The streaming landscape has its annual winners, as entertainment giants Disney+ and Hulu have officially unveiled their most popular titles for 2025. The data, released on Friday 19 December 2025, provides a fascinating snapshot of what captivated audiences across the platforms this year, highlighting major films, beloved series, and significant live events.
Chart-Topping Films and Series Dominate Views
The headline figures reveal clear frontrunners in both film and television. In a remarkable achievement, the animated sequel Moana 2 secured over 80 million views, claiming the top spot on the streaming charts. Not far behind in terms of total engagement, the sci-fi thriller Alien: Earth was consumed for a staggering more than 100 million hours by subscribers.
When it came to series, one title proved unbeatable. The heartwarming Australian animated show Bluey was crowned the most-watched series of the year, continuing its global phenomenon status. In the documentary space, the harrowing true-crime series Devil in the Family: the Fall of Ruby Franke attracted the largest audience for a docuseries.
Live Events and Platform Evolution Drive Engagement
The report also shed light on the power of live broadcasting and specific cultural moments. The perennial favourite Dancing with the Stars emerged as the most-viewed live title on the services. Furthermore, a specific date saw a massive spike in viewership: May 4 was the single busiest day for tuning in, perfectly aligning with the annual Star Wars celebration day, a key franchise for Disney.
This year also marked a strategic expansion for Disney+, which integrated ABC News and ESPN into its core offering. This move has transformed the platform into a comprehensive hub for entertainment, news, and sports. The sports integration appears to be paying dividends, with subscribers watching a total of 90 million hours of sports content. In a testament to the enduring appeal of adult-oriented animation, a colossal 3.4 billion hours of the genre were streamed across both Disney+ and Hulu.
What the Streaming Numbers Tell Us
The released statistics underscore several key trends in modern media consumption. The dominance of family-friendly animation, with Moana 2 and Bluey leading the pack, highlights the importance of all-ages appeal in driving subscription value. Meanwhile, the strong performance of live events and docuseries points to a diverse appetite beyond scripted fiction.
The successful incorporation of sports and news suggests that consumers are increasingly looking to their primary streaming services for a wider variety of live and topical content. With billions of hours streamed in just one category, the data confirms that streaming is not just a pastime but a central pillar of contemporary entertainment and information gathering.
