Entertainment

The 10 movies Netflix fans are loving as new release racks up 20,200,000 views

This image released by Netflix shows, from left, Cailee Spaeny, Kerry Washington, Thomas Haden Church, Glenn Close, and Daryl McCormack in a scene from "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." (John Wilson/Netflix via AP)
Netflix executives will be breathing sighs of relief this week. Only their big original release of December has already proven to be a hit. It reportedly cost the studio/streamer more than $150m to make, so there was a fair bit riding on its success. That movie? Straight in at number one globally. As for the rest of the top 10? Well, it’s a festive mixture of animation, rom-coms, revenge action, Hollywood glitz and – naturally – Christmas fun. With a Norwegian film about two giant fighting trolls rounding things off. Here’s Netflix’s latest top 10 most-watched films… (Picture: AP)

10. Dr. Seuss’ The Lorax – 4,000,000 views

Bright, noisy and relentlessly upbeat, this 2012 animated adaptation of Dr Seuss’ environmental parable has found a fresh audience on Netflix. Danny DeVito voices the gruff orange creature warning against unchecked industrial greed, while Zac Efron leads the human side of the story. Listen out too for the voice of Taylor Swift. The film’s candy-coloured visuals and catchy songs make it an easy family repeat watch, even if critics were divided on how faithfully it captured Seuss’ satirical bent. It’s a fun way to spend 86 minutes, though. (Picture: Netflix)

9. The Croods: A New Age – 4,200,000 views

The prehistoric Crood family returns in this sequel that leans even harder into sitcom rhythms and culture clash comedy. When the Croods encounter the seemingly more evolved Betterman clan, insecurity and rivalry drive much of the humour and plot. This time out, Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone and Ryan Reynolds are joined by Peter Dinklage. This 2020 sequel’s a little lighter and glossier than the original, but clearly comfort viewing for family audiences. Parents needn’t worry, though. There are enough adult gags in to keep everyone amused. (Picture: Netflix)

8. The Hustle – 4,200,000 views

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Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway star as rival con artists forced into an uneasy partnership on the French Riviera. Loosely inspired by Dirty Rotten Scoundrels, critical reaction to this was more than a little frosty on release, but streaming has given it a second life. It’s not likely to be anyone’s favourite ever film, but Chris Addison’s directorial big screen debut is watchable enough. Even if it does mostly just leave you wanting to rewatch the Michael Caine and Steve Martin classic it’s based on. (Picture: Netflix)

7. Death Wish (2018) – 5,900,000 views

Eli Roth’s remake of the Charles Bronson vigilante classic remains a somewhat provocative watch. Bruce Willis plays a Chicago surgeon who turns violent after his family is attacked, tapping into debates around justice, gun culture and masculinity. The film was pretty widely criticised for its blunt politics and tone on release, but really – once you get into its exploitation vibe – you realise it’s just a good old-fashioned revenge fantasy. If a rather unpleasant one when compared to the slightly more mainstream versions starring the likes of Liam Neeson. (Picture: Netflix)

Joint 4. The Super Mario Bros. Movie – 8,000,000 views

Mario and Luigi in The Super Mario Galaxy Movie trailer
Illumination’s blockbuster adaptation of Nintendo’s iconic plumber brothers is packed with references, bright animation and daftness. The film prioritises spectacle over story, but that’s okay – no one’s here for some epic narrative. Chris Pratt’s Mario voice sparked early debate, while Jack Black’s Bowser became a breakout fan favourite. Critics were a little divided, but audiences embraced it wholeheartedly, turning it into one of the most successful video game films ever and – now – something of a streaming juggernaut. (Picture: YouTube/Nintendo/Universal)

