Top 10 most watched Netflix original series of all time
Most watched Netflix original series. Photo Credit- Culture Crave/X
Since its pivot from DVD rentals to streaming powerhouse, Netflix has redefined how we consume television, with its original series captivating hundreds of millions of viewers worldwide. From dystopian thrillers to period romances, these shows have shattered viewership records, sparked cultural conversations, and become binge-worthy staples. Using Netflix’s Engagement Reports, which track hours watched and completed viewing equivalents (CVE, calculated by dividing total hours by runtime), this piece is set to explore the top 10 most watched Netflix original series of all time, based on views within the first 91 days of release. Drawing from Variety, Whats-on-Netflix, and ScreenRant, this feature explores why these series dominate, blending global appeal with family bonding.
Wednesday: Season 1 (252.1 Million Views, 1.718 Billion Hours)
Topping the list is Wednesday (2022), Tim Burton’s Addams Family spin-off starring Jenna Ortega as the sardonic Wednesday Addams. With 252.1 million views and 1.718 billion hours watched, it’s Netflix’s most-watched series ever, holding the No. 1 spot in 93 countries. Its blend of gothic mystery, teen drama, and Burton’s quirky visuals hooked audiences, with fans on social media calling it a “cultural reset.” Its sharp humor and monster-hunting plot make it a fun pick for fans who love a mix of spooky and witty, ideal for family. Some criticize its predictable twists, but Season 2’s buzz keeps it iconic.
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Squid Game: Season 1 (265 Million Views, 1.65 Billion Hours)
Hwang Dong-hyuk’s South Korean dystopian thriller Squid Game (2021) is a global juggernaut, with 265 million views and 1.65 billion hours watched, topping charts in 94 countries. Lee Jung-jae’s Emmy-winning performance as Seong Gi-hun, battling deadly children’s games, resonated for its sharp class critique. Fans on social media praise its “gut-punch” intensity. Its high-stakes drama suits action-loving fans, perfect for sparking debates over survival tactics. Season 2’s 117 million views show its staying power, though some find its violence controversial
Stranger Things: Season 4 (140.7 Million Views, 1.352 Billion Hours)
The Duffer Brothers’ Stranger Things Season 4 (2022) racked up 140.7 million views and 1.352 billion hours, driven by its epic scope and 1980s nostalgia. Millie Bobby Brown’s Eleven and the Hawkins crew face Vecna in a darker, blockbuster-sized season. Fans on social media laud its “cinematic” vibe, though some critique its bloated runtime. Fans who love sci-fi and retro vibes will enjoy a marathon, paired with 80s snacks like popcorn and soda. With all seasons totaling over 335 million views, it’s a Netflix titan.
DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (115.6 Million Views, 1 Billion Hours)
Ryan Murphy’s controversial DAHMER (2022), starring Evan Peters as the infamous serial killer, hit 115.6 million views and over 1 billion hours, becoming Netflix’s third series to break the billion-hour mark. Its chilling narrative drew massive audiences, with social media users like praising Peters’ “haunting” performance. For fans of true-crime, this show might dive in, but its heavy themes require a post-watch discussion. Criticism from victims’ families for “retraumatizing” adds complexity, yet its anthology renewal shows enduring appeal.
The Queen’s Gambit (112.8 Million Views, 746.4 Million Hours)
The Queen’s Gambit (2020), a limited series starring Anya Taylor-Johnson as chess prodigy Beth Harmon, scored 112.8 million views and 746.4 million hours. Its elegant mix of drama, style, and 1960s aesthetics captivated viewers, with social media posts hailing Taylor-Joy’s “mesmerizing” role. Its strategic gameplay appeals to fans who love intellectual challenges, perfect for a cozy watch. Critics note its idealized take on chess, but its universal acclaim makes it a standout.
Bridgerton: Season 3 (106 Million Views, 846.5 Million Hours)
Bridgerton Season 3 (2024), focusing on Penelope and Colin’s romance, hit 106 million views and 846.5 million hours, joining Seasons 1 and 2 in the top ranks. Shonda Rhimes’ Regency-era drama, with its lush visuals and steamy romance, has fans on social media swooning. Its romantic themes will make fans enjoy its charm. Though some find its pacing uneven, but its global appeal and Season 2 at 656.2 million hours secures its legacy.
Money Heist: Part 4 (106 Million Views, 710 Million Hours)
The Spanish thriller Money Heist (La Casa de Papel), Part 4 (2020), drew 106 million views and 710 million hours, with the heist saga totaling over 285 million views across later seasons. Alvaro Morte’s Professor leads high-stakes capers, with social media users praising its “addictive” twists. Its action-oriented themes and intensity makes it a must-watch series. Lack of data for early seasons limits its ranking, but its global fandom endures.
Lupin: Part 1 (99.5 Million Views, 396.3 Million Hours)
The French mystery Lupin (2021), starring Omar Sy as master thief Assane Diop, earned 99.5 million views and 396.3 million hours. Its clever heists and charm made it a hit in 91 countries, with fans on social media calling Sy “magnetic.” For fans who love capers will enjoy its slick vibe, perfect for a lively watch party. Though some find its pacing slow, but its cultural impact as a non-English hit is undeniable.
The Night Agent: Season 1 (98.2 Million Views, 803.2 Million Hours)
The Night Agent Season 1 (2023), a political thriller with Gabriel Basso as FBI agent Peter Sutherland, hit 98.2 million views and 803.2 million hours. Its fast-paced conspiracy plot has fans on social media raving about its “bingeable” energy. For fans who love espionage will devour it, ideal for a thriller night. Season 2’s top 10 rank in 2025 shows its staying power, though some note formulaic tropes.
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Fool Me Once (98.2 Million Views, 629 Million Hours)
The British thriller Fool Me Once (2024), starring Michelle Keegan as a widow unraveling her husband’s murder, tied with The Night Agent at 98.2 million views and 629 million hours. Its twisty plot hooked viewers, with social media posts praising its “shocking” reveals. For mystery-loving fans will enjoy its suspense, great for a family watch and post-show debate. However, some find its resolution rushed, but its top 10 entry cements its impact.
Why these series dominate Netflix
These 10 series, amassing billions of hours watched, showcase Netflix’s global dominance, with non-English hits like Squid Game and Money Heist proving storytelling transcends language. Wednesday and Stranger Things lead English-language shows, while mini series like The Queen’s Gambit and DAHMER highlight Netflix’s ability for compact, high-impact stories. The billion of hours watched, reflect Netflix’s growth, with older series still drawing millions of hours.[]()[]()
