The Best AI Image Generators of 2025 + Free Style Guide
In this article, I’m going to share 11 of the most impressive AI image generators in the world.
The world of AI image generators is moving extremely fast. Only 2 years ago, many of these tools didn’t even exist, but today tools like Midjourney and Dall-e are so popular that even your mom may have heard about them.
We created this quick guide to help you navigate the fast-paced world of AI image generators. (Feel free to share it with your mom, too!)
So in this article, we’ll take a look at 11 of the best AI image generators of 2025. We’ll list out some of the pros and cons to using these image generation tools. And share our recommendations for finding the best tool for your creative projects.
The Best AI Image Generators of 2025 | The Ultimate List
Ready to take a look at some of the best AI image generators of 2025? Let’s hop in.
1. Midjourney
MidJourney is one of the most well-known AI image generators among AI artists, specifically AI filmmakers, because it generates beautiful and cinematic images that are typically indistinguishable from real-life still photos.
Generated Using Midjourney with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
Midjourney deserves being at the top of this list, even as other AI image generators have come onto the market.
Originally it started as a Discord-based tool but has since launched a web version that is far more user-friendly.
Pros of Midjourney:
If we are being honest, Midjourney has too many pros to count! This list goes on and on.
Incredibly Cinematic Outputs
Very User Friendly
Tons of Advanced features such as character consistency, style reference, image reference, and more.
Advanced Editing Features
Affordable Pricing
Cons of Midjourney:
No Integration with Video Generator Applications
No Free Tier
The cinematic aesthetic can sometimes be limiting when trying to replicate lower-quality, realistic images (say for a documentary possibly).
For now, this is definitely our favorite AI image generator across the board. But these tools are always changing, so it is very possible a competitor could challenge Midjourney’s #1 position!
Free Midjourney Style Guide
Speaking of Midjourney, fill out this form below to access our free Midjourney style guide. This has everything from style ideas to cinematography terms, and even practical prompting tips that will help you get the best image possible from the tool. We hope you enjoy!
2. DALL·E (by OpenAI)
DALL·E, developed by OpenAI, was one of the first AI image generators to make its way into mainstream media. Of course, OpenAI has such a strong viral news presence, it’s no mystery why people would be familiar with this image generator.
Generated Using Dall-E with the Prompt ‘Cinematic still from a movie’
Dall-E was also used to create one of the first AI Films that we came across, ‘CRITTERZ’ by our good friends Chad Nelson and Nik Kleverov.
Pros of Dall-E:
Integrated into OpenAI
Inpainting Feature Allows for Modifications
Cons of Dall-E:
Struggles with Photorealism
Not Available on the Chat-GPT Free Tier
Output Struggles with Cinematic Quality
This can be a fun generator to work with. At the same time, Dall-E wouldn’t be our preferred tool of use for a professional project.
3. Stable Diffusion
Stable Diffusion is an open-source AI image generator that has typically flown under the radar, but many AI creators and artists have used it.
Generated Using Stable Diffusion with the Prompt: ‘magical realism photo portrait, morning light, 30-something woman, hipster fashion, pensive, candid’
Stable Diffusion is an excellent image generator that really excels in prompt adherence and typography.
Pros of Stable Diffusion:
Free and Open-Source
Option to Create Custom Models
Works Offline with Sufficient Computing Power
Cons of Stable Diffusion:
Requires Technical Knowledge for Best Results
Not super beginner-friendly
Local Installation Demands Strong GPU Resources
The output struggles to generate images that are more realistic and cinematic.
Stable diffusion has phenomenal prompt adherence and is a really great option for many artists. The biggest downside can be that it is a bit difficult to use.
All in all, we find Stable Diffusion is best suited for those looking to utilize models stored locally.
4. Adobe Firefly
Adobe Firefly is Adobe's AI image generation tool, conveniently integrated directly into their Creative Cloud suite. It’s designed to complement professional workflows.
