Netflix knockouts: 5 shows and movies that ruled last week

There were more surprises and a big turnover as updated lists of the most viewed Netflix movies and shows were revealed on TUDUM. We’ve lost the rom-coms that were holding firm. Also gone are some superb shows and movies that have made a big impact over recent weeks.

On the top five movies list, there is one huge blockbuster drawing in large numbers of viewers. It’s accompanied by a package of past films that have proved popular again. They aren’t top quality in terms of great cinema, but they bring plenty of thrills, spills, and suspense.

The top five shows see Adolescence finally drop out of the top five after its tremendous run. We do have some strong competition there, with another new release arriving and a new season drawing the viewers to the franchise. Another Netflix live event proves this type of show could be a significant way forward for the platform.

Top five most watched movies on Netflix week ending May 4

5 - Fast X

The Fast and Furious franchise didn’t get to ten movies by making films no one wanted to watch. That doesn’t mean they are all prime cinematic screenplays. The X signifies ten, perhaps it is stretching the run a bit too far. It’s all a bit fake looking, CGI overloaded, and generally dumb fun. It is fast; it might leave you furious.

4 - The Equalizer 2

It does what you’d expect as a sequel, but without huge thrills or drama. Denzel Washington gives another solid performance as the retired CIA agent. Will he get his man and deliver justice? It’s no spoiler to say you can easily guess the answer correctly.

3 - Woody Woodpecker

Woody Woodpecker keeps on knocking with that mad laugh. The mix of animation and live action in this 2017 movie has entertained viewers for another week—plenty of knockabout slapstick comedy for the family in this one.

2 - Where The Crawdads Sing

Reese Witherspoon produced this 2022 movie based on Delia Owens’ top-selling novel. The film wasn’t well-liked by reviewers, but picked up a bundle of awards. It also has Taylor Swift's song “Carolina” on the soundtrack. Some great acting performances from Daisy Edgar-Jones and the cast help overcome the reviews. Look out for a massive twist in the storyline too.

1 - Havoc

All-action Havoc remains top again this week. Over 26 million views last week put it well out of touch with the competition. Tom Hardy is the big-name lead of a strong cast. You may also need a strong stomach for some of the gory shooting scenes and violence.

Top five most watched shows on Netflix week ending May 4

5 - You: Season 1

Spurred by the show's return in a new season, viewers have been returning to the original. A highly popular and dramatic psychological thriller, it follows the much-infatuated Joe Goldberg, who is obsessed with Guinevere Beck. It’s trashy but fun and highlights social media and technology dangers. It's a great revisit or a place to start afresh; either way, it works.

4 - Raw: 2025 - April 28

Netflix is drawing some good audiences with this series of live WWE events. Each show is screened live, and several of the events make it to this top five list. This episode features some lively bouts from Kansas City last week.

3 - Ransom Canyon

Who knew the viewers would stick solidly with this romantic western drama? Slammed by critics and reviewers for being dull and banal, it’s now in the third week in the top five. Perhaps we’re all still yearning for more stories of the ranch family dynasties.

2 - You: Season 5

You returned for season 5 in late April and soared into the top five. It’s holding up well as we discover more about Joe Goldberg. It’s still satirical and has a fanciful storyline. The edge may be lost slightly as it stretches to another season, but it is proving a big hit with viewers.

1 - The Four Seasons

This warm and witty comedy drama has knocked You off the top slot, coming in at number one with 11.9 million views in its first week. It’s an update on the 1981 movie with that film's star, Alan Alda, giving this series a big endorsement. The show follows three well-off couples in their 50s over a year through ups and downs with charm and heartbreak.