As 2025 draws to a close, IMDb has unveiled its annual list of the most popular movies, television shows, and stars of the year. The rankings are based on the extensive page views from over 250 million users, offering a comprehensive look at audience interests. This year, the spotlight is on David Corenswet for his portrayal of Superman, which topped the film category in a year marked by high-profile releases.
The latest cinematic adaptation of Superman, released on July 11, 2025, marked a significant moment for the DC Universe, being the first solo film for Clark Kent since Man of Steel. Directed by James Gunn, the film resonated with both critics and audiences, grossing an impressive $616.7 million worldwide. Its success has set the stage for future projects, including a sequel set for 2027 and various spin-offs focusing on popular characters like Jimmy Olsen and Mister Terrific.
Warner Bros. dominated the box office this year, claiming four of the top five spots on IMDb’s film rankings. Following Superman, Zach Cregger’s horror film Weapons, Ryan Coogler’s Sinners, and Paul Thomas Anderson’s One Battle After Another rounded out the list. Other notable entries included Frankenstein from Guillermo del Toro and F1: The Movie directed by Joseph Kosinski, both of which garnered significant attention.
Television Highlights and Star Performances
On the television front, The White Lotus emerged as the most-watched series of 2025, returning for its highly anticipated third season set in Thailand. The show outperformed popular competitors like The Last of Us and Severance, both of which also enjoyed successful second seasons. Created by Mike White, The White Lotus received considerable acclaim this year, securing 23 Emmy nominations.
Half of the top television entries were Netflix productions, with Wednesday landing in fourth place. The breakout title of the year, Dept. Q, a crime thriller starring Matthew Goode as DI Carl Morck, also caught the audience’s attention.
The rankings reveal interesting trends in star popularity as well. Isabela Merced, who played Hawkgirl in Superman, emerged as the most popular star of 2025. She also starred alongside Bella Ramsey in the second season of The Last of Us. Following her were Aimee Lou Wood, who took second place thanks to her role in The White Lotus, and Matthew Goode, who secured third.
In the breakout star category, Wood led the pack, with Goode as her closest competitor. Other notable names included Tom Cruise, fresh off his final performance as Ethan Hunt in Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning, and Sydney Sweeney.
Merced expressed her surprise at being recognized as the most popular star, stating, “Wow. I’m incredibly honored and just as confused. I didn’t realize this was even possible.” She credited her success to the exposure from Superman and the support from her fans.
As the entertainment industry prepares for 2026, IMDb continues to offer insights into audience preferences and trends. For more detailed rankings and reflections on 2025, IMDb’s Best Of page provides a comprehensive overview, with future updates expected from sources like Collider.
