Netflix’s library is extensive, and there are a lot of great finds, including some diverse original content, which makes the most-watched movie on the streaming service surprising. Netflix releases a list of the top 10 most-watched movies weekly, giving some insight into what’s currently trending.
The list highlights what new Netflix originals are currently grabbing audiences' attention and what older films are becoming popular past their initial release.Netflix simultaneously keeps note of which movies are the most-watched movies of all time, with recentsuccessful films likeCarry-Onquickly making their way to the top of the list.
However, the placement of a movie onNetflix’s most-watched listdoesn’t necessarily reflect its quality or the general response from audiences. Films likeBird BoxandCarry-Onare among the top 5 most-watched movies, but earned poor audience scores on Rotten Tomatoes. This helps make sense of Netflix’s #1 most-watched movie of all time, but it doesn’t make it any less shocking.
Of Netflix’s Top 5 Most-Watched Movies Ever, Red Notice Is Easily The Worst
The Uninspired Action-Comedy Relies Too Heavily On Its Flashy Action & Cast’s Familiarity
Red Noticecomes out on top asNetflix’s most-watched movie of all time, with a total of 230,900,000 views. The film follows the unlikely partnership between an FBI agent and an art thief as they track down a far more shady figure. Despite being one ofNetflix’s most expensive movies,Red Noticeis barely better than the average action comedy.
Red Noticeoverwhelms viewers with its humor, action sequences, and parallels to far more compelling action films. WhileRed Noticedoes everything it can to entertain audiences,there is far too little substance in its narrative, leaving the movie feeling empty overall. Much ofthe critical response toRed Noticeechoes similar sentiments, though audiences disagree.
Not only isRed NoticeNetflix’s most-watched movie, but the film has a surprisingly positive response from audiences on Rotten Tomatoes as well. With a 92% audience score, it’s evident thatwhileRed Noticeisn’t perfect, it’s entertaining and satisfying to audiences nonetheless. The film’s action and the chemistry between its big-name leads are respectable, and allow forRed Noticeto succeed.
Red Noticereunites Dwayne Johnson and Gal GadotaftertheFast & Furiousmovies, and Ryan Reynolds joins them. Together, the star power of the three does much of the heavy lifting to keep audiences engaged. Still,as far as quality goes, the other films ranked among Netflix’s most-watched movies surpassRed Noticeand should be acknowledged as well.
Ranking Netflix’s Top 5 Most-Watched Movies In Order Of Quality
Red Notice Has A Higher Viewership, But Doesn’t Compete In Terms Of Quality
FollowingRed Noticein the top half of Netflix’s 10 most-watched movies of all time are:Carry-On,Don’t Look Up,The Adam Project, andBird Box. Of these films,The Adam Projectis the most solid film,providing audiences with a well-balanced sci-fi adventure.The Adam Projectisn’t flawless, but it effectively condenses the fun ofclassic ’80s sci-fi films.
Don’t Look Uponly ranks belowThe Adam Projectdue to its heavy-handed messaging about climate change, which has otherwise been praised for its relevancy. The satirical, Oscar-nominated film is also filled with big names like Leonardo DiCaprio, Jennifer Lawrence, and Meryl Streep, each delivering compelling performances.
BothCarry-OnandBird Boxare tense thrillers that meet the genre’s standards. Each film has a strong lead and builds a convincing air of suspense that keeps audiences engaged even when the plausibility of their respective plots is lacking.
68%
73%
55%
78%
88%
51%
64%
58%
37%
92%
ThoughRed Noticefalls to the bottom of the ranking, it’s still a film many enjoy. As Netflix’s most-watched movie of all time,Red Noticeis a reminder that, sometimes, the thing that audiences are looking for most is a fun action film led by familiar, reliable names in Hollywood, that is both entertaining and easy to throw on.
