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For 367 reviews, this publication has graded:
  • 42% higher than the average critic
  • 5% same as the average critic
  • 53% lower than the average critic
On average, this publication grades 1.5 points higher than other critics. (0-100 point scale)
Average Movie review score: 66
Highest review score: 100 One Battle After Another
Lowest review score: 10 Five Nights at Freddy's 2
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 221 out of 367
  2. Mixed: 137 out of 367
  3. Negative: 9 out of 367
367 movie reviews
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    • 98 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    La Gradiva
    La Gradiva successfully captures an unforgettable, life-altering field trip in 145 minutes.
  2. One Battle After Another
    In a career of many masterworks, this may be Paul Thomas Anderson’s most vital film yet. It’s one cinematic delight after another, a battle cry, and undoubtedly not only the film of the year, but for an entire generation, perhaps the entire decade.
  3. Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial vs. That's the Weight of the World)
    Like the band itself, Earth, Wind & Fire (To Be Celestial VS That’s the Weight of the World) seeks to honor the past while looking toward the future.
  4. Once Upon a Time in Harlem
    There’s a century worth of experiences packed into this room to glean from, and nearly all of it is an enthralling exercise.
  5. My Undesirable Friends: Part I - Last Air in Moscow
    Despite the constant threat of censorship (or worse), the reporters still manage to find joy and even humor in their daily lives. That comedic energy grows increasingly dark and even apocalyptic as the situation becomes more perilous, but “My Undesirable Friends” shows that the power of human connection and the fight for justice and freedom endure even in the most oppressive settings.
  6. Blue Heron
    At its best, Blue Heron soars, creating the world of Sasha’s family in impressively precise ways and allowing the underlying questions to linger without succumbing to simplistic answers or pat moments for cathartic release.
  7. Remake
    It’s a touching and moving homage that reminds us of the precious spirit that directs us towards remembering the deep love we have for family, through all its ups and downs.
  8. Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma
    It’s easy to feel left behind by the film’s intentions. But no matter viewers’ specific level of interpretation, what Schoenbrun does with the slasher genre, using it as a springboard to explore ideas that clearly resonate with them, is compellingly intelligent and consistently fascinating.
  9. Minotaur
    Minotaur is another unmistakably political, bleak, and methodical work from one of our best storytellers.
  10. The Alabama Solution
    The Alabama Solution may not provide a definitive answer, but it sparks an undeniable demand for change, making it one of the most urgent and important documentaries of the year.
  11. Seeds
    This quietly moving documentary takes a hands-off approach, which allows audiences to organically meet the film on its level. This method lets the farmers subtly present the central conflict that’s most affecting their lives and livelihoods. The gorgeous black-and-white photography gives the film an appropriate sense of timelessness.
  12. Fatherland
    Each and every artistic element works in lockstep to create another exquisite Pawlikowski film.
  13. Silent Friend
    A profoundly moving experience about nuanced thematic explorations of connections that is exceptionally crafted. The somber filmmaking highlights an engaging atmosphere, and the narrative is layered, nuanced, and captivating. The performances are all exceptional.
    • 90 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Forastera
    Writer-director Lucía Aleñar Iglesias and star Zoe Stein announce themselves as major talents in the former’s contemplative, moving feature debut - a work that's as patient and impeccably-composed as it is alluring from a plot standpoint.
  15. Marty Supreme
    The act of dreaming itself is what sustains us. Life is unpredictable, and dreams are sacred, which is why it’s nearly impossible not to find yourself rooting for someone as foolhardy as Marty Mauser, or for the beautifully unhinged vision of Josh Safdie.
  16. Rose
    Markus Schleinzer’s Rose is always engaging and has something thoughtful to say about gender norms.
  17. Ben’Imana
    Ben’Imana is a stunning, gorgeously assembled film about a people faced with a level of emotional labor that no one should ideally be forced to surmount.
  18. All of a Sudden
    All of a Sudden is a two-pronged attack on the head and the heart, rewarding viewers for their patience and attention by leaving them emotionally and intellectually affected in a way that will last long after the credits end.
  19. Pompei: Below the Clouds
    With Below the Clouds, Rosi performs an act of preemptive time travel by putting images and voices of a specific time, place, and people onto film. It’s a taxing watch that intentionally tries modern viewers’ patience, which is sure to repel most, but the nobility of Rosi’s intentions is inarguable.
  20. Our Land (Nuestra Tierra)
    It’s hard to argue with Martel’s mission, or the existence of the film at all; however, unfortunately, the director’s wide-ranging approach has the effect of muddling the story rather than elevating it.
