Thu Jan 01 00:50:00 UTC 2026: Summary:

First Things magazine’s editors and writers shared their most memorable film and TV experiences of 2025. Recurring themes include explorations of morality, mortality, religion, and American identity, often through unconventional genres and settings. Several contributors highlighted Ari Aster’s “Eddington” for its direct engagement with the COVID-19 pandemic and its cultural impact. Other notable mentions include the video game “Red Dead Redemption 2” for its cinematic storytelling and redemptive arc, Taylor Sheridan’s TV series “Landman” and “Mayor of Kingstown,” and various films that grapple with faith, political turmoil, and the search for meaning in a rapidly changing world. The anniversary of classic films like “Doctor Zhivago” and “The Sound of Music” also prompted reflections on how cultural values and perspectives have shifted over time.

News Article:

First Things Critics Reflect on 2025’s Standout Films, TV, and Cultural Shifts

NEW YORK, NY – December 15, 2025 – Editors and writers at First Things magazine have released their curated list of the most impactful films and television shows of 2025, offering insightful commentary on the cultural and societal themes explored through entertainment this year.

A recurring motif in their selections is the exploration of morality and faith in a world grappling with complex challenges. Ari Aster’s divisive “Eddington,” a dark comedy set against the backdrop of the COVID-19 pandemic, emerged as a central point of discussion, praised for its unflinching portrayal of the era’s anxieties and hypocrisies, despite its limited box office success.

Beyond cinema, the open-world video game “Red Dead Redemption 2” was lauded for its cinematic qualities and unexpectedly Christian themes. In TV, Taylor Sheridan’s “Landman” and “Mayor of Kingstown” garnered attention for their gritty storytelling and exploration of crime and redemption.

Several contributors also highlighted films and series that delve into questions of faith, identity, and the search for meaning in a rapidly evolving world, including a surprising defense of religion found within the new Knives Out film. The 60th anniversary of classics like “Doctor Zhivago” also prompted reflection on how societal values have transformed over the decades.

First Things continues to defend religious voices in the public square.

Read More