2025 has been the year of peak brain rot. But thankfully, several filmmakers delivered absolute bangers that rescued us. From spine-chilling thrillers to cutesy romcoms, here are some of the best Netflix movies and series of 2025 that made us put our phones down willingly.

1. Black Warrant

Bollywood star kids have ruled this year with their debut projects. While some gave decent debuts, others outshone and amazed the audience. One such nepo baby is Zahaan Kapoor from the Kapoor khaandaan, who played Sunil Gupta in Black Warrant. Directed by Vikramaditya Motwane, this book-to-screen adaptation reveals the true stories of Tihar Jail, Asia’s biggest prison. The series uncovers them through a gritty plot that leaves you chasing every twist and turn of the characters. Black Warrant also stars Rahul Bhat, Paramvir Singh Cheema, and Anurag Thakur, who bring their A-game alongside Zahaan. If you missed this masterpiece, you must watch it soon.

2. The Ba***ds Of Bollywood

We might never have seen Aryan Khan smile, but we now know his sense of humour is great. All thanks to his debut directorial, The Ba***ds Of Bollywood. The series ruled our Instagram feeds, reminded us why Emraan Hashmi will always be the legend he is, and roasted the Bollywood industry like it’s no big deal. From the direction and plot to the soundtrack and acting, The Ba***ds Of Bollywood is clearly remarkable.

Related: Loved The Ba***ds Of Bollywood? Watch These Movies And Shows That Take A Dig At The Film Industry

3. Homebound

Amidst the mass entertainers and crime thrillers, Neeraj Ghaywan’s Homebound stood out as a niche film. Inspired by journalist Basharat Peer’s 2020 New York Times editorial, Taking Amrit Home, Homebound is about the lives of migrant workers during COVID-19. Starring Ishaan Khatter, Vishal Jethwa and Janhvi Kapoor, the film is heartbreakingly beautiful and inspiring. The movie, now on the Oscars 2026 shortlist, is among the best movies of 2025 on Netflix.

4. Frankenstein

This isn’t the dusty, old Frankenstein you read in your school or college. Directed by Guillermo del Toro, the modern storytelling of the classic novel feels equal parts eerie and emotional. The movie keeps you hooked from the first frame to the last while you wonder who the real monster truly is. Whether you’ve read the book or not, you must give Frankenstein a watch if you love dark thrillers.

5. Adolescence

It would be a sin to not mention Adolescence in the best series of 2025 on Netflix. What makes it so is its fearless storytelling. Since its release, it has been one of the most talked-about shows of this year. Filmed in a long, single shot, every scene in the series is unbearably tense as a family fights to protect their 13-year-old son accused of murder. Child actor Owen Cooper’s phenomenal acting compels us to think about how toxic masculinity impacts young boys.

6. Kaantha

The Dulquer Salmaan-starrer Kaantha creates a terrific premise through a regular crime story. The film delves into the power politics and messy relationships of the Indian film industry. To represent this classic theme, the movie uses dramatic, supernatural elements to induce horror. Dulquer’s TK Madhavan is a morally ambiguous character who leaves you with unsettling questions about morality and stardom.

7. Metro… In Dino

This movie is a beautiful reminder that, in reality, love doesn’t feel like what Bollywood sold to us through SRK. In real life, it’s messy, beautiful, and requires you to learn and unlearn every day. Watching Metro… In Dino‘s wholesome yet complicated love stories will give you hope for navigating modern relationships. The way Anurag Basu unfolds the movie’s plot through engaging songs by Pritam and Papon makes it one of the best movies of 2025 available on Netflix.

8. Back In Action

Starring Cameron Diaz and Jamie Foxx, Back In Action is an engaging no-brainer. The action-comedy follows retired CIA agents Matt and Emily as they take a wholesome family trip to carry out a covert operation. The movie is loud, silly, and slightly unhinged, and it unapologetically leans into that energy.

9. Dabba Cartel

The crime thriller series follows the journey of five housewives from running a dabba service to leading a drug cartel. What makes Dabba Cartel one of 2025’s most entertaining thriller series is how it turns these innocent women into fierce, independent authorities. Their portrayal is hilarious, chaotic, and super entertaining to watch.

10. Kadhalikka Neramillai

This Tamil romcom follows Shreya, a woman who wants babies, and Siddharth, who’s opposed to having them. But as fate has it, they get caught up in a medical goof-up where Shreya gets pregnant with his sperm. The movie portrays both sides with utmost honesty and humour. With Kiruthiga Udhayanidhi’s direction, A R Rahman’s music, and Nithya Menon and Ravi Mohan’s acting, the movie makes for a feel-good watch.

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