The year 2025 proved to be an exceptionally dynamic period, marked by significant shifts across various societal and digital landscapes. Amidst this evolving environment, Polygon maintained its core mission: to delve into and honor cultural phenomena with a spirit of inquiry and a touch of playful audacity. The publication’s dedication extends beyond mere observation, seeking to understand the deeper significance of video games, films, television, and their surrounding ecosystems, especially during times of widespread change and uncertainty. This annual collection serves as both a contemporary guide and a historical record, aiming to illuminate the cultural currents of a remarkably eventful year.
Polygon prides itself on a rich heritage, shaped by diverse voices, pioneering endeavors, and a consistent benchmark for insightful, human-centric critique and investigative journalism. This enduring legacy is a shared inheritance, belonging to all who contribute to Polygon's mission, both presently and in the future. With this guiding principle, the publication unveils its "Best of 2025" compilation, a thoughtfully curated selection interspersed with some provocative perspectives. This collection is intended to help readers catch up on the year's major cultural highlights, and for future audiences, to offer clarity on the whirlwind of events that characterized 2025 in the realm of entertainment and culture.
The curated lists within this special collection offer a detailed glimpse into the diverse array of entertainment that defined 2025. Among the highlights are "The 50 Best Games of 2025," which celebrates the pinnacle of interactive storytelling and gameplay innovation. Complementing this is "The 25 Best Anime Shows and Movies of 2025," showcasing the year's most impactful and beloved animated narratives. For enthusiasts of suspense and the macabre, "The 10 Best Horror Movies of 2025" provides a definitive guide to the genre's standout entries, underscoring the breadth of Polygon's critical focus across various cultural forms.
Beyond the top lists, Polygon also shines a spotlight on unexpected triumphs and emerging trends. One notable feature, "Arc Raiders Opened the Floodgates for Extraction Shooters in 2025," delves into a game that not only captured significant attention but also influenced a burgeoning sub-genre within the gaming world. Additionally, "15 Under-the-Radar Games You May Have Missed in 2025" brings attention to hidden gems and independent titles that, despite perhaps not receiving mainstream fanfare, offered compelling experiences and enriched the gaming landscape. These sections collectively illustrate Polygon's commitment to exploring both widely recognized and niche cultural contributions.
However, not all cultural phenomena of 2025 were met with universal acclaim. The collection also candidly addresses challenges and disappointments, notably in the feature, "2025 Was the Year the Bottom Fell Out of the Marvel Cinematic Universe." This critical analysis examines a pivotal period for one of the entertainment industry's most dominant franchises, dissecting the factors that contributed to a perceived downturn in its performance and reception. This inclusion demonstrates Polygon's balanced approach to cultural commentary, acknowledging both the peaks and troughs of the entertainment cycle, and providing a comprehensive narrative of the year's cultural dynamics.
In essence, this comprehensive review encapsulates a year of significant transitions and enduring principles. Polygon's unwavering commitment to insightful cultural exploration, evident through its meticulously curated lists and critical analyses, offers a valuable resource for understanding the complex and often unpredictable landscape of 2025. It serves as a testament to the publication's role in fostering intelligent discourse and appreciation for the arts, cementing its position as a vital voice in cultural commentary.
