The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wasteland List: Best Performances of 2025

How often do you sit there thinking about what to watch? You might have an endless watchlist that keeps piling up (I certainly have one myself). Sometimes you are just in the mood for a type of film or a certain filmmaker or actor and want to take yourself into a deep dive. As someone who watches so many movies, I have people asking me for recommendations all the time. One of the best feelings as a cinephile is recommending a film and that person loves it. Take this wealth of cinematic knowledge and experience and enjoy some recommendations on me. Genre. Subgenre. Filmmaker. Actor. Composer. Writer. Genre. Story. Trope. Cliché. Any other cinematic elements or them. Here is The Wasteland List:   

Best Performances of 2025: 

Ralph Fiennes, 28 Years Later 

In a film filled with raging infected individuals, Ralph Fiennes delivers an even keeled, quirky performance that is filled with soul as he brings a tenderness to his interactions with the young protagonist as he aids in the processing of death and grief. 

Daniel Day-Lewis, Anenome 

Daniel Day-Lewis is and will forever be one of the premiere performers in all of film and that is still true as he delivers a fiery, powerful, and intense performance as a man worn down through isolation and trauma from his revolutionary days. 

Oona Chaplin, Avatar: Fire and Ash 

Alluring, intense, and primal, Oona Chaplin crafts the most compelling character in the whole Avatar canon as Varang, a tribal leader who is propelled by rage and abandonment whose physicality is unmatched in the series.

Tim Key, The Ballad of Wallis Island 

One of the funniest, irreverent, and quirky performances of the year, Tim Key delivers an offbeat turn as a mysterious man with tons of money who brings his favorite musical artists to the titular island for a personal concert. 

Liz Larsen, The Baltimorons 

Larsen portrays an aging dentist who finds herself on a strange holiday journey with a patient who she develops a connection with through an alluring, charming, and strong presence which helps craft some authentic chemistry that allows the audience to buy into this budding relationship. 

Ethan Hawke, Black Phone 2 

Darkly comedic, intense, and fiery, Ethan Hawks brings The Grabber back to life in a ghostly visage as Hawke chews the scenery in his limited role with his gravelly voice and intense physicality. 

Madeleine McGraw, Black Phone 2 

McGraw balances two important sides to one of our sibling protagonists as she delivers some sharp and impressive comedic timing while also selling all the fear and pain levied on her with great authenticity. 

Ethan Hawke, Blue Moon 

Hawke delivers yet another impressive performance this year as a queer writer who is desperately attempting to have a good evening as he sells a heaping of charm, intellect, and desperation, self-loathing, and arrogance (an outstanding combination). 

Sally Hawkins, Bring Her Back 

Modern, arthouse, and elevated horror is anchored by a reign of impressive female leading performances with Sally Hawkins submitting her resume with an eerie, intense, and haunting performance through a lens of desperation and twisted love. 

Jesse Plemons, Bugonia 

Paranoia is the key that drives Jesse Plemons performance in this wild science fiction effort from Yorgos Lanthimos as he brings plenty of vulnerability to this unhinged, unstable, and malicious individual who is uncomfortably committed to his delusion and somehow is somewhat empathetic. 

Emma Stone, Bugonia 

The mystery of what is true and what is reality in Lanthimos’ film lies on the capable and towering shoulders of Emma Stone who delivers a performance that is so quirky, offbeat, mysterious, and alluring which makes the audience fall into all of her pitfalls and traps along with the other characters. 

Vincent D’Onofrio, Caught Stealing 

The towering presence of an actor like Vincent D’Onofrio is perfect in the role of a Hebrew gangster in this crime thriller as he brings a level of intimidation and intensity that makes him terrifying, yet a layer of wisdom and humor makes him equally likable…in such a strange way. 

Liev Schreiber, Caught Stealing 

Not quite on the same level of size as his on screen brother but Live Schreiber delivers a performance that is steely and intimidating that has a strong layer of honor and wisdom which garners a certain level of respect from the other characters and the audience. 

Imogen Poots, The Chronology of Water 

Raw and emotional is just the foundation of Imogen Poot’s powerful performance from Kristen Stewart’s directorial debut as she carries a life of trauma and pain on her shoulders while garnering some true empathy from the audience. 

Lia Elalouf, Come Closer 

A live wire of emotion, grief, and sexuality, this Israeli actor anchors this complex drama as she delivers a believable party girl who has unleashed sexual chemistry with many around her, yet Elalouf sells her growth throughout the film in such a believable and engaging way. 

Jai Courtney, Dangerous Animals 

Dark and twisted, this villainous and evil performance from Jai Courtney shows that his wheelhouse is squarely in the character actor lane as he brings this serial killer to life with a dark sense of humor and a terrifying presence.

