The romantic film Saiyaara, directed by Mohit Suri and featuring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, has been named the most popular Indian movie of 2025, according to a recent analysis by IMDb. The film outperformed nine other noted titles, securing its place at the top of the list for IMDb users worldwide. This achievement highlights the growing impact of Indian cinema on a global scale.
The competition was stiff, with Ashwin Kumar’s mystical action film Mahavatar Narsimha and Laxman Utekar’s Chhaava closely following. The full list of the ten most popular Indian films includes a mix of genres and languages, showcasing the diversity of storytelling in the Indian film industry.
In response to the accolade, Akshaye Widhani, CEO of Yash Raj Films and producer of Saiyaara, expressed immense pride. He stated, “Saiyaara being named the Most Popular Indian Movie on the IMDb 2025 list is a moment of immense pride for all of us at YRF.” He emphasized the film’s ability to resonate with audiences across various demographics, saying it has connected with viewers not just in India but around the world.
Widhani elaborated on the film’s significance, noting, “We are hugely grateful that it has become one of the most iconic films for YRF and for the industry, and we thank audiences globally for embracing it with such overwhelming love.” He credited the film’s success to the collaborative efforts of the team, highlighting Mohit Suri’s clear vision and the strong performances by the lead actors.
Top Indian Films of 2025
The list of IMDb’s most popular Indian films features five titles in Hindi, two in Tamil, and one each from Kannada and Malayalam cinema. Notably, Mahavatar Narsimha is the first animated film to make it onto this annual list, having been released in five languages simultaneously.
According to Yaminie Patodia, head of IMDb India, this year’s rankings reflect the innovation and boldness of Indian filmmakers. “The Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 lists demonstrate the boldness and innovation of Indian creators,” she remarked. Patodia noted that the diverse storytelling—from romance to animation—illustrates the vibrancy of the industry as it connects distinctly Indian narratives with global audiences.
The criteria for the list included films released in India between January 1 and November 30, 2025, with an average IMDb user rating of 6 or higher and over 250 million page views worldwide. This meticulous assessment underscores the film industry’s growing reach and the increasing appetite for Indian cinema on the international stage.
The complete list of the Top 10 Most Popular Indian Movies of 2025 is as follows:
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
This recognition of Saiyaara marks a significant moment for Yash Raj Films and the Indian film industry, demonstrating its ability to create cinema that resonates deeply with audiences across the globe.
