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Netflix swiftly rose to prominence as one of the most successful streaming services, continuously making a name for itself through its original content. With its widespread popularity, discussions about the latest offerings on the platform have become commonplace. Netflix’s journey has transformed from merely obtaining streaming rights for existing movies to actively producing original content. Through this shift, Netflix has produced movies that may leave a lasting mark.
Furthermore, Netflix has ventured into creating content and performances that have garnered attention from the Oscars. These high-budget films have captivated movie enthusiasts, and it appears that Netflix has no plans to halt their production anytime soon. While Netflix tends to keep its viewership numbers and data under wraps, we’ve compiled available and up-to-date reports on viewing hours from multiple sources, including Flix Patrol, What’s on Netflix’s 28-day reports, and Netflix’s own Most Popular Lists, to offer viewers insights into the content that’s captivating audiences.
Updated as of November 4th, 2023, by Danilo Raúl: This article has been enriched with additional content to ensure that the conversation remains current and relevant, featuring new information and entries.
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25 Most-Watched Netflix Movies of All Time
Senior Year (2022)
“Senior Year” serves as a platform for Rebel Wilson to demonstrate her capability as a lead actress, a departure from her typical supporting roles. This popular Netflix movie tells the heartwarming story of Stephanie, a cheerleader who falls into a coma at the age of 17 and awakens two decades later. Reluctant to embrace the responsibilities of adulthood, she decides to return to high school for her senior year, only to discover a dramatically transformed world since 2002.
What Sets It Apart: With an impressive 167 million hours of viewership, the film showcases Rebel Wilson’s comedic prowess as she confronts the challenges of adulthood with a teenage perspective. “Senior Year” offers a delightful blend of millennial nostalgia and a poignant message, solidifying Wilson’s position as a leading lady and securing the movie’s prominent status among Netflix’s most-watched films.
The Man From Toronto (2022)
Despite pandemic-related delays in its release, “The Man From Toronto” found success on Netflix. The film, featuring Woody Harrelson and Kevin Hart, tells the story of Teddy, an unlucky individual who loses his job and is mistaken for the notorious assassin from Toronto. He’s recruited by the FBI to impersonate the assassin and capture a Venezuelan radical, but things get complicated when the real assassin shows up.
What sets this movie apart is its ability to turn COVID-19 disruptions into triumphs. With its blend of comedy and action, as well as the star power of Harrelson and Hart, it became a standout hit on the streaming platform.
Troll (2022)
In 2022, Netflix made a smart move by acquiring the Norwegian monster film “Troll,” written and directed by Roar Uthaug. This lesser-known gem quickly became a major hit on Netflix, attracting a dedicated fan following. The film’s plot revolves around the awakening of an ancient troll in a Norwegian mountain, leading a group of people to join forces and stop its destructive rampage.
What sets “Troll” apart is its seamless integration of impressive special effects and intense action sequences. The narrative draws inspiration from Norwegian folklore, delivering a grand spectacle as the enormous monster causes chaos in cities, all while offering fresh perspectives on traditional mythology. This unique blend of elements propelled “Troll” to a high viewership on the streaming platform, effectively satisfying the audience’s appetite for kaiju-style action.
All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)
“All Quiet on the Western Front,” an adaptation of a 1929 German novel and a true story, has become one of Netflix’s most highly acclaimed films. It received nine Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture, and won four Oscars. The movie portrays the journey of an idealistic young German soldier in World War I, gradually realizing the harsh realities of war, which is truly heart-wrenching. He comes to understand that his dreams of heroism are futile, and his best option is simply to survive. The film’s exceptional cinematography and raw performances create a profoundly bleak yet authentic portrayal of life on the front lines during that tumultuous historical period, justifying every nomination and award it received.
Luther: The Fallen Sun (2022)
Following the success of the beloved British series starring Idris Elba as the central character, Luther: The Fallen Sun marked the franchise’s debut as a film. Returning to his role as John Luther, a detective known for his suave portrayal that often led to rumors of him playing James Bond, the movie showcases his pursuit of a wealthy serial killer who challenges him with meticulously planned crimes.
