Streaming has changed the way people experience movies. Gone are the days when box office numbers alone determined a film’s success. Today, Netflix stands as one of the most powerful platforms in entertainment, capable of turning an original release into a global sensation overnight. With millions of subscribers around the world, Netflix movies reach audiences faster and wider than traditional theaters ever could. The platform’s data shows that popularity is no longer about ticket sales—it’s about how many households press play and keep watching.
Over the years, Netflix has produced and acquired films that broke viewership records and captured global attention. From big-budget action thrillers to emotional dramas and family adventures, these movies reflect the diversity of modern storytelling. They’re the kind of films people watch, talk about, and rewatch, making them not just popular releases but pop-culture milestones. Here are the seven most popular Netflix movies of all time, based on viewership and global impact.
1. Red Notice (2021)
Starring Dwayne Johnson, Gal Gadot, and Ryan Reynolds, Red Notice became Netflix’s biggest movie of all time shortly after its release. The action-comedy follows an FBI agent who teams up with a world-class art thief to catch an even more elusive criminal. With its mix of humor, adventure, and star power, the film attracted massive global attention. Slick visuals, high-speed chases, and witty dialogue made it one of the most rewatched Netflix movies ever. It set a new benchmark for what streaming blockbusters could achieve.
2. Don’t Look Up (2021)
This satirical drama quickly became a global hit thanks to its sharp commentary on media, politics, and climate change. Directed by Adam McKay and starring Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep, Don’t Look Up tells the story of two scientists trying to warn humanity about a planet-destroying comet. The film’s absurd humor mixed with a chilling message resonated deeply with audiences. It sparked countless discussions online and earned one of the highest total viewing hours in Netflix history.
3. Bird Box (2018)
One of the first massive Netflix originals, Bird Box turned into a worldwide phenomenon within days of release. Starring Sandra Bullock, it tells the story of a mother trying to protect her children in a world where mysterious creatures drive people to madness if seen. The movie’s suspenseful storytelling, emotional depth, and viral “blindfold challenge” made it an unforgettable moment in streaming history. Its success proved that Netflix could produce original thrillers that rival traditional Hollywood hits.
4. The Adam Project (2022)
Ryan Reynolds struck gold again with The Adam Project, a sci-fi adventure about a time-traveling pilot who meets his younger self. The film blended action, humor, and heartfelt emotion, making it perfect for family viewing. With its mix of nostalgia and futuristic excitement, it became one of Netflix’s most-watched titles. The story’s emotional message about second chances and the importance of family resonated with audiences around the world, securing its spot among the platform’s biggest successes.
5. Extraction (2020)
Starring Chris Hemsworth, Extraction delivered intense, high-octane action and breathtaking cinematography. The film follows a mercenary on a dangerous mission to rescue the kidnapped son of an international crime lord. With its gritty tone and nonstop sequences, it became an instant fan favorite and ranked among Netflix’s top-performing films within its first week. Its success led to Extraction 2 in 2023, cementing the series as one of the most popular action franchises on the platform.
6. Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022)
The sequel to the acclaimed Knives Out, Glass Onion brought back Daniel Craig as detective Benoit Blanc, this time investigating a new mystery on a billionaire’s private island. The movie’s clever writing, glamorous setting, and ensemble cast made it an instant streaming sensation. Viewers praised its humor and smart twists, while Netflix enjoyed record-breaking viewing hours during its release period. Glass Onion proved that audiences still crave intelligent, character-driven mysteries with a touch of satire.
7. The Gray Man (2022)
Featuring Ryan Gosling, Chris Evans, and Ana de Armas, The Gray Man is a stylish spy thriller filled with nonstop action. Directed by the Russo brothers, it follows a skilled CIA operative who becomes the target of a global manhunt after uncovering dark secrets. The movie’s blend of big-budget spectacle and charismatic performances helped it attract millions of viewers within days. Its success confirmed Netflix’s ability to compete with Hollywood’s biggest studios in producing blockbuster-level entertainment.
Netflix’s most popular movies prove that great stories can come in any form—comedy, action, sci-fi, or thriller—and still reach massive global audiences. The platform has redefined what success means in the film industry, showing that viewership numbers and cultural impact can rival traditional cinema releases. These seven titles represent the streaming era’s defining hits—films that people didn’t just watch but talked about, shared, and remembered long after the credits rolled.