Do you love movies? Do you love Netflix? If you answered yes to both questions, then you are in for a treat. Netflix is the ultimate destination for movie lovers, offering a wide range of genres and titles to suit every taste and mood. Whether you are looking for action, comedy, romance, drama, or anything in between, Netflix has it all. You can also on check out The 10 Best Movies Added To Netflix In June 2023
But with so many movies to choose from, how do you know which ones are the most popular among Netflix users? How do they measure their viewership and what counts as a view? And what are some of the secrets behind these movies that make them so successful and appealing?
In this article, we will answer these questions and more, as we reveal the list of the most-watched movies of all time on Netflix and some of the interesting facts and trivia behind them. Whether you are looking for some recommendations, curious about the trends and preferences of Netflix viewers, or just a fan of movies in general, this article is for you.
So grab your popcorn, sit back, and get ready for an adventure through the world of Netflix movies. You might be surprised by what you discover. 🍿
How Netflix Measures Its Viewership?
Before we dive into the list of the most-watched movies of all time on Netflix, let’s first understand how Netflix measures its viewership and what counts as a view.
Unlike traditional TV ratings or box office numbers, Netflix does not release its viewership data publicly or regularly. Instead, it occasionally shares some statistics or milestones for its original or exclusive content, usually in its quarterly reports or on its social media platforms.
However, Netflix’s viewership measurement method has changed over time and has been criticized for being inconsistent or inflated. In 2019, Netflix announced that it would count a view as anyone who watched at least 70% of a movie or an episode of a series. In 2020, it changed its metric to anyone who watched at least two minutes of a title, which it claimed was “long enough to indicate the choice was intentional”.
According to Netflix, this new method increased its viewership numbers by about 35% on average, and was more reflective of its diverse and global audience. However, some critics argued that this method was too generous and did not account for the quality or engagement of the content.
Regardless of the controversy, Netflix’s viewership numbers are still impressive and show the popularity and reach of its platform. Here are the most-watched movies of all time on Netflix, based on the number of views in the first 28 days of release, as reported by Netflix.
Red Notice is an action comedy film starring Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot as an Interpol agent, a conman, and an art thief who team up to catch a notorious criminal mastermind. The film was directed by Rawson Marshall Thurber and was released on November 12, 2021.
Red Notice is the most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, breaking the record previously held by Bird Box (2018). It also became the fastest movie to reach 100 million views on Netflix, achieving this feat in just five days.
Some fun facts about Red Notice are:
It is the most expensive Netflix original film to date, with a budget of $200 million.
It was originally set to be distributed by Universal Pictures, but was acquired by Netflix in 2019 after a bidding war.
It features several references and cameos from other popular movies and celebrities, such as Indiana Jones, Cleopatra, Ed Sheeran, and Chris Hemsworth.
It is the first film to feature Dwayne Johnson and Gal Gadot together since Fast Five (2011).
It is the third collaboration between Dwayne Johnson and Ryan Reynolds, after Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw (2019) and Free Guy (2021).
Don’t Look Up is a satirical comedy film starring Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence as two low-level astronomers who try to warn the world about an impending comet that will destroy Earth. The film was directed by Adam McKay and was released on December 24, 2021.
Don’t Look Up is the second most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing The Adam Project (2022) and Bird Box (2018). It also received critical acclaim and several award nominations, including six Golden Globe Awards and four Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Some trivia or fun facts about Don’t Look Up are:
It features an ensemble cast of A-list actors and celebrities, such as Meryl Streep, Jonah Hill, Cate Blanchett, Timothée Chalamet, Ariana Grande, Kid Cudi, Tyler Perry, Mark Rylance, Ron Perlman, and more.
It is based on a real-life scenario called “The Torino Scale”, which measures the impact hazard of near-Earth objects.
It is the first film to feature Leonardo DiCaprio and Jennifer Lawrence together, as well as the first film to feature Leonardo DiCaprio and Meryl Streep together since Marvin’s Room (1996).
It is the second film to feature Jennifer Lawrence and Timothée Chalamet together, after The Hunger Games: Mockingjay – Part 2 (2015).
It is the fourth film to feature Adam McKay and Jonah Hill together, after Anchorman: The Legend of Ron Burgundy (2004), Talladega Nights: The Ballad of Ricky Bobby (2006), and The Other Guys (2010).
