Can you believe we’re already halfway through 2025?
Yep, it’s July—and the first half of the year has brought a rollercoaster of emotions for Indian cinema.
As theatres continue to bounce back while still competing with the ever-evolving OTT world, fans have spoken with their clicks, searches, and ratings.
IMDb has unveiled its list of the most popular Indian movies of 2025 (so far), and if you’re a movie buff, this is your cue to catch up.
Discover IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025!
From historic epics to heart-pounding thrillers and coming-of-age dramas, this year’s top picks reflect the diversity of Indian storytelling—and some surprising trends too.
IMDb’s Most Popular Indian Movies Of 2025 — Chhaava Takes the Lead
The film that’s ruling the IMDb popularity charts right now?
Chhaava, the historical action-drama starring Vicky Kaushal, Rashmika Mandanna, and Akshaye Khanna.
Released back in February, the film has captured audiences with its gripping tale of courage and resistance.
Directed by Laxman Utekar, Chhaava focuses on the fearless warrior Chhatrapati Sambhaji Maharaj, son of the legendary Shivaji Maharaj, as he leads the Marathas against the mighty Mughal empire after his father’s death.
Utekar shared his excitement on the film’s growing popularity, saying, “What makes this so special is that it’s powered entirely by the fans.
Their love and encouragement for Chhaava and its performances have motivated us to keep telling powerful, rooted stories that strike a chord globally.”
If you missed Chhaava during its theatrical run, good news—it’s now streaming on Netflix. So grab your popcorn and catch up on this period drama that’s winning hearts (and search trends).
The Complete List – Top 10 Indian Films of 2025 (So Far)
IMDb’s list isn’t just based on critic reviews—it’s determined by real-time user activity from around the world.
That includes clicks, ratings, and search volume.
To make it here, a movie needs to have an IMDb rating of at least 6.0 and 10,000+ user votes. Here’s the complete lineup of fan-favorite Indian films released between January 1 and July 1, 2025:
Chhaava
Dragon
Deva
Raid 2
Retro
The Diplomat
L2: Empuraan
Sitaare Zameen Par
Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story of Jallianwala Bagh
VidaaMuyarchi
Let’s dive into a few of these titles that are making serious waves.
Dragon – The Coming-of-Age Gem
At number two is Dragon, a coming-of-age drama that’s resonated deeply with younger audiences.
Its fresh narrative and emotional depth have made it one of 2025’s surprise hits.
If you’re someone who enjoys films with soul, this one’s a must-watch.
Shahid Kapoor Brings the Heat in Deva
Shahid Kapoor proves once again why he’s a powerhouse performer.
In Deva, an edge-of-the-seat action thriller, Shahid delivers intensity, grit, and some seriously slick fight scenes.
Fans of high-stakes drama won’t want to miss this one.
Raid 2 – Action Gets a Sequel Boost
Raid 2 is another title that has made its mark on the popularity charts.
Building on the success of its predecessor, this sequel doesn’t hold back—serving action, suspense, and a plot that keeps you guessing.
The Aamir Khan Effect – Sitaare Zameen Par
Aamir Khan’s Sitaare Zameen Par is still running in theatres, but that hasn’t stopped it from becoming one of the most searched-for titles this year.
As expected from Aamir, the film touches hearts and sparks conversations, proving once again why his releases are an event in themselves.
Rising Stars & Expanding Universes
Other notable mentions include Retro, a stylized throwback thriller, and The Diplomat, which brings geopolitical intrigue to the forefront.
Prithviraj Sukumaran’s L2: Empuraan continues to expand its cinematic universe with flair, while Kesari Chapter 2 delivers a gut-punch of patriotism and untold history.
Ajith Kumar’s VidaaMuyarchi rounds out the top 10, showcasing his undeniable star power and mass appeal.
Final Thoughts: What Does This Say About 2025’s Cinema Trends?
One clear takeaway?
Audiences in 2025 are embracing bold stories, rooted history, and genre diversity.
Whether it’s the grandeur of Chhaava or the emotional pull of Dragon, people are engaging deeply with stories that leave an impact, both on screen and off.
So, how many of these top 10 have you seen already?
And which ones are on your watchlist? Let us know in the comments or hit us up on social with your favorite from the list.
One thing’s certain—Indian cinema is alive, evolving, and more exciting than ever.
Lead Image: IMDb, Maddock Films, T-Series
Also Read:
Top 10 Highest‑Grossing Bollywood Films Of 2025: A Year of Blockbuster Triumphs