IMDb has recently released its annual ranking of the most popular Indian series of 2025, with Aryan Khan’s "The Bads of Bollywood" taking the top spot among global viewers. This ranking is based on page views from IMDb’s vast audience of over 250 million monthly visitors worldwide, focusing on series released in India between January 1 and November 30, 2025, with an average user rating of 6 or higher.
The top 10 list is dominated by crime thrillers, with seven of the titles falling into this genre. Notably, six entries represent new seasons or extensions of existing franchises, including Prime Video’s "Paatal Lok" Season 2 at No. 3, "Panchayat" Season 4 at No. 4, and "The Family Man" Season 3 at No. 9.
The streaming landscape is well-represented in this ranking, with three major platforms making their mark. Netflix and Prime Video each have four titles in the top 10, while JioHotstar accounts for two entries.
Netflix’s "Black Warrant," a prison drama directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, secured the No. 2 position, followed by Prime Video’s "Paatal Lok" Season 2 and "Panchayat" Season 4. Other notable entries include Netflix’s "Mandala Murders" (No. 5) and "Khakee: The Bengal Chapter" (No. 8), as well as Prime Video’s "Khauf" (No. 6) and JioHotstar’s "Special Ops" Season 2 (No. 7).
Aryan Khan, the director of the chart-topping series "The Bads of Bollywood," expressed his excitement over the achievement, describing the show as a "pop cultural phenomenon" that captures the essence of the entertainment industry. He highlighted the show’s raw portrayal of the industry’s madness, magic, mischief, and ambition, which resonated with audiences worldwide.
Yaminie Patodia, head of IMDb India, praised the boldness and innovation of Indian creators showcased in the list of the most popular Indian series of 2025. She emphasized the industry’s vibrancy and diversity in storytelling, spanning across various genres and cultural narratives that resonate with global audiences.
Overall, the rankings reflect the evolving landscape of Indian entertainment, with a mix of thrilling crime dramas, captivating narratives, and culturally rich storytelling capturing the hearts of viewers around the world. The success of these series demonstrates the immense talent and creativity of Indian creators, setting new benchmarks for storytelling in the digital age.
