Stunning drama smashes into top 5 Netflix movies and shows for week of March 16

It’s quite a week for stunning new entries into the top five most-viewed movies and shows on Netflix. The lists on TUDUM have been updated and highlight some very recent releases. Those have added an edge and been popular with viewers, one doing so in spectacular numbers.

The top five shows include a new tough-to-stomach drama with remarkable direction and camerawork. The show has been a major talking point for viewers this week and has had a huge number of views. It’s joined by two other new releases and a couple of recent favorites.

On the movie list, one new release has been much-awaited but may be a letdown if the critics are right. But then the viewers themselves have the real say, and it has attracted plenty of them so far. Once again there is plenty of variety and something for all the family among the top five movies.

Top five most watched movies on Netflix week ending March 16

5 - Despicable Me 4

Combining top-quality animation with slapstick comedy, there are laughs for all ages in this latest movie in the series. It brings more minions and the escapades of the Gru family to the screen again. That’s always been popular and this latest edition continues the success.

4 - Trap

This 2024 movie starts out with a father and daughter fun night out at a pop concert but soon switches style. It turns out that there is an FBI sting operation at the event designed to trap a serial killer. There’s plenty of suspense as the plot develops and the feds and police close in. Starring Josh Hartnett with Ariel Donaghue as father and daughter, and Saleka Shyamalan as pop star Lady Raven.

3 - Kraven The Hunter

This 2024 release struggled at the box office last year but is off to a flying start on Netflix. It’s part of the Sony Spiderman Universe, which brings added appeal for Spidey and Marvel fans. Aaron Taylor-Johnson stars as Kraven the animalistic vigilante who tracks down villains. Russell Crowe also appears.

2 - Plankton: The Movie

Now in its second top five week this March release continues to please. It’s another SpongeBob SquarePants spin off and full of fun. Find out how Plankton copes as he seeks world domination.

1 - The Electric State

Many viewers were waiting eagerly for this new movie to be released this month. It has a stellar cast, including Millie Bobby Brown, Chris Pratt, Woody Harrelson, and Stanley Tucci. It comes with a massive budget spend of over $320m and is directed by Joe and Anthony Russo of Avenger movies fame. Steady, though; the reviews and ratings are in, and they aren't electric.

Rotten Tomatoes scores it at 15 percent, and a selection of words used by critics include banal, turgid, soulless, dumb, and garish, though a few did say it was watchable.

Top five most watched shows on Netflix week ending March 16

5 - Formula 1: Drive To Survive: Season 7

The new Formula One season started at the weekend with the first race in Melbourne. Drive To Survive also returned, continuing this superb documentary series into its seventh season. It takes a behind-the-scenes look at all the thrills, spills, controversies, and personalities from the 2024 F1 season.

4 - Beauty In Black

Beauty In Black opened its first season on Netflix last October with eight episodes. The entire season has 16 episodes and the final eight have just dropped on Netflix. There’s clearly been a surge of interested viewers wanting to catch up on what happens next. The storyline of a young stripper getting involved with a powerful and devious family continues on.

3 - Zero Day

This action thriller is holding its own as it enters week four in the top five. Robert De Niro gives a top performance in his first-ever TV drama. He plays ex-President George Mullen investigating a cyber attack and trying to save the world from terrorists.

2 - Running Point

Kate Hudson is another big name starting in a top show. Her role as the surprise new boss of the Los Angeles Waves basketball team provides plenty of comedy opportunities. The show continues to keep its viewing numbers high with a third top-five week.

1 - Adolescence

This new four-part series is hard-hitting but also stunning landmark TV. There’s huge praise all around for the cast, in particular for the two male leads, Stephen Graham and 15-year-old Owen Cooper, playing his son. The story deals with a young boy arrested for the murder of a teenage schoolgirl.

Along with the powerful acting performances, the way each episode is filmed in one long shot with no interruptions is astonishing many viewers. It’s no wonder the show has hit number one with around 24 million views. The other shows above in the top five range from 3 to 6 million views.