Swapped takes the tropes of body-swap comedies of the past and filters them through a decidedly contemporary lens.

As a film, Mortal Kombat II does still have some issues with some awkward pacing and perhaps one too many characters to juggle, particularly in the first half. But once the second half gets going, it becomes a bloody good time and a bone-crunching spectacle from start to finish.

While there may be one or two too many callbacks to the first film and a couple of unnecessary subplots, the sequel doesn’t rely entirely on nostalgia, nor does it strip away everything that made the original great. Maybe it’s not a perfect balance, but it’s pretty close to it. I don’t think I’ll be quoting this one as frequently as the first, but I certainly see myself grabbing some popcorn and peanut M&M’s for a pretty epic double-feature in the future.

As one of the year’s most delightful surprises, The Sheep Detectives is a charming, smart, and sincerely heartfelt whodunit that proves even the smallest voices can carry the biggest stories. But best of all, it’s also the kind of film you don’t expect to love this much and one you won’t forget anytime soon!

Michael may not rewrite the musical biopic, but it does just enough to set itself apart and inject a bit of new life into the genre by leaning into the family drama at its core. The performances are top-tier across the board, with Valdi and Jackson immediately becoming stars to watch and Domingo and Long proving once again why they’re considered two of the best in the business. The level of craftsmanship — from the hair and makeup to the costumes and production design — is unmatched, helping to compensate for a weaker screenplay and inconsistent direction.

It's fairly common for creature features to be populated by characters we feel little to nothing for: flat, cardboard people whose only real purpose is to fill the runtime until they get eaten. Thrash does a solid job of avoiding this standard pitfall.

The movie isn't reinventing the wheel — it is ultimately a love story that plays with familiar tropes in a beautiful setting. But it does remind audiences why we love these movies in the first place.

The story might be thin, and some new characters might not get the attention they deserve, yet The Super Mario Galaxy Movie remains a charming, often hilarious, and playful testament to the greatest video game franchise of all time.

The Drama is a film that will stick in your mind long after you’ve left the theater.

Although it could be debated whether this is a rom-com or not, given that the romance itself takes a back seat, it excels as a feel-good, indie dramedy anchored by Amanda Peet's career-best cinematic return.

Steve and Audrey Zahn pull it off in a beautiful film that will uplift your heart after breaking it.

Mike & Nick & Nick & Alice is a ridiculous adventure that is constantly surprising, unexpectedly touching, and truly hilarious.

Pizza Movie is a charming throwback to the stoner comedies that inspired it, an ambitious college movie that knows how to take a simple idea and turn it into something broad, wild, and expansive. While the joke might start to get a bit thin near the end, Pizza Movie is a clever bit of fun, and we definitely need more broad comedies like this in the world.

The Sun Never Sets is a charming take on the love triangle and a strong return to movies for Swanberg. The mixture of Fanning, Johnson, and Smith works well, and this romance is handled quite nicely without becoming frustrating with all its relationship back-and-forths.

While Kill Me doesn’t stick its landing, this is an impressive debut from Peter Warren, and it shows how well he can mix extremely dark subject matter with an engaging mystery that’s also quite funny.

Brian is an absolute blast and a hysterical coming-of-age story, centered on an impressive lead performance by Ben Wang, and an absolutely perfect handling of character and tone by Ropp and Scollins. Brian deserves to be amongst the great high school coming-of-age comedies that paved the way before it.

When it focuses specifically on the scares, Hokum is an effectively disconcerting film that relies on time-honored basics to really get under the viewer’s skin.

Compared to his other recent work, Carney’s latest pulls back a bit on the music and leans more into the comedy side of things, yet Power Ballad maintains the heart and optimism that is brimming from all his films, and hopefully, it will get the attention it deserves.

Ready or Not seemed to close the book on Grace's story, but Here I Come effectively shows that there are still potentially chapters to explore in this tale. Did we need a sequel to Ready or Not? Probably not. But hell yeah, it's great that we have one.

I Love Boosters is full of major swings and plenty of individual concepts that could take up an entire film, yet Riley balances everything this movie is trying to do quite well.

Through Wang's astute direction, some moving performances, and well-rounded vision, it is just as provocative as it needs to be, while making for a very entertaining watch.

Lord and Miller have created a new sci-fi classic, an incredible adaptation of Weir’s novel, and a film that deserves to be a part of 2027 Oscar consideration already. With Project Hail Mary, Lord and Miller have crafted a film that’s truly out of this world in every possible way.

The Immortal Man, while obvious at times, also gives you everything you could want in a Peaky Blinders movie. There's angst, there's violence, there's sex, explosions, and swagger.