The Adam Project is a science fiction action film starring Ryan Reynolds as a man who travels back in time to enlist the help of his younger self to save the future. The film was directed by Shawn Levy and was released on January 14, 2022.
The Adam Project is the third most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing Bird Box (2018) and The Gray Man (2022). It also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, praising its action, humor, and heart.
Some trivia or fun facts about The Adam Project are:
It is the second collaboration between Ryan Reynolds and Shawn Levy, after Free Guy (2021).
It is the first Netflix original film to feature Ryan Reynolds, who is also a producer of the film.
It features several references and homages to other time travel movies, such as Back to the Future, Terminator, Looper, and more.
It co-stars Mark Ruffalo as Ryan Reynolds’ father, Jennifer Garner as his mother, Zoe Saldana as his wife, and Walker Scobell as his younger self.
It is the first film to feature Mark Ruffalo and Jennifer Garner together since 13 Going on 30 (2004).
Bird Box is a post-apocalyptic thriller film starring Sandra Bullock as a woman who tries to protect her children from a mysterious force that causes people to commit suicide if they see it. The film was directed by Susanne Bier and was released on December 21, 2018.
Bird Box is the fourth most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, breaking the record previously held by Bright (2017). It also became a viral sensation and spawned a social media challenge called the “Bird Box Challenge”, where people attempted to perform tasks while blindfolded.
Some trivia or fun facts about Bird Box are:
It is based on a novel of the same name by Josh Malerman, which was published in 2014.
It features an ensemble cast of actors and celebrities, such as Trevante Rhodes, John Malkovich, Sarah Paulson, Lil Rel Howery, Machine Gun Kelly, Tom Hollander, BD Wong, Danielle Macdonald, Rosa Salazar, Jacki Weaver, and more.
It was originally set to be distributed by Universal Pictures, but was acquired by Netflix in 2017.
It never shows the appearance of the mysterious force that causes people to commit suicide, leaving it up to the imagination of the viewers.
It is the second film to feature Sandra Bullock and Sarah Paulson together, after Ocean’s 8 (2018).
The Gray Man is an action thriller film starring Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans as two former CIA operatives who are pitted against each other in a deadly game of cat and mouse. The film was directed by Anthony and Joe Russo and was released on February 18, 2022.
The Gray Man is the fifth most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing We Can Be Heroes (2020) and Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022). It also became the second most expensive Netflix original film to date, with a budget of $200 million.
Some trivia or fun facts about The Gray Man are:
It is based on a novel of the same name by Mark Greaney, which was published in 2009.
It features an ensemble cast of actors and celebrities, such as Ana de Armas, Jessica Henwick, Wagner Moura, Dhanush, Billy Bob Thornton, Alfre Woodard, Regé-Jean Page, Julia Butters, Bridget Moynahan, Eiza González, Scott Eastwood, and more.
It is the first Netflix original film to feature Ryan Gosling and Chris Evans, who are also producers of the film.
It is the fourth collaboration between Chris Evans and Anthony and Joe Russo, after Captain America: The Winter Soldier (2014), Captain America: Civil War (2016), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
It is the first film to feature Ryan Gosling and Ana de Armas together since Blade Runner 2049 (2017).
We Can Be Heroes is a superhero comedy film starring Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Pedro Pascal, Christian Slater, and a group of child actors as the children of superheroes who must team up to save their parents and the world from an alien invasion. The film was directed by Robert Rodriguez and was released on December 25, 2020.
We Can Be Heroes is the sixth most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) and Extraction (2020). It also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, especially for its family-friendly appeal and message.
Some trivia or fun facts about We Can Be Heroes are:
It is a standalone sequel to The Adventures of Sharkboy and Lavagirl in 3-D (2005), which was also directed by Robert Rodriguez and featured Taylor Lautner and Taylor Dooley as the titular characters.
It features several references and cameos from other Robert Rodriguez films, such as Spy Kids, Machete, Sin City, Alita: Battle Angel, and more.
It is the first Netflix original film to feature Priyanka Chopra Jonas, Pedro Pascal, and Christian Slater, who are also producers of the film.
