2025 has been a remarkable year for Netflix- a year that celebrated stories of every shade and scale. From swooning romances to gripping thrillers and dramas, the platform offered a dynamic mix that kept audiences hooked.
But beyond the stories, it was the performances that truly shone- actors who brought depth, authenticity, and a spark of surprise to their roles. Some made us see them in a whole new light, while others announced their arrival with unforgettable flair. Here are nine breakthrough performances that defined the year on Netflix.
1. Pratik Gandhi in Dhoom Dhaam- Pratik Gandhi brings quiet brilliance to Dhoom Dhaam as Veer- a gentle, grounded veterinarian whose sincerity and awkward charm make him instantly endearing. Far from the stereotypical Bollywood hero, Veer is the everyman caught between love, duty, and self-discovery. Pratik’s effortless comic timing and emotional nuance make his performance deeply relatable, reaffirming his knack for turning simplicity into something truly special.
2. R. Madhavan in Aap Jaisa Koi- In Aap Jaisa Koi, R. Madhavan returns to the genre that made audiences fall in love with him- romance. As Shrirenu, a man defined by restraint and self-denial, Madhavan delivers a performance steeped in stillness and vulnerability. Watching him unlearn his conditioning and rediscover desire feels both tender and profound. His portrayal is a masterclass in controlled emotion; a reminder of his rare gift- the ability to say more in silence than most can with words.
3. Sakshi Tanwar in The Royals – As the widowed Maharani of Morpur, fondly known as Paddy, Sakshi Tanwar brings a regal gravitas to The Royals. Draped in diamonds but burdened with loss, she balances vulnerability and cunning with rare finesse. Tanwar grounds the series with emotional honesty, effortlessly shifting between restraint and fire. Her performance as Rani-sa is both powerful and poignant- a reminder of her remarkable ability to anchor chaos with calm.
4. Zahan Kapoor in Black Warrant – Zahan Kapoor cements his place as one of the most promising new talents with his riveting turn in Black Warrant. As Sunil Gupta, a young, meek prison officer navigating the chaos of Tihar Jail, Zahan captures innocence, fear, and quiet determination with striking authenticity. His mastery over dialect and physicality brings raw realism to the screen, while his understated intensity makes Black Warrant impossible to look away from.
5. Ishaan Khatter in The Royals – Ishaan Khatter reigns supreme in The Royals as Aviraaj Singh- a modern prince torn between duty and desire. He brings the perfect blend of charm, arrogance, and emotion to the role. Ishaan looks every bit the part- suave, stylish, and magnetic- but what makes his performance stand out is the depth he lends to the character beneath the royal veneer. His eyes do most of the talking, revealing vulnerability behind the bravado. Effortlessly cool and charismatic, Ishaan proves he’s not just easy on the eyes- he’s an actor with serious range.
6. Nimisha Sajayan in Dabba Cartel- In Dabba Cartel, Nimisha Sajayan shines as Mala- a spirited house-help who becomes an unlikely player in a tiffin-based drug ring. With her infectious energy, sharp Mumbaiyya lilt, and mischievous sparkle, Nimisha brings every scene to life. She brings a mix of innocence and instinct, making Mala at once endearing and unpredictable. It’s a role that lets her showcase both her earthy charm and undeniable screen command- and she runs with it.
7. Lakshya and Raghav Juyal in The Ba*ds of Bollywood – Lakshya and Raghav Juyal are the beating heart of The Ba***ds of Bollywood, delivering a bromance that’s as entertaining as it is emotionally charged. Lakshya’s Aasmaan Singh storms into Bollywood with raw ambition, balancing swagger, sensitivity, and a fierce refusal to play by the rules. Raghav’s Parvaiz, meanwhile, steals scenes with his impeccable comedic timing and die-hard Emraan Hashmi fandom- only to surprise viewers with a layered, heartfelt performance that reveals unexpected depth. Together, they created one of the year’s most memorable on-screen partnerships, making this breakout duo impossible to ignore.
8. Huma Qureshi in Delhi Crime S3 – Huma Qureshi delivers what is arguably the finest performance of her career in Delhi Crime S3. As Meena, infamously known as Badi Didi, she commands every frame with a chilling mix of charm and cruelty. Taking on her first full-fledged antagonist- a character rooted in pure, unapologetic evil- Huma is ruthless, calculating, and terrifyingly calm, a woman who rules through fear and control. What makes her portrayal magnetic is the ease with which she shifts between warmth and menace. In a season packed with stellar performances, it’s Huma who truly steals the show.