The Bride! embodies an unconventional and rebellious nature that makes it wholly unique. Whether it's aware of its flaws or not, it's not ashamed to lean completely in. In many respects, The Bride! can come off as being just a little too much. Too much romance, too much theatricality, too much feminism — but sometimes, too much of a good thing is still a good thing.

Hoppers is an absolute delight, setting the bar high for animated films this year, while creating a film that reminds us just how amazing Pixar still is at making new, exciting worlds and stories, without relying on sequels.

It might not answer every lingering question or fully offload his tensions, but it does capture something more elusive and wholesome.

The McManus brothers have crafted something that manages to be both sprawling and intimate, complex yet without becoming convoluted. Redux Redux is a strong indie sci-fi film that will make you excited to see what the McManus brothers have up their sleeves for next time.

A vital documentary, Teng gives an intimate look at not only the toll the genocide has had on Gaza, but on the first responders who can do nothing but give their everything, even as the hospitals they work in become military targets of bombings, and survival is far from a certainty.

While it may not be for everyone, it is a love letter to and for genre fans, demanding the same kind of twisted, unconditional love it plays around with.

It's got the heart, humor, and wonderful animation to keep you entertained this holiday weekend.

While the film's reliance on established crime stories dips a bit too much into the realm of cliché, the overall result is a thrilling ride that's fun to watch, from its quietest character moments to its loudest chase sequences.

The Best Summer takes the audience on a summer road trip with some of the biggest musicians of the '90s, and it's a blast to be along for the ride. Davis' collection of videotapes makes this feel like we're coming across a collection of private moments, rather than a concert documentary.

Does Exit 8 work as a film on its own? Yes, it does, but it likely works best for those who've played the game before and are familiar with the concept. Otherwise, the tedious nature of the game that is duplicated in the film can feel like more of a chore than entertainment. As a lover of the game, it felt like the perfect adaptation, but, much like the game, the film isn't going to be to everyone's taste.

Cold Storage is a far better movie than you'd expect, thanks to its clever script, committed cast, and energetic direction. If you are hankering to watch more of Joe Keery battling monsters in the wake of the Stranger Things finale, this is just what the doctor ordered.

Ha-chan, Shake Your Booty! will likely gain criticism for its simplicity and earnestness, but I would argue those are the very things that make it so special and effective. It’s also an enormous triumph on a craft level, with stunning direction buoyed by equally gorgeous production design and cinematography. Throw in moving performances and beautiful choreography, and there’s no doubt you’ll be moved to get up and shake your booty, too.

The Shitheads is an enjoyable, dark take on the buddy-road comedy that could've maybe used a bit more finessing, but hopefully this isn't the last time we see Blair try this type of comedy.

I Want Your Sex proves that every generation needs its own Araki film.

By refusing to engage with messier material, Queen of Chess ends up being a rather straightforward, feel-good documentary, and that’s not necessarily a bad thing. Though it hits familiar biographical beats, Kennedy’s direction always keeps your attention and celebrates a remarkable woman whose amazing story deserves to be told.

With undertone, Tuason has created one of the few horror films that’s even more horrifying to hear than it is to see.

Gail Daughtry and the Celebrity Sex Pass is as unhinged as the name implies, and it’s exactly what we’d want from Wain and Marino. These two have proven that their brand of comedy hasn’t gotten old over the decades, and thank goodness they’re back making the most insane movie comedies out there.

Alex Huston Fischer and Eleanor Wilson's romantic fantasy film is a delightful and silly tale that masquerades as a fable. Beneath the surface of its folklore-esque concept, Wicker is more an exploration of human connection, a criticism of the patriarchy, and a fun exploration of just how far one ridiculous concept can be taken.

In just under two hours, Apatow and Berkeley truly do their best to cover every facet of Bamford, and it is an impressive document of her greatness.

With bold narrative choices enhanced by immersive cinematography and confident direction anchored by powerful breakthrough performances, Molly Manners’ directorial debut is a compelling showcase of emerging talent.

It's another perfect excuse to shove popcorn in your face as you cheer watching Statham beat some people up.

The Invite might seem like a simple idea, but Wilde, as well as Jones, McCormack, and her excellent cast, make this into a compelling, delightful, and moving comedy that's more intricate than it might seem.

Buddy is a blood-soaked nightmare full of dark humor and surprisingly touching moments. Like its title character, Buddy isn’t just fluff, there’s something deeper inside.

Ahn’s feature debut is ultimately a beautiful, sensitive love story showcasing the healing power of unexpected human connection.