You can also use images you generate with it in Adobe Firefly Video Beta, their commercially-safe video generator that just became available to all users with a subscription!
Generated Using Adobe Firefly with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
Adobe is one of the most prominent apps in the world for advertisers, filmmakers, video editors, and creators, so it makes sense they are boldly entering into the AI creativity game as well.
Pros of Firefly:
Seamless Integration with Photoshop and Illustrator
High-Quality Commercial-Use Images
Supports Text-To-Image and Generative Fill
Cons of Firefly:
Requires an Adobe subscription
Not as Diverse in Artistic Styles as Some Competitors
Output Tends to be Less Cinematic and More Editorial
Images Struggle to Appear Realistic
Though Adobe excels when it comes to editing software for both video and photo editing, it still struggles when it comes to most AI tools, specifically high quality AI image generation.
Generated Using Adobe Firefly with the Prompt ‘Still of an animated monster playing guitar in the style of pixar animation’
If you already have the Firefly subscription in your Adobe Creative Cloud, then we would say it could definitely be a tool. But if possible, we recommend looking elsewhere for better cinematic results!
5. Leonardo AI
Leonardo AI is a powerful generative AI tool that provides a balance between artistic creativity and realism. It’s a lesser-known tool, but also has so many strengths and perks we want to tell you about.
Generated Using Leonardo AI with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
Pros of Leonardo AI:
High-Quality Visuals with Unique Styles
Good Balance Between Realism and Stylization
Free Tier Available with Daily Limits
Lots of advanced features like style reference, image enhancement, character reference, and more.
Cons of Leonardo AI:
Limited Free Usage Before Requiring Payment
Though Leonardo’s output is great, it typically is slightly less cinematic and realistic than Midjourney.
Generated Using Leonardo with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
We’ve had the pleasure to work directly with the team at Leonardo, and we are so grateful for the relationship we have with them and how much they do for the AI community.
If you need an all-in-one tool, I would recommend looking into Leonardo.
It definitely has its quirks, but there are so many features that make it worth your time and money!
6. Runway Frames
Runway AI is best known for its video AI tools, but they recently launched a new image generator called Frames. The tool has received a lot of attention from its incredibly realistic generations.
Generated Using Runway’s Frames with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
Pros of Frames:
High-Resolution Output Suitable for Professional Use
Seamlessly Integrates with Runway’s AI Video Generator
Runway Does Great at Adding New Features the their Tools Regularly
Cons of Frames:
Limited free tier
No Advanced Features Such as Style Reference, Character Consistency, etc.
The output from Runway’s frames is phenomenal. The main thing keeping us from recommending this tool is the amount of limitations when it comes to advanced capabilities such as style reference, character reference, and other useful features.
Generated Using Runway’s Frames with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
If you already have a Runway subscription, this could definitely be used on a professional project, but we are crossing our fingers that some more advanced features will be available soon!
7. Flux
When Flux was released, it received a lot of attention because the results were so indistinguishable from reality it felt like a real Midjourney competitor.
Generated Using Flux with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
Pros of Flux:
Supports Detailed Prompt Engineering
Options for Cloud-Based & Local
Excels with Realism
Multiple Places to Utilize the API (Grok, fal.ai, etc.)
Good Cinematic Quality
Cons of Flux:
Still Evolving with Some Occasional Inconsistencies
Sometimes Struggles with Abstract Aesthetics
Flux is a wonderful tool that we would highly recommend trying out. It can be a tad complicated, and you might need to use a tool like fal.ai to utilize the some of the more advanced features, but the output definitely competes well with Midjourney.
If you can use it in your workflow, Flux could be a solid option for you as a creator.
8. Google's Imagen
Google’s Imagen is a text-to-image generator that many creators might not know about.
That will change soon, especially once Veo2 becomes publicly available, since using Imagen 3 will be the only way you’ll be able to generate inside of Veo2!
