Revealed: Israel’s Most-Watched Films of 2025, between peace and war times

As 2025 progresses, both cinematic and streaming platforms in Israel are capturing massive audience interest with a mix of international blockbusters and notable Israeli films. Here’s a snapshot of what's drawing viewers to theaters and screens, from January through mid-year.

In-Theater Favorites: Blockbusters and Local Releases

While detailed mid-year box office figures remain scarce, data from Israel’s robust 2024 leaderboard offers clues about continued trends. According to fan-collected estimates, top performers included: Inside Out 2 (1.1M admissions), Despicable Me 4 (850K), Deadpool & Wolverine (480K), Moana 2 (450K), and Kung Fu Panda 4 (470K).

Emerging Israeli titles are also gaining traction. “Soda,” a period drama by Erez Tadmor released in January 2025, has been generating attention with its Holocaust-inspired narrative. Similarly, “Highway 65,” a drama-thriller directed by Maya Dreifuss, premiered in late January and instantly became a contender for industry buzz. Although specific audience numbers are not yet public, both films are highly anticipated within local cinema circuits.

Streaming Chart-Toppers: Domestic Stories Dominate

On the streaming front, Netflix viewership figures through mid-2025 spotlight Israeli offerings. Israel’s most-watched Netflix movie from January to June was the thriller “The Angel,” with 900,000 hours viewed, followed by “Maktub,” accumulating 100,000 hours.

These numbers underscore a strong appetite among Israeli subscribers for locally produced content that resonates culturally, even amid global streaming offerings.

A Country in Transition: Streaming Rises as Cinema Rebounds

Israel’s box office revenue for 2025 is projected at approximately USD 80.6 million, with expectations of continued growth toward USD 90.7 million by 2030 Statista. The market is adapting to modern viewing habits, with younger audiences drawn to streaming and immersive formats like 3D/4D, while older viewers often favor nostalgic cinematic experiences.

Local filmmakers are benefiting from increased interest in narrative stories reflecting Israeli identity and experiences, a trend poised to strengthen as the year unfolds.

Looking Ahead

Later in 2025, cinemas will likely play host to a range of new acquisitions and original Israeli productions. Streaming platforms are anticipated to continue delivering compelling local content, sustaining viewer engagement in an evolving digital landscape.