  21. EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert
    Certain to energize longtime fans and generate new ones for generations to come, EPiC: Elvis Presley in Concert is a masterwork of montage. It’s a definitive doc that gives the sense of how the artist changed popular music, but also about how at his core he was a man with a powerful voice and a zealous need to entertain.
  22. Cover-Up
    Cover-Up is an overall captivating, invigorating watch. Without editorializing too obviously, Poitras and Obenhaus have created an incredibly impactful and, at times, infuriating look at America’s history of violent imperfection, showing that when it comes to holding our nation accountable, journalists like Seymour Hersh are an absolute necessity.
  23. Clarissa
    Powered by excellent performances from Sophie Okonedo and India Amarteifio, who convey the multitudes of a fascinating titular character, “Clarissa” shines as a unique perspective on Woolf and exemplifies the Esiri brothers’ compelling vision as filmmakers.
  24. No Other Choice
    Park Chan-wook has once again crafted a stunningly energetic and endlessly creative film that delights the mind and the eyes.
  25. Blue Film
    It may not always be easy to thoroughly enjoy a work like “Blue Film” because of its tough subject matter. Nobody wants to see an entirely sympathetic perspective of a person who has committed some of the most horrible deeds imaginable. But the strength of the film is not in seeking to answer those pure moral questions. It thrives in that gray area, contemplating the pain that leads people to the lives they end up creating for themselves.
  26. The Furious
    Without a doubt, The Furious is not only the best action film of the year so far, but the best action onscreen since maybe since John Wick 4.
  27. Fiume o morte!
    “Fiume o Morte!,” a reference to D’Annunzio’s slogan “Fiume or death!,” is a brilliant, subversive takedown of fascism, ruthless in its pushback against this embarrassing chapter.
  28. Club Kid
    It’s a heartwarming film about queer nightlife, fatherhood, self-worth, and growing up long after society says you should have already done so. More than anything, it understands that redemption isn’t about becoming perfect. Sometimes it’s simply about finally permitting yourself to change, one step at a time.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    A Poet
    The culmination of Soto’s themes mixed with his comedic prowess produces an insightful meta-meditation on the meaning of creation. Its rewarding contemplations conclude its saga of misfortune with the power of the spoken word — wrapping the protagonist’s search for creative consolidation with a heart-rending bookend.
    • 85 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Homebound
    Homebound is both especially relevant in its exploration of the marginalized communities suffering on the outskirts for the identities society deemed lesser and increasingly resonant for how it shows human endurance does continue to live and fight on in pursuit of achieving their dreams to one day escape, earn their right to freedom and show that no single person should be defined by their background or community.
  31. The Serpent's Skin
    With a movie like The Serpent’s Skin, the accomplishments of the whole outweigh the nitpicks of its parts. The vibe is so, so right. Anyone looking for an empowering, forward-thinking, and trippy watch will feel right at home slipping into this movie’s, well, skin. It’s quite literally spellbinding.
  32. One in a Million
    One of the most impactful documentaries in recent years.
  33. Cactus Pears
    While it can be subjected to tedium, the engaging aura and captivating performances do more than enough to assemble a heartfelt analysis of love, bereavement, and finding one’s inner truth.
  34. Iron Boy
    Emotionally rich, narratively confident, and visually compelling, this is one of the better films of this year’s competitive selection, one that just happens to be so carefully drawn and crafted as to require the modality of animation to make its point.
  35. Hamnet
    It’s a masterful reflection on how grief tears us apart, and the ways in which we try to put ourselves back together again. It is a film that lingers long after the credits roll, embedding its quiet power into the viewer’s mind and heart, a meditation on loss that is both intimate and universal.
  36. Is God Is
    Is God Is has an infectious, rambunctious energy that wraps you up in the drama and sweeps you along with every wave of emotion. Thanks to the fun that Harris injects throughout, whether it’s a moment of sisterly bonding or a moment of visual flair, it’s a bold, brutal blast, and one of the best debuts of the year. At the very least, it announces Aleshea Harris as a major new voice in cinema.
  37. Rose of Nevada
    For some, the narrative’s stronger foundation will be an asset. For others, it’s an underwhelming aspect that detracts from the overall enjoyment of the read. Either way, the film remains a fascinating piece that showcases a high level of creativity, making it worthy of being experienced.
  38. The Tale of Silyan
    The Tale of Silyan becomes not just a portrait of one man’s endurance but a testament to human resilience everywhere. Blending myth and realism with exquisite sensitivity, Kotevska crafts a work of rare poetic power, a film that observes, listens, and ultimately illuminates the quiet, stubborn beauty of life itself.