What Sets It Apart? The show has enjoyed immense popularity, particularly in the UK, and the film continued this trend by becoming one of Netflix’s most-watched English films ever. The movie, with its fresh approach, opens the door for potential sequels. Even if Elba doesn’t secure the role of James Bond, he can always rely on this captivating character, and we hope he continues to embody it for some time.
The Old Guard (2020)
Netflix has achieved great success in the superhero genre with “The Old Guard,” which is based on an independent comic book originally published by Image Comics. The screenplay was written by Greg Rucka, who also authored the graphic novel. Directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, the movie features an ensemble cast including Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, and Matthias Schoenaerts, among others. The story revolves around a group of immortal mercenaries who have operated for a long time until they find themselves facing a mysterious organization that seeks to obtain their immortality.
One of the standout aspects of the movie is Charlize Theron’s impeccable track record as the ultimate female action hero. Her portrayal of Andromache of Scythia, an immortal warrior with over 5000 years of combat experience, places her in conflict with an unseen adversary who identifies a new immortal as her powers begin to wane. “The Old Guard” remains faithful to its source material while delivering a compelling and potent storyline that leaves room for exploration in potential future installments.
The Sea Beast (2022)
“The Sea Beast” is a family-oriented animated film on Netflix, featuring the talents of Karl Urban as the character Jacob. The movie follows a young stowaway named Maisie who joins a crew of monster hunters in search of the legendary sea monster, the Red Bluster. However, when Maisie and Jacob are thrown from the boat after encountering the Red Bluster, they discover that the creature may have been misunderstood all along. The film was even nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and has a sequel in the works.
What sets “The Sea Beast” apart is its appeal to family audiences, which is an important demographic for Netflix. The movie incorporates classic themes of the misunderstood monster but still delivers a compelling story with excellent voice acting. Karl Urban’s performance as Jacob, in contrast to his role as Billy the Butcher, showcases his versatility as an actor, making it a refreshing change of pace.
Heart of Stone (2023)
“Heart of Stone experienced a surge in popularity, largely thanks to Gal Gadot’s captivating performance as Rachel Stone, a fearless member of The Charter, an organization dedicated to safeguarding the world from hidden threats. Although it didn’t quite reach the level of success achieved by “Red Notice,” where Gadot starred alongside two other prominent actors, her portrayal deeply resonated with the audience.
What Sets It Apart? The film’s enthralling plot, reminiscent of “Mission: Impossible,” and Gadot’s empowering portrayal of a strong female protagonist made it a compelling option for viewers. In addition to Gadot’s immense popularity, the film’s high-energy storytelling played a significant role in its remarkable viewership on Netflix. “Heart of Stone” emerged as a notable success, confirming Gadot’s position as a leading figure in the action genre and establishing the film as the preferred choice for streaming audiences.”
Hustle (2022)
Certain sports movies demonstrate that you can enjoy a film centered around a particular sport even without in-depth knowledge of that sport, and “Hustle” certainly falls into this category. The story revolves around Stanley Sugerman (played by Adam Sandler), who finds himself adrift in life after losing his job as a scout for a professional basketball team. However, a chance encounter with an amateur basketball player named Bo Cruz in the streets of Spain ignites his excitement, as he believes nurturing this young talent could be their ticket to the NBA.
What Makes “Hustle” Stand Out? The film’s association with basketball legend LeBron James indicates its profound exploration of the basketball world, but what truly stands out are the appearances of several NBA stars in cameo roles. Furthermore, “Hustle” underscores Adam Sandler’s prowess as an actor when he’s not merely pursuing financial gain through mediocre comedies.
6 Underground (2019)
Michael Bay is renowned for his extravagant explosions and over-the-top action sequences, and “6 Underground” certainly delivers on that front with constant high-octane action throughout its two-hour runtime. The plot revolves around an ensemble of anonymous individuals brought together by a mysterious figure portrayed by Ryan Reynolds. They unite to combat corrupt politicians and endeavor to reshape the world’s future, aiming to eliminate suffering and chaos.
