2025 felt like both the longest and the shortest year ever, and one of the ways people were able to move through it was because of the countless films and TV shows that came out. While it’s great that there is so much to watch, it may be difficult to figure out which ones were the best, so here are some of your fellow students’ favorite movies and TV series from 2025.
After a few years (which felt more like decades) of waiting, television gurus obsessed with the 1980s were able to return to the time period and to Hawkins, Indiana, with the release of the fifth season of “Stranger Things.” The long-awaited final season came out in three increments, with one volume having come out on Thanksgiving, one on Christmas, and the final episode on New Years Eve, which was even played in theaters. This season, Eleven, Mike, and their friends continued their story a year after the fourth season took place, as they prepared to battle their greatest foe, Vecna. Though the season was expected to blow people’s minds and be very well-received, many fans felt displeased at the season’s plot and introduction of new characters. Samanvitha Mahidhara, a senior at Knolls, said that “I wanted more emotions in the show, and I didn’t really like the ending.” The final scenes of the series were essentially up for interpretation, which a number of viewers disliked, but it allowed fans to create their own ending for the generally beloved show. Either way, the final season is jam-packed with action and adventure, and “Stranger Things” still remains one of the most popular series in the world.
One of the most popular characters to recreate in films is Frankenstein’s monster, and Netflix has created what some believe to be the best “Frankenstein” movie yet. Though a bit more gory than other versions of “Frankenstein,” this movie enchanted a multitude of audiences, many of whom have loved the character for years. When asked about her thoughts on the new film, junior Sophya Camarena said “I was so touched watching it that I saw it five times and cried. Jacob Elordi (who plays the monster) is so good in this!” Adapted from the book of the same name, “Frankenstein” revolves around the complex relationship between creator and creation, as viewers can observe how a monster can actually seem more human than a person can.
One of Netflix’s most popular television series, “Outer Banks,” returned for a fourth season last year, and many fans have a mix of opinions on it. The show follows a group of teenagers as they hunt for treasure while also learning more about themselves. Though their lives may seem ideal, the friends are constantly being chased by others who want the treasure, while also being tasked with finding out how to keep their lives as normal as possible. Student Emma Plaskow, who has been watching the show for years, says that season four “ended on a cliffhanger” and that she is “very excited for season five.” With the fifth and final season coming out sometime in 2026, fans will be saying goodbye to their favorite characters, but not without some inevitable twists and turns along the way.
A large handful of remakes came out over the year, and one movie that satisfied audiences was the live action “How To Train Your Dragon” film. With the remarkable landscapes and vast amount of dragons present in the animated movie from 2010, fans of the original were afraid that the live action version would not be able to appropriately showcase the iconic aspects of their beloved film, but many people were pleasantly surprised by the remake. Senior Claire Kim, a big fan of the original movie, said “I thought it was really good and close to the original.” Following Hiccup and his dragon friend, Toothless, the pals journey through the land of Berk, meeting friends and foes throughout their adventures. Because the animated “How To Train Your Dragon” was the first in a trilogy, it is very possible that we could be seeing more tales of Hiccup and Toothless very soon.
Though it may not seem appealing to willingly watch a show that takes place in a school, “Abbott Elementary” offers a different perspective on school through forms of comedy. This hilarious show came out with a new season this past year, and fans are loving every second of it. The series follows fictional elementary teachers as they tackle challenges involving their school and students. Super-fan and Morris Knolls senior Isabella Schulte says, “I love ‘Abbott Elementary!’ It’s so funny and I’ve forced everyone I know to watch it.” This comedic and inspirational show is Emmy and Golden Globe winning, and proven to make you laugh much more than you will at school.
Possibly the biggest and most impactful film to come out over the past year was “KPOP Demon Hunters.” What started as a film following a fictional girl group achieving their dreams has become a bit of a cult classic among k-pop and non k-pop fans alike. Ever since its release in the summer, it has picked up more viewers every week, and on August 24, 2025, the “KPOP Demon Hunters” became Netflix’s first project to top the box office. One reason as to why the movie became so big was the astounding soundtrack that accompanied it, which even people who weren’t interested in the movie listened to. When asked about his thoughts on the movie, senior Zabdiel Garcia said “I like the songs, they really spoke to me. The characters and scenes were animated really well. ‘We’re going up, up, up, it’s our moment!’” The student quotes a fan-favorite song, “Golden,” which spent 8 weeks at number one on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, and remains a constant favorite for fans of the film.
For decades, book lovers have adored seeing their favorite pieces of text being brought to life on a screen, and the beloved YA book, “We Were Liars,” was met with excited responses, with millions of viewers watching the new show last year. The television show follows the Sinclair family throughout their summer adventures, but a mysterious accident threatens to tear the family apart, nobody knowing who to trust. Mrs. Nienstadt, a health teacher here at Knolls, claims “This show was so good! It had a crazy surprise ending that you would truly never see coming.” Even if you have not read the book, if you’re a fan of summer mysteries, check this show out!
Whether you are just hearing about these films and shows now or you’ve binge watched them all, these are some 2025 favorites from your peers at Morris Knolls, so grab your friends and some popcorn, and enjoy these flicks!
