Sometimes, you hit play on a movie just to pass time, not expecting much—and before you know it, you’re totally into it. You laugh, you cry, and you’re telling everyone to watch it too. That’s exactly what happened with these movies from 2025. No huge promotions. No buzz. Just good storytelling that took us by surprise.
Here are the unexpected gems of the year that really impressed us –
1. Superboys of Malegaon (Amazon Prime Video)
This one is a sweet tribute to the spirit of small-town filmmaking. Set in Malegaon in the ’90s, it follows Nasir, a wedding videographer who dreams of making spoof movies. With barely any money and a group of oddball friends, they make hilarious local versions of Bollywood hits. What starts off fun and chaotic turns into something emotional and inspiring. It’s funny, heartwarming, and full of love for cinema.
2. Dhoom Dham (Netflix)
We started this looking for a light watch and ended up loving the madness. Two strangers accidentally get married and find themselves on the run. What follows is a wild mix of action, comedy, and a mystery involving a man named Charlie. It’s silly, chaotic, and totally fun—the kind of movie you don’t think too much about but can’t stop watching.
3. Alappuzha Gymkhana (SonyLIV)
A group of school kids training for a boxing championship doesn’t sound exciting at first—but this one really packs a punch. It’s about friendship, ambition, and finding your place in the world. There’s humor, emotion, and a great underdog story. If you like sports movies with a heart, give this one a chance.
4. Tourist Family (JioHotstar)
This film surprised us with its depth. It’s about a Sri Lankan refugee family pretending to be tourists in Chennai. As they struggle to fit in, an investigation threatens to reveal their secret. The story is emotional, thought-provoking, and very real. Sasikumar and Simran deliver powerful performances that stay with you.
5. Bhool Chuk Maaf (Amazon Prime Video)
Set in Varanasi, this quirky rom-com mixes love, divine promises, and a bit of chaos. Rajkummar Rao plays a man caught between winning over a girl and dealing with a forgotten vow to Lord Shiva. It’s colorful, funny, and unexpectedly thoughtful. A sweet mix of comedy and emotion with a touch of spiritual madness.
6. Dragon (Netflix)
We thought this would be a slow heartbreak film—but it turned out to be a smart and intense crime thriller. Ragavan, a college dropout, gets tangled in scams and shady deals. It’s gritty, emotional, and feels very real. If you’re into stories about ambition, failure, and survival, this one will hook you.
7. MAD2 (Netflix)
We didn’t expect much from this sequel, but it was a total riot. It follows Laddu and his friends as they get caught up in wild adventures—from crashing weddings to a chaotic Goa trip. There’s a stolen locket, jail time, and plenty of friendship drama. It’s loud, messy, and super entertaining. Perfect if you’re looking for something fun and totally over the top.
8. Deva (Netflix)
This looked like just another cop movie, but it surprised us big time. Shahid Kapoor plays ACP Dev Ambre, who’s investigating a powerful gangster-turned-politician. What starts as a regular case turns into a tense and twisty thriller. It’s a remake of Mumbai Police, but the story still feels fresh. With great performances and a strong emotional core, Deva kept us guessing till the very end.
If you’re tired of hyped-up films that don’t deliver, try these quiet surprises. You might just find a new favorite.