What Sets It Apart: If you’ve had a demanding workweek and are in need of a fun way to unwind on a Friday night, “6 Underground” serves as an ideal choice. While Ryan Reynolds may be playing a character reminiscent of his usual self, the movie is replete with mindless but thrilling scenarios and grand-scale explosions. The narrative maintains a pleasing rhythm, as most of the crew assembled by Magnet S. Johnson seek redemption for their past misdeeds in pursuit of a brighter future—a universal desire we can all relate to at some point.
The Kissing Booth 2 (2021)
“The Kissing Booth 2” picks up right after the events of the previous film, with Joey King, Joel Courtney, and Jacob Elordi reprising their roles in this movie written and directed by Vince Marcello. The story follows Noah and Elle as they navigate a long-distance relationship, with Noah heading to Harvard and Elle starting her senior year in high school. Drama unfolds when Elle finds herself drawn to Marco, and she applies to colleges that both Noah and Marco are attending, ultimately getting accepted into both.
What Sets It Apart: While the initial film received mostly negative reviews upon its release, it’s surprising that this film series has gained immense popularity on Netflix. However, it’s worth noting that a movie’s popularity doesn’t always correlate with its critical reception but rather with what it offers to the audience. In this regard, “The Kissing Booth 2” improves upon certain aspects compared to the first film, with Elle making more intelligent choices during her senior year, showing character growth. If you felt that the first movie had its shortcomings, the sequel might be the remedy you’re looking for.
The Irishman (2019)
“The Irishman” boasts an impressive ensemble cast, featuring Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Anna Paquin. The film chronicles the fictionalized life of Frank Sheeran, a former trucker and WWII veteran, as he narrates his journey from a hitman to a union leader, entangled with mobster Russell Bufalino. Frank’s ascent in the mob world ultimately places him as the right-hand man of influential Teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa.
This film serves as a prime example of Martin Scorsese’s creative playground, where he brings together his recurring themes and prominent collaborators in a lengthy and engrossing narrative. “The Irishman” played a significant role in sparking an ongoing dispute between the director and major corporate franchises, notably the Marvel Cinematic Universe. This debate continues to divide filmmakers as they take positions on the essence of genuine cinema and the broader purpose of films as an art form.
The Unforgivable (2021)
Sandra Bullock’s performance in “The Unforgivable” stands out as a testament to her versatility as an actress. Her compelling portrayal of Ruth, an ex-convict grappling with the aftermath of a violent crime, highlights the challenges that many former inmates face upon reintegration into society. The film’s script, penned by Peter Craig, delves into complex issues surrounding the justice system and the bond of sisterhood. Ruth’s journey is marked by tough decisions as she strives to provide a brighter future for her younger sibling, shedding light on the intricacies of her predicament.
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We Can Be Heroes (2020)
The 2020 Robert Rodriguez film, “We Can Be Heroes,” serves as both a standalone movie and a continuation of the “Sharkboy and Lavagirl” universe. It revolves around the Heroics, a group of young superheroes with unique abilities. The story centers on Missy Moreno, who lacks superpowers but is the daughter of Marcus Moreno and granddaughter of Anita Moreno, both of whom possess extraordinary abilities. Anita also serves as the Heroics’ trainer. When aliens capture the other Heroics, Missy and the remaining kids must step up to rescue them.
What’s particularly impressive about this film is Robert Rodriguez’s unwavering dedication to his creative concepts. While “The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D” may not be considered a standout in his children-focused works, it’s commendable that the director found time in his busy schedule to deliver a treat to fans of the original story. A second installment in the series is in the works, with Rodriguez set to helm it soon.
Spenser Confidential (2020)
“Spenser, an ex-cop who just finished serving time in a Boston prison, decides to leave the city and pursue a peaceful life. However, he gets involved in helping an aspiring boxer named Hawk, at the urging of his coach, Henry, played by the late Alan Arkin. As he uncovers the mysterious deaths of his former colleagues, Spenser teams up with Hawk to bring the responsible parties to justice.