Unafraid to lean into Isla's naivete, Rankin's performance playing off both O'Rourke and Gleeson is what places her at the center of this tale and makes it worth watching.

It's a fun narrative, the action elements are well done and uncompromising, and the jokes work. Sure, the narrative could use a little shine in certain aspects, such as the conspiracy at the film's heart and the background of their newly deceased, estranged father, but as a whole, it's a stellar outing and a lot of fun, a blank check for a probable franchise.

It’s a tough watch, and it never presents easy answers, but there’s an undercurrent of hope that keeps it from ever being overly punishing and even a few moments of much-needed levity to balance out some of the bleakness.

A little more full-throated absurdity and humor would've been a great step for the film to take. Ultimately, The Moment is a delightful spotlight for Charli XCX as an actor, and the concept itself finds some playful ways to expand on the lore of of her massively successful album. "brat" is dead. Love live "brat."

If The History of Concrete proves anything, it’s that Wilson can make a movie about anything and make it absolutely brilliant.

Carousel definitely has some rough edges on the fringes of this romance story. But when Lambert gives us the quieter moments of Noah and Rebecca, or puts them together in a scene, it’s absolute magic.

The overall result is a wonderfully emotional and poignant documentary that is a must-watch for aspiring actors or anybody interested in the acting process who wants to see just how much it impacts somebody's personal life.

All You Need Is Kill might not be as impactful as the Takeuchi / Obata manga, or Tom Cruise’s live-action update, but it does make some intriguing choices that will absolutely be worthwhile for fans of these other versions to check out.

With its depth, style, and surprisingly outlandish ending, Night Patrol is the latest feather in Long's mightily-quilled cap.

It will make you cry, it will make you uncomfortable, but at the end of the film's runtime, it will leave you with a feeling of profound satisfaction that even the most heartfelt movies struggle to replicate.

A stunning movie that continues to solidify the franchise's legacy as one of the best zombie stories to ever hit theaters.

Dead Man's Wire is a successful throwback to the classic crime stories that once dominated cinema.

Bader and Blyth are an irresistibly charming duo, and the decision to move the story's present-day scenes from Palm Springs to Barcelona results in some of the film's most stunning locations. Not only will you be rooting for Poppy and Alex to make things work, but you'll also probably end up with a little wanderlust yourself.

There's a clear command of how to set up a cool/scary/funny scene, execute, and move on before it's stale, and that's a testament to Roberts' skill as director and co-writer alongside scribe Ernest Riera.

With how prevalent the film's themes are in the world today, it's hard to imagine that someone won't find something to relate to in its many branching story arcs.

The performances of Holland and Mara mask the weaknesses of a slightly unfulfilled adaptation, which has charm in its flaws. The ending attempts to set the themes right, but needing to think about it afterward means it's not a film you'll forget about so soon. Seek out The Dutchman. It's well worth the challenge.

Like the songs it’s built around, it’s simple and familiar, and sometimes that’s enough to make a movie feel so good, so good.

The Plague, at times, can be too grueling a watch, especially in its graphic depiction of self-harm. It's also one of the most vital movies in recent memory in capturing what it's like to be 12 or 13 years old.

This third Avatar film might not have the groundbreaking impact of the first film, or the vast improvement that The Way of Water had over what came before it, but Fire and Ash is still an exceptional moviegoing experience that proves there’s still plenty of gas in this tank.

It settles into a steady rhythm by the halfway point, and goes against the grain of your average survival thriller by emphasizing just how brutal and unfeeling nature is, regardless of how big and strong you are.

Overall, Goodbye June proves Winslet is just as talented onscreen as she is calling the shots, bringing a raw approach to this already emotionally-driven story. Through her thoughtful direction, the ensemble is able to deliver a convincing portrayal of a dysfunctional yet loving family dealing with potential loss and precocious grief.

Rosemead is an absorbing and thoroughly heartbreaking movie that deals blow after grievous blow to its audience, and Lucy Liu is just astounding.

Kill Bill: The Whole Bloody Affair might not be Tarantino’s masterpiece, but it’s a brilliant example of a filmmaker with a deep-seated love of movies fully embracing his inspirations and passions in grand fashion.

This version of Merrily We Roll Along doesn’t fix every flaw in the material, but it doesn’t need to. What it does instead is honor how difficult, tender, and painfully human this story has always been, giving it the kind of intimacy that a lot of pro-shots never quite reach. For a musical that was once called a massive flop, it’s got a pretty satisfying second life — and one that’s very easy to roll along with.

It'll get your heart pumping from the very beginning, rarely giving you time to breathe, and boasts a lead performance from an actor who's truly in command of his greatness.