Joaquin Phoenix, Eddington 

One of the greatest actors of his generation, Phoenix brings plenty of paranoia, fear, and rage to this role of a small town sheriff during the Pandemic while delivering on the physicality of the role along with the uncomfortable and dark nature of his character. 

Elizabeth Olsen, Eternity 

Charming and alluring, Elizabeth Olsen crafts such a beautiful and attractive character who struggles to choose between his two loves in the afterlife with such expressive facial acting, organic line deliveries, and plenty of chemistry with his male leads. 

Da’Vine Joy Randolph, Eternity 

A consistent source of humor and charm throughout this charming film, Randolph is an endless producer of sharply funny one-liners as well as some tender and honest moments along with the rest of her cast members. 

Miles Teller, Eternity 

Capturing the grumpy and irreverent energy of an elderly man desperately trying to keep the love of his life, Teller just understands the character he is portraying so well and brings so much empathy to the table even when he makes frustratingly idiotic decisions along the way. 

Kathleen Chalfant, Familiar Touch 

Lost in her deteriorating memory, Chalfant delivers a raw and honest portrayal of an aging woman desperately trying to navigate her fracturing memory while balancing plenty of empathy as well as a fleeting yet noticeable presence as a character. 

Jacob Elordi, Frankenstein 

Towering in stature and innocent in his execution, Elordi breathes plenty of empathy and tenderness into Frankenstein’s creation while grabbing attention with his unexpected rage and power when his character is pushed to his limits. 

Keanu Reeves, Good Fortune 

Endlessly charming, Keanu Reeves is one of the most inspired bits of casting this year as a guardian angel who brings a wide-eyed innocence to this character who is just downright joyous and charming to watch on screen. 

Jessie Buckley, Hamnet 

Powerful is an understatement as Jessie Buckley tears down the entire cineplex with her towering performance as the wife of William Shakespeare with her alluring elegance which gives way to a raging river of pain and emotion. 

Margaret Qualley, Honey Don’t! 

Sharp, caustic, seductive, and sexy, Qualley brings a strong and confident character to life in Ethan Coen’s new lesbian thriller as she handles her business with presence and confidence and brings a sex appeal that drenches the whole entire film. 

Rose Byrne, If I Had Legs I’d Kick You 

Rose Byrne delivers the most shockingly immaculate performance of the year as a woman who is crumbling under the weight of a sick child and a level of exhaustion that is unbelievable yet Byrne’s towering, raw performance is an absolute wonder to behold. 

Camille Rutherford, Jane Austen Wrecked My Life 

Melancholic and subtly romantic, Rutherford brings the right vibe to this French/English romance with a performance that is so endearing and empathetic as she shows an authentic struggle as a lost soul and lost artist. 

Adam Sandler, Jay Kelly 

Sandler gives audiences further evidence that he is one of the most underappreciated actors in film today as he delivers a performance that is authentic, honest, and raw as the supportive and struggling confidant of a movie star. 

Judy Greer, The Long Walk 

In just a few powerful moments, Judy Greer steals this film with her towering performance which is filled with overwhelming emotion and authenticity that is just hard to ignore and not marvel at amongst the disturbing narrative from Stephen King. 

David Jonsson, The Long Walk 

A performance that is endlessly charismatic and filled with confidence and cool, David Jonsson is slowly building up an impeccable resume of masterful work as he brings plenty of presence, emotion, and empathy to this Stephen King adaptation. 

Liam Neeson, The Naked Gun 

Endlessly hilarious, Liam Neeson steps into this beloved spoof comedy franchise and understands the bit and the role so perfectly as he delivers a confident, serious, and committed performance that is both stupid in material and genius in execution. 

Russell Crowe, Nuremberg 

When you need an actor who can bring one of the most evil and larger-than-life members of the Third Reich to life, you get Russell Crowe who boasts incomparable presence and stature with so much swagger and intensity that you cannot help but be drawn in by his deceit. 

Lee Byung-hun, No Other Choice 

Vulnerable, desperate, and fragile, Lee delivers a leading performance in Park’s latest satire that is equal parts empathetic, pathetic, and dastardly which is a fascinating tightrope to balance but Kim’s commitment to the bit is just stellar. 

Benicio del Toro, One Battle After Another 

In a role that could have easily been lost in the shuffle in this grand film, Benicio del Toro takes this limited role, makes it his own, and steals the film with sheer force of charisma, presence, and acting craft…thank you, Sensei Sergio!

Leonardo DiCaprio, One Battle After Another 

In one of his most vulnerable yet hilarious performances in his career, DiCaprio brings a levity that is needed in such a tense, complex, and heavy film like PTA’s latest effort as he navigates drugged out hazes, paranoia-driven crash outs, and an unrelenting love for his daughter. 

