TIFF 2025 Lineup: 10 Must-See Films Premiering at the Toronto International Film Festival

Every September, the international attention changes to Toronto as the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) begins, bringing some of the year's most talked-about films to the forefront. TIFF is known for defining the awards season narrative and has grown to be one of the world's most prominent film festivals. This year's edition, TIFF 2025, is particularly significant since it not only commemorates the festival's 50th anniversary, but it also features a lineup so diverse and ambitious that reviewers and audiences are already whispering about who might be the next Oscar winners.

For cinephiles, filmmakers, and casual moviegoers alike, TIFF 2025 is more than simply a festival; it's a celebration of cinema's power to push boundaries, tell meaningful stories, and connect people from different cultures. From September 4 to 14, the event will feature world premieres, worldwide releases, and a mix of established directors and emerging talent. It wasn't simple to narrow down the list to just ten must-see films, but these are the ones that stand out as cultural milestones and cinematic experiences you can't afford to miss.

Motor City: Alan Ritchson’s Silent Revenge

Alan Ritchson, widely known for his strong presence in Reacher, plays a career-defining role in Motor City, directed by Potsy Ponciroli. The film depicts a man who is framed for a crime he did not commit and spends years in jail before emerging to seek vengeance. What actually distinguishes Motor City is its lack of speech, which allows Ritchson's physique and raw emotion to carry the story. Shailene Woodley and Ben Foster star in the supporting cast, ensuring that the plot is infused with both heart and terror. For action fans, this could be one of TIFF's most talked-about entries.

Saipan: The Drama Behind the Beautiful Game

Sports dramas frequently cover old territory, but Saipan takes a more personal approach, dramatizing the famed feud between Ireland's team captain Roy Keane and manager Mick McCarthy immediately before the 2002 FIFA World Cup. The picture, directed by Lisa Barros D'Sa and Glenn Leyburn, thrives on its electrifying tension, which is heightened by Steve Coogan's cutting performance as McCarthy and debutant Éanna Hardwicke's captivating portrayal of Keane. More than a sports film, Saipan explores pride, leadership, and the catastrophic consequences of damaged relationships at the height of competitiveness.

Eternity: A Love Triangle Beyond Death

Romantic movies rarely take risks, but David Freyne's Eternity, which will be released later this year by A24, does. The story raises an emotional question: in the afterlife, would you rather select your first love or the companion who has been by your side for decades? Elizabeth Olsen impresses as a lady torn between Larry (Miles Teller) and Luke (Callum Turner). With its vividly conceived eternal universe and genuinely human tale, Eternity could be one of TIFF's most moving pictures.

The Lost Bus: Survival Amid the Flames

Director Paul Greengrass returns with The Lost Bus, a thrilling survival thriller inspired by the 2018 Camp Fire. The film, starring Matthew McConaughey as a bus driver and America Ferrera as a schoolteacher, depicts the turmoil and courage of regular people stuck in one of California's deadliest wildfires. Early chatter has already dubbed it a "disaster classic," and given Greengrass' track record of telling intense stories, The Lost Bus is predicted to leave audiences shaken yet emotionally affected.

The Christophers: Art, Deception, and Family Intrigue

Steven Soderbergh's The Christophers is a lighter but nonetheless interesting entry. The premise revolves around a family attempting to complete and sell the completed works of a great artist, performed by Ian McKellen. The film, starring Michaela Coel as the forger and Jessica Gunning and James Corden as the plotting children, combines comedy, drama, and art-world trickery into a clever package. Soderbergh's ability to alter genres makes this a TIFF picture you won't want to miss.

Ballad of a Small Player: Colin Farrell’s Dark Descent

Edward Berger, who astonished audiences with All Quiet on the Western Front, returns with Ballad of a Small Player, a neon-lit drama starring Colin Farrell as a gambler in debt. The film promises tremendous character development and emotional depth as it follows a detective played by Tilda Swinton. Given Berger's track record of guiding actors to award-winning performances, Farrell may find himself at the center of Oscar debates once more.

Fuze: Tension in the Heart of London

David Mackenzie's Fuze blends a high-stakes WWII bomb danger with a contemporary crime. While Major Will Tranter races against time to defuse an unearthed explosive in central London, a criminal mastermind takes advantage of the turmoil to carry out a daring bank robbery. With Aaron Taylor-Johnson, Theo James, and Gugu Mbatha-Raw in pivotal roles, the picture is a rollercoaster of suspense and moral quandaries. TIFF critics call it a high-octane trip ideal for thriller aficionados.

The Smashing Machine: Dwayne Johnson’s Boldest Transformation

Benny Safdie directs Dwayne Johnson in The Smashing Machine, a biographical film about UFC fighter Mark Kerr. Johnson, known for his action hero persona, underwent a major metamorphosis for the role, delving deeply into the fighter's turbulent life. Johnson, who stars alongside Emily Blunt, seeks to display real sensitivity alongside his characteristic intensity. This picture has the potential to completely transform his career, propelling him from blockbuster star to genuine awards candidate.

Christy: Sydney Sweeney Packs a Punch

Christy stars Sydney Sweeney as famed boxer Christy Martin, who broke barriers for women in the male-dominated world of professional boxing. Sweeney gives a daring portrayal, embodying both Martin's victories and failures throughout his incredible journey. While the film's pacing has received mixed reviews, Sweeney's imposing presence will undoubtedly make Christy one of TIFF 2025's most unforgettable films.

Hamnet: Shakespeare Reimagined by Chloé Zhao

The final film on the must-see list is Hamnet, directed by Academy Award winner Chloé Zhao. Adapted on Maggie O'Farrell's famous novel, the film looks at William Shakespeare's life through the perspective of his wife Agnes, played by Jessie Buckley, following the death of their son. With Paul Mescal as Shakespeare, Hamnet promises heartbreaking performances, beautiful images, and Zhao's trademark quiet intensity. It is likely to be a highlight among TIFF's dramatic offerings and a front-runner in the awards season.

Why TIFF 2025 Matters

TIFF has traditionally been seen as a predictor of awards season, with previous premieres such as Nomadland, La La Land, and The King's Speech going on to win major Oscars. TIFF 2025's roster emphasizes the festival's position as a cultural compass, highlighting themes about resilience, identity, and the human condition. TIFF, which celebrates its 50th anniversary with both history and transformation, is more than just a showcase; it's a worldwide conversation about where cinema is going.

Conclusion

TIFF 2025 is expected to be a watershed moment in cinema, featuring films ranging from violent survival stories to peaceful examinations of love, art, and sorrow. Whether you're a die-hard movie fan or simply enjoy a good tale, this year's program has something for you. These ten films reflect the best of what TIFF has curated, and each promises to ignite debate long after the festival is over. For spectators all over the world, TIFF 2025 is more than just a film festival; it's a glimpse into the stories that will shape the coming year.