IMDb has unveiled its list of the most popular Indian films from the past 25 years, and Ahaan Panday’s Saiyaara has clinched the top spot for 2025, outshining even Shah Rukh Khan’s Jawan. The report, titled “25 Years of Indian Cinema (2000-2025),” ranks films based on all-time page views.

Released in July 2025, Saiyaara, starring Ahaan Panday and Aneet Padda, captured audiences with its narrative and performances. The romantic drama has already crossed the Rs. 500 crore mark at the box office and is now streaming on Netflix. What makes this achievement particularly noteworthy is how it eclipsed Shah Rukh Khan’s 2023 Jawan. Despite Jawan’s record-breaking earnings and cultural impact, it failed to secure a spot on the annual list, as did Khan’s other 2023 releases like Pathaan and Dunki.

Pathan jawan ban gaya, outstanding trailer, absolutely loved it. Now this is the kind of a movie we should see in theatres only. I toh for sure seeing it 1st day ko hi. Mazaa ahh gaya wahhhhh.. @iamsrk pic.twitter.com/UMra4Iamfg
— Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) July 11, 2023

The full IMDb list paints a vivid picture of Indian cinema’s golden eras and genre shifts. Shah Rukh Khan’s romantic classics dominate the early 2000s, with Mohabbatein (2000) kicking off the roster, followed by Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham (2001), Devdas (2002), Kal Ho Naa Ho (2003), Veer-Zaara (2004), Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi (2008), and My Name is Khan (2010). Aamir Khan’s dramas shine in the late 2000s and 2010s, including Taare Zameen Par (2007), 3 Idiots (2009), PK (2014), and Dangal (2016). The mid-2010s marked the rise of pan-Indian epics, with Baahubali: The Beginning (2015) and Baahubali 2: The Conclusion (2017) leading the charge, alongside Yash’s gritty KGF: Chapter 1 (2018) and KGF: Chapter 2 (2022).

Saiyaara is out now on Netflix. 🥹#SaiyaaraOnNetflix pic.twitter.com/PTMCiwSD2m
— Netflix India (@NetflixIndia) September 18, 2025

Here’s a year-by-year breakdown of the most popular films:

• 2000: Mohabbatein
• 2001: Kabhi Khushi Kabhie Gham
• 2002: Devdas
• 2003: Kal Ho Naa Ho
• 2004: Veer-Zaara
• 2005: Black
• 2006: Dhoom 2
• 2007: Taare Zameen Par
• 2008: Rab Ne Bana Di Jodi
• 2009: 3 Idiots
• 2010: My Name is Khan
• 2011: Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara
• 2012: Gangs of Wasseypur
• 2013: The Lunchbox
• 2014: PK
• 2015: Baahubali: The Beginning
• 2016: Dangal
• 2017: Baahubali 2: The Conclusion
• 2018: KGF: Chapter 1
• 2019: Uri: The Surgical Strike
• 2020: Dil Bechara
• 2021: Pushpa: The Rise
• 2022: KGF: Chapter 2
• 2023: Animal
• 2024: Pushpa 2: The Rule
• 2025: Saiyaara

This reflects Bollywood’s transition from feel-good romances to action-packed spectacles and socially resonant stories. The 2020s, in particular, showcase the South Indian film’s dominance, with Allu Arjun’s Pushpa: The Rise (2021) and Pushpa 2: The Rule (2024), alongside Ranbir Kapoor’s intense Animal (2023) and Vicky Kaushal’s patriotic Uri: The Surgical Strike (2019). Shah Rukh Khan emerges as the undisputed king in terms of appearances, with seven films on the list. Aamir Khan follows closely with four entries.
See Also: Ahaan Panday Recreates Saiyaara Scene With A Fan; Netizens Gush, ‘Just Lived My Dream’