Chase Infiniti, One Battle After Another 

One of the biggest breakout performances of the entire cinematic year, Chase Infiniti arrives, raises her profile, and dazzles in PTA’s masterful film with a strength that goes toe-to-toe with some of the biggest actors in Hollywood. 

Sean Penn, One Battle After Another 

Quirky, unnerving, and completely unhinged, Sean Penn delivers one of his most interesting performances in decades as he injects physicality, an unrelenting will, and a darkly hilarious presence into this wild character. 

Keke Palmer, One of Them Days 

Keke Palmer continues to show that she is one of the funniest performers working in film today as she brings her unique presence, personality, and sense of humor to this hilarious film as well as some intense chemistry with her on screen gal pal. 

SZA, One of Them Days 

SZA leaves the music behind and jumps onto the big screen with a larger-than-life turn as the hilarious, sexy, and fun best friend character (who is a complete hot mess) alongside the equally charismatic Palmer. 

Benicio del Toro, The Phoenician Scheme 

Del Toro’s leading role this year also gave him the space to explore his range as an actor as he brings an intensity, mystery, and unique charm to this crafty and resourceful businessman who navigates danger and connection with sharp wit and control. 

Mia Threapleton, The Phoenician Scheme 

Dry and full of wit, Threapleton understands that Wes Anderson atmosphere so perfectly as she slides right into this role as a young nun who must reconnect with her estranged father with confidence, presence, and a biting sarcasm. 

Brendan Fraser, Rental Family 

Big, bold, and beautiful, any performance from Brendan Fraser will have a stature that goes for a big feel and that fits perfectly in this moving and charming film as Fraser sells his discomfort and loneliness as a fish out of water so perfectly. 

John Lithgow, The Rule of Jenny Pen 

Unhinged and dangerous, Lithgow gets a new opportunity to lean into full villain mode as the abrasive, twisted, and unnerving resident of a nursing home whose malice is channeled through a horrifying hand puppet…you heard that right.

Inga Ibsdotter Lilleaas, Sentimental Value 

Refined and authentic, Lilleaas makes quite the impact and splash in Joachim Trier’s latest human drama as she shows great vulnerability and authenticity in a supporting role that has a strong connection to her on screen sister. 

Renate Reinsve, Sentimental Value 

The muse in Trier’s biggest successes, Reinsve completely understands the vibe, atmosphere, and presentation of this film as she delivers a layered performance that is pregnant with emotion, vulnerability, and a few moments of unmatched anxiety. 

Stellan Skarsgard, Sentimental Value 

A great veteran actor, Skarsgard brings plenty of stature, presence, and power to this role of a famous filmmaker whose ego and success is worn clearly while he struggles to reconnect emotionally with his estranged daughters as they all process grief and loss. 

Ben Foster, Sharp Corner 

Unnerving and uncomfortable, Foster delivers a strong turn in this underseen thriller as a twisted man who will go to great lengths to rise to hero status as his cold, calculating, and distant presence sells this haunting protagonist so perfectly. 

Michael B. Jordan, Sinners

Delivering one of the best dual performances in recent memory, Michael B. Jordan captures the two completely different personalities, physicality, and emotions these two brought as he explores an endless range of material in this incredible film. 

Wunmi Mosaku, Sinners 

Powerful and confident in her own skin, Mosaku brings a love, tenderness, and sexuality to her performance that is unmatched and powerful as she has incredible chemistry with Jordan (especially when things get hot and heavy or deeply emotional between the two of them). 

Jack O’Connell, Sinners 

Mysterious, clever, and seductive, O’Connell brings the vampiric antagonist in Coogler’s film to life with such a twisted charisma that makes him so alluring on screen and he sells the music elements and physicality so perfectly. 

Dwayne Johnson, The Smashing Machine 

Powerful yet sensitive, Dwayne Johnson balances the brutal physicality of his MMA fighter character with a wildly swinging presence that bounces between small and tender to large and rageful. 

Kate Hudson, Song Sung Blue 

Kate Hudson delivers one of her best performances as a dreamer and singer who just wants to entertain as she brings plenty of charisma and showmanship on stage while delivering plenty of love, pain, and emotion in her tragic role.

Hugh Jackman, Song Sung Blue 

Hugh Jackman can do it all as he delivers impressive showmanship whenever his character performs on stage, love and tenderness in the more romantic elements of the film, and plenty of pain as he navigates a body that is slowly betraying him and the suffering in those he loves. 

Eva Victor, Sorry, Baby 

Delivering one of the most unique and interesting characters in film this year, Eva Victor has announced themselves as a talent to look out for with their unique brand of dry wit and awkwardness that melts well into their more vulnerable moments in their film. 

