In an impressive cinematic marathon, a UK film reviewer has delivered a brutally honest verdict on the year's releases. Luke Eccleston, from Wigan, dedicated himself to watching a staggering 400 films throughout 2025. Yet, his highest praise was reserved for a tiny fraction of them, with only four movies deemed worthy of a perfect five-star score.
The Elite Four: A Curated List of Perfection
Sharing his exclusive list in a video for his 352,000 followers, Eccleston revealed the select titles that left a lasting impact. His choices span a new Hollywood thriller, a revered classic, and upcoming dramas, offering a guide for viewers seeking quality entertainment this festive season and beyond.
1. One Battle After Another (2025)
Topping his list is the 2025 release One Battle After Another, directed by Paul Thomas Anderson. The film features a star-studded cast including Leonardo DiCaprio, Sean Penn, Teyana Taylor, and Chase Infiniti. Its plot centres on a former revolutionary living off-grid with his daughter, who is forced to confront his past when a white supremacist hunts him down.
Eccleston was effusive in his praise, calling the film "perfection." He highlighted its relentless action and stellar performances, stating, "I honestly couldn’t recommend enough."
2. Amadeus (2002 Director's Cut)
Breaking from new releases, Eccleston awarded five stars to the Academy Award-winning classic Amadeus. He specifically recommended the director's cut of the 2002 film, which dramatises the rivalry between composers Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart and Antonio Salieri.
After putting off the film for years, Eccleston conceded to the widespread acclaim, praising its "incredible rivalry, incredible music and some of the best cinematography you will ever see."
3. Sentimental Value (Release: Boxing Day 2025)
This forthcoming drama, which Eccleston saw at a festival, tells the story of two Norwegian sisters reuniting with their estranged father, a film director. Tensions rise when he offers a role about their lives to an American actress instead of his own daughter.
Eccleston predicts a strong Oscar season for the film, describing it as a "spectacular, emotional, heartbreaking" piece that brought him to tears and is his favourite film of the year.
4. Marty Supreme (Release: Boxing Day 2025)
The final five-star entry is another Boxing Day release. Marty Supreme is loosely based on the life of table tennis player Marty Reisman and stars Timothée Chalamet, Gwyneth Paltrow, Fran Drescher, and Tyler, The Creator.
Eccleston hailed Chalamet's performance as "the best of the year" and commended the film for being consistently "hilarious" and "action-packed."
A Year of Discerning Viewing
Luke Eccleston's monumental viewing challenge underscores a year of highly selective acclaim. With 396 films failing to reach his top tier, his list provides a focused guide for audiences overwhelmed by choice. His selections highlight a mix of blockbuster action, timeless drama, and intimate storytelling, proving that cinematic excellence can be found across genres and release eras.
For film fans in the UK and beyond, this curated shortlist from a dedicated critic offers a trusted roadmap to the very best viewing experiences of the year.
