Top 5 Most Popular Movies Worldwide in 2025

Looking back at 2025, the movies that drew the largest global audiences reveal clear trends in the worldwide film

market. From animated blockbusters to streaming sensations, this year showcased

the evolving landscape of cinema consumption. 

🎬 2025 Worldwide Box Office TOP 5

1. Ne Zha 2

Worldwide Box Office: ~$2 billion

This film once again proved the power of Chinese animation. With its mythological world-building and stunning visuals,

it achieved explosive box office success in international markets. The film's

significance is amplified by being an animation blockbuster created outside the

Hollywood-centric structure.

2. Zootopia 2

Worldwide Box Office: ~$1.4 billion

This sequel demonstrated that family animation remains the most powerful genre in theaters. With its blend of humor,

meaningful messages, and storytelling that appeals to all ages, it won

audiences worldwide.

3. Lilo & Stitch

Worldwide Box Office: ~$1 billion

This live-action adaptation of a beloved classic balanced nostalgia with fresh energy from its new cast. The universal

theme of family and connection resonated strongly with global audiences.

4. A Minecraft Movie

Worldwide Box Office: ~$958 million

This box office hit proved once again the potential of video game adaptations. Drawing both family audiences and gamers

alike, it achieved solid global performance.

5. Jurassic World: Rebirth

Worldwide Box Office: ~$869 million

The dinosaur franchise continues to prove itself a powerful theatrical brand. With familiar thrills and cutting-edge visual

effects, it maintained steady global box office performance.

🎥 Notable Global Films Outside the TOP 5

While they didn't crack the top 5, these films also achieved significant global audience numbers:

•       Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – Infinity Castle (~$780 million)

•       Avatar: Fire and Ash (~$760 million)

•       Superman (2025) (~$616 million)

These films demonstrate that 2025 was a year dominated by animation, franchises, and game/manga adaptations. 

Where Did Korean Cinema Stand in 2025?

In 2025, Korean films did not rank in the top tier of global box office.

However, it can be evaluated as a year when Korean cinema created new influence in the streaming market.

Several Korean films were introduced to global viewers primarily through Netflix, delivering stories and emotions to

international audiences that would have been difficult to reach through

theatrical releases alone.

🎬 Most-Watched Movies on Netflix Globally

So which films were most watched on streaming services, particularly Netflix? 

📌 About These Rankings

•       These rankings are based on Netflix global cumulative viewership.

•       The list includes overall platform viewership, not just 2025 releases. 

(Source: Netflix viewing statistics)

The Evolving Landscape of Cinema in 2025

As streaming services continue to evolve, the trends in the film industry are gradually shifting.

Theaters have positioned themselves around technology, experience, and family content, while streaming has chosen

story, character, and comfort. 

Why Are Top Box Office Films Animation and Tech-Focused?

The common threads among 2025's top theatrical performers are clear:

•       Animation

•       VFX-driven productions

•       Franchise films

•       Family-friendly content

With the rise of streaming services, theaters have evolved into spaces that offer experiences impossible to

replicate at home:

•       Large screens

•       Immersive sound

•       Spectacular visual effects

•       Content parents and children can enjoy together

Thanks to these advantages, films like Ne Zha 2, Zootopia 2, Lilo & Stitch, and Minecraft Movie thrived in theaters.

Why Are Top Streaming Films Character-Driven?

The common characteristics of top Netflix films are equally clear:

•       Live-action films

•       Dialogue-driven narratives

•       Star power

•       Easy-to-digest storytelling

Streaming platforms are designed for comfortable consumption:

•       Solo viewing

•       Mobile or TV environment

•       Pause-friendly format

•       Less visual fatigue

This explains why films like Carry-On, Red Notice, Don't Look Up, and The Adam Project perform strongly. At home,

content that makes you nod thoughtfully works better than content that makes

you gasp in awe. 

Looking Ahead

Film technology and content continue to evolve, and audience sophistication is rising alongside them.

To win audience approval, films must blend technology with humanity, emotion with entertainment.

As we move into 2026, we hope to see

global cinema and Korean cinema continue to grow together, providing more

people with joyful cinematic experiences.

"What was your #1 movie of 2025? Let us know in the comments!"