‘Superman’ Is the Most Popular Movie of the Year; Here Are the 9 Other Movies on IMDb’s 2025 List
The world’s most authoritative source for movie and TV content has officially released its definitive list of the year’s biggest films. These rankings are determined by the actual page views of more than 250 million monthly visitors to IMDb rather than critical reviews or box office performance. This year saw a massive resurgence for Warner Bros. Discovery as they claimed the top four spots with a mix of superhero reboots and original auteurs. The data highlights a strong audience preference for high-concept horror and the return of massive franchise blockbusters. Here are the movies that captivated global audiences the most in 2025.
‘F1’ (2025)

Brad Pitt stars in this high-octane racing drama directed by Joseph Kosinski. The film follows a retired driver who returns to the track to mentor a younger prodigy while battling his own demons. Production took place during actual Grand Prix weekends to capture the visceral speed and intensity of the sport. Lewis Hamilton served as a producer to ensure the technical accuracy of the Formula 1 sequences. Audiences were drawn to the groundbreaking practical effects that placed them directly in the cockpit.
‘Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning’ (2025)

Ethan Hunt returns for what is billed as his most dangerous and personal mission yet. Tom Cruise pushes the boundaries of practical stunts once again as the team races to locate a terrifying new weapon before it falls into the wrong hands. The plot dives deep into the consequences of the decisions Hunt has made throughout his long career as an IMF agent. Critics and fans alike praised the film for its relentless pacing and emotional stakes. This installment serves as a climactic conclusion to the two-part story arc that began with the previous film.
‘Thunderbolts*’ (2025)

Marvel Studios brings together a team of anti-heroes and reformed villains for a covert government mission. Florence Pugh returns as Yelena Belova alongside Sebastian Stan as Bucky Barnes and David Harbour as Red Guardian. The group must navigate a complex web of betrayal and espionage that challenges their ability to work together. Directed by Jake Schreier, the film offers a grittier and more grounded take on the superhero genre. The mysterious asterisk in the title finally makes sense to viewers after the shocking third act reveal.
‘Happy Gilmore 2’ (2025)

Adam Sandler reprises his iconic role as the hot-headed golfer in this long-awaited sequel. Happy returns to the green to face new rivals and save his family’s legacy with his signature unconventional swing. The film features a host of celebrity cameos from the world of professional sports and entertainment. Fans of the original appreciated the nostalgic callbacks mixed with fresh comedic situations. It became a massive streaming hit that proved the character’s popularity has not waned over the decades.
‘Frankenstein’ (2025)

Guillermo del Toro delivers a visually stunning adaptation of the classic Mary Shelley novel. Jacob Elordi portrays the Creature with a tragic depth while Oscar Isaac plays the obsessive Victor Frankenstein. The narrative explores themes of parental rejection and the monstrosity of unchecked ambition against a gothic backdrop. Cinematographer Dan Laustsen captures the dark and romantic atmosphere that defines Del Toro’s signature style. This film was celebrated for its practical makeup effects and haunting musical score.
‘Jurassic World Rebirth’ (2025)

The dinosaur franchise evolves with a new storyline set in a world where prehistoric creatures roam freely among humans. Scarlett Johansson leads an expedition to secure genetic material from the last surviving dinosaurs in a biosphere that has turned hostile. Gareth Edwards directs this installment with a focus on tension and the awe-inspiring scale of the animals. The script moves away from the hybrid locusts of the previous entry to focus on survival horror elements. It successfully relaunched the series for a new generation of fans.
‘One Battle After Another’ (2025)

Paul Thomas Anderson directs this expansive action-thriller starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Sean Penn. The story follows a former radical named Bob Ferguson who is forced out of hiding when his daughter is kidnapped by a corrupt lawman. Benicio del Toro and Regina Hall round out the ensemble cast in a narrative loosely inspired by Thomas Pynchon’s Vineland. The film is praised for its chaotic energy and the intense physical performance delivered by DiCaprio. It stands as one of the most critically acclaimed and discussed original films of the year.
‘Sinners’ (2025)

Ryan Coogler reunites with Michael B. Jordan for this atmospheric supernatural thriller set in the Jim Crow-era South. The plot centers on twin brothers who return to their hometown only to find it plagued by an ancient evil. Jordan delivers a commanding dual performance that anchors the terrifying and emotional story. Warner Bros. marketed the film heavily on its mystery elements and unique period setting. It became a cultural phenomenon for its fresh take on vampire lore and historically rich storytelling.
‘Weapons’ (2025)

Zach Cregger follows up his breakout hit Barbarian with this multi-narrative horror epic. The film intertwines the stories of several characters linked to the mysterious disappearance of high school students in a small town. Josh Brolin and Julia Garner star in a plot that shifts genres from police procedural to supernatural nightmare. Audiences were captivated by the unpredictable structure and the terrifying mythology Cregger created. It solidified the director’s status as a major new voice in the horror genre.
‘Superman’ (2025)

James Gunn launches the new DC Universe with this bright and hopeful take on the Man of Steel. David Corenswet stars as Clark Kent as he attempts to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing in Smallville. The film introduces a world already populated by superheroes while keeping the focus on Superman’s moral compass. Rachel Brosnahan shines as Lois Lane in a story that emphasizes journalism and truth. It dominated the box office and restored faith in the cinematic future of these iconic characters.
Tell us which of these movies was your favorite this year in the comments.


