'Train Dreams' and 4 Other Best Movies Released on Netflix in 2025, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes
From intimate dramas to large-scale fantasy statements.
These days, being featured among Netflix's top recommendations isn't necessarily an indication of quality. Year after year, the streaming giant inundates its audience with standardized blockbusters, often sacrificing originality for a tried-and-true formula.
However, amid this monotony, genuine gems occasionally emerge, showcasing the studio's capacity for bold, creative projects.
5. 'A House of Dynamite', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 75%
One morning, a nuclear-tipped missile was launched toward the US. It's unclear which of the potential enemies would take such a risky and ill-considered step – and why.
Could it have been a mistake? If the authorities' fears are confirmed, Chicago will be wiped off the face of the Earth in 20 minutes, and the country will be forced to respond to the aggression.
The events of the movie are shown in real time, but thanks to cinematic techniques, they span two hours.
4. 'Frankenstein', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%
Guillermo del Toro admits that Frankenstein has always been his dream project. He approached the movie's production with obsessive meticulousness and an unprecedented scope.
The locations and costumes are stunning and del Toro adheres fairly closely to the original story, while making several significant changes.
Frankenstein is highly likely to win Oscars in several categories, including makeup, hairstyling, and production design.
3. 'Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%
Jud, a young priest, is suspected of murdering Monsignor Wicks. The two men didn't get along, however, Jud insists that he did not commit any crime. Recruited by the local police chief, private detective Benoit Blanc takes on the complex case.
With this movie, Johnson abandoned the postmodern detective genre, instead producing a poignant detective drama about forgiveness and mercy.
2. 'Train Dreams', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
Robert, a woodcutter, was born in the late 19th century. Having never known his parents, he spent the first 20 years of his life wandering aimlessly around the world. One day, he met Gladys, and they immediately fell in love.
They built a house together on the riverbank and lived happily away from everyone. Robert often left for seasonal work while Gladys stayed home and raised their child. One day, tragedy struck their small world.
Train Dreams is a quiet masterpiece and one of the best films of the past year. It is a wonderful and poetic work that invites viewers to follow the difficult fate of one ordinary man.
1. 'The Perfect Neighbor', 2025
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 99%
In 2023, Susan Lorincz shot and killed her neighbor, Ajike Shantrell Owens. The women had been in a long-simmering conflict that led to the tragedy.
Documentary filmmaker Geeta Gandbhir explores the cause of the tragedy and openly criticizes current gun laws. The movie is composed entirely of police body camera footage.
Gandbhir won the Best Director award at Sundance, and The Perfect Neighbor is considered a frontrunner for Best Documentary in the upcoming awards season.