  39. Put Your Soul on Your Hand and Walk
    Director Sepideh Farsi's startling documentary utilizes WhatsApp video chats with a young Palestinian artist living in Gaza to provide a powerful snapshot of how the deadly war is decimating lives across her country.
  40. The Librarians
    With The Librarians, Kim A. Snyder has crafted a moving, invigorating call for tolerant thinking and freedom to prevail. Thankfully, it provides a path forward for those who will watch it with concern, showing that the best way to combat ignorance and hate is with the further dissemination of knowledge. Evil prefers a closed mind, and like a good book, these librarians seek to open them.
  41. The Perfect Neighbor
    It serves as both an exploration of the law and a powerful tribute to a mother, a woman, and a human life tragically cut short.
  42. The Only Living Pickpocket in New York
    Led by a terrifically tender performance by John Turturro, it’s a classy, enjoyable, lovely film about a man out of time, coming to terms with the fact that the world he occupies is no longer the world he knows.
  43. Predators
    Predators emerges as both a deeply unsettling reflection on a cultural moment and a probing look at how quickly compassion can erode when entertainment takes precedence over humanity. Stirring and provocative, it is not only one of the year’s most fascinating documentaries but also a career highlight for Dave Osit.
    • 83 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    Leviticus
    The writing is original, rich, and effective, ramping up tension until it reaches a graphic, brutal crescendo in the third act.
  45. Knife: The Attempted Murder of Salman Rushdie
    Alex Gibney’s documentary stands as a testament to the power of art in any form to push back against both abstract and real forms of oppression.
  46. Fjord
    Mungiu trusts the audience to arrive at their own conclusions as he casts the film out into dark, uncertain waters, with us unsure where exactly it is headed next, yet continuing forward all the same, much like people and society themselves, regardless of whether we are ready for it or not.
  47. Little Amélie or the Character of Rain
    This is a film that’s as concerned with lofty ideas of existentialism as it is with the simply mundane observations of daily beauty. That both co-exist through the lens of Amélie makes this a timeless and essential tale about growing up and learning what it means to live to the fullest.
  48. The Stranger
    The Stranger is a distancing, cold watch that’s sure to leave many viewers feeling completely stranded, which just may be what Ozon is going for.
  49. The History of Concrete
    Wilson manages to weave in a nearly non-stop barrage of jokes into the 100-minute runtime, while still keeping the tone lowkey. Though the film starts to lose steam toward the end, feeling as though it might have struggled to fill the feature runtime, it never stops being funny.
  50. Brian
    Given how well “Brian” works, it’s tempting to call it a miracle of a movie, simply because this humor shouldn’t play this well. But that’s not a miracle, that’s just everyone working on a film being perfectly aligned on how to tell the story they’re telling.
  51. Little Trouble Girls
    Little Trouble Girls is a confident debut from Djukić, who captures so much life and perspective into a dreamy 90-minute film. Making it even more impressive are wonderful debut performances from Ostan and Svajger.
  52. The Diary of a Chambermaid
    While not quite at his satirical best, The Diary of a Chambermaid has a more muted tone that helps foreground the maturity of Jude’s form and continues the quieter tension he began exploring after the balls-to-the-wall “Dracula.” Not a story of unrest, but rather one of rest against the friction of your surroundings.
  53. Closure
    Marczak’s film is a testament to a parent’s unwavering love and their willingness to do whatever it takes to bring their child home.
  54. The Voice of Hind Rajab
    A harrowing portrait of an attempted rescue that is captivating and intense. It’s emotionally effective, incredibly moving and haunting as it captures these events with an impactful intimacy. The performances across the board are exceptional.
  55. 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple
    Even with crafts that, at worst, could be described as serviceable, the narrative and performances are so captivating that they more than compensate.
  56. Preparation for the Next Life
    Preparation for the Next Life emerges as a poignant and empathetic examination of the challenges faced by young people in America. Through Bing Liu’s sensitive direction and Sebiya Behtiyar’s standout performance, it tells the story of two survivors bound by love but trapped in circumstances beyond their control.
  57. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
    Rian Johnson’s resurrection of the all-star murder mystery continues with yet another flawlessly cast, cleverly written, socially relevant, supremely entertaining entry in the “Knives Out” franchise
  58. The Testament of Ann Lee
    Regardless of one’s beliefs—or lack thereof—”The Testament of Ann Lee“ is an undeniably moving and inspirational story of holding true to one’s convictions and finding strength in a like-minded community, effectively brought into the 21st century through powerful, stirring music.
