Netflix has become a household name in the world of entertainment, offering a vast array of content ranging from movies to TV series that subscribers can access anytime, anywhere with an internet connection. Starting as a DVD rental service by mail in 1997, Netflix has evolved into one of the largest streaming platforms globally.
Interestingly, there are several Netflix films that have become fan favorites. These movies have managed to captivate audiences with their compelling stories and high-quality production. Curious about what these films are? Let’s dive into the list of the most-watched Netflix films by fans. Here’s the breakdown.
1. The Mother
The Mother, directed by Niki Caro and written by Misha Green, premiered in May 2023. This action-packed Netflix film stars Jennifer Lopez, Joseph Fiennes, Omari Hardwick, and Gael Garcia Bernal. The story revolves around a mother who is a former assassin, living in isolation in the wilderness.
When she attempts to reconnect with her daughter, she’s confronted by dangerous criminals from her past. Through a series of brutal action sequences, the mother fights to protect her child at all costs. Despite being released just last year, The Mother has already been viewed over 265 million times and continues to attract viewers with its intense plot and stellar performances.
2. Extraction
Extraction tells the story of Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), a fearless black market mercenary who embarks on the deadliest mission of his career. Tasked with rescuing Ovi Mahajan Jr. (Rudhraksh Jaiswal), the kidnapped son of an imprisoned international crime lord, Rake must navigate the murky underworld of weapons dealers and drug traffickers in Bangladesh.
As Rake and Ovi fight to survive in a city teeming with enemies, they form an unexpected bond. The film showcases breathtaking action sequences, including intense hand-to-hand combat and high-speed car chases, all while unraveling an international criminal conspiracy.
With the help of a skilled female operative (Golshifteh Farahani) with local connections, they race against time to complete the mission before it’s too late. Directed by Sam Hargrave, this Netflix film was released in 2020 and has been watched for an impressive 266,900,000 hours on the streaming platform.
3. Extraction 2
Directed by Sam Hargrave and written by Joe Russo based on the graphic novel Ciudad, Extraction 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 hit. This Netflix film once again centers on Tyler Rake (Chris Hemsworth), but this time, it promises to showcase an even more brutal side of the character, including a jaw-dropping scene where Tyler single-handedly destroys a military helicopter.
Alongside Hemsworth, the film features returning cast member Golshifteh Farahani, as well as newcomers Adam Bessa, Olga Kurylenko, and Idris Elba. In this installment, Tyler is tasked with rescuing Ketevfan, his ex-wife’s sister, along with her children, Sandro and Nina, from a ruthless Georgian gangster. With the help of his trusted team, Tyler must navigate treacherous terrain and face off against formidable enemies to complete his mission. This action-packed Netflix film has already been watched for an impressive 278,700,000 hours since its release.
4. The Adam Project
Directed by Shawn Levy, known for his work on films like Night at the Museum and the hit series Stranger Things, The Adam Project stars Ryan Reynolds as Adam Reed, alongside Mark Ruffalo, Jennifer Garner, and Zoe Saldana. Since its premiere in March 2022, this Netflix film has captivated audiences for 281,000,000 hours.
The story follows Adam Reed (Ryan Reynolds), a time-traveling pilot from the future who teams up with his younger self (played by Walker Scobell) in a quest to change the course of history. As they embark on this dangerous adventure, they find themselves face-to-face with an evil scientist (Mark Ruffalo) who seeks to exploit time travel technology for his own nefarious purposes.
The Adam Project blends action, humor, and heart as it explores themes of family, loss, and the power of second chances. The film’s unique take on time travel, coupled with its stellar cast and emotional depth, has made it a standout among Netflix’s original productions.
5. The Gray Man
Directed by the acclaimed Russo brothers, Anthony and Joe, this high-octane action thriller stars Chris Evans and Ryan Gosling. The film marks a reunion for Evans and the Russo brothers following their collaboration on MCU films like The Winter Soldier and Avengers: Endgame. The Gray Man has been watched for an impressive 299,500,000 hours and continues to attract viewers.
The story centers on Court Gentry, a skilled former CIA operative known as the Gray Man due to his ability to complete missions undetected. When Gentry uncovers dark agency secrets, he becomes the target of a manhunt led by his psychopathic former colleague, Lloyd Hansen (Chris Evans). As Gentry races across the globe to evade capture, he must use all his skills to survive, clear his name, and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that threatens to destroy everything he holds dear.
The Gray Man showcases elaborate action set pieces, intense chase sequences, and a gripping cat-and-mouse game between Gosling and Evans. The film’s global scope, taking viewers from Bangkok to Prague to Croatia, adds to its visual appeal and sense of high-stakes adventure.
These top five Netflix films represent just a fraction of the platform’s most popular offerings. Each brings its unique blend of action, drama, and star power to the screen, captivating audiences worldwide. As Netflix continues to invest in original content, viewers can expect even more exciting and diverse films to join this list of fan favorites in the future.
Whether you’re in the mood for heart-pounding action, time-traveling adventures, or intense thrillers, these Netflix films offer something for every taste. So grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare to be entertained by some of the most-watched movies on the streaming giant’s platform.