Sutherland truly is the star here, and he holds the movie in the palm of his hand. Between the self-deprecating humor and the 110% effort he puts into a silly British Christmas movie, he creates a really friendly and inviting vibe that just radiates off the screen.

Kotevska isn’t just telling a story of a farmer in a foreign land; she’s constructing a story that we can all relate to in our current world, in one of the finest documentaries you’ll see all year.

It's a colorful and delightful movie that delivers both thrills and heart. A fantastic follow-up to the original, Zootopia 2 swoops in right at the perfect time for the holidays as a perfect family movie to enjoy.

Riveting without ever feeling sensationalized and moving without being saccharine, Middletown is a captivating tale that combines elements of true crime and coming-of-age stories and proves, once again, that Moss and McBaine are two of the most talented documentarians working today.

As Hallmark-esque as this Netflix rom-com might be, it offers the perfect combo for what you anticipate from a seasonal title. It delivers on a low-stakes love story between two people from different cultural backgrounds, allows for its main character to grow into her own and understand her worth, and gives viewers the opportunity to escape to Paris without leaving their couch.

Come See Me in the Good Light is a shattering, yet lovely documentary that’s easily one of the best of the year.

Wicked: For Good is not only a loyal adaptation, but it builds on what works from the first film while leaning into its lead performances. The characters are more mature and nuanced, making it a worthy successor to the first film. It doesn't surpass Wicked, but as a double feature, these two movies do justice to one of the best musicals ever, and that's not an easy feat to accomplish.

A Very Jonas Christmas Movie is utterly enjoyable, giving fans a handful of new tracks to set the tone for the end-of-year festivities.

The movie is full of trees, lights, snow, and all the aesthetic trimmings of a Christmas movie, but there's a coziness behind all the seasonal artifice that radiates from the screen, and that, surely, can only be down to the right combination of people having a whale of a time together.

All of Wright's movies only get better and better on every rewatch, given the immense attention to detail, and revisits of The Running Man will undoubtedly garner more appreciation for a movie that's already one of the most crowd-pleasing pictures of the year.

Miroirs No. 3 is enthralling from beginning to end, a smart, often heartbreaking story that thrives in its simplicity.

I Wish You All The Best is a triumph on everybody's part.

In Your Dreams deserves to be held up with the best of what other animation studios have done, and as one of the most visually stunning, funniest, and beautifully touching films of the year

Predator: Badlands might not be the shock to the system that Prey was, but it is continued proof that putting Predator in Trachtenberg's was one of the smartest moves this franchise has ever made. The writer and director continues to find brilliant, fascinating ways to explore and expand the Predator movies to an exhilarating level, making this series better than it ever has been.

It's a winner, with a surprisingly breezy pace for such a long action spectacle. Interested audiences should catch it on the largest screen they can.

From its narrative that blends so many ideas exquisitely, to the gratifying characters and narrative arcs, to the absolutely stunning animation style, Arco is quite possibly the best animated film of the year.

Train Dreams is without a doubt one of the most extraordinary films of this year, the type that will stick with you, deep in your mind and heart, long after the credits roll.

It may not necessarily reinvent the wheel as far as modern-day technological thrillers go, and only time will tell how the movie will age. But Influencers is still a slick and stylish sequel that exemplifies everything that made the first movie such a fun watch and then some.

After all these years, Left-Handed Girl is a terrific return to directing for Shih-Ching Tsou, who crafts a wonderful, often moving, and splendidly told story of three characters coming into their own.

For a studio renowned for the time and attention it gives both the technical and storytelling sides of its production, the finished product is remarkably uneven. Yes, it’s great that there’s a new Studio Ghibli movie, but that doesn’t mean that the new Studio Ghibli movie is great.

Little Amélie or the Character of Rain is, without a doubt, one of the best and most touching animated films to come out this year, a remarkable example of what this style of storytelling can do.

There is a lot that the movie does so right, which is why its various faux pas feel that much more disappointing, but this is far from an overall failure. It's a sign of great things to come from Williams and from The Horror Section.

Pitfall doesn't reinvent the wheel or drastically change the game, but it deserves credit for being a crowd-pleasing slasher.

With Bugonia, Lanthimos elevates an already fantastic concept, making an essential film about the world we live in and just how insane and hopeless it can feel at times.

Instead of glorifying men at the top of their game (well, at least Keane), it’s a fascinating, funny, and smart breakdown of how one argument served as a microcosm for centuries of conflict, cultural values, and men’s egos.

It's funny, it's zany, it looks good, and has some really great character work going for it, but it probably would have turned out better as a product of the 20th century.