Great performances can elevate good films and, in some cases, rescue flawed ones. In 2025, acting did a lot of heavy lifting.
This list isn’t ranked. There’s no “best of the best” hierarchy here. Instead, these performances stood out for different reasons.
These are the performances that defined movies in 2025.
Leonardo DiCaprio – ‘One Battle After Another’
Leonardo DiCaprio continues his streak of transformative performances in “One Battle After Another.” In this case, he disappears into a role unlike anything he’s done before.
DiCaprio plays an outwardly unpredictable and fiery character, constantly shifting modes between activist, father and a washed up has-been.
While there are many other talented performers – Teyana Taylor (Perfidia), Benicio del Toro (Sensei Sergio), Chase Infiniti (Willa) and Sean Penn (Steven J. Lockjaw) – in “One Battle After Another,” DiCaprio stands at the top.
“Oh, f— you, you f—ing moron! F— you! You obviously don’t have kids, you f—ing idiot!”
Elizabeth Olsen – ‘The Assessment’
Playing a character full of internal conflict, Elizabeth Olsen (Mia) delivers the standout performance in “The Assessment.”
Her vocal inflections, body language and restraint say as much as the dialogue. A brief smile from Olsen in the closing shot of the film ultimately becomes one of the most liberating moments of 2025.
Himesh Patel (Aaryan) and Alicia Vikander (Virginia) complement Olsen’s work – but, it all comes back to her. She is the glue that holds “The Assessment” together.
“What if we’re not good enough?”
Robert Pattinson – ‘Mickey 17’
In a movie that leans into full absurdity, Robert Pattinson matches the vibe. Delivering two incredible performances, Pattinson’s voice dominates “Mickey 17.”
He delivers both conversational dialogue and near-constant narration. His vocal presence becomes a defining feature of the film, even as it spirals in multiple directions.
Utilizing different mannerisms and delivery techniques, he makes both characters feel individual. Pattinson’s work repeatedly demands attention, making “Mickey 17” feel alive even in its messiest moments.
“Our entire life is a punishment.”
Lee Byung-hun – ‘No Other Choice’
We’ve seen similar characters to Man-su before, but Lee Byung-hun does more. Bringing emotion and a certain anger to the screen, he makes the desperate nature of his character clear.
Starting at a 1, Byung-hun quickly ramps the intensity scale up to 10 with his increasingly crazed persona.
Byung-hun is effortlessly funny. Effortlessly intense. Effortlessly awkward. All of these aspects allow “No Other Choice” to become the successful movie that it is.
“You Americans say to be fired is to be ‘axed.’ Know what we say in Korea? Off with your head! So being fired is having your head chopped clear off with an axe!”
Eva Victor – ‘Sorry, Baby’
Also serving as writer and director, Eva Victor (Agnes) deserves all of the praise they have received – and more.
Playing the “awkward” persona to perfection, Victor is easily able to generate many uncomfortably comedic moments. On top of that, they also dive into the emotional side of the character.
Agnes and the entirety of “Sorry, Baby” as a whole feel more real because of how Victor portrays her.
“I don’t want him to be arrested. I want him to stop being someone who does that. And if he went to jail, he’d just be a person who does that, who’s also in jail.”
Michael B. Jordan – ‘Sinners’
Playing twin brothers Smoke and Stack, Michael B. Jordan masterfully executes the dual roles. Through his physical and emotional differences, Jordan makes each character have their own unique personality.
He also utilizes different mannerisms and dialects to distinguish them even further.
Among the best of 2025, Jordan’s performances stand out amongst a plethora of talented actors in “Sinners.”
“Last time I seen my brother. Last time I seen the sun. And just for a few hours, we was free.”
Renate Reinsve – ‘Sentimental Value’
This is a commanding performance from Renate Reinsve (Nora Borg). She steals each and every scene with layer upon layer of emotion.
Anxiety comes through in every word, and even her facial expressions and mannerisms alone tell a story.
