The Most-Watched Netflix Movies of All Time

Netflix quickly became one of the most successful streaming services and continues to make a name for itself with the original content they create. With the streamer’s popularity, it is easy for viewers to talk about the latest offers on the service. Netflix has evolved from acquiring rights to have other movies stream on their service to creating their original content. Since they have gone into creating original content, Netflix has created movies that may stand the test of time.

Netflix also created performances and content that have become Oscar-worthy. Movie consumers can’t get enough of these big-budget films, and it doesn’t look like Netflix is going to stop making them anytime soon. Netflix is a little tricky with their viewing numbers and data, but we’ve gathered all the available and up-to-date reporting on viewing hours from various sources such as Flix Patrol, What’s on Netflix’s 28-day reports, and Netflix’s own Most Popular Lists to give viewers an idea of what everyone else is watching.

Updated on April 13, 2024: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.

30 The Man From Toronto (2022)

171,000,000 Viewing Hours

The Man From Toronto overcame pandemic-related release delays to emerge as a Netflix hit. Starring Woody Harrelson and Kevin Hart, the movie follows Teddy, an unlucky individual fired from his job, who is mistaken for the notorious assassin, the man from Toronto. Teddy is recruited by the FBI to impersonate the assassin and capture a Venezuelan radical, but complications arise when the real man from Toronto appears.

Entertaining Chemistry and Action

This film faced numerous setbacks due to COVID-19 disruptions, with scheduled releases getting postponed multiple times. Eventually, Netflix took over the distribution, turning these challenges into triumphs. The movie’s entertaining blend of comedy and action, combined with the star power of Harrelson and Hart, made it a standout success.

29 The Tinder Swindler (2022)

172,000,000 Viewing Hours

The British true crime documentary The Tinder Swindler tells the real-life story of infamous Israeli con artist Simon Leviev, who used the online dating site to target and manipulate women into sending him money and finance his jet-setting lifestyle. Between 2017 and 2019, Leviev allegedly used a Ponzi scheme to swindle $10 million from his victims, under the guise that he needed to evade his many enemies.

A Fresh True Crime Story

Upon its release in 2022, The Tinder Swindler became the first documentary to top Netflix’s Weekly Film Chart, clocking in 45.8 million hours worldwide during its debut week. The engrossing flick was also well-received by critics, who deemed it a must-see for true crime fans, and it went on to earn five Primetime Emmy Award nominations. A dramatized movie based on the documentary is currently in the works at Netflix.

28 Troll (2022)

175,000,000 Viewing Hours

In 2022, Netflix acquired the Norwegian monster film Troll. The story written and directed by Roar Uthaug proved to be a wise investment. This niche cult classic quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched films. The story revolves around an ancient troll awakening in a Norwegian mountain, prompting a group of individuals to unite and halt its destructive rampage.

An Epic Monster Actioner

Troll seamlessly blended astounding special effects and heart-pounding action sequences. The story is based on Norwegian folklore and offers viewers a large spectacle, as the colossal monster wreaks havoc on cities, coupled with fresh takes on traditional mythology. This winning combination earned Troll a high watch time on the streaming platform while satisfying audiences’ craving for kaiju action.

27 Lift (2024)

176,400,000 Viewing Hours

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Comedian and actor extraordinaire Kevin Hart continued his lucrative partnership with Netflix when he starred in and produced the heist comedy Lift, centering on international master thief Cyrus, who along with his Interpol agent former flame assembles a highly-skilled team of colorful characters to carry out a dangerous heist and steal $500 million during a passenger flight.

Carried by Hart’s Screen Presence

Hart is joined by an eclectic cast of talented stars including Vincent D’Onofrio, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, and Sam Worthington, and with a massive budget of $100 million, the entertaining caper held nothing back when it came to electrifying action sequences and wild shenanigans. Though it failed to impress critics, Lift is nonetheless a fun and exciting popcorn flick that capitalizes on Hart’s charisma and overall appeal as a leading man.

26 All Quiet on the Western Front (2022)

176,490,000 Viewing Hours

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An adaptation of a German novel released in 1929, and also based on a true story, All Quiet on the Western Front is one of Netflix’s most acclaimed films. Nominated for nine Academy Awards, including Best Picture, the film won four of them. Telling the tale of an idealistic young German soldier three years into WWI, the story bleeds into a harrowing look at the harsh realities of the war.

