Here's how to binge-watch top TV shows & movies this winter-break

Comedy and drama remain top genres liked by Pakistani audiences, according to data by iflix.

22 Dec, 2017

What were Pakistanis watching in 2017?

While the world may have been hooked on Game of Thrones and Justice League in 2017, Pakistan also produced a number of TV serials that swept audiences off their feet in 2017.

Iflix, an entertainment portal that gives access to unlimited hours of movies, dramas and shows from Pakistan and across the border, released their data for the most watched shows and movies in 2017 — and we saw quite a few of our local favourites make the list.

Here's a round-up of the most popular flicks on iflix that we recommend streaming.

Top Pakistani dramas

1. Udaari

Udaari is a drama about child sexual abuse highlighting the social and economic marginalisation prevalent in Pakistani society. Although the show came out in 2016, it remains on the list of most-watched shows and its script has garnered lots of critical acclaim.

The ensemble cast of the show includes Urwa Hocane, Bushra Ansari and Ahsan Khan amongst others.

2. Yakeen Ka Safar

Speaking of Pakistan's most-watched dramas without mentioning the utterly charming Dr Azfi would be so, so wrong.

The Sajal Aly-starrer received lots of appreciation for its well-defined emotional twists, strong characters (we're eyeing you Zubiya and Asfandayar) and attention to detail.

The background score is a beautifully arranged melody by the gorgeous Hadiqa Kiyani.

3. Main Abdul Qadir Hoon

Starring Fahad Mustafa in the lead, the show is not exactly recent but the story has been praised and played on repeat by Pakistanis this year.

The drama follows the journey of a teenager who finds himself struggling to attempt a spiritual and religious awakening.

Top Pakistani movies

1. Actor In Law

This Fahad Mustafa-starrer features him as an aspiring actor who finds himself faced with a case that threatens his career and family.

Playing Fahad Mustafa's love- interest is Mehwish Hayat. The film also casts the legendary Indian actor Om Puri who plays Fahad's father in the story.

Here's a trailer of the movie in case you were wondering.

2. Na Maloom Afraad

This 2014 blockbuster is part of the top favourite films among Pakistani audiences this year.

The plot follows Fahad Mustafa, Javed Sheikh and Mohsin Abbas Haider in their struggle towards trying every possible means of becoming rich and famous, and keeping out of trouble. Most of the film was shot in Karachi and showcases some of the city's oldest neighbourhoods and buildings.

Here's a glimpse of the movie.

3. Ho Mann Jahaan

Ho Mann Jahaan is a beautiful coming-of-age drama film that stars the ever popular Mahira Khan in the lead with Adeel Hussain and Sheheryar Munawar. The movie not only had a peppy and fresh theme, but also had us crooning to the ultimate mehndi and party number Shakar Wandan Re, sung by Asrar.

Here's a sneakpeek at the popular flick.

Top international shows and movies

1. Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol

Mission Impossible: Ghost Protocol remains a favourite with the Pakistani audiences, and we totally know why (Tom Cruise, duh?). The spy film is the fourth installment in the series and is also the very first MI movie to be filmed using IMAX cameras.

The stellar cast includes Tom Cruise, Anil Kapoor, Jeremy Renner, Simon Pegg, Paula Patton, Michael Nyqvist and Léa Seydoux.

2. Flash

Flash is a favourite amongst Pakistani audiences for its superhero genre. Based on DC Comics' character, the costumed superhero is a crime-fighter able to move at superhuman speeds.

The cast includes Grant Gustin, Candice Patton, Danielle Panabaker, Rick Cosnett and Carlos Valdes amongst others.

Best part: Episodes from *Flash season 4 are added weekly on iflix via 24 hour express from US.*

3. Mr. Robot

Mr. Robot is a drama-thriller starring Rami Malek as the protagonist, who is a computer programmer working as a cyber security engineer during the day - and a hacker by night. He's on a mission to bring down corporate America, including the organisation he works for.

The cast includes Carly Chaikin, Portia Doubleday, Martin Wallström, Christian Slater and Michael Cristofer amongst others.

P.S. Watch season 3 of the show updated to iflix weekly via 24 hours express from US.

Wondering how and where you can watch these shows?

For uninterrupted access and streaming of all these shows, movies and more, subscribe to iflix

Iflix is the world's leading entertainment service for emerging markets, offering unlimited access to thousands of TV shows and movies that can be watched on the phone, laptop, tablet or TV with no ads or interruptions.

Iflix recently recorded 10 billion minutes of content streaming across its platform in 2017.

This content is a paid advertisement by iflix and is not associated with or reflective of the views of Images and Dawn.com.