What sets this movie apart is Mark Wahlberg’s performance, making it one of Netflix’s most-watched films. It offers a fresh take on the buddy comedy genre, akin to a reverse Batman and Robin dynamic. While the film doesn’t aim to be groundbreaking in terms of its plot, it keeps viewers engaged with constant action, making it a thrilling choice for those seeking fast-paced entertainment.”
Purple Hearts (2022)
“Purple Hearts” is a military romance film featuring fresh talent and original songs that serve as its emotional core. The story revolves around Cassie, the main character, who is dealing with Type II Diabetes and struggling to afford insulin while pursuing a career in the music industry. Facing this dire situation, Cassie decides to marry Luke, a U.S. Marine, in order to access his military benefits during his deployment. As their relationship deepens throughout his time overseas, the film evolves into a heartfelt love story.
What Makes It Remarkable? The movie skillfully portrays the harsh reality of the healthcare system in the United States, where it seems believable that a young woman must resort to marrying a soldier to secure access to essential medical benefits. This scenario parallels the idea of a former chemistry teacher turning to meth production to cover cancer treatment costs. Although Cassie’s genuine love for Luke adds depth to the story, it doesn’t diminish the film’s portrayal of a grim aspect of American society.
The Mother (2023)
“The Mother,” directed by Niki Caro (known for “Mulan”), is Jennifer Lopez’s recent foray into the action thriller genre. The film revolves around a deadly assassin who has been living a life in hiding to protect her daughter from her dangerous past. However, when contract killers close in on her, she must reluctantly reach out to her daughter to shield her from a life of crime and peril.
What Sets It Apart Expectations for “The Mother” were sky-high, given Jennifer Lopez’s return to the action-thriller genre. The trailer depicted the actress in a new and intriguing role as a tough assassin, but it ultimately failed to live up to the audience’s hopes. While the movie’s plot is disappointing and filled with clichés, it does offer plenty of action sequences to keep viewers engaged.
Extraction (2020)
Chris Hemsworth takes the lead in a thrilling Netflix movie that’s bound to leave viewers eager for a rewatch once the credits roll. “Extraction” follows the journey of Tyler Rake, a battle-hardened mercenary with a long and death-defying career. In the film, he’s called back into action to rescue the kidnapped son of an Indian drug lord, who is being held captive in Dhaka, Bangladesh. Facing seemingly insurmountable odds, Tyler must navigate a perilous path to retrieve the child, all the while battling a ruthless rival drug lord and his army of henchmen, which includes the Bangladeshi military, under the rival’s control.
What sets “Extraction” apart is its production by the Russo brothers, renowned for their expertise in crafting high-octane action films. The movie boasts remarkable fight sequences, featuring intricate stunts that consistently push the actors to their limits. What distinguishes Tyler from typical action heroes is his relatability; even though he’s exceptionally skilled, he endures significant injuries and comes perilously close to death while fulfilling his mission. It’s no surprise that the film’s engaging storyline led to a sequel, which was released in 2023.
Extraction 2 (2023)
The success and popularity of the first movie paved the way for Extraction 2, which, despite being available for only two months so far, has already outperformed the first film in terms of viewing hours on Netflix. In the sequel, Tyler Rake is once again thrust into an incredibly challenging rescue mission, tasked with freeing his ex-sister-in-law and her two children from a Georgian prison, all the while being relentlessly pursued by her ruthless husband and his formidable gang of gangsters.
What sets this film apart is Chris Hemsworth’s compelling performance, solidifying his status as an action star. The movie delivers a thrilling and fast-paced adventure with jaw-dropping action sequences and heart-pounding stunts. Additionally, it delves deeper into Tyler’s backstory and lays the foundation for potential future films and spin-offs based on the character. If you were a fan of the original, this new installment is sure to satisfy your entertainment cravings.
The Adam Project (2022)
“The Adam Project is a captivating film that combines heartwarming charm and clever wit, leaving the audience yearning for more of the dynamic between Ryan Reynolds and Walker Scobell. While Reynolds sticks to his typical performance style, the story is engaging enough to maintain your interest. The movie delves into the timeless concept of meeting your younger self and handles it with finesse.”