  59. The Secret in Their Eyes
    Campanella’s suspenseful direction makes for an emotionally resonant (and at times very upsetting) watch about enduring love, pain, and the evasiveness of true justice.
  60. Kokuho
    Separating Kokuho from most stories of artists striving for greatness is Sang-il’s commitment to capturing kabuki’s physicality. The filmmaker reminds us that greatness often comes from intense dedication as much as from the people around you. It is the art form itself, not just Kikuo’s internal desire, that makes his story worthwhile.
  61. The Invite
    Rare are comedies this funny and this mature. Its rich themes hit home, especially for anyone in a long-term relationship.
  62. Cutting Through Rocks
    A beautifully crafted documentary that’s a celebration of the profound ways in which women like Sara Shahverdi can – and do – change the world around them.
  63. The Ice Tower
    The Ice Tower is a beautifully crafted coming-of-age story that casts a hypnotic spell, expertly blending cinema and fairytale to captivating effect.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 40 Critic Score
    The White House Effect
    Those who exist within the warm bubble of environmentalism will surely connect the dots between the tidbits the filmmakers present. But those who take the film’s paean to critical thinking at face value will be left disappointed, searching for answers.
  65. The Currents
    While well-made, The Currents lacks the spark of originality that could make it truly outstanding
  66. The Christophers
    The Christophers may not be Soderbergh operating at his peak, nor does the film build to a satisfying or impactful conclusion. Regardless, Coel and McKellen make this creative endeavour worthwhile.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Plague
    The film’s relentless narrative is expertly performed by a cast of newcomer talent who empathetically portray its heavy subject matter with deliberate psychological intensity.
    • 79 Metascore
    • 70 Critic Score
    Endless Cookie
    Ultimately, Endless Cookie succeeds primarily because it keeps the story simple.
  69. Twinless
    Dylan O’Brien delivers a career-best performance, and James Sweeney shows both a deft hand and great talent behind the camera as director.
  70. Nirvanna the Band the Show the Movie
    Making dumb seem clever, and clever seem silly, Matt Johnson and company take their mockumentary shtick to new and dizzying heights, literally.
  71. Sunfish (& Other Stories on Green Lake)
    Falconer deftly captures the pain and worry present in such a conundrum. But through her beautiful ode to Green Lake, she reminds her audience and characters that it will be okay.
  72. The Man I Love
    It’s an honest, melancholy tale that pushes against the typical idea of the saintlike sufferer, instead portraying the central character as a credibly flawed individual. And just as he always does, Ira Sachs rejects stereotypes and expectations to deliver something that feels candidly close to life.
  73. Lurker
    Lurker is an eerie and chilling thriller that keeps its viewer stuck in an endless feedback loop of disconcerting behavior that’s only becoming more common.
  74. André Is an Idiot
    If this film is anything, it’s a profoundly curious look at why we often shy away from what we feel are weaknesses. It also brushes up against this same penchant for uneasiness in the face of death with a lot of heart and honesty.
  75. Maddie's Secret
    John Early's unique sensibility bursts onto the big screen with huge laughs in this loving recreation of '80s-'90s Lifetime movies that's just as heartfelt as it is hilarious.
  76. Merrily We Roll Along
    Director Maria Friedman has brought her landmark Broadway revival of Stephen Sondheim's most notorious flop to the screen that, in several key ways, actually improves on her heralded staging. The much-awarded performances of Radcliffe, Groff and Mendez shine even brighter on the big screen.
  77. The Man Who Saves the World?
    Even with a transfixing subject at its center, The Man Who Saves the World? struggles with its structure.
  78. Holding Liat
    While it’s impossible not to be moved by Holding Liat, Kramer also challenges his audience to consider the situation in Gaza carefully and really question what is best for the region going forward.
  79. Frankenstein
    Ultimately, the piece collapses under the weight of del Toro’s vision, a muddled collage of tones that consistently underwhelms. It’s a beautiful collage that amounts to a surprisingly arduous execution.
    • 78 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    The Blue Trail
    The Blue Trail, despite its many narrative flaws, stands out for a striking visual style and ability to ask uncomfortable questions about aging and autonomy.
  81. Obsession
    Overall, Obsession turns the volume up on impassioned romances with some incredibly committed performances from stars Johnston and Navarrette, and the wild scenarios they have to navigate. This is a film that demands to be seen with an audience to experience some high-energy creeps, chills, and thrills.