It co-stars several child actors who are related to famous celebrities, such as YaYa Gosselin (the daughter of Liza Weil), Vivien Lyra Blair (the daughter of Ashley Bell), Isaiah Russell-Bailey (the grandson of Bill Russell), Akira Akbar (the niece of Mahershala Ali), and Nathan Blair (the son of Selma Blair).
It is the second film to feature Pedro Pascal and Boyd Holbrook together, after Narcos (2015-2017).
7
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery (2022) — 136.3 million views
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is a mystery comedy film starring Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc, a detective who investigates the murder of a famous rock star at his secluded mansion. The film was directed by Rian Johnson and was released on March 31, 2022.
Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery is the seventh most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing Extraction (2020) and Spenser Confidential (2020). It also received critical acclaim and several award nominations, including four Golden Globe Awards and three Screen Actors Guild Awards.
Some trivia or fun facts about Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery are:
It is the second installment in the Knives Out franchise, following Knives Out (2019), which was also directed by Rian Johnson and starred Daniel Craig as Benoit Blanc.
It features an ensemble cast of actors and celebrities, such as Dave Bautista, Edward Norton, Janelle Monáe, Kathryn Hahn, Leslie Odom Jr., Kate Hudson, Ethan Hawke, Jessica Henwick, Madelyn Cline, Jaeden Martell, and more.
It is the first Netflix original film to feature Daniel Craig and Rian Johnson, who are also producers of the film.
It is the second collaboration between Rian Johnson and Edward Norton, after The Brothers Bloom (2008).
It is the third collaboration between Rian Johnson and Jaeden Martell, after Looper (2012) and Knives Out (2019).
Extraction is an action thriller film starring Chris Hemsworth as Tyler Rake, a mercenary who is hired to rescue the kidnapped son of a drug lord from a rival gang in Bangladesh. The film was directed by Sam Hargrave and was released on April 24, 2020.
Extraction is the eighth most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing Spenser Confidential (2020) and Purple Hearts (2022). It also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, praising its action sequences and stunt work.
Some trivia or fun facts about Extraction are:
It is based on a graphic novel called Ciudad by Ande Parks, Joe Russo, Anthony Russo, Fernando León González, and Eric Skillman, which was published in 2014.
It features an ensemble cast of actors and celebrities from different countries and backgrounds, such as Randeep Hooda, Golshifteh Farahani, David Harbour, Rudhraksh Jaiswal, Pankaj Tripathi, Priyanshu Painyuli, and more.
It is the first Netflix original film to feature Chris Hemsworth and Sam Hargrave, who are also producers of the film.
It is the second collaboration between Chris Hemsworth and David Harbour, after Black Widow (2021).
It is the fourth collaboration between Chris Hemsworth and Joe Russo and Anthony Russo, after Thor: The Dark World (2013), Avengers: Infinity War (2018), and Avengers: Endgame (2019).
It features a 12-minute long take action sequence that was shot in one continuous shot.
9
Spenser Confidential (2020) — 129.1 million views
Spenser Confidential is an action comedy film starring Mark Wahlberg as Spenser, a former police detective who teams up with his roommate and an aspiring MMA fighter to investigate a conspiracy involving corrupt cops and criminals. The film was directed by Peter Berg and was released on March 6, 2020.
Spenser Confidential is the ninth most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing Purple Hearts (2022) and 6 Underground (2019). It also received mixed reviews from critics and audiences, with some praising its humor and chemistry between the leads, and others criticizing its plot and clichés.
Some trivia or fun facts about Spenser Confidential are:
It is based on a novel called Wonderland by Ace Atkins, which was published in 2013. The novel is part of a series of books featuring the character of Spenser, who was created by Robert B. Parker in 1973.
It features an ensemble cast of actors and celebrities, such as Winston Duke, Alan Arkin, Iliza Shlesinger, Bokeem Woodbine, Marc Maron, Post Malone, Colleen Camp, Michael Gaston, and more.
It is the first Netflix original film to feature Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg, who are also producers of the film.
It is the fifth collaboration between Mark Wahlberg and Peter Berg, after Lone Survivor (2013), Deepwater Horizon (2016), Patriots Day (2016), and Mile 22 (2018).
It features several references and cameos from other Boston-related movies and celebrities, such as Good Will Hunting, The Departed, The Fighter, Ted, Ben Affleck, Matt Damon, Tom Brady, and more.
