Film enthusiasts are always eager for the latest recommendations, and this year, the John Waters top films 2025 list promises a fresh blend of acclaimed titles and unexpected choices. Renowned for his unique cinematic taste, John Waters has once again revealed a selection that stands apart from official critic and guild lists, highlighting both celebrated projects and lesser-known works.
Waters’ Number One Selection: “Eddington”
Leading John Waters’ top picks for 2025 is Ari Aster’s “Eddington,” a film that has sparked conversation for its bold storytelling and divisive characters. Waters describes it as
“disagreeable but highly entertaining tale as exhausting as today’s politics with characters nobody could possibly root for.”
He elaborates further,
“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.”
These remarks reflect Waters’ appreciation for challenging cinema that refuses to cater to mainstream preferences.
Sequels and Hidden Gems Make the List
Waters does not shy away from highlighting crowd-pleasing franchises. “Final Destination Bloodlines,” directed by Zach Lipovsky and Adam Stein, earns high praise from him. He describes it as the standout sequel in what he considers one of the most exciting series in film history:
“the best sequel to the coolest cinematic franchise ever”
. This selection demonstrates his willingness to celebrate both critical darlings and robust genre fare.
Beyond well-known titles, Waters’ selections showcase a range of international cinema and underappreciated works. Oliver Laxe’s “Sirāt” delivers an energetic desert rave adventure, while Alain Guiraudie’s “Misericordia” offers a comedic, queer-inflected thriller. Bruno Dumont’s “The Empire” introduces a wildly imaginative science fiction narrative, and other noteworthy picks include “Sauna” by Mathias Broe, “Room Temperature” from Dennis Cooper and Zac Farley, and Mariska Hargitay’s revealing “My Mom Jayne.”
The Full Top Ten Films Chosen by John Waters
Here is the complete list of John Waters’ top ten films for 2025:
1. Eddington (Ari Aster)
2. Final Destination Bloodlines (Zach Lipovsky, Adam Stein)
3. Oslo Trilogy (Dag Johan Haugerud)
4. Sirāt (Oliver Laxe)
5. Sauna (Mathias Broe)
6. Room Temperature (Dennis Cooper, Zac Farley)
7. Misericordia (Alain Guiraudie)
8. When Fall Is Coming (François Ozon)
9. My Mom Jayne (Mariska Hargitay)
10. The Empire (Bruno Dumont)
Influence and Anticipation in the Film Community
John Waters’ annual list consistently sparks interest among industry members and cinephiles, reinforcing his reputation for championing originality and diverse perspectives. This year’s selections, featuring contributions from Ari Aster, Zac Farley, François Ozon, Mathias Broe, Adam Stein, Mariska Hargitay, Zach Lipovsky, Oliver Laxe, Alain Guiraudie, Bruno Dumont, and Dennis Cooper, continue that legacy. As awards season progresses, these picks are expected to generate ongoing discussions, encouraging audiences to explore works that might otherwise fly under the radar.
