IMDb Best of 2025: From Saiyaara to The Bads of Bollywood, the Films and Series That Ruled India’s Global Screen

0
3

India’s entertainment industry continues to dominate global conversations — and IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Movies and Series of 2025 proves it. From fresh romantic dramas and animated mythological epics to hard-hitting crime thrillers and rural comedies, 2025 showcased India’s unmatched storytelling range. The list reflects not only box-office power but also massive streaming popularity, global fan buzz, and cross-cultural appeal.

Here’s a complete look at the Top 10 Indian Movies and Top 10 Indian Web Series of 2025 that won hearts at home and abroad.

Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025

1. Saiyaara

Mohit Suri’s heartfelt romantic drama, starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, emerged as IMDb’s most popular Indian film of 2025. With its emotional narrative, melodious music, and youthful chemistry, Saiyaara became a global favourite and one of the highest-grossing romantic films of the year.

2. Mahavatar Narsimha

This mythological animated film stunned audiences with its breathtaking visuals and deep cultural storytelling. Celebrated by families and folklore enthusiasts alike, it broke multiple records to become one of India’s biggest animated successes ever.

3. Chhaava

A sweeping historical action drama starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna, Chhaava impressed with its epic battles, emotional depth, and immersive recreation of Indian history. It dominated theatres in early 2025.

4. Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1

Extending the celebrated Kantara universe, this instalment delivered powerful action, mystical folklore, and spiritual intrigue. Its rooted storytelling resonated strongly across regions and languages.

5. Coolie

A high-energy, star-driven entertainer, Coolie revived classic Bollywood nostalgia with modern flair. Its mass appeal and large-scale action ensured strong nationwide traction.

6. Dragon

A pan-India fantasy-action spectacle, Dragon mixed mythical elements with next-gen VFX, becoming a favourite among young moviegoers and fans of genre cinema.

7. Sitaare Zameen Par

This inspiring drama about dreams, adversity, and resilience touched audiences with its relatable characters and grounded storytelling, maintaining steady acclaim throughout the year.

8. Deva

Starring Shahid Kapoor, Deva offered gritty police action backed by powerful performances and slick execution, keeping viewers hooked.

9. Raid 2

The sequel to the acclaimed Raid franchise elevated the tension with sharper courtroom drama, layered plotting, and intense action, earning both critical and audience approval.

10. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

This Malayalam superhero origin film surprised audiences with its refreshing narrative, world-building, and emotional depth, earning a dedicated pan-India fan base.

Top 10 Most Popular Indian Series of 2025

1. The Bads of Bollywood

Aryan Khan’s bold and much-talked-about directorial debut became IMDb’s #1 Indian series of 2025. Its edgy narrative style, cultural conversations, and viral moments turned it into a true pop-culture phenomenon.

2. Black Warrant

A gripping prison thriller, Black Warrant impressed with its strong characters and tense storytelling, earning the second spot with its compelling drama.

3. Paatal Lok – Season 2

The gritty crime anthology returned with a powerful second season, blending social commentary with intense realism, reaffirming its place among India’s best-made thrillers.

4. Panchayat – Season 4

A fan favourite year after year, Panchayat continued its charming portrayal of rural life, delivering heartfelt humour and subtle societal insights.

5. Mandala Murders

This psychological thriller carved a niche with its atmospheric tension, mystery-laden plot, and unpredictable twists.

6. Khauf

A horror-suspense hit, Khauf combined supernatural elements with psychological drama, building a strong cult viewership.

7. Special Ops – Season 2

The espionage saga returned with sharper missions, new antagonists, and high-stakes storytelling rooted in real-world geopolitics.

8. Khakee: The Bengal Chapter

Expanding the Khakee crime universe, this season balanced gritty police narratives with emotional backstories, securing steady popularity.

9. The Family Man – Season 3

One of India’s most beloved original series, The Family Man delivered another season packed with action, humour, and engaging character arcs.

10. Criminal Justice: A Family Matter

Blending courtroom intrigue with personal drama, this instalment maintained the franchise’s momentum and kept viewers engrossed.

The Verdict: 2025 Was India’s Year on the Global Screen

From soulful romances and mythological animations to suspenseful thrillers and cultural dramas, 2025 offered India’s richest storytelling tapestry yet. IMDb’s list reflects an industry expanding in scale, diversity, and global impact.

Indian movies and series aren’t just entertaining audiences — they’re shaping global conversations, trends, and streaming cultures.