Best of 2025: Top Movies, Books, Games & More (Voted by Our Insta Fam!)
Find out what our Instagram community loved most in 2025!
Were these a few of YOUR favorite things in 2025?!
We polled our 390K+ Instagram followers to find out what the best movies, books, games, products, and more were this past year. Now we’re sharing the responses to compile our Hip-driven best of 2025 list!
Missing out on the Instagram fun? Follow us now!
Top 3 movies our Instagram followers watched & loved most:
1. Wicked: For Good
The first Wicked movie was our Instagram followers’ top pick of 2024, so it’s no surprise the sequel (and final movie) landed in the top spot this year. Wicked: For Good brings the story to a powerful close, following Elphaba and Glinda as their friendship, choices, and the truth behind Oz finally come to light.
2. David
The David movie, in theaters now, is currently rated the #1 family movie in America, so it’s no surprise it has soared to the top of our Insta followers’ faves. David is a family-friendly animated musical in theaters now that retells the biblical story of a young shepherd whose faith and courage help him face the giant Goliath and shape the future of a kingdom.
3. Zootopia 2
Another animated film made it in our top 3rd spot for 2025, and you can still see it in theaters! Zootopia 2 is the animated sequel, where rabbit cop Judy Hopps and fox partner Nick Wilde chase down a mysterious new threat that turns their bustling animal city upside down, testing their teamwork and friendship along the way.
Top 3 books our Instagram followers read & loved most:
1. The Women by Kristin Hannah
“The Women” by Kristin Hannah captured the hearts of our followers in 2025, and it was also a Hip-team favorite. It was even our Inst followers’ top book in 2024! This compelling historical fiction follows the intertwined lives of three women navigating love, loss, and survival during the Vietnam War. Hannah’s rich storytelling and deep character development made this book an unforgettable read, and it quickly became a go-to recommendation within our community.
2. The Housemaid by Freida McFadden
Freida McFadden’s The Housemaid crept its way back into our Instagram favorites list in 2025 and this year, captivating our followers with its shocking twists and psychological suspense. This thriller tells the story of Millie, a down-and-out woman who takes a job as a housemaid for a wealthy family, only to uncover a series of dark secrets that turn her life upside down. The book’s nail-biting suspense and unpredictable plot kept readers hooked from beginning to end.
Grab the first book or all 3 books in the series on Amazon now!
3. The Let Them Theory by Mel Robbins
The Let Them Theory is a bestselling self-help book that encourages readers to stop trying to control what other people think or do and instead focus on their own responses, energy, and goals using a simple “let them” mindset, followed by a “let me” focus on what you can control. And it clearly works, given all our readers’ rave reviews!
Top 3 games our Instagram followers played & loved most:
1. UNO
Uno remained an all-time favorite among our Instagram followers for the third year in a row. Followers also mentioned loving multiple versions of the game, from Uno Mercy, Uno Liars, Uno Attack, Uno Flip, Uno Quatro, and the Classic Uno.
2. Play Nine
Play Nine scored big as a favorite again this year, ranking the second most loved game for the second year in a row. You don’t need to love or play golf to appreciate the game, as it challenges players to create the lowest possible score by matching and swapping cards. It’s quick to play and easy to learn!
3. Rummikub
Rummikub is like the ultimate number‑sliding puzzle that turns game night into a mix of strategy and “aha!” moments. Match tiles in runs or sets before everyone else clears their rack. Think Rummy meets a colorful tile twist that’s equal parts brain workout and friendly competition.
Top 3 beauty must-haves our Instagram followers loved most:
1. A good mascara
Mascara topped the list of beauty must-haves in 2025. Many of our Instagram followers said a good mascara is a must-have for their beauty routine. Specifically, Tarte Tubing Mascara if you want long, full lashes.
Buy Tarte mascara at Sephora now or bookmark our Tarte mascara post so you never miss another deal!
2. Medicube products
Our Instagram followers couldn’t get enough of Medicube in 2025, calling it one of their top beauty must‑haves of the year. They raved about the zero pore pads for keeping skin smooth and clear, and the overnight masks for waking up with a seriously glow‑worthy complexion.
Bookmark our Medicube pore pads & Medicube face mask deal posts to never miss a future deal!
3. LED Face Masks
Our Instagram followers also fell hard for LED face masks in 2025, naming them a standout beauty favorite. The Shark CryoGlow Mask in particular was a top pick, hyped for its cooling, glow‑boosting vibes that took self‑care to the next level. Who needs makeup anyway? 😏 As a bonus, this item is also HSA/FSA eligible!
Buy it at Ulta Beauty now and check out these other FSA eligible items!
Top 3 trends our Instagram followers loved hopping on:
1. Wide-leg jeans
Wide-leg jeans took the crown as the number-one trend our Instagram followers loved in 2025. Skinny jeans are totally out, and we couldn’t love it more. From effortless casual vibes to chic workwear, some of the top wide-leg picks could be found at Madewell, Zara, Walmart, and Anthropologie, making it easy to snag the look everyone was raving about.
2. Bows on everything
Bows on everything were the second top favorite trend among our Instagram followers in 2025. They didn’t just love bows on one thing either… fans were all about bows on wrapping paper, tumblers, pajamas, accessories, and more.
3. Thrifting & vintage finds
Thrifting and scoring vintage finds came in as the third top trend our Instagram followers loved in 2025. They’re loving that thrifting is actually cool again, and honestly, it’s a smart way to snag quality pieces without blowing your budget. a true Hip2Saver’s dream!
If you’re not following us on Instagram yet, you’re missing Lina’s weekly takeovers, where she dives into stores and shares the best vintage and thrifted treasures she uncovers! It’s no wonder our Instagram followers couldn’t get enough in 2025, and we don’t see this trend slowing down in 2026 either.
Top 3 favorite purchases our Instagram followers made in 2025:
1. Vibration plate
Our Instagram readers named vibration plates one of their favorite overall purchases of 2025. The LifePro vibration plates stood out, with several followers calling it a game-changer for getting in extra movement and recovery at home.
2. Vacations and experiences
Vacations ranked as the second-highest favorite buy for 2025. That’s the second year in a row, showing just how much our followers value creating unforgettable experiences with their loved ones. From magical Europe trips to hiking adventures, and more. We love that 2025 was filled with memories that will last a lifetime for so many.
Check out these travel deals if you want to have an unforgettable 2026!
3. Anthropologie blankets
Our Instagram readers couldn’t get enough of Anthropologie blankets in 2025, and it’s easy to see why… our Hip team is obsessed too! Of all the blankets, the Sophie throw and & Puffer blanket (shown above) were the top picks for 2025. I can personally vouch, I own two and even bought one for my mother-in-law this past Christmas, and she can’t stop raving about it!
Best of Instagram 2025 aside… let’s chat about the worst of it according to our readers.
Fast fashion purchases were the biggest purchase regrets of 2025.
Many of our Instagram followers felt like poor quality clothing purchases from Amazon and Temu were the worst ways they spent money in 2025. Many followers said this wasn’t just due to the fit, either, but the overall quality of the items.
Specifically, they said they’ll be rethinking the fashion purchases they’ve been quick to buy in the past based on influencer shares and instead would rather invest in quality items that last.
Cheers to 2026! We’re so happy you’re here and look forward to all that’s to come this year! 🎉
Love these Top 3 lists! I find them so helpful for zeroing in on what’s popular.
Thanks for all you do and Happy New Year!
You’re very welcome! So happy to hear you enjoyed this one, Sharon! Thanks a ton for your sweet feedback and being a part of our amazing Hip community! 🥰 Happy New Year