Reflecting on 2025: Cultural Highlights in Movies, Music, and Exhibitions

Hello and a warm welcome to the new year! As we close the chapter on 2025, it’s the perfect opportunity to look back at the standout movies, music, and exhibitions that shaped the year. The Euronews Culture team has curated their top picks across various categories, highlighting not only what we should catch up on but also showcasing the incredible feats of human creativity. Here’s to celebrating the best of 2025 and looking forward to even more exciting cultural moments in 2026!

Exhibitions

Best Art Exhibitions of 2025

The exhibitions of 2025 were nothing short of extraordinary, featuring everything from 200-year-old artifacts to surrealism that challenges societal norms. This eclectic year in art saw an impressive blend of traditional and modern themes. Amidst ongoing discussions about generative AI, major shows celebrated the likes of Leigh Bowery and David Hockney alongside fascinating exhibitions celebrating pop culture milestones like Marie Antoinette. The rise of smaller yet significant institutions in regions like Cyprus and Central Asia marked a notable shift in the global artistic landscape.

Bonus Highlight: Many believe that 2025 marked a century since the inception of the photobooth. To celebrate, London’s Photographers’ Gallery is hosting an exhibition titled ‘Strike a Pose! 100 Years of the Photobooth’, which runs until February 22, 2026. Be sure to snap a few memories during your visit!

Movies

The Housemaid

Where: In theaters
When: January 2

If psychological thrillers with unexpected twists and lively soundtracks are your jam, The Housemaid is a must-see. Based on Freida McFadden’s 2022 novel, the story follows Millie Calloway (played by Sydney Sweeney), a young woman who takes a position as a live-in nanny for a wealthy family. What she uncovers are deeply unsettling secrets that expose the complexities of American suburbia, tackling themes of power, manipulation, and societal expectations in a wildly entertaining manner.

Best Movies of 2025

While Netflix’s acquisition of Warner Bros. may have sent shockwaves through the indie film scene, 2025 still shone brightly with original stories and diverse voices. From thought-provoking narratives like Sinners to thrilling adventures in One Battle After Another, audiences have shown a keen appetite for authentic storytelling beyond mere nostalgia or formulaic productions. Check out our curated list of the Top 20 Films of the year that truly encapsulate this creativity.

Bonus Highlight: An entertaining reboot of the 90s classic Anaconda, featuring Jack Black and Paul Rudd, has hit theaters. It’s perfect for lifting your spirits during the winter months!

TV Series

Run Away

Where: Netflix
When: January 1

Inspired by Harlan Coben’s 2019 novel, Run Away delves into the chaos a father (James Nesbitt) faces when his drug-dependent daughter (Ellie de Lange) flees with her abusive partner. As he searches for her, dark family secrets are revealed, plunging the whole family into danger. This gritty British thriller is a compelling choice for New Year’s Day – a gripping watch for those lounging at home.

Bonus Highlight: Don’t miss the final episode of Stranger Things, airing on December 31. It promises to be a bittersweet farewell for fans!

Music

The Best Music of 2025

This year, while Taylor Swift continues to dominate headlines, a plethora of remarkable releases from both established and emerging artists have also made waves. From the theatrical intensity of Florence + The Machine’s Everybody Scream to the introspective brilliance of Cate Le Bon’s Michelangelo Dying and Rosalía’s genre-defying LUX, 2025 saw musicians confronting the tumult of recent years, pouring their experiences into powerful sonic expressions. In an age where AI-generated music is on the rise, there’s nothing quite like the raw emotion humans bring to their art.

Grab your headphones, find a quiet corner, and explore our Top 20 Albums from this year.

Conclusion

As we reflect on the cultural milestones of 2025, it’s clear that the landscape of art, film, and music is as vibrant as ever. With creative forces continuing to push boundaries and tell authentic stories, we eagerly anticipate what 2026 has in store. Here’s to celebrating human creativity and the joys it brings!

Key Takeaways:

• 2025 featured an impressive array of art exhibitions, showcasing both classic and contemporary themes.
• Movies like The Housemaid entertained audiences with unique narratives and twists.
• TV series like Run Away highlighted gripping family dramas that resonated deeply.
• The music scene flourished with powerful albums, proving the enduring talent of human artists amidst the rise of AI.