Are you tired of endless scrolling on streaming platforms, struggling to find something good to watch? You’re not alone. Many movie lovers share this frustration of choice overload. Imagine a world where each day, a fantastic film is pre-selected for you, eliminating the browsing blues and bringing the joy back to movie watching. This is the idea behind “One Movie Per Day,” a project designed to curate a year of cinematic experiences.
I started this project because, like you, I wished for a streaming service that offered just one exceptional movie recommendation daily. Since building a streaming platform is beyond my current capabilities, I opted for the next best thing: a meticulously crafted spreadsheet filled with 365 movie recommendations for 2025. Consider it your daily film itinerary, a guide to navigate the vast world of cinema without the overwhelm.
You can explore this movie roadmap here. It’s currently populated through March and is continuously updated. Feel free to share it with fellow movie enthusiasts or direct them to this newsletter for more context and weekly updates!
The selection process is influenced by the theatrical release schedule, especially for the earlier part of the year. As the year progresses, and release dates become less certain, I’ll be adding movies to the spreadsheet monthly or quarterly. While the spreadsheet itself provides a comprehensive list, it lacks the deeper dive into each film.
This is where this newsletter comes in. Each week, I’ll send out an email containing the week’s movie selections, enriched with background information. Think of it as your weekly movie companion, offering insights into the director’s work, the film’s plot, behind-the-scenes stories, and connections to other movies. This extra context aims to spark excitement, especially for films you might not have considered otherwise. My hope is to create a shared experience, fostering a sense of community around our daily movie journey.
Perhaps we can even explore some communal viewing experiences:
- Virtual watch parties?
- Cinema outings together?
- Themed movie nights?
To further enhance the community aspect, a chatroom is available for discussions about the daily movie picks. If you’re new here, welcome! I’m Noele (@noeleflowers on Instagram) and you can find me on Letterboxd as iloveflims if you’d like to connect there.
Let’s delve into the structure of “One Movie Per Day 2025” and preview the first week’s selections for January (a shorter week, from the 1st to the 5th, to ease us into this cinematic adventure).
Frequently Asked Questions About Your Daily Movie Guide
Is watching a movie every day too much? Personally, I probably won’t watch every single movie on the list. My aim is to watch about a third of them, based on my usual viewing habits. The core idea is to have a curated daily movie option readily available. So, when you’re ready to watch a film, you have a fantastic suggestion without needing to spend hours searching. Of course, you have complete freedom to choose a different day’s movie or go completely off-script – it’s your cinematic journey!
Is there a system behind these movie selections? Yes, there’s a loose weekly structure to guide the curation process:
- Mondays: Classic repertory films made before 1970.
- Tuesdays: Repertory films from 1970 to 1999.
- Wednesdays: Recent or lesser-known independent films.
- Thursdays: Newer releases or films I missed in theaters.
- Fridays: Theatrical releases – time to visit the cinema!
- Saturdays: Classic movies perfect for rewatching.
- Sundays: A miscellaneous category – anything goes!
There might also be thematic focuses throughout the year, such as horror films in October or seasonal alignments, but the structure remains flexible. Sometimes, a movie is chosen for a specific week due to a connection with a new release or another film in that week’s lineup. Other times, the selection is simply based on creating a diverse and engaging program. The first three months lean towards staying updated with potential Oscar contenders, and the indie selections are influenced by Sundance, the year’s first major film festival.
Are these “recommendations” in the traditional sense? It’s important to note that I haven’t seen most of these films yet! Therefore, I can’t personally vouch for their quality or content. However, I’ve conducted thorough research to select films that are generally well-regarded and interesting.
So, where to watch these movies? This is the crucial question, and the answer varies. For convenient access to a vast library of films beyond streaming services, I highly recommend the classic combination: a DVD player and a library card.
Secondhand DVD players are widely available and inexpensive. Even smaller library systems often have an extensive collection, including most films that aren’t brand new releases. If I select a movie that might be harder to find, I’ll try to provide specific guidance on how I plan to watch it.
This Week’s Movie Picks—Jan 1-Jan 5 2025
Wednesday, Jan 1 – UNION (2024)
This documentary film, directed by Stephen Maing and Brett Story, delves into the union organizing efforts at an Amazon warehouse in Staten Island. “UNION” received a U.S. documentary special jury award at Sundance, recognizing its compelling storytelling and important subject matter. Where to watch: Streaming options are currently limited, but you can rent it here for around $12. This film offers a crucial look at contemporary labor issues.
Thursday, Jan 2 – Conclave (2024)
“Conclave,” directed by Edward Berger (“All Quiet on the Western Front”), features a star-studded cast including Ralph Fiennes, Stanley Tucci, and Isabella Rossellini. The film revolves around the intriguing premise of electing a new Pope, promising a blend of prestige and perhaps some unexpected twists. Some reviewers describe it as a “dumb smart movie,” suggesting an entertaining and thought-provoking experience. “Conclave” is anticipated to be an Oscar contender in several categories. Where to watch: Depending on your location, it might still be playing in theaters. Otherwise, it is available for rent on VOD and streaming on Peacock. Prepare for a Vatican thriller with a touch of Hollywood flair.
Friday, Jan 3 – A Complete Unknown (2024)
James Mangold, director of “Walk The Line,” brings us “A Complete Unknown,” a biopic about the iconic Bob Dylan. While some might feel biopic fatigue, this film boasts Timothée Chalamet in the lead role, an actor known for his dedicated performances. Chalamet reportedly spent five years learning guitar for the role and even practiced on the set of “Dune: Part 2” in costume (watch here around 4:33). Oscar buzz is already surrounding Chalamet’s portrayal. Where to watch: “A Complete Unknown” is expected to be widely available in theaters upon release. Get ready to experience Bob Dylan’s story brought to life on the big screen.
Saturday, Jan 4 – The Master (2012)
Paul Thomas Anderson’s “The Master,” starring Joaquin Phoenix, Philip Seymour Hoffman, and Jesse Plemons, is a modern classic that deserves revisiting. While I admit to not being Anderson’s biggest fan (with the exception of that amazing HAIM music video), “The Master” is undeniably a significant work. It’s also suggested to be a compelling companion piece to Brady Corbet’s “The Brutalist.” Where to watch: You can stream “The Master” on Amazon Prime or request the DVD from your local library. Dive into this critically acclaimed drama and decide for yourself about its modern classic status.
Sunday, Jan 5 – Daughters (2024)
“Daughters” is a documentary directed by Angela Patton and Natalie Rae, marking their feature debut. This powerful film follows four young girls as they prepare for a Father-Daughter dance with their incarcerated fathers. “Daughters” is a strong Oscar contender in the documentary category, offering a moving and intimate look at family bonds in challenging circumstances. Where to watch: Stream “Daughters” on Netflix. Prepare for a heartwarming and poignant end to the first week of movie explorations.
I hope these initial movie selections kick off your 2025 movie watching year in a fantastic way! If you watch any of these films, I’d love to hear your thoughts.
Until next week,
Noey
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