This year, streaming giants like Netflix and Prime Video really brought the heat with a tonne of must-see TV, but only a handful truly took over screens around the globe. The top 5 most watched series of 2025, based on global viewership metrics from Nielsen and platform reports, mix heartwarming romance, mysterious fantasies, and quirky horrors that kept audiences hooked from Tokyo to Toronto.
Heartstopper
Heartstopper really took the lead with its sweet journey, amassing over 150 million hours watched in its third season alone. It just goes to show that tales of young love still hit hard. Starting off our list at No. 1, Netflix’s Heartstopper made a comeback with Season 3 in early 2024, and the excitement just kept rolling into 2025 as fans rewatched and new viewers joined in on the fun.
The show’s impressive 100% Rotten Tomatoes score from critics definitely helped, and its emotional depth in addressing mental health and identity was a big plus too. Joe Locke and Kit Connor’s chemistry as Nick and Charlie has everyone buzzing on social media, with the season kicking off at No. 4 globally and making it into the top 10 lists in 58 countries.
“It’s not just a teen romance anymore; it’s become a lifeline for so many,” showrunner Alice Oseman shared in a recent interview, talking about the flood of fan letters they’ve received.
By mid-October, it had shot past 200 million cumulative views, quietly surpassing some big names with its impressive reach.
Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone made a surprising leap into second place! This revived fantasy epic got the green light for a Season 3 from Netflix, all thanks to the passionate fan campaigns that turned into a full-blown movement.
Coming your way in spring 2025, the Grishaverse saga attracted 120 million viewers, thanks to its epic battles and a closer look at Alina Starkov’s powers. Even though there were worries about cancellation, the intense storyline this season, where dark forces are battling it out in Ravka, brought new life to the series. Plus, Ben Barnes’ brooding General Kirigan is once again stealing the spotlight.
“We wrapped things up on a great note last time, but this?” “It’s the payoff everyone deserved,” Barnes shared with Variety, suggesting that there are spin-off hints that have already ignited some petition drives.
Despite the production challenges, the show’s stunning visuals and intricate storyline turned it into a must-watch, particularly for international viewers looking for a bit of magic.
The Summer I Turned Pretty
Prime Video’s The Summer I Turned Pretty made quite a splash, landing in third place. Season 3 broke records with 70 million viewers in just 70 days, which is an impressive 65% increase from Season 2.
Belly’s love triangle with Conrad and Jeremiah really reached a boiling point, mixing those sunny memories with some tough decisions that had TikTok buzzing with all sorts of theories. Lola Tung really shone as the conflicted teen, and it totally struck a chord with a huge Gen Z audience.
“This season really felt real, messy, heartbreaking, and alive,” Tung said during a beachfront press junket. The finale left everyone on the edge of their seats, and now fans can’t get enough! The series is set to surpass 100 million total views by the end of the year, proving it’s truly the emotional powerhouse of the summer.
Wednesday
You can’t have a list without mentioning Netflix’s Wednesday at No. 4! Jenna Ortega’s deadpan Addams heir really stole the show in Season 2, racking up 94.5 million views even with a bit of a drop from the first season.
So, in August 2025, the gothic whodunit came out, and it swapped some of the fresh vibes from Season 1 for more intense horror and romance storylines. One of the big talking points was Wednesday’s romantic twist, which really split opinions among fans.
Critics pointed out that there was a 43% drop in viewership at first, but thanks to word-of-mouth, it picked up to 59 million for the second half. “It’s darker, weirder, and that’s what makes it special,” Ortega joked at a Comic-Con panel, her calmness in the chaos highlighting why the show has such lasting appeal.
Tim Burton’s unique style really brought Nevermore Academy to life, making it a popular spot for all sorts of Halloween costumes.
One Piece
Coming in at number five, Netflix’s live-action One Piece has made quite the splash, racking up 85 million global streams with its Season 2 premiere set for 2025, although it’s been pushed back from earlier hints.
Iñaki Godínez, playing Luffy, took the Straw Hats on an adventure through the dangers of the Grand Line, bringing Eiichiro Oda’s manga to life with impressive practical effects that impressed both long-time fans and those just discovering the story.
The sneak-peek trailer got 50 million views on YouTube, mixing high-seas adventure with some real heartfelt camaraderie.
“We’re not just adapting—we’re honouring the dream,” Oda shared in a heartfelt letter to fans.
It really showcased everything from those reverse mountain climbs to the new crew introductions, totally capturing the essence of the manga.
Plus, it gave a big boost to anime crossovers and merchandise sales, taking them to new heights! What connects these heavyweights? In today’s scattered TV world, they really capture those universal themes, like the vulnerabilities of love, the price of heroism, and the brief joy of summer, while also showcasing diverse casts and inclusive storytelling.