“Sentimental Value” is all about the characters, and Reinsve fully dives into hers. She makes Nora feel real, allowing the film to blossom into the heartfelt movie that it is.
“How did it happen? You turned out fine and I became f—ed up.”
Jesse Plemons – ‘Bugonia’
Jesse Plemons is a force to be reckoned with. Continuing to take on challenging roles, he delivers one of his best performances to date in “Bugonia.”
He brings varying layers of emotion to the screen, including desperation and anger through his mannerisms, appearance and delivery.
While Emma Stone (Michelle Fuller) brings more starpower, it’s Plemons’ performances that makes the film so effective.
“Welcome to the headquarters of the human resistance.”
Rose Byrne – ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’
With her character facing a constant stream of trials and tribulations, Rose Byrne (Linda) immerses herself in the role. She shifts seamlessly from exhaustion to rage to despair – and back again.
Through her well-rounded performance, Byrne owns the screen. Her presence is felt in every shot of “If I Had Legs I’d Kick You,” with the emotional weight pressing down on her as much as on the audience.
It’s a commanding performance in a commanding film.
“I just want someone to tell me what to do.”
Jonathan Majors – ‘Magazine Dreams’
While outside noise may affect others’ outlook – and even if “Magazine Dreams” itself isn’t phenomenal – there’s no denying that this is a powerhouse performance from Jonathan Majors (Killian Maddox).
He poured everything into this role, both physically and emotionally.
Playing an extremely layered character, Majors cycles through virtually every emotion. He executes all of them perfectly, bringing the troubled, awkward and determined man to life.
“I’ve been training for this competition every moment of my entire life.”
Sally Hawkins – ‘Bring Her Back’
There’s a sinister presence within “Bring Her Back,” and that’s Sally Hawkins (Laura).
While Laura may seem like a straightforward persona on the surface, Hawkins adds small quirks and visual cues that consistently add tension. At the same time, her character is also broken – and she brings despair and desperation to the screen.
Hawkins provides the perfect mashup of feelings to make the character whole.
“I’m going to drown you, love.”
David Jonsson – ‘The Long Walk’
In a movie full of dialogue problems, David Jonsson (Peter McVries) shines.
After “Alien: Romulus” in 2024 and now “The Long Walk” in 2025, Jonsson is establishing himself as an actor to watch. Every line that he delivers carries weight and emotion, making Peter feel whole even with limited backstory.
Becoming the emotional heartbeat of the film, Jonsson’s presence adds depth and authenticity to scenes that might have otherwise faltered.
“This is for Ray.”
Amy Madigan – ‘Weapons’
Amy Madigan (Gladys Lilly) transforms in “Weapons.”
She’s both flamboyant and terrifying – often at the same time. Madigan brings a jolt of energy to each scene that she is in, showcasing her character’s evil nature in comedically twisted ways.
Aunt Gladys may just be one of the most memorable characters of the year, and that’s largely thanks to Madigan’s performance.
“I can make your parents hurt themselves. I can make them hurt each other. I can make them eat each other if I want to.”
Joel Edgerton – ‘Train Dreams’
Joel Edgerton (Robert) takes a great movie and turns it into a triumph.
In a career with many phenomenal performances, this just might be his best. Edgerton isn’t forced to say much in “Train Dreams,” instead finding other ways to get his character’s emotions across.
With each gaze into the distance or sigh or breath of relief, he makes Robert feel whole.
“Do you… do you think that… the bad things that we do follow us through life?”
Timothée Chalamet – ‘Marty Supreme’
Timothée Chalamet (Marty Mauser) plays a narcissist. And… he’s perfect at it.
He’s able to mix cocky and arrogant characteristics while also rounding out the character with moments and desperation and true emotion.
The success of “Marty Supreme” all depends on Chalamet. He serves an all-time performance.
“I’m Hitler’s worst nightmare.”
