Google’s annual ‘Year in Search’ feature has unveiled the most searched movies of 2025, showcasing a diverse collection that defied expectations. The list includes a mix of genres, languages, and critical receptions, proving that popularity doesn’t always equate to commercial success. These are the films that dominated online conversations and captured the imagination of moviegoers throughout the year.
Saiyyara: A Musical Romance Resonates with Gen Z
Saiyyara, starring newcomers Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, made a significant impact with its refreshing take on love, drawing comparisons to classic romantic dramas like Aashiqui 2 and Kaho Na Pyaar Hai. Directed by Mohit Suri, this musical story connected deeply with Gen Z audiences, ultimately becoming one of the most successful films of the year. Its popularity underscores the enduring appeal of well-crafted romantic narratives and catchy soundtracks.
Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 Surpasses Expectations
Prequels and sequels often struggle to live up to their predecessors, but Rishab Shetty’s Kantara: A Legend Chapter 1 not only met but exceeded the box office success of the original. This Kannada film generated immense excitement among fans, breaking records across the country. Its continued popularity even after its OTT release demonstrates its lasting impact on audiences.
Coolie: A Tamil Action Thriller Pays Homage to a Classic
Borrowing its name from Amitabh Bachchan’s 1983 hit, Coolie, this Tamil-language film starring Rajnikanth, directed by Lokesh Kanagaraj, delivered high-octane action and entertainment. The movie shattered records and captured hearts with its star power and engaging plot, proving that nostalgia can still resonate with contemporary audiences. It stands as a testament to the enduring popularity of both the original film and the star power of Rajnikanth.
War 2: A Disappointing Sequel Despite Star Power
Released on the same date as Coolie, War 2, the sequel to Hrithik Roshan’s 2019 blockbuster, became one of the year’s biggest disappointments. Despite the highly anticipated collaboration between Hrithik Roshan and Jr NTR, the film failed to live up to the hype and recover its massive budget. This serves as a reminder that star power alone cannot guarantee success.
Sanam Teri Kasam: A Second Chance at Success
Originally released in 2016, Sanam Teri Kasam, starring Harshvardhan Rane and Mawra Hocane, initially flopped at the box office. However, its re-release in 2025 saw an unexpected surge in popularity, transforming it into a surprise hit. The film’s unexpected success story speaks to the unpredictable nature of audience tastes and the potential for films to find new life through rediscovery.
Marco: A Malayalam Action Thriller Makes Waves
The Malayalam action thriller Marco, starring Unni Mukundan, was another film that captivated viewers in 2025. Fueled by Mukundan’s performance and the movie’s gripping storyline, it became the highest-grossing Malayalam film of all time, showcasing the growing popularity of regional cinema.
Housefull 5: Familiar Formulas Still Win Hearts
Housefull 5 proved that successful franchises can still attract audiences with a complete entertainment package. Directed by Tarun Mansukhani and featuring a star-studded ensemble cast, the film’s success indicates that audiences still appreciate familiar formulas when executed well.
Game Changer: A Telugu Political Drama with a Message
The Telugu film Game Changer, starring Ram Charan and Kiara Advani, directed by S. Shankar, became a major hit, revolving around an IAS officer battling corruption. The movie delivered a powerful narrative with stylish action sequences, which offered mass entertainment.
Mrs.: A Thought-Provoking Zee5 Release
Released on Zee5, Mrs. starring Sanya Malhotra sparked conversations on gender roles and societal expectations. This Arati Kadav film gained widespread attention due to its script and Malhotra’s great performance.
Mahavatar Narsimha: An Animated Devotional Success
Mahavatar Narsimha, an animated devotional film, was another box office success of 2025. The movie, which premiered in late 2024 and was theatrically released in July 2025, proved that devotional content can also attract large audiences.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this blog post is based on data released by Google’s ‘Year in Search 2025’. The opinions expressed are for informational purposes only and do not constitute professional or financial advice. Viewers should conduct their own research and analysis before making any decisions based on this information.
Image Credit: Financial Express