  82. Paper Tiger
    There are flashes throughout of the filmmaker at his absolute best, enough to remind audiences why Gray remains one of America’s most compelling storytellers, but taken as a whole, Paper Tiger ultimately feels like a lesser entry in his filmography, let alone the crime genre, which he has dabbled in on more than one occasion.
  83. KPop Demon Hunters
    KPop Demon Hunters slays as a mystical, action-packed musical full of surprises, and it deserves to be played in theaters.
    • 77 Metascore
    • 60 Critic Score
    Poetic License
    Ultimately, what you see is exactly what you get with Poetic License – an average American comedy that unremarkably plays it safe.
  85. Mile End Kicks
    Ultimately, Mile End Kicks is a messy, heartfelt portrait of youth and creative ambition.
  86. Nagi Notes
    Koji Fukada’s lovely film offers up unobtrusive but valuable lessons on the importance of accepting one’s reality while not shying away from reaching for what’s desired.
  87. Project Hail Mary
    A near-perfect crowd-pleaser. Thanks to clear, confident direction from Phil Lord & Chris Miller, this soaring adaptation is bursting with creativity. Impressively crafted across the board. Ryan Gosling’s flawless turn is both hilarious and heartbreaking. Both an epic journey to save humanity and an intimate story of friendship.
  88. Backrooms
    Backrooms sees Parsons arrive on the cinematic scene as a fully formed filmmaker, with a strong visual style and a knack for creative, engaging storytelling.
  89. Father Mother Sister Brother
    Father Mother Sister Brother is a cinematic series of variations on a theme, proving to be a gentle yet humorous look at how we interact with the people we have no choice but to know and, hopefully, love.
  90. The Samurai and the Prisoner
    Much as its main character tries to untangle seemingly impossible conundrums, viewers of The Samurai and the Prisoner will find themselves leaning in and working hard to discern the film’s intriguing details. It’s not a task for those who look to cinema as an escape, requiring aggressive attention from its audience, as all worthwhile art should.
  91. The Beloved
    Sorogoyen’s film meanders, and some of his visual flourishes are more puzzling than profound. Still, the two lead performances and one superb scene later in the film elevate the entire affair.
  92. Boys Go to Jupiter
    In the end, Boys Go to Jupiter may not fully stick the landing, but it’s a bold, vibrant, and unmistakably personal work of animated cinema. It won’t be for everyone, but like any great piece of outsider art, it doesn’t try to be. Glander has created something strange and resonant, a lo-fi lullaby for the anxious and overworked who just want to be a kid again.
  93. Wasteman
    Wasteman might be one of the bigger surprises this year at the Toronto International Film Festival and certainly one to keep your eyes on.
  94. Soul Patrol
    The subjects here are soulful in their recollections and captivating as they hold court. Even with missed opportunities for an even deeper understanding, what is present is still a worthwhile discovery.
  95. Hokum
    While it may be indebted to more modern storytelling methods than his previous features, Hokum still possesses enough of McCarthy’s dark magic that it will hold you in a vice grip all the way through. Considering how played-out many horror films feel nowadays, McCarthy’s mastery at scaring the audience is cause for celebration.
    • 76 Metascore
    • 80 Critic Score
    The Love That Remains
    The subdued, naturalistic, and sometimes playful approach to the subject is a welcome departure from more conventional family dramas about separation.
  97. Queen of Chess
    With stellar stylization and a soundtrack full of female-driven punk rock, it hilariously skewers the blatant sexism in the chess world while dramatizing gripping matches. A crowd-pleasing documentary.
  98. Influencers
    Influencers loosely explores its ideas through a slew of new approaches, which don’t always pay off. This sequel does feel like a much bigger film, both in terms of scope and presentation. But while sustaining the tone and style of the original, these expansions of ideas work to varying degrees. Yet the hiccups present in such thematic explorations never feel like misfires as much as they feel a bit undercooked.
  99. Stiller & Meara: Nothing Is Lost
    Stiller and Meara: Nothing is Lost stands not only as Ben Stiller’s best film directorial work in years but also as a very personal keepsake for him and his family. With admiration, respect and honesty, this carefully crafted cinematic family album ensures his parents’ brilliance and love will never fade.
  100. Send Help
    Raimi’s efforts as director do a lot to bring out a campy tone amid the violence, which makes for an engaging ride. The commitment from McAdams and O’Brien goes a long way toward elevating their characters, and watching their changing dynamic unfold is intriguing. Yet these elements are fighting against a script that weighs down the other inventive aspects of the performances and filmmaking. The narrative is too broad and can’t sustain itself over this runtime.
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