An Oscar-Winning War Epic

Watching a soldier learn over time that he has little hope of ever becoming the hero he dreamed of being is heartbreaking, especially when he realizes that his best bet is to simply try to survive. Featuring some exceptional cinematography and gritty performances, the film painted an incredibly dreary but realistic portrait of life for those on the front lines of that tumultuous period in history and earned every single nomination and award it got in the process.

25 Luther: The Fallen Sun (2022)

180,390,000 Viewing Hours

Continuing from the now iconic British series starring Idris Elba as the main character, Luther: The Fallen Sun became the first film that was released from the franchise. Reprising his role as John Luther, a police detective, whose slick portrayal often saw Idris Elba being linked to James Bond rumors, the film sees him taking on the complex case of a wealthy serial killer who keeps him on his toes through intricately planned crimes.

A Long Time Coming

The show has been a massively popular one, especially in the UK, and the movie followed suit as it quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched English films of all time. With the feel of a soft reboot, the movie also made it likely for possible sequels to be made. If Elba doesn’t get cast as Bond, he’ll always have this great character to fall back on, and we certainly hope he stays with the role for a bit longer.

24 The Old Guard (2020)

185,710,000 Viewing Hours

Netflix has fared successfully in the superhero genre with The Old Guard. Image Comic originally published this indie comic book with the screenplay written by Greg Rucka, who also authored the graphic novel. The movie was directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, and stars Charlize Theron, KiKi Layne, and Matthias Schoenaerts, among many others. The plot centers around a group of immortal mercenaries who have been operating for a long time when suddenly they find themselves facing a secret conclave that seeks their immortality.

Women-Centric Action

Charlize Theron has a spotless track record of being the ultimate female action hero. Her role as Andromache of Scythia, an immortal warrior who’s been killing people for more than 5000 years, puts her at odds with an unseen enemy who manages to identify a new immortal as her abilities begin to falter. The film is faithful to the source material while offering a powerful, compelling story ripe for exploring in multiple future entries.

23 The Sea Beast (2022)

190,150,000 Viewing Hours

In The Sea Beast, we follow a young stowaway named Maisie as she joins a crew of monster hunters in search of the legendary sea monster known as the Red Bluster. However, Maisie and Jacob, the adopted son of the ship’s first mate, are thrown from the boat when the Red Bluster is spotted. Both kids are led to safety by the monster. They soon learn that the so-called beast may have been a misunderstood creature all along. Featuring the voice talents of Karl Urban as Jacob, the film was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature and reportedly has a sequel planned.

A Delightful Animated Coming-of-Age Story

Family audiences have proven to be one of Netflix’s most important demographics, as their delightful animated film offerings prove with consistency. The Sea Beast has many of the classic tropes of the misunderstood monster, but it’s still a solid offering with great acting voices. Hearing Karl Urban play something that is the polar opposite of Billy the Butcher makes for a nice change of pace and proves the actor’s versatility.

22 Heart of Stone (2023)

193,100,000 Viewing Hours

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Heart of Stone soared in popularity, largely owing to the magnetic presence of Gal Gadot as Rachel Stone. She is a fearless member of The Charter, an organization dedicated to shielding the world from covert threats. Although it didn’t quite match the success of Red Notice, where Gadot shared the screen with two other major stars, her portrayal resonated strongly with viewers.

Another of Netflix’s Great Action Catalogue

The film’s gripping Mission: Impossible-style plot and Gadot’s empowering depiction of a strong female lead made it a compelling choice for audiences. Apart from her immense popularity, the film’s high-octane storytelling contributed significantly to its exceptional viewership on Netflix. Heart of Stone became a standout hit, affirming Gadot’s status as a leading lady in the action genre and solidifying the film’s top choice among streaming viewers.

21 Hustle (2022)

198,310,000 Viewing Hours

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Some sports movies prove the fact that you don’t need the knowledge of that specific sport to appreciate a film based on it, and Hustle perfectly fits the category. Stanley Sugerman (Adam Sandler) is lost in his life after getting fired as a scout from a professional basketball club, but somehow he’s excited for the first time in a long time. When he accidentally comes across an amateur basketball player named Bo Cruz on the streets of Spain, he believes that nurturing this young man could be their one-way ticket to the NBA.

A Must-Watch for Basketball Fans

The fact that the film was produced by the basketball legend LeBron James tells us how deeply it delves into the world of basketball, but the most noticeable aspect of it may be the cameos of several NBA celebrities. More than that, Hustle is another great film showcasing what a great actor Adam Sandler is when he’s not out for the paycheck doing subpar comedies.

