2025 was not just a big year for movies. It was a revealing one.
In this special Fandom Portals episode, Aaron and Brash look back on the films that defined the year, not by box office numbers or spectacle, but by the stories, characters, and themes that stayed with us.
We present the Fandom Awards for Best Movie, Best Hero, and Best Villain of 2025, breaking down why these stories resonated emotionally, culturally, and personally. From blockbusters to genre standouts, this episode explores how films reflect societal tension, personal struggle, and the values we carry into the stories we love.
This is not a ranking episode.
It is a reflection on why movies still matter.
In This Episode, We Discuss
Why story and character matter more than spectacle
The films that defined 2025 on an emotional level
What great heroes reveal about leadership and empathy
Why compelling villains reflect cultural fears
How rewatching films can unlock new meaning
The evolving landscape of modern cinema
What we are excited for as we head into 2026
Chapters
00:00 Reflecting on 2025 as a defining year in film
01:58 Why character matters more than spectacle
02:33 The Fandom Awards begin: Best Movies of 2025
05:17 Friendship, identity, and emotional storytelling
07:32 Nostalgia, legacy franchises, and modern expectations
08:38 Cultural reflection through global storytelling
11:01 Horror’s evolution and emotional depth
13:54 Mythic storytelling and the Bone Temple
15:22 Coming of age in post apocalyptic worlds
17:45 Reframing heroism through Superman
20:21 Technology in service of story
24:21 Grounded heroism and everyday courage
28:56 Humanity versus monstrosity
32:33 The complexity of modern heroes
34:17 Empathy, leadership, and responsibility
38:17 Villains and why they resonate
45:50 2025 Fandom Awards recap
46:13 Looking ahead to 2026
Fandom Portals explores film and television to uncover the personal growth lessons hidden inside the stories we already love.
Subscribe Call
Subscribe if you want to get more out of the movies you watch and explore what they reveal about you.
Keywords
Film Podcast, Movie Analysis, Pop Culture, Storytelling, Character Studies, Film Awards, Movie Discussion, Personal Growth, Heroes and Villains, Cinema Reflection, Film Themes, Fandom Culture, Modern Movies, Movie Lessons, Cultural Commentary
