2025 Toronto International Film Festival: 10 Must-Watch Films

The 50th Toronto International Film Festival kicks off on September 4th, 2025.
The Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) is set to return this fall for its milestone 50th anniversary September 4-14, 2025. Widely recognized as one of the world’s premier film festivals, TIFF 2025 is a true showcase of global storytelling - boasting premieres from nearly 50 countries. This year’s program features short-form films, animated stories, filmmaker Q&As, and thought-provoking industry panels.
Fifty years in the making, this anniversary festival is poised to be one of the most anticipated events of the year. Explore our guide to the festival and discover the must-see films making their debut in September.
Wondering what films to see this year?
The 50th Toronto International Film Festival brings an extraordinary mix of Oscar-winning talent, new directors, and beloved stars to the red carpet, offering audiences an exciting and diverse lineup of films.
Festival-goers can expect star-powered screenings with the lineup of highly anticipated projects at TIFF next month. Within these releases are several GreenSlate client projects, delivering headline talent and unique storytelling.
Among the major highlights:
- The suspenseful thriller ‘Dead Man’s Wire’ brings Bill Skarsgard, Al Pacino, and Colman Domingo together to tell the true-crime story of a 1970s kidnapping.
- A24’s newest production ‘If I Had Legs I’d Kick You’ headlines Rose Byrne and Conan O’Brien in this dramedy that explores mental health and modern life.
- Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut ‘Eleanor the Great’ stars June Squibb in a story that reminds us that no matter your age, it's never too late to begin again.
With ten GreenSlate client projects featured at TIFF 50, this year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable event. Read on for the ten films to watch for.
Charlie Harper
Starring Emilia Jones and Nick Robinson, ‘Charlie Harper’ is a heartfelt romantic drama. The story follows Harper and Charlie as they build their lives together, focusing on the development of a young relationship tested by career ambitions, emotional struggles, personal growth, and the realities of compromise.
Dead Man's Wire
‘Good Will Hunting’ director Gus Van Sant is back with a psychological thriller in a retelling of an infamous 1977 kidnapping in Indianapolis. This true crime film takes viewers deep into the moral complexities and media frenzy that surrounded this event, with powerful performances from Dacre Montgomery, Al Pacino, Bill Skarsgard, and Colman Domingo.
Easy's Waltz
Nic Pizzolatto’s directorial debut features a star-studded cast, including Vince Vaughn, Michelle Monaghan, Al Pacino, Kate Mara, and Cobie Smulders. The film blends comedy and sentiment in the world of show business, navigating the highs and lows of Las Vegas entertainment.
If I Had Legs I'd Kick You
Written and directed by Mary Bronstein, this film is a raw and emotionally charged portrait of modern motherhood. Rose Byrne stars in this dark comedy, as a character fighting to manage an ill daughter, an absent husband, and a heavy workload. Conan O’Brien adds comedic relief as her therapist, combining pathos and humor to depict the relentless pace of family.
Poetic License
Maude Apatow’s debut feature film is a witty campus comedy, following college seniors and their competitive dynamic. When an intergenerational relationship alters the course of their friendship, the characters must confront their insecurities and discover their independence.
Carolina Caroline
Adam Carter Rehmeier's romantic thriller follows a young woman seeking to reconnect with her estranged mother. Her journey takes a wild turn when she meets a charismatic con man, and they embark on a crime-tinged, passion-fueled trek through the American Southeast.
Lucky Lu
This gripping story of a Chinese immigrant in New York City delivers an emotionally charged view of resilience. Played by Chang Chen, Lu is looking forward to a long-overdue reunion with his family - until a stolen bike shatters his plans. As he works to recover his only source of income, Lu’s struggle exposes the heartbreak and hope in the life of working-class immigrants.
Maddie's Secret
Comedian John Early both directs and stars in this satirical comedy about a chef content creator struggling to maintain a flawless online presence. This film exposes the anxieties and absurdities of social media and influencer culture, providing both sharp wit and pointed commentary on what it means to be authentic in the digital age.
Roofman
Channing Tatum leads this biopic of Jeffrey Manchester, an ex-Army Ranger known as “Roofman”. This film tracks Manchester’s daring exploits and criminal activity, his romance with a single mother (Kirsten Dunst), and blends suspense with humor for a unique look at the unraveling of his double life.
Eleanor the Great
Scarlett Johansson’s directorial debut brings the audience a heartfelt performance from June Squibb. After the death of her best friend, 94-year-old Eleanor moves to New York City and starts anew. Balancing the depths of grief with comedic relief, this poignant film is anchored in the intricacies of aging and empathy.
How can I experience the festival?
Don’t miss TIFF 50! Check out the entire lineup here, purchase a Festival Pass or Ticket Package to reserve your seats, and make sure to maximize your experience by checking out the daily schedule.
GreenSlate is excited to share this year’s client project lineup for TIFF 50, from first-time premieres to stories from returning filmmakers. As festival season continues, we look forward to celebrating even more client premieres and groundbreaking projects. Have a future festival-worthy project in the works? Our all-in-one platform streamlines the business side of production to enable creators to focus on what matters most: storytelling. Connect with our Sales team to learn more.
Related Posts
Access our blog for the inside scoop on what’s happening around the production office.
Get The Best of The Blog
Get the best of the GreenSlate blog once a month in your inbox by signing up for our GreenSlate Newsletter.
“If you're not using GreenSlate for processing production payroll, then you're not thinking clearly. We run about 10–12 productions a year and have used several of their competitors. I've put off sharing this as I've truly felt they've been a competitive advantage.”
Jeffrey Price
CFO at Swirl Films, LLC