Rolling Stone Reveals Most Read Stories of 2025: A Year of Gripping Journalism

Rolling Stone has unveiled its most-read long-form stories of 2025. The list was published this week. It captures the defining journalism from the past year. The features cover politics, culture, crime, and tragedy.

These narratives took readers from the UFC‘s octagon to the smoldering LA fires. They delved into shocking scandals and celebrated iconic artists. According to Rolling Stone, the work explored the people and issues that mattered most.

From Olympic Dreams to Crime Empires: The Stories That Captured Readers

The most-read list includes over twenty major features. One story traces Ryan Wedding’s path from Canadian Olympian to a drug lord on the FBI‘s Most Wanted list. Another provides an inside look at Dana White’s UFC empire during a pivotal era.

The death of former One Direction star Liam Payne is explored in a tragic investigation. The feature on singer Eric Carmen examines his disappearance from public life. A report from Portland analyzes the devastating impact of fentanyl decriminalization.

These stories represent months of dedicated reporting. Journalists conducted exclusive interviews and analyzed legal documents. They provided context for major cultural and political moments.

Cultural Impact and Lasting Relevance of Investigative Reporting

The list reflects a year of intense public interest in accountability and narrative. Investigative pieces on alleged cults and abuse within youth sports garnered major attention. Profiles of figures like Stephen Miller revealed the mechanics of power.

Human-interest stories also resonated strongly. The tale of a forgotten girl-group album becoming a cult classic touched readers. A heartfelt tribute to the late musician D’Angelo celebrated his artistic genius.

This collection underscores the enduring role of deep journalism. In a fast-paced media landscape, readers sought substantial, reported features. Rolling Stone’s most-read list proves that comprehensive storytelling remains vital.

The 2025 most-read list solidifies Rolling Stone’s role in chronicling contemporary culture through powerful, lasting journalism.

A quick knowledge drop for you

What was the most popular type of story in 2025?

Readers gravitated towards deep investigations and revealing profiles. Stories about crime, political power, and cultural icons topped the list. In-depth narratives with exclusive reporting performed the best.

Were any major global issues covered?

Yes. Several stories addressed significant global topics. These included migration through the Darién Gap and the geopolitical interest in Greenland. Environmental devastation from wildfires was also a major feature.

Did the list include any celebrity profiles?

Absolutely. Major profiles of Sabrina Carpenter and Lady Gaga were among the most read. These pieces offered intimate access and explored the personal challenges behind their public personas.

How does Rolling Stone choose its most-read stories?

The list is based on audience traffic data over the calendar year. It ranks long-form features and cover stories by their total readership. The order reflects genuine reader interest, not editorial selection.