Purple Hearts is a romantic drama film starring Lili Reinhart and Austin Abrams as two teenagers who fall in love while battling cystic fibrosis. The film was directed by Justin Baldoni and was released on February 11, 2022.
Purple Hearts is the tenth most-watched movie of all time on Netflix, surpassing 6 Underground (2019) and The Irishman (2019). It also received positive reviews from critics and audiences, especially for its emotional impact and performances.
Some trivia or fun facts about Purple Hearts are:
It is based on a novel of the same name by Tess Wakefield, which was published in 2017.
It features an ensemble cast of actors and celebrities, such as Moises Arias, Haley Lu Richardson, Cole Sprouse, Sofia Carson, Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford, and more.
It is the first Netflix original film to feature Lili Reinhart and Austin Abrams, who are also producers of the film.
It is the second collaboration between Lili Reinhart and Cole Sprouse, after Riverdale (2017-present).
It is the third collaboration between Justin Baldoni and Haley Lu Richardson, after Jane the Virgin (2014-2019) and Five Feet Apart (2019).
It features several songs and performances by Lili Reinhart, Austin Abrams, Sofia Carson, and other cast members.
What are the benefits and drawbacks of Netflix’s viewership measurement method?
Netflix’s viewership measurement method has some benefits and drawbacks. Some of the benefits are:
It allows Netflix to showcase the popularity and diversity of its content, especially its original or exclusive titles.
It reflects the different ways that people consume content on Netflix, such as binge-watching, sampling, or rewatching.
It is similar to how other online platforms measure their views, such as YouTube or The New York Times.
Some of the drawbacks are:
It inflates the viewership numbers by counting anyone who watched at least two minutes of a title, regardless of whether they finished it or not.
It does not account for the quality or engagement of the content, such as ratings, reviews, or retention.
It is inconsistent and selective, as Netflix does not release its viewership data regularly or for all of its titles.
How does Netflix decide which movies to produce or acquire for its platform?
Netflix decides which movies to produce or acquire for its platform based on several factors, such as:
Its data and algorithms, which analyze the viewing habits, preferences, and feedback of its subscribers, as well as the performance of its existing content.
Its creative vision and strategy, which aim to offer a wide range of genres, styles, and stories that appeal to different audiences and markets around the world.
Its budget and resources, which determine how much it can spend on producing or acquiring movies, as well as marketing and distributing them.
What are some of the common themes or genres that appeal to Netflix viewers?
Some of the common themes or genres that appeal to Netflix viewers are:
Action and thriller, which feature high-octane scenes, suspenseful plots, and charismatic stars. Examples include Extraction, The Gray Man, and Bird Box.
Comedy and satire, which provide humor, entertainment, and social commentary. Examples include Don’t Look Up, Red Notice, and Spenser Confidential.
Romance and drama, which explore emotions, relationships, and challenges. Examples include Purple Hearts, The Kissing Booth, and To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before.
How do Netflix movies compare to other streaming platforms or theatrical releases in terms of quality and impact?
Netflix movies compare to other streaming platforms or theatrical releases in various ways in terms of quality and impact. Some of the comparisons are:
Netflix movies have more creative freedom and flexibility than traditional studios, as they do not have to follow strict rules or ratings. They can also experiment with different formats, lengths, and genres.
Netflix movies have more global reach and accessibility than theatrical releases, as they can be watched by anyone with a Netflix subscription at any time and place. They can also cater to different languages and cultures.
Netflix movies have less cultural recognition and prestige than other streaming platforms or theatrical releases, as they do not compete for major awards or box office numbers. They also have less word-of-mouth and publicity.
Conclusion
Netflix is the go-to place for movie lovers of every kind, providing access to an expansive library that covers every genre imaginable – be it action flicks, romantic comedies or drama flicks – there is truly something here for every taste and mood! No matter if it be action comedy romance drama or something completely different; Netflix offers it all.
In this article, we have unveiled Netflix’s most-watched movies ever and explored some interesting facts and trivia associated with each. Hopefully you found our article informative, enjoyable and have gained new knowledge from reading about these great flicks! We hope that by reading through it we have expanded your movie knowledge!
Which movie on this list are your favorites, which deserves more views? And are any Netflix movies making waves right now that have caught your interest? Share with us below in the comments!
We thank you for reading, and wish you an enjoyable viewing experience. 📹
