"Cannes 2025: 12 Must-See Films Everyone Will Be Talking About"

As the curtain closes on the 2025 Cannes Film Festival, it's clear this year brought a wave of powerful stories, bold ideas, and unforgettable characters to the big screen. From wild comedies and heartfelt dramas to shocking thrillers and moving memoirs, the festival showcased some of the most exciting films we’re likely to hear about all year. Here’s a look at 12 standout titles that left a lasting impression and are set to make waves far beyond the French Riviera.

1. Die, My Love

Directed by Lynne Ramsay and starring Jennifer Lawrence and Robert Pattinson, Die, My Love was one of the hottest titles at Cannes. Based on Ariana Harwicz’s novel, the film explores the mental unraveling of a woman after childbirth. But Ramsay insists it’s more than that—it’s about love, sex, and creativity falling apart. Critics especially praised Lawrence’s intense and emotional performance, calling it one of her best.

2. Sound of Falling

Mascha Schilinski’s second feature is an artistic wonder. Set in a single German farmhouse, it weaves together four different timelines to show how pain and memories pass through generations. It’s complex but deeply moving, with stunning visuals that make it a true cinematic experience. One critic even said it might be one of the best films not just of the year, but of all time.

3. Pillion

A unique British love story with a twist—Pillion dives into the world of gay BDSM relationships. Alexander Skarsgård plays a tough biker who falls for a shy car park inspector, played by Harry Melling. The film is both funny and serious, asking tough questions about love, power, and emotional safety. It’s the kind of story that will spark lots of conversation.

4. Eddington

Ari Aster, known for horror hits like Hereditary, brings something different with Eddington, a dark comedy set in small-town New Mexico during the chaos of 2020. Joaquin Phoenix plays a sheriff who may not be the hero he thinks he is. With a strong cast including Pedro Pascal and Emma Stone, the film tackles real-world issues like the pandemic and social unrest, but with humor and edge.

5. The Secret Agent

Set in 1970s Brazil, this slow-burning thriller from Kleber Mendonça Filho follows Marcelo, a man caught in the middle of political violence. Actor Wagner Moura shines in the lead role, and the film builds to a powerful ending that leaves a deep emotional impact. Expect this one to be a strong contender during awards season.

6. Sentimental Value

After the success of The Worst Person in the World, director Joachim Trier returns with Sentimental Value, a touching family drama starring Renate Reinsve and Stellan Skarsgård. It tells the story of a famous actress and her father, a once-great director, as they try to reconnect through a new film. It’s funny, sad, and full of heart.

7. Sirat

This wild and unpredictable film from Spanish director Oliver Laxe begins at a rave in the Moroccan desert and turns into a road trip, then an existential drama. A father searches for his missing daughter while the world around him seems to fall apart. With stunning desert visuals and a powerful techno soundtrack, Sirat has become a surprise hit, with many calling it “brilliantly bizarre.”

8. The Chronology of Water

Kristen Stewart makes her directing debut with this personal and powerful film based on Lidia Yuknavitch’s memoir. Imogen Poots plays the lead in a raw story about trauma, loss, and finding meaning through art. The movie jumps back and forth in time, painting a picture of a woman’s life that’s as emotional as it is honest. Though it’s not a traditional film, it leaves a lasting impact.

9. Urchin

Actor Harris Dickinson steps behind the camera for Urchin, a smart and unusual film about a middle-class man who ends up homeless and addicted to drugs. Frank Dillane plays the lead in a story that doesn’t ask for pity but instead shows life on the edge in a real and thoughtful way. Dickinson proves he’s not just a great actor, but a promising filmmaker too.

10. My Father’s Shadow

Making history as the first Nigerian film in Cannes’ official selection, My Father’s Shadow tells the story of two young boys spending a day in Lagos with their father during a key moment in Nigeria’s political history. Directed by Akinola Davies Jr and starring Ṣọpẹ́ Dìrísù, it’s a deeply emotional and beautiful film about childhood, memory, and hope.

11. Nouvelle Vague

Richard Linklater’s love letter to the French New Wave is a charming behind-the-scenes look at the making of Jean-Luc Godard’s Breathless. With perfect casting and a lively jazz score, Nouvelle Vague is both a celebration of classic cinema and a showcase of Linklater’s underrated skills as a director. Fans of film history will adore this one.

12. It Was Just an Accident

Iranian director Jafar Panahi returns with a powerful and funny thriller about a group of people who think they’ve found the man who once tortured them. But is he really the one? The film mixes dark humor with political anger and human kindness, showing once again why Panahi is one of the most important voices in world cinema.

Final Thoughts

Cannes 2025 gave us a rich mix of films that are bold, emotional, and unforgettable. From big names like Jennifer Lawrence and Joaquin Phoenix to first-time directors making a splash, these 12 films are sure to be part of movie conversations all year long. Whether you’re into intense dramas, smart comedies, or wild experimental stories, there’s something here for every film lover.