What the world Googled in 2025: Searches, people, and shocking moments

2025 is almost over, and this year was intense. Filled with highs, lows, and some wild headlines, people were turning to Google for answers. The search engine has released the top trending searches in a variety of categories, and it’s a testimony to just how intense the human experience is. Take a look at what people were searching for the most, and take an interesting walk down memory lane. 

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Overall searches 

1.  Gemini surged as people tried to understand Google’s AI model amid nonstop conversations about artificial intelligence replacing jobs, reshaping search, and changing how we create.  
2. India vs England dominated as cricket continued to pull massive global audiences, especially during high-stakes test matches and tournaments. 
3. Charlie Kirk’s assassination took the world by storm. 
4. The Club World Cup rose as FIFA’s expanded format brought renewed interest, and controversy, around player fatigue and money in the sport.
5. India vs Australia proves it was a big year for cricket

News 

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1. The Charlie Kirk assassination sent shockwaves through political and media circles, prompting widespread discussion about political violence and security. 
2. Iran trended repeatedly amid escalating geopolitical tensions and global implications. 
3. The U.S. government shutdown once again put federal workers and economic stability at risk, dominating headlines. 
4. A New Pope chosen marked a historic moment for the Catholic Church.
5. LA fires surged as wildfires threatened homes and highlighted the worsening climate crisis.

People everyone searched

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1. d4vd trended after a teenage girl’s body was found inside a vehicle registered to the singer at an L.A. impound lot. 
2. Kendrick Lamar performed at the Super Bowl Halftime show while in the thick of an epic rap beef. 
3. Jimmy Kimmel spiked after he joked about Donald Trump and was temporarily suspended from the air. 
4. Kirk's suspected killer, Tyler Robinson, had everyone doing a deep dive. 
5. Pope Leo XIV became instantly searchable as the world tried to learn who he was and what kind of leader he’d be.

Passings

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1. Charlie Kirk appeared again here, marking a dramatic and polarizing loss. 
2. Ozzy Osbourne’s passing closed a chapter in rock history. 
3. Hulk Hogan trended as fans revisited his legacy in wrestling and pop culture. 
4. Michelle Trachtenberg prompted waves of nostalgia and shock. 
5. Diane Keaton’s name surged as people reflected on her impact and career milestones.

Entertainment

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Actors

These stars all surged thanks to buzzy performances, breakout roles, and awards-season chatter.

1. Mikey Madison
2. Lewis Pullman
3. Isabela Merced
4. Song Ji Woo 
5. Kaitlyn Dever

Movies

1. Anora became a critical darling after it won five out of six nominations at the Oscars, including Best Picture and Best Actress (Madison). 
2. Superman searches exploded, but it is considered a box office flop by many.  
3. The Minecraft Movie piqued curiosity and skepticism in equal measure. 
4. Thunderbolts* 
5.  Sinners

Song lyrics

People weren’t just listening, they were looking up the words:

1. DtMF - Bad Bunny
2. Tabola Bale - Silet Open Up
3. Ordinary - Alex Warren
4. Gabriela - Katseye
5. Eldest Daughter - Taylor Swift

TV shows

Dark, dramatic, and addictive, these shows kept people theorizing, bingeing, and Googling episode explanations.

1. Monster: The Ed Gein Story
2. Squid Game 3 
3. Severance
4. Adolescence
5. The Summer I Turned Pretty

Books

From romance to thrillers, these dominated: 

1. Colleen Hoover - "Regretting You"
2. Rebecca Yarros - "Onyx Storm"
3. Navessa Allen - "Lights Out"
4. Jenny Han - "The Summer I Turned Pretty"  
5. Freida McFadden - The House Maid

Podcasts

From politics to comfort listening, searches spiked for 

1. The Charlie Kirk Show
2. New Heights
3. This Is Gavin Newsom
4. Khloé In Wonder Land
5. Good Hang With Amy Poehler

Sports 

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Athletes

1. Terence Crawford
2. Rory McIlroy
3. Shedeur Sanders
4. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander,
5. Jalen Hurts

Teams

Paris Saint-Germain FC, Benfica, Toronto Blue Jays, Punjab Kings, and Delhi Capitals dominated searches during high-pressure moments.

Events

The FIFA Club World Cup,  Asia Cup, and both ICC World Cups and the Ryder Cup kept fans locked in all year.

Lifestyle & gaming obsessions

Games

Gamers searched nonstop for Arc Raiders, Battlefield 6, Strands, Split Fiction, and Clair Obscur: Expedition 33, signaling a big year for anticipation and early gameplay buzz.

Food & drink recipes

On the food side, cozy but elevated recipes ruled: Hot honey, Marry Me Chicken, chimichurri, chia pudding, and white chicken chili.