Welcome to our updated guide to the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF 2025) — everything you need to navigate one of the world’s most celebrated film events.
Here, you’ll find the latest information on the Toronto Film Festival 2025, including must-see films, important dates, logistics, and insider tips to make the most of your experience. Whether you’re a dedicated film buff or a first-time visitor, get ready to dive into the glamour, culture, and cinematic magic of one of the most recognized film festivals in the world.
What Is TIFF? 🎥
TIFF, also known as the Toronto International Film Festival, is one of the most recognized film festivals in the world. Established in 1976 and held every September, this highly anticipated festival presents a wide range of films, from independent productions to major studio releases.
In addition, TIFF offers filmmakers a platform to showcase their work, gain critical acclaim, and interact with audiences. This prestigious festival is an excellent opportunity for film industry professionals and amateurs to explore what's beyond cinema.
📌 Mark your calendars! The 50th edition of TIFF will be held September 4–14, 2025, in Toronto.
Some KEY DATES 🗓️
Take note of the ticket presale for TIFF Insider members and the general public, and pay attention to these dates below:
August 12, 2025
Official TIFF 50 film schedule is released
August 15, 2025
IFF Member pre-sale begins, tiered by membership level.
August 25, 2025
Public ticket sales open—first come, first serve.
September 4–14, 2025
The 50th Toronto International Film Festival takes place.
Please check the official TIFF website for the most current information.
Must-See Films at TIFF 2025 🍿
The TIFF holds a distinguished reputation as one of the premier film festivals globally, recognized for presenting highly anticipated films to a large audience of film enthusiasts.
In 2025, the Festival once again promises a multifaceted and captivating selection of movies that will capture your imagination. Explore our compilation of the top movies at this year's TIFF! Ready to get some popcorn?
- Frankenstein — Guillermo del Toro: A bold, emotional reimagining of the classic tale of creation and consequence.
- Good Fortune — Aziz Ansari: Star-studded fantasy comedy with big laughs and heart.
- Hamnet — Chloé Zhao: Intimate, lyrical adaptation of Maggie O’Farrell’s acclaimed novel.
- The Smashing Machine — Benny Safdie: Gritty drama about an MMA legend’s punishing rise and personal costs.
- Christy — David Michôd: Boxing biopic tracking a trailblazing fighter’s battles in and out of the ring.
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery — Rian Johnson: Benoit Blanc returns for another exquisitely twisty whodunnit.
- The Lost Bus — Paul Greengrass: Tense, human-driven true-story thriller from a master of immersive realism.
- Couture — Alice Winocour: A high-fashion drama that cuts into creativity, fame, and reinvention.
- Roofman — Derek Cianfrance: Character-driven crime drama anchoring a powerhouse lead performance.
- Homebound — Neeraj Ghaywan: A tender, resonant portrait of family, return, and belonging.
- The Blue Trail — Gabriel Mascaro: Poetic, socially attuned drama that lingers long after the credits.
- The Wizard of the Kremlin — Olivier Assayas: Political intrigue and power games rendered with sleek precision.
- She Has No Name — Peter Ho-Sun Chan: A gripping real-life courtroom drama with emotional stakes.
As TIFF 2025 approaches, cinephiles can expect acclaimed dramas, inventive comedies, and original documentaries—plus tons of Festival extras to elevate the experience. From red-carpet moments to free outdoor screenings and talks with creators, discover the many highlights of the Toronto International Film Festival to make the most of every moment.
To give you a quick overview, here’s a snapshot of 13 of the most talked-about premieres at TIFF 2025, covering a mix of genres, directors, and styles that are already generating major buzz:
| Movie Title | Venue | Playing Date(s) | Language(s) | Director(s) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frankenstein | TIFF Lightbox & VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Sep 09, 13, 14 | English | Guillermo del Toro |
| Good Fortune | Roy Thomson Hall & Scotiabank Theatre Toronto | Sep 07 | English | Aziz Ansari |
| Hamnet | Roy Thomson Hall, Royal Alexandra Theatre & Scotiabank Theatre Toronto | Sep 07, 08, 09, 11, 13 | English | Chloé Zhao |
| The Smashing Machine | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto & VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Sep 05, 08, 12 | English, British Sign Language | Cai Shangjun |
| Christy | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto & VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Sep 05, 06, 10 | English | David Michôd |
| Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery | TIFF Lightbox & VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Sep 07, 09, 11, 12, 14 | English | Rian Johnson |
| The Lost Bus | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto & VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Sep 06, 07, 13 | English | Paul Greengrass |
| Couture | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto / TIFF Lightbox & VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Sep 07, 08, 09, 12, 13 | English, French | Alice Winocour |
| Roofman | Roy Thomson Hall, Scotiabank Theatre Toronto & TIFF Lightbox | Sep 06, 07, 12, 14 | English | Derek Cianfrance |
| Homebound | Roy Thomson Hall & Scotiabank Theatre Toronto | Sep 05, 10, 12, 13 | Hindi | Neeraj Ghaywan |
| The Blue Trail | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto & TIFF Lightbox | Sep 04, 10, 12 | Portuguese | Gabriel Mascaro |
| The Wizard of the Kremlin | Scotiabank Theatre Toronto, TIFF Lightbox & VISA Screening Room at the Princess of Wales Theatre | Sep 04, 05, 10, 12, 14 | English | Olivier Assayas |
| She Has No Name | Roy Thomson Hall & Scotiabank Theatre Toronto | Sep 08, 12, 14 | Chinese | Peter Ho-Sun Chan |
Seven Top Events to Do at TIFF 🎉
Get ready to experience more than just films at the TIFF Toronto event. In addition to being a premier global event for film fans and filmmakers, TIFF offers a variety of exciting activities for attendees to enjoy. Immerse yourself in a cinematic celebration and discover the best activities that TIFF Toronto has in store.