Generated Using Google’s Imagen with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
Pros of Imagen:
Incredible at Generating Realistic and Cinematic Quality Images
Integrated with Veo 2
You can test it out for free
Cons of Imagen:
Struggles with Different Styles of Images (i.e. Animated, Claymation, etc.)
Not many advanced features (no character or style references/consistency)
Google’s Imagen is a great AI image generator. Similar to Adobe Firefly, the output can often look more editorial and professional. If you’re interested, we recommend learning how to use it now, to get ahead of the Veo2 public launch!
9. Meta Imagine
Meta has an AI image generator that is integrated with their LLM called ‘Meta AI.’ Right now, it feels similar to Dall-E.
Generated Using Meta’s Imagine with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still of a man walking on the beach at sunset’
This image generator hasn’t been a primary tool for AI filmmakers. It’s more widely used for social media content at the moment.
Pros of Imagine:
Integrated within Meta’s Platforms
Fast and User-Friendly
Free
Cons of Imagine:
Pretty Low Quality, Unrealistic Output
Not professional enough for AI Filmmaking
Meta’s AI image generator is really only suitable for memes and other social media posts. There is a ton of benefit for the average person, but I wouldn’t recommend using it for a professional film project.
10. Kolors (By Kling)
A lot of people don’t know that the popular video generator Kling also has an image generator as well, called ‘KOLORS’!
Generated Using Kolors (Kling’s Image Generator) with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
This tool gets overlooked because Kling is so well known for their phenomenal AI video generator.
Pros of Kolors:
Excellent for Abstract, Fine-Art Designs, and Non-Traditional Generations
Advanced Features like Subject Reference and Virtual Try-On
Integrated into Kling’s AI Video Generator
Cons of Kolors:
Costs Per Generation
Struggles with Consistently Generating Realistic Images.
Kolors definitely needs more attention. Sometimes the images can appear less lifelike, but the majority of the time the output is pretty impressive and very usable.
If you are a fan of Kling and enjoy their interface, then we would recommend putting this tool into your workflow!
11. Luma Labs
Similar to Kling, Luma Labs has its own AI image generator that has flown under the radar as well. Luma previously released “Dream Machine” which made big waves in the AI world.
Generated Using Luma Labs with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
Pros of Luma Labs:
Integrated Directly with Luma’s AI Video Generator
Excels at Generating Animated Images
Free Tier Available
Cons of Luma Labs:
Struggles to Generate Realistic and Cinematic Quality Images
Not many advanced features such as character reference, style reference, etc
Luma Lab’s AI image generator definitely deserves more attention. We might not recommend it as the first option, but if you are Luma Labs fan, check it out!
Conclusion
All in all, there are so many phenomenal AI image generators available now. So you might be wondering, “well, which is actually the best?” That’s a great question.
Generated Using Midjourney with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still from a Movie’
In our professional opinion, the best AI image generator of 2025 is Midjourney. It has always been the most popular image generator among AI creators, and it’s 100% worth the price.
Depending on your budget, current workflow, and projects, it might make sense to try out other generators, too.
For example, maybe you currently pay for the Runway unlimited plan and don’t have room in your budget to add a new image generator subscription. That’s ok! In this case, you would have free access to Frames, which works very well too.
Generated Using Midjourney with the Prompt ‘Cinematic Still’
Or maybe you are working on a documentary and want more realistic images that resemble iPhone selfies — in that case, we recommend utilizing Flux.
Between all of the tools out there, there are plenty of resources to create a spectacular video content content utilizing any of these AI Image Generators.
Learn AI Advertising
If you are interested in learning the latest ways to utilize the best AI image generators in your workflow, I would highly recommend you check out our AI Advertising Course.
Whatever you’re interested in learning, chances are we have a course that can help you on your creative journey! We offer courses for Advertising to Filmmaking, Animation, and even Documentary. We would love to have you become a part of our global community.
Feel free to check out the courses, and let us know if you have any questions at all! :)