20 Leo (2023)

198,700,000 Viewing Hours

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Touting a spectacular cast of fan-favorite performers including Adam Sandler, Bill Burr, and Cecily Strong, the animated musical comedy Leo tells the wholesome story of the titular restless lizard and his turtle best friend Squirtle who after spending decades confined in a Florida classroom terrarium decide to break free and experience the wonders of life while they still have the chance.

Born From Sandler’s Netflix Partnership

Leo is an uplifting tale that features a sweet and endearing performance by Sandler, who also co-wrote the animated film and produced it through Happy Madison Productions. Both Sandler and Burr were able to shine in their respective roles, as the duo sets out on an epic adventure while also exploring more about themselves and who they are as individuals. The comedy is one of Sandler’s most well-received Netflix collaborations, and it was nominated for both an Annie Award and the Chicago Film Critics Association Award for Best Animated Film.

19 6 Underground (2019)

205,470,000 Viewing Hours

Michael Bay is known for his massive explosions and ridiculous set pieces, and 6 Underground offers just that with non-stop power-packed action in its two-hour runtime. The film follows a group of unnamed individuals who are brought together by a mysterious person, played by Ryan Reynolds. They fight against evil politicians and change their future so that they no longer see the suffering and chaos in the world.

Ridiculous and Entertaining in Equal Measure

If you’ve had a long and tough week at work, 6 Underground works as a perfect Friday night movie to let off some steam. Sure, Ryan Reynolds is still playing himself, but the movie is filled with mindless setups and huge explosions. The story has a nice beat to it, considering most of the crew gathered by Magnet S. Johnson is looking for a way out of their past sins to get a shot at a brighter future, and that’s something we all feel we need at some point.

18 The Kissing Booth 2 (2021)

209,250,000 Viewing Hours

The Kissing Booth 2 picks up right where the last film left off. The movie, written and directed by Vince Marcello stars Joey King, Joel Courtney, and Jacob Elordi. After their last romantic summer, Noah and Elle have to adjust to a long-distance relationship as he leaves for Harvard while she begins her senior year in High School. Drama ensues when Elle finds herself attracted to Marco, and she applies for the colleges of her potential suitors and is accepted in both.

Cheesy Romance Goodness

The first film garnered mostly negative reviews when it first came out, so it comes as a surprise that this series of films has become one of the most-watched on Netflix. However, it’s an apparent fact that popularity is not always a subset of how well a movie does but rather what it leaves behind for the viewers to remember.

In that sense, The Kissing Booth 2 does some things better than the original, with Ellie making some smart decisions during her senior year of high school, which is a clear step up for her character compared to the previous film. If you thought the first film, The Kissing Booth, was lacking in certain ways, the sequel might be just what you need to fill the void.

17 The Irishman (2019)

214,570,000 Viewing Hours

The Irishman has a stellar cast that includes Robert De Niro, Harvey Keitel, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci, and Anna Paquin. The film follows a fictionalized version of the life of Frank Sheeran, a former trucker and World War II veteran who recounts the story of how he became a hitman and union leader while involved with mobster Russell Bufalino. Frank rises through the ranks as an associate of the mob by becoming the right-hand man of powerful teamster boss Jimmy Hoffa.

Classic Scorsese Mob Madness

The Irishman is a textbook definition of Martin Scorsese’s sandbox, putting all of his favorite themes and greatest players into one long and captivating film. The making and release of this movie is what sparked the longstanding feud of the director against established corporate franchises such as The Marvel Cinematic Universe. The debate still rages on to this day, with filmmakers taking sides about the value of actual cinema and the grand purpose of films as a medium.

16 The Unforgivable (2021)

219,550,000 Viewing Hours

Sandra Bullock stars in The Unforgivable, which follows Ruth, who’s an ex-con who’s been released from prison after committing a violent crime. As she returns home, Ruth is not welcomed. With her friends and family unable to forgive her for the past atrocities she committed, Ruth sees no other option than going back to the little sister she left behind when she went in, hoping for her to be her saving grace.

An Exploration of a Flawed Justice System

Having Bullock in our ranking twice speaks volumes about the range of this beloved actress. Her return to form in this hard-hitting drama is a perfect reflection of the stigmas most former inmates have to deal with after being released from prison. The screenplay from Peter Craig reflects on plenty of nuances related to the justice system and sisterhood as Ruth has been forced to make some hard choices to ensure a better life for her sister.