1. Immerse yourself in the glam of cinema
Meet the film industry's fav celebrities and celebrities who grace TIFF's many screening rooms. Witness the red carpets of the likes of Brad Pitt and George Clooney.
To attend the TIFF Presentation Gala and Tribute Awards, keep in mind that tickets will be required, but you can also find a prime spot behind the audience barricades in front of the Princess of Wales Theatre to see your favorite celebrities (as long as you arrive early to reserve a spot).
2. The magic at TIFF Bell Lightbox
Located in the Festival Tower at the intersection of King Street West and the northwest corner of John Street, the TIFF Bell Lightbox includes an art gallery, the Film Reference Library dedicated to safeguarding Canadian film history, a TIFF souvenir store, and five public theatres where you can enjoy a variety of films during the TIFF festival.
3. Meet your favorite stars
Are you ready to mingle with a beloved film celebrity like Scarlett Johansson or an exceptional director like Quentin Tarantino?
Take advantage of the TIFF festival to visit its main venues in Toronto, such as Roy Thomson Hall, the TIFF Bell Lightbox, and the Elgin Winter Garden Theatre. Get your camera ready because it's time to capture the moment!
4. Join the film conferences
Explore the latest film and art conferences and discussions presented by TIFF 2025. Attend film lectures featuring renowned directors, producers, series creators, and leading industry figures.
5. Feel the buzz of live performances
During the TIFF Toronto event, Festival Street is a free, family-friendly festival that usually takes place during TIFF's opening weekend. Festival Street features outdoor stages and live performances by local Toronto artists and bands. In addition, outdoor screenings can also be enjoyed during this festive event.
6. Join the free movie screenings
Each year, TIFF offers free outdoor screenings at various Toronto venues, including the Scotiabank Theatre, the Princess of Wales Theatre, and Roy Thomson Hall. Keep an eye out for the official TIFF 2025 film schedule, which can be found online at their website. Experience the charm of outdoor cinema and enjoy the much-anticipated summer nights in the breathtaking city of Toronto.
7. Calling all foodies!
The festival provides the allure of cinema and presents a wide variety of dining options to enhance your movie marathon experience. Indulge in various delicious culinary offerings, from traditional starters to gastronomic pop-ups led by celebrity chefs and local culinary talents. Experience a delightful culinary adventure at TIFF Toronto!
8. Festival Street Art Market
While not yet confirmed for TIFF 2025, the Festival Street Art Market has previously featured local artists, cultural organizations, and other Toronto-based festivals such as Inside Out, ImagineNATIVE, and Reel Asian. Keep an eye out in case it returns this year!
TIFF's Insider Tips for Film Lovers 🗓️✨
Navigating the Toronto International Film Festival can be as exciting as watching the films. To enhance your TIFF experience, we've included exclusive tips for all film lovers planning to attend the event. From getting the best seats to discovering hidden gems in the festival lineup, these expert recommendations will help you make the most of your time and immerse yourself in the film world.
We recommend checking the official website closer to the festival dates for information on ticket sales: tiff.net/about-the-festival
Carefully check the festival program, read the reviews, and list the films you could not miss.
Establishing a practical budget and preparing accordingly is essential. Additionally, think about bringing snacks and beverages to cut costs if needed.
The dress code varies depending on the event. Research the type of event you are attending and dress comfortably but appropriately.
We recommend arriving for a Rush line 60 minutes before your screening. Please note that being in a Rush line does not guarantee an admission ticket.
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Wrap Up! 🎬
TIFF 2025 is your chance to experience one of the world’s most exciting film festivals — right in the heart of Toronto. From buzzworthy premieres to intimate documentaries and powerful dramas, this year’s lineup offers something for every kind of movie lover.
In this guide, you’ve discovered must-see films, important dates, top events, and practical tips to help you make the most of your time at the festival. Whether you’re hoping to catch a glimpse of your favorite stars, explore the TIFF Bell Lightbox, or enjoy a free outdoor screening under the city lights, Toronto Film Festival 2025 is ready to deliver unforgettable moments.
Whether you’re a seasoned attendee or brand new to TIFF, one thing’s for sure — this year’s 50th edition is not to be missed.
See you at the movies! 🍿✨
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