Throughout the latter half of 2025, resident movie critic Don Shanahan has contributed articles on movies to the Elmwood Park Advocate.
Here we are at the end of the year, and Don graciously agreed to sit down and share his “Best Films of 2025” list with the community. On top of that, editor Kevin Gosztola made his own list and Don encouraged him to talk about it as well.
Below are their picks. To hear why these films made their lists, click on the above video and listen to their discussion.
Don’s List
10. “Sentimental Value” (In theatres.)
9. “Rental Family” (In between theatres and streaming.)
8. “Eddington” (Available on HBO Max)
7. “Life of Chuck”(Available on Hulu)
6. “Hamnet” (In theatres)
5. “Jay Kelly” (Available on Netflix)
4. “Is This Thing On?” (In theatres)
3. “One Battle After Another” (Available on HBO Max)
2. “Black Bag” (Available on Peacock)
1. “Sinners” (Available on HBO Max)
Kevin’s List
10. “Twinless” (Available to rent from Amazon, Google, or Apple)
9. “Familiar Touch” (Available on Mubi)
8. “Secret Agent” (In theatres)
7. “It Was Just An Accident” (Likely to return to theatres)
6. “Misericordia” (Available on the Criterion Channel)
5. “Train Dreams” (Available on Netflix)
4. “Perfect Neighbor” (Available on Netflix)
3. “Sirāt” (In theatres)
2. “Alabama Solution” (Available on HBO Max)
1. “Marty Supreme” (In theatres)
Don Shanahan is a Rotten Tomatoes-approved film critic and the editor-in-chief of Film Obsessive and Every Movie Has a Lesson. In addition to Chicago Indie Critics, he is part of the internationally recognized Critics Choice Association. He also owns and operates the Free Blockbuster box on the 2600 block of 75th Court, where those passing by may “take a movie/leave a movie” in the spirit of sharing a little art and culture with the community.
We took a break during the holidays, and only shared a couple of holiday-themed posts during the past week. But in the first couple weeks of January, we expect to have a few important stories for you.
Until then, thanks to everyone in the community who subscribed, shared, and engaged with the newsletter in 2025. See you in the New Year!