Joint 4. KPop Demon Hunters – 8,000,000 views

KPOP DEMON HUNTERS - (L-R) Rumi (voice by ARDEN CHO), Zoey (voice by JI-YOUNG YOO) and Mira (voice by MAY HONG) . ??2025 Netflix
KPop Demon Hunters has loudly become one of Netflix’s biggest ever successes, now spending an impressive 26 weeks in the global film charts. Its staying power points to strong repeat viewing and sustained international interest, particularly among younger audiences who are drawn to its polished aesthetic and upbeat musical energy. Rather than flashing and fading, the film has settled into the catalogue as an incredibly reliable performer. KPop Demon Hunters is undoubtedly the pop culture phenomenon of 2025. (Picture: Netflix)

Joint 4. Troll 2 – 8,000,000 views

Undated film still from Troll 2. Pictured: A troll. See PA Feature SHOWBIZ Download Reviews. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ Download Reviews. PA Photo. Picture credit should read: Netflix, Inc. All Rights Reserved. NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature SHOWBIZ Download Reviews.
Building on the success of Netflix’s Norwegian breakout Troll, the sequel goes bigger while staying very much rooted in local Scandi-folklore. The landscapes are still a huge part of the appeal, giving the monster mayhem a distinctly Scandinavian feel. The first film became one of Netflix’s most watched non-English hits, and that popularity has clearly carried over. It doesn’t try to overhaul the creature feature formula, but its regional identity helps it stand out from glossier Hollywood efforts. Some of the CGI is a little dubious, but there’s enough charm, mostly from lead Ine Marie Wilmann. (Picture: PA/Netflix)

3. Jay Kelly – 9,000,000 views

This image released by Netflix shows George Clooney, left, and Adam Sandler in a scene from "Jay Kelly." (Peter Mountain/Netflix via AP)
This is either a clever exploration of celebrity culture, or Hollywood navel-gazing. Depending on how you see it. Jay Kelly stars George Clooney in the title role as a celebrated Hollywood actor confronting his past and what he’s given up along the way. With Adam Sandler as his loyal but strained manager, both on a reflective trip through Europe. Laura Dern and a strong supporting cast add a little depth. Critics have generally praised Clooney’s performance and Noah Baumbach’s direction, but a good few of them point out that the film’s familiar midlife themes are pretty old ground. Still, its strong leads have the pulling power to draw in a big audience. You can read Metro’s review here. (Picture: AP/Netflix)

2. My Secret Santa – 16,200,000 views

No Merchandising. Editorial Use Only. No Book Cover Usage. Mandatory Credit: Photo by Netflix/Everett/Shutterstock (15735773j) MY SECRET SANTA, from left: Alexandra Breckenridge, Ryan Eggold, 2025. ph: Diyah Pera / ? Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection My Secret Santa - 2025
My Secret Santa follows single mum Taylor Jacobson (Alexandra Breckenridge), who loses her job just before Christmas and takes an unusual route to pay the bills by disguising herself as an elderly Santa to land seasonal work at a luxury ski resort. There she butts heads with resort manager Matthew Layne (Ryan Eggold) and finds herself falling for him while trying to keep her secret. Critics have been mixed on the cosy rom-com, but then that’s not really the point. These movies are about vibes, not fawning reviews. And there’s plenty of festive energy here. Drink it in like eggnog. (Picture: Netflix/Everett/Shutterstock)

1. Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery – 20,200,000 views

This image released by Netflix shows Josh O'Connor, left, and Daniel Craig in a scene from "Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery." (John Wilson/Netflix via AP)
So, then. The new number one most-watched film over on Netflix? It’s the third Knives Out movie. Rian Johnson’s latest Benoit Blanc case storms to the top with a slightly darker and more introspective tone than its predecessors. Daniel Craig returns as the Southern sleuth, navigating another whodunit puzzle packed with red herrings and more than a little social commentary. These pictures come with ensemble casts, let’s not forget. This time out we have Joshes Brolin and O’Connor, Glenn Close, Mila Kunis, Jeremy Renner and Andrew Scott. Mixed in with an intriguing mystery, it’s proving more than a little appealing to Netflix fans worldwide. Read Metro’s review here. (Picture: AP/Netflix)
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