IMDb reveals India’s most-watched films and series of 2025

MUMBAI: Indian storytelling has come of age. IMDb’s year-end rankings, based on page views from over 250 million monthly visitors worldwide, reveal a striking shift: audiences are hungry for distinctly Indian narratives, from superhero epics to satirical exposés.

Saiyaara, produced by Yash Raj Films, claimed the top spot among movies. The romantic drama, directed by Mohit Suri and starring debut actors Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has “set new benchmarks” and connected with viewers “across geography, age, and culture,” according to Akshaye Widhani, chief executive of Yash Raj Films. The film’s success marks a triumph for homegrown stories that refuse to play it safe.

The series list tells an even bolder story. The Ba***ds of Bollywood, directed by Aryan Khan, topped the rankings with its unfiltered take on the film industry. Khan says the show aimed to “shake the room and own the conversation.” It succeeded. The series has spawned memes, fan edits and heated debates—becoming, in Khan’s words, “a pop cultural phenomenon” rather than just “a weekend watch.”

The data reveals telling patterns. Five of the top ten films are in Hindi, with Tamil, Kannada and Malayalam making strong showings. Mahavatar Narsimha, released simultaneously in five languages, became the first animated film to crack an IMDb year-end Indian list. Among series, crime thrillers dominated, claiming seven of ten spots. Six were either new seasons or franchise extensions, suggesting audiences reward long-form storytelling.

“The diverse range of storytelling, spanning from romance to animation, superhero epics to satire, reflects the industry’s vibrancy,” says Yaminie Patodia, head of IMDb India. “It’s especially exciting to see distinctly Indian stories and cultural narratives resonating with audiences around the world.”

The streaming platforms are taking notice. Netflix and Prime Video tied with four titles each on the series list, while JioHotstar secured two. The competition for Indian content has never been fiercer.

Top 10 Indian films:
1. Saiyaara
2. Mahavatar Narsimha
3. Chhaava
4. Kantara: A Legend – Chapter 1
5. Coolie
6. Dragon
7. Sitaare Zameen Par
8. Deva
9. Raid 2
10. Lokah Chapter 1: Chandra

Top 10 Indian series:
1. The Ba***ds of Bollywood
2. Black Warrant
3. Paatal Lok Season 2
4. Panchayat Season 4
5. Mandala Murders
6. Khauf
7. Special Ops Season 2
8. Khakee: The Bengal Chapter
9. The Family Man Season 3
10. Criminal Justice: A Family Matter

The message is clear: Indian creators are no longer seeking validation from the West. They’re telling their stories their way—and the world is watching.