Netflix's 10 most-watched movies ever and number 6 is a forgotten gem

Netflix has just revealed some unexpected insights into what its subscribers have been binge-watching, sharing a list of its most-watched films of all time.

In an unforeseen turn of events, a recent release has taken the top spot – KPop Demon Hunters, an animated musical that has racked up an impressive 236 million views and a whopping 393.3 million hours of total viewing time.

The rankings were based on total views within the first 91 days of release, and with KPop Demon Hunters only hitting screens in June, there’s plenty of potential for these figures to skyrocket even further.

Such was the film’s popularity, it even enjoyed a limited cinema release, topping the US box office charts, while its official soundtrack climbed to number two on the Billboard 200 chart.

Here’s the full rundown of Netflix’s top 10 most-watched films ever.

1. KPop Demon Hunters

KPop Demon Hunters tells the tale of a K-pop girl group, Huntr/x, who lead secret lives as demon hunters.

Their adversaries are a rival boy band, the Saja Boys, who are actually demons in disguise.

With a Rotten Tomatoes score of 97%, KPop Demon Hunters has received widespread praise from critics and viewers alike.

2. Red Notice

This action-packed comedy hit screens in 2021 and boasts a star-studded cast including Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot and Ryan Reynolds.

The film has amassed 230.9 million views and a staggering 454.2 million hours of viewing time.

The plot centres on an FBI profiler (Johnson) as he pursues two criminals (Gadot and Reynolds) attempting to pilfer a priceless jewelled egg.

A follow-up is currently being developed for Netflix, with the leading trio anticipated to return.

3. Carry-On

Arguably the most unexpected addition to the rankings is Taron Egerton’s thriller, Carry-On, which debuted in December.

The picture features Egerton as a TSA operative who gets coerced into transporting a lethal nerve agent aboard an aircraft by a shadowy figure portrayed by Jason Bateman.

Based on reports from Deadline, Carry-On achieved Netflix’s most impressive opening week figures for 2024.

Nevertheless, the production failed to impress viewers, with some critics going so far as to label it “infuriatingly bad”.

Writing on IMDb reviews, jhhj-03256 commented: “Personally think Batemen was a terrible choice. The least intimidating guy ever. So many plot holes and eye rolling moments.”

4. Don’t Look Up

The 2021 satirical comedy accumulated 171.4 million views and 408.6 million hours watched.

The film features Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as scientists attempting to alert US administration figures about an incoming comet.

The production showcases an impressive ensemble including the likes of Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill and Cate Blanchett.

Don’t Look Up secured a place on the American Film Institute’s roster of the Top 10 films of 2021.

5. The Adam Project

Another film featuring Ryan Reynolds, the sci-fi comedy centres on a fighter pilot who travels back in time to assist his younger self in coming to terms with his father’s death.

The picture garnered 157.6 million views and 281 million hours, with viewers describing it as “kind of adorable”.

Calicodreamin wrote on IMDb reviews: “I cried a little, I laughed a little, I had a good time.

“The storyline is well developed and while a complicated concept it’s handled well.”

6. Bird Box

Sandra Bullock’s 2018 post-apocalyptic horror thriller boasts 157.4 million views and draws from Josh Malerman’s 2014 novel.

The picture follows Malorie Hayes (Bullock) as she attempts to shield herself and two youngsters from terrifying creatures that compel those who glimpse them to take their own lives.

Despite receiving lukewarm reviews from critics, it became Netflix’s most-watched film within 28 days of its debut at that time.

7. Back in Action

The 2025 action comedy marked Cameron Diaz’s return to the screen and accumulated 147.2 million views.

The picture, which launched in January this year, also features Jamie Foxx and chronicles two CIA agents who are drawn back into espionage after 15 years of living off the grid.

It achieved 46.8 million views during its opening three days, securing the largest debut weekend for an English-language Netflix production since The Adam Project.

8. Leave the World Behind

The apocalyptic psychological thriller from 2023 draws from Rumaan Alam’s 2020 novel and features Julia Roberts. Accumulating 143.4 million views, the film follows a group attempting to understand a series of technological glitches that suggest an impending catastrophe.

Between December 4 and December 10, 2023, the picture dominated the streaming rankings and claimed the top spot on Netflix, garnering 41.7 million views.

9. The Gray Man

Achieving 139.9 million views, The Gray Man is a 2022 action thriller adapted from Mark Greaney’s 2009 novel of the same title.

Featuring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, it tracks CIA operative “Sierra Six” (Gosling), who finds himself pursued by psychopathic former CIA agent and hired gun Lloyd Hansen (Evans) after uncovering dodgy secrets about his boss.

Critics delivered mixed verdicts, praising the cast’s performances whilst criticising the screenplay and tempo.

A sequel is in development alongside a separate spin-off project.

10. Damsel

Millie Bobby Brown’s fantasy adventure racked up 138 million views after its 2024 debut.

The Stranger Things actress portrays Elodie, a young lady who accepts a marriage proposal only to discover she’s actually being offered as a sacrifice.

The picture collected 35.3 million views during its opening three days and by June’s end, total viewership climbed to 143 million, establishing it as Netflix’s most-watched film for 2024’s first half.