From Indian regional hits and Hollywood blockbusters to the best of Asian films, 2025 had plenty of critically acclaimed, commercial successful and genuinely beloved films on offer.
Whether the cultural phenomenon that is Kpop Demon Hunters, the familial community-centric message of Tamil film Tourist Family, the understated yet impactful mystery of Malayalam production Eko or the queer rivals-to-lovers arc of Japanese BL movie 10Dance, cinephiles had more than enough to sink their teeth into this year.
Here are 10 of our favourite films released in 2025 around the world.
Tourist Family
This Tamil comedy-drama film following a Sri Lankan Tamil family who arrive in India in search of a better future was loved by audiences beyond the boundaries of language.
Starring M. Sasikumar, Simran, Mithun Jai Sankar and Kamalesh Jagan in the lead roles, the film – marking Abishan Jeevinth‘s directorial debut – was equal parts heartwarming and emotional as it unfolded the family’s struggles to blend in underpinned by warmth and humour.
One of the most profitable Indian films of 2025, Tourist Family received widespread critical acclaim from both critics and audiences, grossing approximately ₹90 crore (US$11 million) worldwide and becoming the seventh highest-grossing Tamil film of 2025.
Zootopia 2
Disney returned to its modern metropolis of mammals, and audiences showed up in force. Zootopia 2 simply detonated at the global box office, soaring past $1.4 billion, cementing itself as the year’s highest-grossing Hollywood release.
With momentum powered by an enormous family turnout, nostalgia for the first film and an unprecedented run in China—where breakout character Gary De’Snake became a cultural moment of his own – the film keeps its heart in the right place with Judy Hopps and Nick Wilde remaining its emotional core.
Striking a balance between laughter and lessons, Zootopia 2 engages kids with its playful energy and visual charm, while hooking adults with reflections upon identity, inclusion, empathy, and unity. Led by cross-cultural storytelling that helped it resonate far beyond U.S. borders, this is a blockbuster that’s both wildly entertaining and quietly healing.
Dhurandhar
Dhurandhar dominates the 2025 box office as India’s highest-grossing film of the year, collecting over ₹1,100 crore worldwide (and counting), and setting a new benchmark for Hindi cinema.
Directed by Aditya Dhar, this 214-minute espionage thriller follows a RAW operative navigating Karachi’s criminal underworld, drawing from real geopolitical flashpoints to sharpen its stakes. Bollywood actor Ranveer Singh delivers one of his most controlled and compelling performances to date, matched by Akshaye Khanna’s chilling turn as mob boss Rehman Dakait.
With grounded action, expansive world-building and a tense yet steady narrative the film has established itself a cultural talking point with a sequel, Dhurandhar Part 2: The Revenge set to arrive in March 2026.
Gezhi Town
One of the most anticipated Chinese movies of 2025 Gezhi Town starring beloved actor Xiao Zhan made a mark at the Chinese box office for its high production value, fresh storytelling and grounded acting performance.
Set during the Second Sino-Japanese war, the film follows a mechanic named Mo Dexian as he rallies and leads a remote village on a desperate and resolute defense against encroaching Japanese soldiers.
Delivering a blend of dark comedy and tragedy underscored by a stark sense of humanity, this character-driven survival story immerses us in its world.
Su From So
Su From So is a comedy drama film starring Shaneel Gautham, J. P. Thuminad, Sandhya Arakere, Prakash Thuminad, Deepak Rai Panaje, Mime Ramdas and Raj B. Shetty.
Written and directed by J. P. Thuminad in his directorial debut, the film follows a carefree young man Ashoka whose crush spirals into a series of comedic supernatural events driven by rumours of a ghost possession.
A light-hearted watch that received overwhelmingly positive reviews, the film became the second highest-grossing Kannada film of 2025.
KPop Demon Hunters
The animated musical-action film KPop Demon Hunters became a global animated phenomenon and broke Netflix records, thanks to its addictive soundtrack and fandom-fueled momentum.
The story follows HUNTR/X, a K-pop girl group who moonlight as demon hunters. Rooted in cultural authenticity, Korean folklore elements, and anime-inspired style, the film’s limited sing-along screenings in U.S. theatres topped the weekend box office cementing the film as a pop-culture event to remember.
A fun watch that took over our lives whether by topping global charts or going viral on TikTok, KPop Demon Hunters celebration of music, girl power and fandom that had us returning to it on loop.
Tee Yai : Born To Be Bad
Tee Yai : Born To Be Bad is a fast-paced action-crime drama hinged on loyalty and the journey of a lifelong bond. Set in 1980s Bangkok, the film follows the rise of Tee Yai, a legendary Thai outlaw played by Apo Nattawin.
Led by stunning cinematography, smooth action scenes and alluring performances, the Netflix movie unfurls Tee Yai’s bond with his childhood friend Rerk, played by Wisarut Himaratana.
A perfect mix of daring, exciting moments juxtaposed against narratives of a deep, heartfelt friendship, Tee Yai pushed past the boundaries of language to resonate among global audiences.
Eko
Eko lands as one of Malayalam cinema’s most striking mystery-thrillers in recent years—haunting, layered, and visually hypnotic. Set in the mist-covered hills of Kaattukunnu, it unfolds like a story whispered through fog. Bahul Ramesh’s cinematography turns landscape into character, while Mujeeb Majeed’s score pulses beneath the surface, creating tension that never lets go.
The mystery hinges on the disappearance of Kuriachan, a man defined by his bond with dogs. Unfolding through conflicting accounts and shifting timelines, the film invites audiences to piece together truth rather than wait for explanations.
An engaging, slow-burn puzzle elevated by the raw and magnetic yet deeply human presence of Sandeep Pradeep alongside a stellar supporting cast, Eko is an atmospheric, mystical animal thriller that lingers long after the credits.
10Dance
The Netflix live-adaptation of the popular Japanese BL (boys’ love) manga by Inouesatoh is a story built on yearning. Directed by Rurouni Kenshin’s Keishi Otomo and produced by Takako Miyauch, the film adapts the manga with both authencity and finesse.
Following two expert dancers, Shinya Sugiki and Shinya Suzuki, the film unravels old rivalries and simmering romance in a perfect showcase of sizzling chemistry, poised choreography and stunning cinematography.
Starring Ryoma Takeuchi and Keita Machida, the film is a classic rivals-to-lovers trope driven by moments that feel sexy and elegant all at once. A sports drama polished by the luxuriate setting of competitive dance, 10Dance was a highly anticipated film that met expectations yet left us wanting much more.
Vash: Level 2
Vash Level 2 widens the scope of Gujarati horror, shifting from a single-family terror tale to a community-scale nightmare. Leaning into psychological dread and mass hysteria as schoolgirls and a wider town fall under the returning spell of Vashikaran, Krishnadev Yagnik returns with sharper intent.
The film is precise, ominous and consistently effective driven by crisp background scoring, inematography and editing work all working in tandem to hold a cold, unsettling grip over audiences. Cast performances from Janki Bodiwala and Hitu Kanodia giving the sequel emotional grounding.
Stylish, tense and confidently mounted, Vash Level 2 delivered a strong theatrical watch for horror audiences seeking atmosphere and unease.
Words By Malvika Padin and Khushboo Malhotra
Which 2025 films made it onto your favourites list? Let us know on X and Instagram, and head to Lyrical Muse for more coverage on film and TV.
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