15 Damsel (2024)

221,600,000 Viewing Hours

Stranger Things breakout star Millie Bobby Brown delivered a fierce and commanding performance when she headlined the dark fantasy flick Damsel. This drama takes the fairytale genre and its common tropes and flips it on its head. Brown plays Elodie, a young woman who believes she has found love with a handsome prince, but makes the terrifying discovery that she will be used by the royals as a human sacrifice. Elodie must embrace her fighting spirit to escape with her life, taking on a powerful dragon on her quest to escape.

A Subversive Take on Fairytales

Damsel showcased Brown’s undeniable star power and ability to thrive as an actress outside the juggernaut Netflix show, and she emerged as a worthy action heroine. Despite earning less-than-stellar reviews, the fantasy film racked up 64.8 million viewing hours and 35.3 million views within just three days and completely dominated Netflix’s Global Top 10 chart.

14 We Can Be Heroes (2020)

231,200,000 Viewing Hours

Acting as both a standalone film and a legacy sequel to The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D, the 2020 Robert Rodriguez film, We Can Be Heroes is again set in the world of the Heroics, a group of superhero children who all have unique powers. This one centers around Missy Moreno, the young powerless daughter of Marcus Moreno, and granddaughter of Anita Moreno, who both have superhero powers — with Anita doubling as the Heroics’ trainer. When aliens capture the other Heroics, it’s up to Missy and the remaining kids to save them.

A Nostalgic Return to Childhood Favorites

If anything, the commitment Robert Rodriguez showcases to his ideas is something worth admiring. While The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D is not exactly the highlight of his children-focused properties, it’s nice to see the director still managed to squeeze this project into his schedule to offer a treat to longtime fans of the original story. A second film in the series is planned, and the director will handle it shortly.

13 Society of the Snow (2023)

235,900,000 Viewing Hours

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Based on Pablo Vierci’s book of the same name, the taut Spanish survival drama Society of the Snow recounts the harrowing events of the Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which was carrying the country’s rugby team when it tragically crashed in the Andes mountains in 1972. The poignant picture chronicles the unfathomable experiences of those who survived the accident and their fight to make it off the mountain alive, resorting to cannibalism in order to do so as they face the harsh and hostile environment.

Survival Against All Odds

Society of the Snow premiered at the Venice International Film Festival before being released on Netflix, where it garnered rave reviews and praise for depicting the spiritual journey taken by the passengers. After hitting the streaming platform, the drama landed on its list of Top 10 Non-English films, and within 11 days amassed 51 million views. Snow on the Beach was nominated for a Golden Globe for Best Non-English Language Film and remains a deeply chilling and emotionally honest depiction of the tragedy.

12 Spenser Confidential (2020)

238,900,000 Viewing Hours

Spenser, an ex-cop has just gotten out of a Boston prison and has decided to leave the city for good to live a peaceful life. He ends up helping a boxing amateur named Hawk (Winston Duke) at the request of his coach, Henry (the late, great Alan Arkin). However, when he learns about the mysterious deaths of his former colleagues, he joins forces with Hawk to bring the culprits to justice.

A Delightful Buddy Comedy

Mark Wahlberg is deemed worthy of its achievement as one of Netflix’s most-streamed films by tackling the modern-day comedy following a reverse Batman and Robin pair-up. The film is filled with hilarity and misunderstandings as the retired policeman is forced into action. Spenser Confidential is not meant to be groundbreaking in terms of storytelling, yet the movie draws you in with non-stop action, setting the bar high for audiences looking for fast thrills.

11 Purple Hearts (2022)

240,480,000 Viewing Hours

Purple Hearts is a military romance movie that showcases some fresh faces and original songs that quickly become the heart of the film. Cassie is the titular character who is suffering from Type II Diabetes but is having a hard time paying for insulin while she struggles to make it in the music industry. Cassie decides to manipulate the system by marrying Luke, a U.S. Marine, to use his military benefits while he’s overseas. Their bond grows stronger throughout his deployment, and the narrative quickly becomes a heartfelt love story.

An Early Turn From Nicholas Galitzine

Audiences will be able to relate to the jarring landscape represented by the healthcare system in the USA. The fact that a girl has to marry a soldier to get medical benefits sounds as plausible as a former chemistry teacher deciding to cook meth to pay for his cancer treatment. The fact Cassie falls in love with Luke seems like a bonus, but it doesn’t take away the fact that the premise paints a bleak picture of American society.