Massive changes shake up Netflix top 5 most-viewed lists this week

It’s always been the case that new shows and movies arriving on Netflix can get a real boost in their first week or two. Some may take a while to make their mark, but others just storm in and pick up big viewing numbers immediately. That’s certainly the case for last week, with seven new entries across the two top five lists.

The latest lists from TUDUM show the biggest changes are in the movie category. Four of the top five are new, and the other is in its second top-five week. It’s a mix of older films just reaching Netflix and some brand new content. However new, they are attracting plenty of viewers and interest.

Three new entries break into the top five shows. One of those could be a potential long-runner over several seasons with the right care and health checks. Of the two shows remaining from last week’s top five, the big question was whether Adolescence could continue its fantastic run. You can find out on the top five lists below.

Top five most watched movies on Netflix week ending April 6

5 - Sniper Rogue Mission

The ninth film in the long-running Sniper series was released in 2023 but has just arrived on Netflix. This edition has Chad Michael Collins as a CIA sniper tracking down a human trafficking ring. When I say CIA, though, that’s not quite the case, as the title suggests, the hero goes rogue and teams up with Homeland Security Agent Zero, played by Ryan Robbins, and with the delightfully named Lady Death, an assassin played by Sayaka Akimoto. It’s a decent enough film in that series and style.

4 - Geostorm

Gerard Butler stars in this Sci-fi natural disaster movie from 2017. He leads a team of scientists in a race to save the Earth from a fast-approaching geostorm. It’s surprising to see this ranked so highly, but perhaps the new release on Netflix with Butler in the lead overcame the memories of it being a pretty poor movie originally. Let’s see if it sticks around on the list for another week.

3 - Alpha

Another fantasy story is just out on Netflix, though it was first released as a movie in 2018. This is a visual treat that’s well worth seeing. A young boy, Keda, played by Kody Smit-McPhee, bonds with a wolf, Alpha, during the last ice age.

The pair travels through a fantastic landscape in a prehistoric setting to return to Keda’s tribe. Oh, and in case you are wondering, Alpha the wolf is played by Chuck, a Czechoslovakian Wolfdog.

2 - One Of Them Days

In second place is a brilliant buddy movie starring Keke Palmer and SZA. They play two best friends who are behind on the rent. It’s a really funny story set in an era when buddy comedies were classic films. This is one to watch, highly rated in early reviews, and well placed here.

1 - The Life List

Another classic genre, a rom-com this time. Starring Sofia Carson, Kyle Allen, and Connie Britton, it’s knocked the viewing figures out of the park. Just over 29 million views in this past week place it significantly ahead of One Of Them Days, which came in second with close to eight million. Word has spread for sure; it’s a good-fun, good-feeling movie.

Top five most watched shows on Netflix week ending April 6

5 - The Residence

This White House-based madness is one of only two remaining from last week's top five. Its unique murder mystery style in that iconic setting with quirky characters continues to entertain. Uzo Aduba plays the detective in a distinctive style you must see.

4 - Devil May Cry

This adult animation story has space in the top five most viewed this week. It originates from a Japanese video game and features a hunter trying to protect the Earth. If you hear that it’s from a demonic opponent called the White Rabbit, it might undermine the storyline a little. It’s a modern look at an urban fantasy, though, and works well as a story on the screen.

3 - Pulse

Pulse was only released on April 3 but has entered the top five. Medical dramas have always been popular, and this first episode has gone down a storm, much like the one heading for the Maguire Medical Center in Miami, where it is set.

In a pressured environment, both inside the Center and out, Pulse grabs your attention on matters of life and death. Based on the great start, this could become a long-running series.

2 - Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer

Over recent weeks, there has been a strong demand for docuseries linked to murders. The OJ Simpson and Gabby Petito stories come to mind. Following in that style is this deep dive into the serial killings at Gilgo Beach, Long Island.

Initially, the investigation was for four missing women, the Gone Girls of the title. But a further six bodies predating those killings were then uncovered. Find out more about the true story behind this shocking case.

1 - Adolescence

This show continues to dominate the viewing figures and the media. Once again, the anguish, social commentary, and some tremendous acting have Adolescence nailed to the top slot by a long way. Have you seen it yet? It’s not an easy watch, but it's well worth it.