As the streaming giant continues to produce an impressive array of original content, Netflix has become a powerhouse in the film industry. From action-packed thrillers to heartwarming dramas, the platform offers something for everyone. Here, we delve into the 15 most-watched movies on Netflix, showcasing the diverse tastes of its global audience. These films have captivated millions, proving that Netflix knows how to pick a hit.
15. Damsel (2024)
221,600,000 Viewing Hours. Millie Bobby Brown stars in this dark fantasy where she plays Elodie, a young woman destined to be a human sacrifice. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, “Damsel” flips fairytale tropes on their head, with Elodie fighting to escape her grim fate and confront a deadly dragon.
14. We Can Be Heroes (2020)
231,200,000 Viewing Hours. A standalone sequel to “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D,” this Robert Rodriguez film centers on a new generation of superheroes. With unique powers and a mission to save their captured parents, these kids offer a nostalgic and heartwarming superhero tale.
13. Society of the Snow (2023)
235,900,000 Viewing Hours. Based on the true story of the 1972 Andes plane crash, this Spanish survival drama directed by J.A. Bayona recounts the harrowing fight for survival. The film’s intense narrative and poignant performances captivated audiences, earning critical acclaim.
12. Spenser Confidential (2020)
238,900,000 Viewing Hours. Mark Wahlberg stars in this buddy comedy about an ex-cop turned amateur boxer. Directed by Peter Berg, the film combines action and humor as Spenser teams up with Hawk (Winston Duke) to uncover a conspiracy behind the deaths of his former colleagues.
11. Purple Hearts (2022)
240,480,000 Viewing Hours. This military romance follows Cassie, a struggling musician with Type II Diabetes, who marries a Marine to access his medical benefits. Directed by Elizabeth Allen Rosenbaum, the film explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the harsh realities of the American healthcare system.
10. The Mother (2023)
265,900,000 Viewing Hours. Jennifer Lopez stars as a deadly assassin forced to come out of hiding to protect her daughter from contract killers. Directed by Niki Caro, “The Mother” is an action-packed thriller showcasing JLo’s return to high-stakes drama.
9. Extraction (2020)
266,900,000 Viewing Hours. Chris Hemsworth leads this high-octane action film as Tyler Rake, a mercenary tasked with rescuing the kidnapped son of an Indian drug lord. Directed by Sam Hargrave and produced by the Russo brothers, “Extraction” delivers relentless action and gripping stunts.
8. Extraction 2 (2023)
278,700,000 Viewing Hours. The sequel to “Extraction” sees Chris Hemsworth return as Tyler Rake, this time rescuing his ex-sister-in-law and her children from a Georgian prison. With even more intense action sequences, “Extraction 2” continues to thrill audiences worldwide.
7. The Adam Project (2022)
281,000,000 Viewing Hours. In this time-travel adventure, Ryan Reynolds plays a pilot who meets his younger self to save the future. Directed by Shawn Levy, “The Adam Project” blends humor and heart, exploring themes of loss and redemption.
6. The Gray Man (2022)
299,500,000 Viewing Hours. Directed by the Russo brothers, this action thriller stars Ryan Gosling as a CIA agent on the run from assassins. With Chris Evans playing the villain, “The Gray Man” offers explosive action and star-studded performances.
5. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
320,300,000 Viewing Hours. Daniel Craig returns as detective Benoit Blanc in this sequel to “Knives Out.” Directed by Rian Johnson, the film features an all-star cast and a new murder mystery set on a private island, blending humor and intrigue.
4. Bird Box (2018)
325,300,000 Viewing Hours. Sandra Bullock stars in this post-apocalyptic thriller where unseen entities cause mass suicides. Directed by Susanne Bier, “Bird Box” combines horror and survival as Malorie navigates a dangerous world while blindfolded to protect her children.
3. Leave the World Behind (2023)
339,300,000 Viewing Hours. Starring Julia Roberts and Mahershala Ali, this apocalyptic thriller follows a family seeking refuge during a cyberattack. Directed by Sam Esmail, the film’s suspenseful narrative and powerhouse performances made it an instant hit.
2. Don’t Look Up (2021)
408,600,000 Viewing Hours. This satirical comedy stars Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as astronomers trying to warn the world about an impending asteroid. Directed by Adam McKay, “Don’t Look Up” cleverly critiques modern society’s indifference to existential threats.
1. Red Notice (2021)
454,200,000 Viewing Hours. Starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, “Red Notice” is a high-stakes heist film filled with twists and turns. Directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber, the film’s blend of action, humor, and star power made it Netflix’s most-watched movie.
Netflix continues to dominate the streaming world with a diverse lineup of films that cater to a wide array of tastes. From action-packed adventures to heartwarming romances and gripping thrillers, these 15 movies have captivated millions of viewers globally, showcasing the platform’s ability to deliver compelling and entertaining content. As Netflix evolves, it will undoubtedly continue to produce blockbuster hits that keep audiences coming back for more.
