Top ten most-watched movies ever on Netflix are not what you might expect

I wrote recently here about the top ten most watched shows on Netflix. That was interesting to see which blockbusters topped the list, but also to realize the staggering number of views those shows are getting. That made me think next about the many movies on Netflix.

The Tudum list of the top-ten English language movies of all time on Netflix based on views is really interesting. We get a look into how things have changed with streaming. The list isn’t crammed with blockbuster films that packed cinemas.

Now we are seeing far more movies made by, with, or for Netflix specifically, rather than that more traditional and perhaps now even dated general cinema release. Given that the combined total of views for all ten on the list is just over 1.5 billion, you can see the scale of the streaming approach on Netflix alone.

Besides that approach, the variety on the movie list also stands out too. It’s much broader in many ways from the top ten shows. Which means there are more surprises when it comes to the top movies. You may not have been expecting to see some of them ranking so highly. Let's take a look at that list to see what’s included.

Top ten most-watched Netflix movies ever

10 - Glass Onion: A Knives Of Mystery Story

Views 136.6 million

This is a follow-up to Knives Out but with a new cast. Although it does again feature Benoit Blanc, a world-famous detective played in a fine over-the-top style by Daniel Craig. The setting this time is a Greek island where Blanc has to solve a mystery involving a group of people gathered by a tech billionaire. The original plan was for them to take part in a murder mystery, but things got real quickly.

The movie doesn't take itself too seriously and balances comedy, with suspense and mystery. It’s entertaining and funny, but don’t go looking for the true meaning of life in the script or story. It’s worth watching for sure as the ranking in tenth place with over 136 million views indicates.

9 - The Mother Views

Views 136.4 million

A switch of styles now to an action thriller from 2023 with Jennifer Lopez in the lead role. She plays a US Army assassin who has had to protect her daughter by giving her to foster parents when past military operations threaten their lives. That safe life doesn't go to plan when the daughter is kidnapped and Lopez has to join up with an FBI agent to rescue her. It’s a very decent movie without being groundbreaking or outstanding and worth seeing.

8 - We Can Be Heroes

Views 137.3 million

Reflecting the different range of films in this top ten list, number eight is this superhero children's adventure from 2020. The age range is typically eight to thirteen so this is one for your young family, nieces or nephews and might get you some breathing space if you are taking care of any of those.

The plot is about the world's superheroes being captured by aliens. Their children need to step in to rescue them and save the world. Described often as zany, imaginative, a bit mad, and a younger style Avengers approach. There is some mild violence and a few scary scenes so do take care at the lower end of that recommended age range.

7 - Damsel

Views 138 million

In seventh place is a dark fantasy movie from 2024. Millie Bobby Brown, after her success in Stranger Things, stars as Elodie. It’s a PG-13 rating but will appeal to adults keen on fairy tale-style stories with a dark edge to them. As you might expect there is some light romance, a handsome prince, and a dragon all involved in the plot.

6 - The Gray Man

Views 139.3 million

More action in this thriller based on a novel by Mark Greaney. Ryan Golding and Chris Evans lead the cast; they’ll make it a must-watch for many, I am sure. An expensively made film with great locations the storyline involves CIA agents, past and present, mercenaries, secrets, and threats. The action scenes are ruthless and relentless as the story unfolds.

5 - Leave The World Behind

Views 143.4 million

This one stretches your mind as you watch with its complex and thought-provoking storyline. A tense psychological thriller from 2023 starring Julia Roberts. The plot has two families grappling with the sudden breakdown of all types of technology. It’s not just their phones or online services coming to a halt, this is far bigger in scale than that. The character’s disbelief grows as the threat increases, while we watch and contemplate the significance of all this.

4- Bird Box

Views 157.4 million

From a psychological thriller, we now leap to another level with a post-apocalyptic drama. Bird Box has Sandra Bullock protecting herself and her family from a mysterious entity. The basic premise is that if you look at whatever it is, you'll die. Bullock has to guide her family downriver and through the forest to reach safety. As if that's not enough, they have to do so blindfolded to avoid the deadly threat.

3 - The Adam Project

Views 157.6 million

Time for some Sci-Fi and time travelling now via The Adam Project. Ryan Reynolds plays a fighter pilot in 2050 who has to crash-land his plane. That accident doesn't just take him back to the ground, it also drops him back in time to 2022, where he meets himself, aged just 12.

It’s a clever story, full of humor and sensitivities, plus plenty of plot twists to keep you thinking beyond just the obvious time travel aspect. Sentimental in places too over father and son relationships, it’s a good one to watch.

2 - Don’t Look Up

Views 171.4 million

Satire, when done well, can make a strong point as well as be funny. This dark comedy has all that and makes a few strong environmental and media points too. In general terms, some scientists see an impending disaster for Earth as a comet appears on a collision course with the planet. Does anyone listen or take action? No, not until it’s way too late.

The obvious analogy is how Climate Change is viewed and treated currently. The film, with a huge ensemble and star-studded cast, had mixed reviews but tells the story cleverly and lays out the obvious errors from the media and governments along the way.

1 - Red Notice

Views 230.9 million

Casting Ryan Reynolds seems to be the way to go to help achieve a top-ten listing. In this case, it works big style with the most viewed movie ever on Netflix. Reynolds stars in Red Notice alongside Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot. It’s an action comedy and follows the lines of an FBI agent played by Johnson, a couple of art thieves (Reynolds and Gadot), and lots of intrigue and adventure as the pair are hunted down. An enjoyable, fun adventure for us all to follow.