Dakota Johnson, Splitsville 

Alluring and charming, Dakota Johnson is settling in well into her cinematic persona and acting talents and delivers a standout performance in this offbeat and unhinged comedy with plenty of commitment, vulnerability, and charisma. 

Cillian Murphy, Steve 

The cats out of the bag on Cillian Murphy being one of the best actors out there and this new schoolhouse drama gives him plenty of space to show his range with wit, emotion, and presence as he struggles with a group of poorly behaving young men. 

Nicolas Cage, The Surfer

Unhinged and spiraling, Nicolas Cage channels his unique brand of acting bravado in his hyper masculine thriller that sees Cage struggle with physical suffering, mental delusions, and a vulnerability that is palpable. 

Zar amir Ebrahimi, Tatami 

The strong-willed presence in the film, Ebrahimi portrays a coach in an impossible position who attempts to protect herself, her family, and her young athlete through an intense, raw, and resolute performance which makes the film even better. 

Arienne Mandi, Tatami 

This young performer is expected to carry this sports drama on her shoulder and she excels with her rebellious attitude, fiery personality, impeccable physicality in the judo sequences, and raw emotion as she grapples with a real sense of danger. 

Paola Cortellesi, There’s Still Tomorrow 

Charming and empathetic, Cortellesi delivers a performance that anchors this charming, funny, and poignant Italian drama that rises on the strong presence, power, and vulnerability of her performance as the unsatisfied matriarch of a fracturing family. 

Florence Pugh, Thunderbolts* 

In a Marvel film that is so rooted in mental health and emotion, a performance like Florence Pugh’s is essential to make it work and she delivers in spades with her raw emotion, vulnerability, and intensity while also meeting all the physicality expected from such a film.

Joel Edgerton, Train Dreams 

In a role that is quieter and more resolute (as you would expect out of a frontiersman), Joel Edgerton delivers great presence and emotion as a man who loses so much as well as witnesses the evolution of his way of life all with such sincerity and authenticity. 

Dylan O’Brien, Twinless 

Not the most attention-grabbing dual performance of the year, Dylan O’Brien still shines in the darkly themed dramedy as two brothers, an openly gay and sensitive one as well as the intense and rageful straight brother (both with full commitment and authenticity). 

Jason Patel, Unicorns 

Patel is a powerhouse in this performance that calls for moments of great confidence and sexual magnetism as well as great vulnerability in the face of great pain and tragedy, which are both realized so organically and believably. 

Saja Kilani, The Voice of Hind Rajab 

The raw emotion and sensitivity that Kilani is able to deliver in this harrowing drama is profound as she speaks to a child in crisis and danger with little she can do to support except for showing great empathy and sincerity. 

Josh Brolin, Wake Up Dead Man

Towering and bombastic, Josh Brolin delivers one of the most believable and magnetic performances as a religious figure in recent memory as he channels the power and stature of his charisma and crafts an authentic cult of personality around himself (and his hair and beard is perfect…just a side note). 

Glenn Close, Wake Up Dead Man 

Intense and judgmental, Close delivers a performance so fully committed as the character that she portrays with her steely presence that gives way to an unexpected vulnerability and emotion as Johnson’s film comes to its climax. 

Daniel Craig, Wake Up Dead Man 

Benoit Blanc might be one of the greatest movie characters ever put to film (no exaggeration) and Craig performance is so fully committed as he balances a big and boisterous energy with so much sincerity and authenticity that it is quite hard to imagine this performance working so darn well (and three times at that). 

Josh O’Connor, Wake Up Dead Man 

O’Connor is delivering an acting year for the ages as he steals this Knives Out Mystery out from under everyone with his vulnerable, earnest, and sincere turn as a priest who is filled with actual love and devotion to his flock (thanks to O’Connor’s authenticity). 

Austin Abrams, Weapons

A performance so endlessly hilarious is so important to keep things a tad lighter in Zach Cregger’s film and Austin Abrams steps up with such a wildly funny and committed comedic performance that never fails to lighten this darkly twisted film. 

Amy Madigan, Weapons 

Terrifying in presence, horrific in visual presentation, and unnerving in her unpredictable presence, Amy Madigan grabbed everyone’s attention with this darkly twisted performance as the antagonist of this wildly entertaining and engaging horror flick.

Cynthia Erivo, Wicked: For Good

Erivo continues to bring massive power and presence to the role of Elphaba as she nails each of her musical numbers (yet again) in this sequel with so much genuine emotion and an insane amount of vocal prowess.

Ariana Grande, Wicked: For Good 

Grande is very much a co-lead this time around and she steps into the massive spotlight of this Part II as she continues to deliver a fully realized character full of quirks, emotion, and charisma as well as some powerful chemistry with Erivo.