Key Takeaways
- TIFF is one of the most prestigious film festivals in the world.
- Frankenstein (Guillermo del Toro), Hamnet (Chloé Zhao), Christy (David Michôd), Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery (Rian Johnson), and The Smashing Machine (Benny Safdie) are among the most anticipated films at TIFF 2025.
- Several films will be released on Netflix, Apple TV+, and in theaters after their TIFF premiere.
- Access free tickets and exclusive pre-sales with the TIFF Under-25 Free Pass.
- TIFF is a celebration that transforms Toronto into a global hub for fans, critics, and filmmakers.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is one of the most anticipated Canadian film festivals in the world, famous for presenting films eagerly awaited by thousands of aficionados. Founded in 1976, the festival is held every year in early September in the city of Toronto and showcases the most acclaimed films from film festivals around the world. In fact, great films such as American Beauty, The Black Swan, Slumdog Millionaire, Precious, and The King's Speech have premiered at TIFF. Discover the best films of TIFF 2025!
TIFF Lineup 2025 Overview
The Toronto International Film Festival promises a diverse lineup, and here are 10 feature films spanning genres from historical drama to psychological thriller. Highlights include the thriller Frankenstein, the drama Christy and the emotional Hamnet. In 2025, the Canadian Festival promises a varied and exciting lineup that is sure to captivate. Discover our list of must-see films for this year and our essential guide for surviving TIFF. Ready to dive in?
Top TIFF Movies 2025 - Highlights ✨
- Frankenstein - Guillermo del Toro
- Nuremberg - James Vanderbilt
- Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery - Rian Johnson
- The Testament Of Ann Lee - Mona Fastvold
- Christy - David Michôd
- The Lost Bus - Paul Greengrass
- Hamnet - Chloé Zhao
- The Smashing Machine - Benny Safdie
- Roofman - Derek Cianfrance
- Couture - Alice Winocour
- Good Fortune - Aziz Ansari
If you're under 25, the TIFF Under-25 Free Pass will allow you to take advantage of benefits such as two complimentary tickets to all regular-price year-round, exclusive ticket and subscription pre-sales, promotions at TIFF Shop, invitations to special events, and access to purchase single tickets to the 2025 Festival on Insiders.
Frankenstein
Guillermo del Toro's long-awaited adaptation of Mary Shelley's classic is set decades after the creature was supposed to be dead. It tells the story from Victor Frankenstein's perspective, using horror, poetry and drama in one!
Christy
Christy is a biographical sports drama about Christy Martin, Hollywood's first female boxing superstar. Sydney Sweeney portrays Christy through her rise in the 1990s, surviving domestic violence, and becoming an activist in her later life. The movie balances the pursuit of athletic excellence and a resilient spirit.
Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery
The third installment of Rian Johnson's beloved Knives Out franchise, Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery, brings back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc. Blanc navigates a labyrinth of suspects in an entirely new setting. The film continues the series' blend of suspenseful mystery and sharp comedy.
Nuremberg
Nuremberg is a historical drama that visits the aftermath of World War II through the eyes of U.S. Army psychiatrist Douglas Kelley (Rami Malek), who evaluates Nazi war criminals during the Nuremberg Trials. When Kelley confronts Hermann Göring (Russell Crowe), the ideological conflict between doctor and prisoner becomes an intense psychological duel.
The Lost Bus
The Lost Bus is a survival drama set in California's 2018 Camp Fire. McConaughey plays Kevin McCay, a school bus driver who risks everything to get a teacher and his students to safety. Humane and contingent film that combines tension, courage, and solidarity
Hamnet
Adapted by Chloé Zhao from Maggie O'Farrell's book, Hamnet offers an intimate and emotional portrait of Shakespeare and his wife, Agnes, following the death of their 11-year-old son. With delicate visual aesthetics and subtle acting, the film explores grief, love, and artistic creation from a historical perspective.
The Testament of Ann Lee
Musical biopic based on a historical figure often overlooked in mainstream narratives, The Testament of Ann Lee explores faith, community, and identity through lush staging and the great performances of Amanda Seyfried, Thomasin McKenzie & Lewis Pullman. This introspective film brings Cold War–era religious politics into poetic focus.
Roofman
Based on the true-life story of fugitive Jeffrey "Roofman" Manchester, this crime dramedy from Derek Cianfrance stars Channing Tatum as an ex-Army Ranger who hides in a Toys‑R‑Us after escaping prison and begins a secret life inside the store. Kirsten Dunst plays a single mom who becomes his romantic focus. Featuring a blend of humor and emotional realism, the film explores the themes of reinvention and unexpected love.
The Smashing Machine
Biographical sports drama marks a major transformation for the star Dwayne Johnson, who stars as troubled MMA legend. Directed by Benny Safdie, the film explores Kerr's rise through 1990s cage fighting, his battles with addiction, and the emotional toll of fame and personal loss. Emily Blunt portrays Kerr's wife Dawn with raw sensitivity. A24's character-driven approach and Safdie's intense visual style make this one of TIFF's most buzzed-about entries.
Good Fortune
Aziz Ansari makes his feature directorial debut with this quirky comedy. Keanu Reeves plays Gabriel, a well-meaning but ineffective angel who swaps the lives of a struggling worker (Ansari) and his wealthy boss (Seth Rogen), only to lose his wings in the process. The trio learn about privilege, identity, and resilience. Good Fortune is a bold return to theatrical comedy and one of TIFF's most anticipated premieres.
Couture
Angelina Jolie stars as an ambitious filmmaker who navigates creativity, ambition, and self-discovery amid the whirlwind of Paris Fashion Week. The drama promises a stylish and introspective exploration of identity, art, and the price of ambition.
TIFF Movies and Festival Tips
Whether you're a first-timer or a TIFF aficionado, planning ahead is essential to making the most of your TIFF experience. Book your tickets early, especially for the most-see titles like Frankenstein or The Smashing Machine. Dress comfortably, arrive early to secure good seats, and don't forget to explore all the gems the TIFF Canada has to offer. Explore top TIFF events besides movies, so take time to enjoy the city and the electric atmosphere that makes Toronto one of the world's top film destinations.
Which movie are you most excited to see? 🎬🍿
Wrap Up! 📽️🍿
The Toronto International Film Festival 2025 celebrates cinema excellence, providing a platform for emerging stars, established auteurs, and international movie critics. Are you thinking about becoming an aspiring actor? Discover exceptional acting teachers in Canada with Superprof and build your way to stardom. Who said that someday you couldn't be the one invited to TIFF? Stand out like a movie star with the best personalized acting lessons from Superprof anywhere in Canada.
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