The Complete Must-Watch List – Obnews

Bollywood in 2025 marked a turning point for Hindi cinema, blending box office ambition with layered storytelling and thematic depth. The year stood out not just for massive commercial successes but also for films that pushed conversations around history, justice, relationships, and identity. From large-scale espionage spectacles to intimate rural dramas, Hindi cinema displayed a renewed confidence in tackling diverse narratives while still drawing audiences to theatres.

Box Office Titans That Defined 2025

At the commercial forefront was Dhurandharwhich emerged as the highest-grossing Indian film of the year, crossing ₹1,128 crore worldwide. Its mix of espionage, crime, and international intrigue helped it dominate multiplexes and mass circuits alike. Chhaava followed closely, delivering a powerful historical portrayal of Sambhaji Maharaj that resonated strongly with audiences across regions. Meanwhile, War 2 continued the spy-universe trend, offering large-scale action and star power that kept it among the year’s most discussed releases despite mixed critical reactions.

Critically Acclaimed Storytelling and Social Drama

Beyond spectacle, 2025 was equally notable for its grounded, emotionally resonant cinema. Homebound earned widespread acclaim for its realistic portrayal of rural ambition and friendship, becoming one of the most respected films of the year. Stars on the ground returned with a socially conscious lens, using sports to explore neurodiversity, empathy, and personal redemption. Films like Santosh and Tanvi: The Great further highlighted Bollywood’s growing commitment to meaningful, character-driven narratives.

Franchise Films and Audience Favorites

Established franchises also made their presence felt in 2025. Jolly LLB 3 revived its sharp courtroom satire, blending humor with pointed social commentary. Raid 2 expanded its exploration of corruption and power, while Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story Of Jallianwala Bagh took a more serious tone, focusing on the legal battle that followed one of India’s darkest historical tragedies. These films proved that sequels could still carry thematic weight when handled thoughtfully.

Romance, Relationships, and Urban Realities

Romantic and relationship-centric stories found renewed strength in 2025 as well. I love you so much stood out for its intense portrayal of love and obsession set against the spiritual backdrop of Benaras. Metro in Dino captured modern urban relationships through multiple interconnected stories, reflecting emotional isolation and connection in contemporary city life. Lighter yet heartfelt films like Be Happy and Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri added warmth and relatability to the year’s cinematic mix.

A Landmark Year for Hindi Cinema

Taken together, the best Bollywood movies of 2025 showcased an industry balancing mass appeal with creative ambition. Big-budget action films brought audiences to theatres, while socially aware dramas and intimate stories ensured the year was not defined by spectacle alone. With strong performances, varied genres, and a willingness to take risks, 2025 will be remembered as a year when Bollywood reaffirmed both its cultural relevance and its box office strength.

🎬 The Biggest & Best Indian Films of 2025

Bollywood and Indian cinema in 2025 delivered a powerful mix of blockbuster entertainment, socially resonant storytelling, groundbreaking performances, and creative diversity. From massive box office hits to culturally significant films that sparked conversation, this year was truly one for the books.

📊 Highest Grossing Indian Films of 2025

These films represented the biggest commercial successes of the year, drawing audiences across India and overseas — from action spectacles to cultural phenomena.

⭐ Best Bollywood Movies of 2025 — Our Curated Picks

In addition to box office giants, 2025 was rich in storytelling strength, emotional depth, and cultural impact. Here’s our curated list of the must-watch Indian films from this year:

🎭 Critically Acclaimed & Socially Resonant

• Homebound — A grounded village-set drama about friendship, ambition, and dignity.

• Stars on the ground — A powerful sports drama exploring neurodiversity and personal growth.

• Santosh — A rural crime drama confronting moral and social complexities.

• Tanvi: The Great — An uplifting and emotional story of overcoming barriers.

🎥 Blockbusters with Depth

• Dhurandhar — A sweeping crime and espionage epic that topped the charts.

• Chhaava — A historical drama depicting Sambhaji Maharaj and Maratha resistance.

• War 2 — A high-octane spy action sequel that delivered scale and spectacle.

⚖️ Franchise Favorites

• Jolly LLB 3 — The return of sharp courtroom satire and social humor.

• Raid 2 — A follow-up crime thriller with twists on corruption and power.

• Kesari Chapter 2: The Untold Story Of Jallianwala Bagh — A powerful courtroom and historical narrative.

💘 Romance & Urban Realities

• I love you so much — Intense love story set in Benaras.

• Metro in Dino — Ensemble film on modern urban relationships.

• Be Happy — A heartfelt father-daughter story about sacrifices and dreams.

• Tu Meri Main Tera Main Tera Tu Meri — A soft romantic drama exploring love and family pressures.

🔍 Bold, Unique, and Genre-Bending

• Lokah Chapter One: Chandra — A mysterious blend of adventure, mythology, and intrigue.

• The Mehta Boys — A tight road story with generational conflict and emotion.

• Deva — Stylish crime investigation with high stakes.

📌 Why 2025 Was Special for Indian Cinema

The films of 2025 didn’t just entertain — they engaged. Audiences embraced stories that were:

From historical epics to intimate dramas, from massive box office beaters to critically acclaimed gems, Indian cinema proved its storytelling power in a year that celebrated both art and entertainment.