The Gray Man (2022)
The Russo Brothers have chosen Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans for their action-adventure film with a touch of comedy, “The Gray Man.” In the story, CIA Agent Sierra Six becomes a target of a powerful organization after uncovering troubling internal secrets. Six must evade a group of international assassins who will stop at nothing to eliminate anyone connected to him. While the plot may seem familiar, Gosling’s character is so endearing that it’s easy to become engrossed in his journey.
What Sets It Apart “The Gray Man” is the kind of straightforward film you might enjoy on a leisurely Sunday. It embraces all the classic elements of 1980s action movies: two exceptionally attractive male leads, a thrilling mystery and conspiracy to unravel, impressive explosions, and extended action sequences. The distinguishing factor here is the substantial budget and grandiose sets that lend a stylized look to the film. So, grab your popcorn and leave your critical thinking behind because this movie demands nothing more.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
The sequel to Knives Out, titled Glass Onion, is written and directed by Rian Johnson and features an ensemble cast including Edward Norton, Dave Bautista, and Daniel Craig, among others. The plot revolves around a gathering of wealthy elites on a private island, where their eccentric tech billionaire friend invites them for a weekend reunion. However, the peaceful gathering takes a dark turn as guests begin to meet untimely deaths, prompting the renowned detective Benoit Blanc to uncover the island’s hidden secrets.
What Sets It Apart Glass Onion introduces a new cast and a different visual style that complements the unique challenges presented to Detective Blanc. The film offers an engaging experience as Blanc initially unravels the primary mystery orchestrated by Miles Bron, only to discover a new scheme leading to additional murders and a web of mistaken identities. While it may not reach the same level of cleverness as the original, it remains a compelling story that showcases the sharp wit and deductive skills of Benoit Blanc.
Bird Box (2018)
Sandra Bullock’s return to the spotlight in the horror film Bird Box is a welcome sight. The movie’s premise, with a large portion of the population inexplicably succumbing to suicide, creates an intense sense of mystery. Malorie, played by Bullock, is tasked with protecting her two children by enforcing a strict rule of not looking at the unknown threat. When she decides to venture outside in order to safeguard her family, the perilous journey down a river must be undertaken while blindfolded, as even a fleeting glance could prove fatal.
What Makes It Stand Out: It’s truly a pleasure to witness Sandra Bullock’s resurgence in the horror genre, and her commitment to the role is evident. She has noted how her career experienced a revitalization after collaborating with the streaming giant on various projects. Bird Box stands out as a masterclass in horror, as it introduces an unseen and enigmatic danger that transforms even the most mundane tasks into nerve-wracking challenges in a world where vision is a liability.
Don’t Look Up (2021)
“Don’t Look Up” is a satirical film that cleverly addresses real-world issues. It follows two astronomers who make a dire discovery: an asteroid on a collision course with Earth that threatens to destroy the planet. When they try to inform the public about this impending catastrophe, they are met with apathy and indifference.
What makes the film great is its ironic portrayal of the public’s reaction, which mirrors the behavior seen during the COVID-19 pandemic. It highlights paranoia and the prevalence of anti-science sentiments. “Don’t Look Up” is a hilarious yet thought-provoking satire that effectively exposes the world’s growing obliviousness, exacerbated by our reliance on smartphones and the proliferation of misinformation in the digital age.
Red Notice (2021)
The most-watched film stars Ryan Reynolds, Gal Gadot, and Dwayne Johnson in “Red Notice.” The plot revolves around FBI Agent John Hartley’s pursuit of a missing egg that was once owned by Cleopatra. Hartley successfully retrieves the egg from Booth, a renowned art thief. The movie is brimming with constant twists and deception as the characters gradually reveal their true selves.
Why It’s Outstanding It wouldn’t be fair to claim that this movie prioritizes style over substance, but its storyline lacks the depth that would justify such an immersive cinematic experience. Reynolds, Gadot, and Johnson are known for often portraying characters resembling themselves in their films, and “Red Notice” accentuates this tendency. Nevertheless, “Red Notice” manages to be a visually stunning film with high entertainment value, featuring numerous pop culture references that may feel outdated in a decade.
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