t like this film, I hate you.”
—John Waters, Director. With its polarizing narrative and daring artistry, Eddington sits at the center of critical debate and rewards repeated viewings.
Top Three Features Reflect Waters’ Taste for the Unconventional
The second film in Waters’ ranking is Final Destination: Bloodlines. He described the film as
“Ferocious, fractured, and filled with so many scary, twisted surprises—this picture goes beyond trash into a new realm of exploitation art,”
—John Waters, Director. The number three slot belongs to Dag Johan Haugerud’s Oslo Trilogy (also known as the Dreams Sex Love Trilogy). Waters considers Haugerud as
“the newest heir to Ingmar Bergman’s throne,”
—John Waters, Director, and called the trilogy’s script,
“the smartest dialogue about romance in a long, long time.”
—John Waters, Director. These choices illustrate Waters’ ongoing enthusiasm for movies that challenge norms and delve deeply into unsettling human experiences.
International Filmmakers Highlighted in the Remaining List
Waters’ fondness for European cinema is evident in his 2025 selection, particularly spotlighting French and French-Spanish directors. Oliver Laxe’s Sirāt, which earned attention at Cannes, finds a place at number four. Waters regarded it as,
“the best feel-bad acid adventure ever filmed.”
—John Waters, Director. Alain Guiraudie’s Misericordia comes in at seventh, followed by François Ozon’s Fall Is Coming at eighth, and Bruno Dumont’s The Empire at tenth, cementing the presence of established French auteurs on the list. This international focus connects to Waters’ appreciation for cinema that pushes boundaries and embraces distinct cultural viewpoints.
List Showcases Boundary-Pushing Themes and Personal Connections
The list’s fifth entry, Mathias Broe’s Sauna, tells the story of a budding romance between a gay man and a trans man in Copenhagen. Waters likens it to “a modern-day Andy Warhol’s ‘Trash,’”—John Waters, Director. Following that at sixth place is Room Temperature by Dennis Cooper and Zac Farley; this film sees a family transforming their home into a haunted attraction for Halloween, blending genre and domesticity in unexpected ways. At number nine, Mariska Hargitay’s documentary My Mom Jayne offers an intimate portrayal of the actress’ Hollywood icon mother, Jayne Mansfield, producing a deeply personal exploration of celebrity and legacy.
Waters’ Complete 2025 Movie List
In full, here are John Waters’ top 10 films of 2025, reflecting his ongoing penchant for provocative narratives and unconventional storytelling:
1. Eddington (Ari Aster)
2. Final Destination: Bloodlines
3. Oslo Trilogy / Dreams Sex Love Trilogy (Dag Johan Haugerud)
4. Sirāt (Oliver Laxe)
5. Sauna (Mathias Broe)
6. Room Temperature (Dennis Cooper & Zac Farley)
7. Misericordia (Alain Guiraudie)
8. Fall Is Coming (François Ozon)
9. My Mom Jayne (Mariska Hargitay)
10. The Empire (Bruno Dumont)
The Influence of Waters’ Annual Top Ten
Each year, Waters’ top films list gains attention for its unpredictable inclusions and sharp commentary on modern cinema. For American audiences interested in these international titles, some may require patience before they are widely accessible in theaters or through streaming. Waters, celebrated for his distinctive vision as both a filmmaker and cinema enthusiast, continues to shape discussions within the film community, inspiring viewers to seek out challenging and original work. As his 2025 selections circulate, they are likely to fuel conversation and curiosity among fans and cinephiles eager to discover what lies beyond mainstream offerings.
