Netflix reveals its 5 most-watched films around the world right now as Swapped grabs over 26,000,000 views

Whether you’re an action, mystery, true-crime or comedy lover, Netflix covers all bases.

And, with an expansive library of over 4,000 movies, there’s enough content to last a lifetime.

However, if you’re only looking to the weekend — not the next 20 years — may we present the top five films making a splash on the streaming platform right now.

With two new entries and one title enjoying its fourth consecutive date in the charts, this week’s selection is pretty diverse.

All that’s left to do now is decide what takeaway you’re ordering on Friday night, and which order you’re going to watch the films.

Here’s everything you need to know:

5. Goat — 9,200,000 views this week

Kicking off this week’s countdown is Goat, an animated sports comedy film with a star-studded cast.

Featuring Stranger Things’ Caleb McLaughlin and David Harbour, Bridgerton’s Nicola Coughlan and the icon that is Jennifer Hudson, there’s also Aaron Pierre, who Metro recommended for the role of James Bond.

But what is Goat about, you ask? And what are people saying about the movie, which came out earlier this month?

In a nutshell, it follows Will Harris, a talking goat (the title might have given it away), who dreams of playing professional roarball. If you can tell by the movie poster, it’s clearly an anthropomorphic animal version of basketball.

Ten years later, he is signed to the legendary Vineland Thorns, who, in their heyday, were unbeatable. This season, however, they’re yet to win a game, which is where Will comes in. You get where this is going…

Despite being on the platform for six days, Goat has already made positive impressions with fans and critics alike.

On the review aggregator site, Rotten Tomatoes, the critics’ Tomatometer sits at a respectable 84%.

The Popcornmeter, which is made up of fan reviews, is even higher, at 92%.

While one person called it ‘nostalgia for all ages,’ another said it had a ‘great story’ and ‘incredible animations.’

4. Apex — 10,600,000 views

Something completely different now — both in terms of genre and featuring real-life humans.

It’s Apex, the recent Netflix original starring Charlize Theron and Taron Egerton.

Even though it’s dropped two places since last time, the action/thriller movie is still enjoying its fourth week in the charts.

For those yet to see this edge-of-your-seat movie, it centres around Sasha (Theron), who embarks on a solo expedition in Australia’s National Park in memory of her adrenaline junkie boyfriend, Tommy.

Sadly, he died five months before when the pair were involved in a climbing accident in Norway.

However, Sasha’s path to healing is quickly compromised when she’s targeted by a serial killer in the desert — he’s identified her as his prey, and he’ll stop at nothing until she’s captured.

There’s no denying Apex has had mixed reviews. While some critics have called the movie ‘soulless’ and predictable with ‘no personality,’ others called it a ‘solid entry’ into the survival genre.

Interestingly, the Popcornmeter (47%) is lower than the Tomatometer (66%). This is unusual, as typically, audience reviews are kinder than the critics’.

Our advice? Watch for yourself and make your own mind up.

3. The Crash — 11,700,000

If you’re in the market for some true crime, why not try Netflix’s latest offering, The Crash? The streaming platform does reign supreme when it comes to real-life content, after all.

It has already been described as the ‘most uncomfortable’ and ‘gut-wrenching’ watch by viewers, who said that some may find it too disturbing to turn on.

According to Netflix’s synopsis, a car carrying three young adults crashes into a brick building at 100 miles per hour in Strongsville, Ohio. While two tragically die — Dominic ‘Dom’ Russo and Davion Flanagan — 17-year-old Mackenzie Shirilla survives.

Without giving too much away, police soon realise that the crash wasn’t an accident — someone was responsible. But who?

2. Remarkably Bright Creatures — 20,300,000 views

Cinema legend Sally Field stars in this new mystery film, Remarkably Bright Creatures, based on Shelby Van Pelt’s 2022 novel of the same name.

Admittedly, the premise does sound bizarre. But once you move past the surrealism of it, it really does make for a heartwarming watch.

If you don’t believe us, the Tomatometer is at 82%, and the Popcornmeter boasts 91%.

Field is Tova Sullivan, a grieving widow who accepts a job at a local aquarium as a night janitor.

Now, you might be thinking: why would someone who is looking to connect with other people take a job when most people are asleep?

A rational question, yes. But this is not real life. And Tova does find company in her new role, but not with a human — with a ‘remarkably’ intelligent giant Pacific octopus named Marcellus.  

Plenty of people have since taken to Rotten Tomatoes to drop their own reviews, with many suggesting you keep a box of tissues by your side.

‘Wonderful acting and a touching story. What more could you need?’ one reviewer penned, while a second said: ‘Heartfelt movie that brought a boat full of emotions to me. It’s my favorite movie this year. I loved it.’

1. Swapped — 26,400,000

At number one it’s Swapped, another animated movie, but with an adventure-comedy twist.

With high-profile cast members like Michael B. Jordan, Ambika Mod and Juno Temple, it’s been hailed as a ‘fun-filled, heartwarming story packed with a lot of creativity.’

The premise? It follows a small woodland creature who magically (see: accidentally) trades places with a majestic bird, its natural sworn enemy of the Valley.

Despite the rules of the animal kingdom telling them they shouldn’t get along, their unexpected reality forces them to pair up. As they embark on an adventure of a lifetime, will this experience change these ancient lores for the better?

Heads up, though, the critics and audience don’t seem to agree over on Rotten Tomatoes.

The former has awarded the film a respectable 67%. Meanwhile, the latter has been more generous with 88%.

Whose side are you on?