IMDb has released its annual list of the most popular actors of the year, based on the interest of more than 250 million monthly visitors worldwide.
The ranking reflects a mix of emerging talents and established stars who captured global attention through major film and television projects in 2025. From superhero franchises and psychological dramas to globally streamed TV series, the list highlights the names that dominated audience curiosity, online searches, and social-media buzz.
Below is IMDb’s Top 10 Most Popular Actors of 2025, ranked from 10 to 1.
10. Vanessa Kirby
Vanessa Kirby balanced professional success with major personal milestones this year. Her role as Sue Storm in The Fantastic Four: First Steps placed her in emotionally complex storylines, while audiences also followed her real-life journey into motherhood. This blend of on-screen impact and personal visibility kept her high on IMDb’s STARmeter throughout summer and fall.
9. David Corenswet
David Corenswet became the new face of Superman in the DC Universe, instantly drawing global attention following the trailer’s release. His rise as an international superhero icon secured his spot in the top 10, supported by strong fan engagement beyond the United States.
8. Walton Goggins
Walton Goggins completed his transition from TV favorite to internationally recognized star. Known for roles in Fallout and The Righteous Gemstones, his performance in season three of The White Lotus expanded his appeal to a broader global audience.
7. Sydney Chandler
Sydney Chandler made a major breakthrough portraying Wendy in the series Alien: Earth. Her role as a robot with human consciousness placed her at the center of attention and secured upcoming projects such as Coercion and Anima.
6. Britt Lower
After a three-year pause from Severance, Britt Lower returned as Helly R, delivering a complex performance that resonated strongly with audiences. She spent five weeks in the top 10 and one week at No. 1 on STARmeter, making her one of the year’s most-followed actors.
5. Sydney Sweeney
Sydney Sweeney maintained strong public interest despite mixed box-office results. Her appearance on Saturday Night Live, the upcoming film The Housemaid, and anticipation for season three of Euphoria (expected in 2026) reignited fan engagement.
4. Tom Cruise
Tom Cruise remains one of cinema’s most-followed figures, even as Mission: Impossible – The Final Reckoning fell short of record-breaking expectations. His rumored romance with Ana de Armas and upcoming projects, including the comedy Digger, kept him firmly in the public eye.
3. Matthew Goode
Matthew Goode made a strong comeback with Netflix’s procedural hit Dept. Q, reaching the top positions on STARmeter. The success has renewed studio and streaming-platform interest, reestablishing him as a highly sought-after actor.
2. Aimee Lou Wood
Aimee Lou Wood rose sharply in popularity following season three of The White Lotus, where she portrayed Chelsea. Her distinctive performance kept her at No. 1 for two weeks and in the top 100 for twelve consecutive weeks.
1. Isabela Merced
Topping the list is Isabela Merced, who won audiences over with her roles in The Last of Us and the DC Universe. Portraying Dina and Kendra Saunders, she became the most in-demand actress of 2025. Her upcoming projects include Man of Tomorrow, Psyche, and the next season of The Last of Us.
A Year Defined by Visibility and Versatility
IMDb’s 2025 list reflects the powerful blend of commercial success, streaming dominance, and social-media influence, showing which actors truly captured global attention. From Hollywood legends to rising stars, these names defined what audiences watched, searched, and talked about throughout the year.
