Top 20 Most Viewed Documentaries on Asian Documentaries in 2025 Revealed

Most Viewed Documentaries of 2025

Asian Documentaries, a dedicated streaming platform for documentary films, has announced its latest ranking of the top 20 documentaries for 2025. Compiled annually in December, this regular feature not only showcases the most-watched films but also provides a look back at the year's significant themes and trending topics.

Global Conflicts and Divisions

At the forefront for the second consecutive year is 'Gaza: Fight for Freedom'. This powerful piece chronicles the relentless fight of citizens in the Gaza Strip for freedom, even as airstrikes from Israel continue after a ceasefire. The second film on the list, 'Divided Taiwan', sheds light on the crisis of democracy and explores the generational divides in perspectives regarding this division. Coming in third place is 'Living at 50°C', a striking portrayal of the current environmental crisis, emphasizing that climate change is not a distant future problem but a reality we face now.

The prevalence of these themes in the top rankings illustrates a keen viewer interest in global crises, social divides, and the dignity of humanity.

Redefining Happiness Through Food and Local Culture

A noteworthy highlight from this year's rankings is the impressive presence of three entries from the 'Alley Kitchen' series. These documentaries immerse the viewer in the dynamic atmosphere of Asian markets and food stalls, capturing the sounds, scents, and the spirit of hard-working individuals. They convey the primal power of food, equating eating with living. These stories harken back to a time in Japan where community ties and family meals held greater significance. In our modern age, where convenience has sometimes led to fragile relationships, these films remind us of the importance of personal connections and warm gestures among people. The depiction of vibrant yet humble dining experiences in impoverished Asian households allows viewers to contemplate a new definition of happiness.

Enduring Popularity of Two Compelling Films

While most top-ranked films debuted in 2025, there are two notable mentions that were released prior to 2024. 'Not Getting Married or Unable to Marry' invites reflection on the meaning of marriage and lays bare the struggles of navigating the marriage market amid familial expectations. 'The Corner Electricity Thief' portrays the conflicts between those stealing electricity to survive and the power companies, highlighting a global social issue entwined with poverty and infrastructure dilemmas. Both films share a common thread – they depict individuals fiercely navigating societal norms and contradictions, resonating with viewers across borders as we recognize shared challenges.

The overall takeaway from this year's rankings reflects a strong viewer commitment to addressing specific global crises such as wars and environmental destruction, alongside the societal inequities these crises unveil. It encourages us to engage with the world’s inconvenient truths not as distant spectators but as concerned participants invested in our own conscience and future. As the year wraps up, now is an excellent time to binge-watch these meaningful documentaries and explore the rankings firsthand.

About Asian Documentaries

Visit our streaming website to discover an exceptional collection of Asian documentaries. We offer 364 critically acclaimed documentary films from both domestic and international sources that have been recognized at various film festivals across the globe. Rather than sifting through thousands of titles, our expert curators meticulously select and group documentaries by theme, presenting them each month in special collections that infuse new meaning and appreciation into the viewing experience.