Raw emotion hits top 5 list of movies and shows on Netflix

The shows and movies featured this week include raw emotion, gutsy thrillers, real-life drama, and quirky comic fun. Some exciting new movies and a top show are emerging as the most viewed lists for the past week on TUDUM are updated, as the flow of new content to Netflix means there’s plenty of content you should be checking out.

There are three new entries on the movies list, including a tough-to-watch documentary film. The surprise elements, though, may be the two much-criticised movies that remain among the top five most viewed. Two of the new movies follow up on successful originals, which will have helped attract interest.

The top five shows list has fewer new entries. Two new ones are a bust-up in Belgium and a murder in a well-known Washington residence. Of the shows remaining, it’s a diverse list led by an astonishing drama making a big noise and impact away from the screens, too.

Top five most watched movies on Netflix week ending March 23, 2025

5 - A Quiet Place: Day One

Anyone for an apocalyptic horror movie with an alien invasion? Here’s your answer, just out on Netflix after its 2024 release. This is the prequel to the 2018 A Quiet Place movie and is the third to be made in the series. So if you liked the first two, this will help set the scene again nicely for you. Lupita Nyong’o takes the lead role, backed by Joseph Quinn and Djimon Hounsou.

4 - Kraven The Hunter

Proving that a box office fail isn’t the end, this 2024 movie with Aaron Taylor-Johnson is doing very well as a streaming option. If that's your thing, it’s a part of the Sony Spider-Man Universe. The storyline has been described as lackluster, but there are plenty of action scenes as Kraven tracks down the world’s worst villains.

3 - Den Of Thieves 2: Pantera

The 2025 follow-up to the hit 2018 movie is out now. Gerard Butler and O’Shea Jackson Jr. are back with more jewel heist action set in Europe. It’s perhaps typical of many follow-up releases. It has many of the pieces and elements from the highly successful original, but can't quite get them to fit together as well as before. But hey, as a gutsy action thriller, it does its job well.

2 - The Twister: Caught In The Storm

This documentary covers the 2011 EF-5 tornado that tore through Joplin, Missouri, killing 158 people. This film shows the disaster unfolding as viewed by teenagers on graduation day. Actual footage of events, interviews, and tragic scenes brings it all home and shows how the impact of the storm still affects the survivors.

1 - The Electric State

The reviews for this costly movie are still very mixed. Over $320 million was spent on creating this futuristic drama and securing a strong cast featuring Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Woody Harrelson, and Stanley Tucci. But it was slammed on Rotten Tomatoes with just a 15 percent rating. The real surprise is that it’s still number one on this list. Either people want to see how shocking it is for themselves or the critics have got it badly wrong.

Top five most watched shows on Netflix week ending Mch. 23

5 - Zero Day

Well, Robert De Niro is doing well from his first TV series. Zero Day continues to entertain and attract viewers. Now down to fifth, this US government-based thriller about a cyber attack may be in its last week in the top five. It’s still a good watch, and De Niro is in fine form as the ex-president trying to save the world.

4 - Raw 2025 - March 17, 2025

World Wrestling Entertainment climbed into fourth place after last week’s live show from Brussels, Belgium. Even though it was shown live in the afternoon in the US, it picked up good audience numbers. Perhaps the big draw was the much-anticipated appearance of Cody Rhodes and John Cena under the same roof. Moving on from Brussels, the next stop is Glasgow, Scotland, for more live WWE.

3 - Running Point

Another relatively long runner in the top five. Kate Hudson’s comedy drama is now in its fourth week there. The storyline of her being surprisingly put in charge of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team offers plenty of great moments as she battles to prove she can do the job. Some comments suggest it's a bit cliche and cringey, but it’s still pulling in the viewers.

2 - The Residence

Intrigue, mystery, and oddball comedy capers from the White House. Who’d have thought it? It’s a drama, not a docu series, though. There’s been a murder at a state dinner, and Cordelia Cupp, played by Uzo Aduba, is the eccentric detective in charge of tracking down the culprit. There is a huge cast, and it’s fun watching them all pop up. Keep your eyes open for Kylie Minogue playing herself.

1 - Adolescence

Adolescence continues to soar high as a top-class drama. Viewing figures are a long way ahead of the other shows and it’s the subject of much discussion on social media. Over in the UK the show is delivering a real life message and being discussed in parliament. It could yet have an impact that changes society and young male’s behaviour.