Every year brings new stories to the screen—movies and TV shows that capture our imaginations, reflect our times, and sometimes, take us far away from everyday life. 2025 is no different. This year has already produced several hits, surprises, and buzzy new entries in both movies and TV that are getting a lot of attention. If you’re wondering what’s worth watching, here are some of the latest trending picks and what makes them special.
What’s Driving Trends in 2025
Before jumping into specific titles, it helps to see why certain kinds of movies/shows are trending this year. Some patterns:
- Streaming platforms continue to dominate, pushing original content and experimenting with formats.
- Stories focused on mental health, societal issues, and coming-of-age are resonating more with audiences.
- Genre hybrids (mixing thriller + drama + science fiction, etc.) are popular because they bring something fresh.
- International series (non-English) are making waves globally, thanks to subtitles, dubbing, and streaming availability.
These changes affect what becomes trending: powerful stories, diversity of voices, and new formats.
Standout TV Shows of 2025
Here are several TV shows from 2025 that are trending, praised by critics, or gathering big audiences.
- Adolescence (Netflix)
What it is: A British psychological crime drama. A 13-year-old boy, Jamie Miller, is arrested for the murder of a classmate. The show explores themes of bullying, online mockery, teenage mental health, and family impact. Wikipedia
Why it’s trending: Each episode is shot in one continuous take. Critics praise its directing, writing, and performances. It also got huge viewership very quickly. Wikipedia - Severance (Apple TV+) — Season 2
What it is: A mix of corporate satire, psychological thriller, and mystery. The second season develops deeper into themes of identity, power, and ethics in a high-control work environment. TVGuide.com
Why it’s trending: The show had a strong first season; the follow-up is getting praised for maintaining tension and expanding its ideas without losing what made it stand out. TVGuide.com - Alien: Earth (FX / Hulu)
What it is: A new spin on the Alien franchise. It imagines a future Earth controlled by corrupt corporations, plus the usual alien threats. TVGuide.com+1
Why it’s trending: Viewer excitement for seeing a fresh take on a beloved franchise. Also praised for cinematic scope and strong visuals. TVGuide.com - Ballard (Prime Video)
What it is: A crime procedural show featuring LAPD detective Renee Ballard solving cold cases. It’s a spin-off from the Bosch universe. TVGuide.com+1
Why it’s trending: It combines solid storytelling, a strong central character, and enough familiarity (procedural + detective work) to appeal to genre fans. TVGuide.com - Common Side Effects (Adult Swim)
What it is: A high-concept animated series that blends humor, absurdity, and commentary. One plot thread involves a mushroom that can cure almost anything, and the various chaos that follows due to interest from big pharma etc. TVGuide.com
Why it’s trending: It’s different: animation + serious themes + absurdity. Critics appreciate it as original content that doesn’t try to copy existing shows. TVGuide.com - King of the Hill — Season 14 (Hulu)
What it is: A return of the classic animated sitcom after many years. TVGuide.com+1
Why it’s trending: Nostalgia plays a big part. Also, the balance of humor and human, relatable family/society moments helps. TVGuide.com - Wolf Hall: The Mirror and The Light — Season 2
What it is: Historical drama—continuing the story of Thomas Cromwell, adaptation of Hilary Mantel’s work. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial+1
Why it’s trending: Period dramas with strong writing and acting still have an audience. It’s rich in detail and character, which appeals to viewers who like slow-burn, thoughtful shows. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial+1
Trending Movies of 2025
Movies are also bringing interesting stories, both in theaters and via streaming. While shows often get more attention for trends, a few films stand out.
- Weapons
What it is: A horror-thriller movie about a mysterious disappearance of several third-grade students in a small town, told from different perspectives. Tom’s Guide
Why it’s trending: Strong storytelling, captivating structure (non-linear, multiple perspectives), and good reviews. It’s not part of a franchise, which makes its success more notable. Tom’s Guide - The Conjuring: Last Rites
What it is: A horror movie that’s part of the well-known Conjuring universe. GamesRadar+
Why it’s trending: Already some box office success; the horror genre is still strong when a movie is well-made, and fans of the franchise were waiting. Also, a spin-off TV show adaptation is being planned, which keeps interest high. GamesRadar+ - Back in Action
What it is: A movie starring Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz about agents who return to espionage. The Daily Beast
Why it’s trending: Big stars, nostalgic appeal, and streaming popularity. It’s done well in terms of hours streamed on Netflix. The Daily Beast
Why These Picks Stand Out
What makes these shows and movies more than just “popular” — why they’re trending:
- Strong performances & fresh perspectives. Whether it’s the young actors in Adolescence, or the creators pushing boundaries in Common Side Effects, people are talking about the acting and writing.
- Variety. There’s horror, historical drama, crime, science fiction, comedy. Streaming services are offering more choices with different tones.
- Visual style & storytelling innovation. Non-linear narratives, single takes, bold cinematography — things that feel like more than just entertainment.
- Cultural relevance. Topics like social media impact, mental health, identity, institutional critique are showing up in content and resonating with viewers.
What to Watch Next
If you want to stay ahead of what’s trending, here are some upcoming shows and movies in 2025 to keep an eye on:
- It: Welcome to Derry — A prequel series to IT films, coming October 2025. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
- Emily in Paris: Season 5 — Premiering December 18, 2025 on Netflix. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
- Fallout: Season 2 — From Prime Video, set to drop December. Fans of post-apocalyptic worlds will be watching. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
- The Diplomat: Season 3 — Political drama, viewer favorite, returning in October 2025. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
How to Choose What’s Right for You
With so many good options, you might wonder which ones to pick. Here are some tips:
- Check reviews and ratings before starting: this helps avoid disappointment.
- Watch trailers or first episodes to see if the style matches your taste.
- Mix genres — don’t stick to just one. Try something new (e.g. horror, sci fi, period drama).
- Consider time commitment — some shows are limited-series (few episodes), others are long seasons or serials.
- Look for local or international shows — non-English content can offer fresh stories and different cultural perspectives.
Final Thoughts
2025 is proving to be rich with entertainment options. From bingeable TV series to eye-opening movies, the trends show that people want stories that move them, challenge them, and make them think just as much as entertain. Whether you’re drawn to psychological drama like Adolescence, horror like Weapons, or classic revivals like King of the Hill, there’s something in this year’s mix for everyone.
So grab your popcorn, find the streaming service or theater, and enjoy what 2025 has to offer.
FAQs
Q1: What is the most-watched Netflix show of 2025 so far?
That’s Adolescence, a British crime-psychological drama which made huge waves early in the year, both critically and in terms of viewership. Wikipedia
Q2: Are there any non-English series trending right now?
Yes — many. Shows from the UK are dominant, but there are also international non-English series getting global attention via streaming. The global trend favors subtitles/dubbing, opening audiences to stories from everywhere. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial+1
Q3: Which new shows mix genres in interesting ways?
Common Side Effects is a good example — it blends animation, absurdism, and serious themes. Alien: Earth also mixes science-fiction, horror, and corporate dystopia. These hybrids tend to stand out. TVGuide.com
Q4: What are some upcoming shows in late 2025 to look forward to?
Some of the anticipated ones are It: Welcome to Derry (October), The Diplomat Season 3 (October), Emily in Paris Season 5 (December), and Fallout Season 2. Rotten Tomatoes Editorial
Q5: Should I wait for high ratings before starting a series?
It depends on your priorities. Ratings and reviews help avoid wasted time, but sometimes gems are hidden early. If the premise excites you, trying the first episode is usually worth it. You may discover something unique before it becomes broadly famous.
