The Best Performances and Creatives Of 2025
From potential Oscars nominees to horror icons, there have been so many stand out creatives and performances within the films and TV shows of this year. The writers of Pop Culture Planet are sharing the Best Of 2025.
Amy Madigan in Weapons
Though Weapons received mixed reviews, there’s no denying that Amy Madigan ate up her role as the unhinged witch Gladys. The minute she’s introduced, you feel her chilling presence. There’s no denying that orange wig that slowly falls off or her blood rituals that haunt the narrative. I genuinely cannot get the image of her gruesome final scene in the film out of my mind.
- Paola Cardenas
Ariana Grande, Cynthia Erivo, and director Jon M. Chu in Wicked: For Good
From their vocals to their acting choices, Cynthia Erivo and Ariana Grande prove once again that they were born to play these Elphaba and Glinda in Wicked: For Good. Grande brings so many layers to Glinda through her sincerity and shallowness, but also her potential to truly do good if she is willing to put her ego aside. Meanwhile, Erivo taps into a desperation in Elphaba that leads to her finally giving into the identity Oz has forced upon her: the Wicked Witch. With so many powerful themes and little details, Jon M. Chu is a genius and we’re so lucky to have him bringing movie musicals to the screen at this level.
- Kristen Maldonado
Dichen Lachman in Severance Season 2
I’ve been a supporter of Dichen Lachman since her Dollhouse days and she brings an eerily familiar character to life in Severance. The true originals of her character Ms Casey are revealed as we learn she is Mark’s missing wife Gemma and a crucial part of the mysterious Cold Harbor file. She has been held captive by Lumon and experimented on while struggling through immense grief, identity issues, and a wish for freedom. Her emotional episode “Chikhai Bardo” allows her to shine in the most heartbreaking way.
- Kristen Maldonado
Jamie Campbell Bower in Stranger Things 5
Despite a lackluster final season, Jamie Campbell Bower remains an unparalleled powerhouse in Stranger Things 5! He brought so much dimension to Henry and the various iterations of the character he portrays as Vecna and Mr. Whatsit. The cave scene was particularly fascinating as it allowed us a brief moment of seeing him as an innocent kid, no different than Will or the rest of the Hawkins gang, before he doubles down on choosing the Mind Flayer. It’s incredible how compelling and chilling he is in the series.
- Kristen Maldonado
Keke Palmer and SZA in One Of Them Days
In One Of Them Days, Keke Palmer and SZA play roommates trying to figure out how to pay their rent after the money is stolen. The duo are magnetic on screen and believable as not only roommates, but long-time friends. Their comedic timing is impeccable and will have you laughing the entire time.
- Paola Cardenas
KPop Demon Hunters Cast and Creatives
As the most-watched Netflix film in history KPop Demon Hunters brought us memorable moments, an emotional journey to seal the Honmoon, and ofc, a banger soundtrack. Our three leads — Arden Cho, May Hong, and Ji-young Yoo — captivated our hearts and created something special together as the voice cast along with singers EJAE, Audrey Nuna, and Rei Ami who gave us the hit “Golden.” We also have to give major love to directors Maggie Kang and Chris Appelhans who brought us this incredible animated story filled with so much detail and connectivity.
- Paola Cardenas
Josh O’Connor in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
Josh O’Connor plays the young and hopeful priest Jud Duplenticy opposite a skeptical Benoit Blanc in Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery. He brings a warmth, humor, and vulnerability to the ex-boxer-turned-priest, stealing every scene he’s in.
- Kristen Maldonado
Lou de Laâge in Étoile
Lou de Laâge is the stand out of Étoile, delivering a layered performance as the difficult ballerina Cheyenne with a heart of gold. She is complex, yet still easy to root for, especially as she champions underrated talent around her.
- Kristen Maldonado
Melissa Collazo in Motorheads
Melissa Collazo is the undeniable heartbeat of Motorheads. She plays the unapologetically herself Caitlyn, who builds cars and carries the most emotional weight of the season around their father’s mystery and legacy.
- Kristen Maldonado
Rhea Seehorn in Pluribus
Rhea Seehorn plays the polarizing Carol Sturka in Pluribus. A reluctant hero, she is humanity’s last hope against a virus that has turned everyone on Earth into a blissful mind hive. Miserable, flawed, and fiercely individualistic, Carol is a career-defining role for Seehorn.
- Kristen Maldonsdo
Sinners Cast and Creatives
Ryan Coogler proves he’s a generational talent with his first completely original film Sinners. An exploration of trauma, race, and identity through the lens of a haunting vampire drama, the film became a breakout hit thanks to powerful word of mouth. The entire cast delivers stellar performance, with standout turns from Michael B. Jordan, Hailee Steinfeld, and newcomer Miles Caton.
- Kristen Maldonado
Tonatiuh in Kiss of the Spider Woman
Tonatiuh delivers a stunning breakout performance as the complex Molina in Kiss of the Spider Woman, balancing camp, vulnerability, and a quiet strength. His portray thoughtfully explores queerness, gender fluidity, and Latin identity in such a powerful way.
- Kristen Maldonado
