Netflix’s 2025 slate delivered a remarkable year of entertainment, with several series, specific seasons and films breaking viewing records and dominating global charts. From blockbuster animated features to highly anticipated series finales and breakout limited dramas, these titles captured audiences across the world. Here is a curated list of the most watched and culturally significant Netflix shows and films from 2025 that viewers should stream now.
1. Squid Game season 3 – global phenomenon
The third season of the Korean thriller Squid Game was one of Netflix’s biggest streaming events in 2025. Released on 27 June, it became the platform’s largest television launch everwith more than 60 million views in its first three days and over 145 million views in its first three months, topping charts in more than 90 countries. The season continued the franchise’s signature blend of high-stakes drama and social commentary, remaining in the global top 10 for weeks after its debut.
2. Stranger Things season 5 – final season spectacle
2025 marked the release of Stranger Things season 5, the final chapter of the iconic sci-fi series. The season became one of the biggest English-language series debuts on Netflixwith nearly 60 million views in its first five dayssurpassing earlier milestones for the flagship show. The finale event also included widespread fan screenings in theatres and a surge in viewership for past seasons.
3. KPop Demon Hunters – animated film success
Netflix’s animated musical KPop Demon Hunters dominated the platform’s movie charts in 2025, becoming its most-watched film of all time with over 500 million cumulative views worldwide. The high-energy action-fantasy fused K-pop culture with supernatural storytelling, topped the global top 10 repeatedly and spawned pop culture moments beyond streaming.
4. Adolescence – breakthrough limited series
The British limited series Adolescence emerged as one of Netflix’s most talked-about dramas in 2025, drawing widespread acclaim and massive viewership. It tells the tense and emotional story of a family thrown into crisis after their teenage son faces serious accusations. The show topped global viewing lists and earned multiple awards, with industry figures and critics calling it one of the year’s most compelling series.
5. Back in Action – action film spectacle
Action fans found plenty to enjoy in Back in Actionone of 2025’s most-watched Netflix movies. The film drew large audiences with its high-octane sequences and engaging plot, placing it among the top films of the year in global view counts.
6. Extraction 2 – sequel success
The sequel Extraction 2 continued the momentum of its predecessor by securing a spot among the year’s most streamed films. Its intense action and strong performances made it a standout among international Netflix audiences.
7. Leave the World Behind – dramatic film hit
The emotionally charged drama Leave the World Behind was among Netflix’s most watched films of 2025. Its compelling storytelling and strong ensemble cast resonated with viewers seeking powerful storytelling on the platform.
8. The Super Mario Bros. Movie – family favourite
Family audiences kept coming back to The Super Mario Bros. Moviewhich remained one of the top-viewed films on Netflix throughout the year, appealing across age groups with its nostalgic charm and animated adventure.
9. Wednesday season 2 – stylish return
The second season of the supernatural comedy-drama Wednesday maintained strong viewership in 2025, continuing its cultural impact with gothic style and quirky humour, and consistently appearing in Netflix’s weekly most-watched lists.
10. Emily in Paris season 5 – romantic comedy draw
The fifth season of Emily in Paris remained a strong performer in late 2025, with audiences tuning in for the character’s fresh adventures in Rome, sustained fashion appeal and light-hearted storytelling.
11. Bridgerton – continuing period drama appeal
The romantic period drama Bridgerton continued to be a fan favourite in 2025, drawing sustained global viewership for its lavish production and compelling ensemble narratives across seasons.
12. Kurukshetra: The Great War of Mahabharata – animated epic
Netflix’s Indian animated series Kurukshetra debuted in October 2025, offering a fresh and visually rich retelling of the epic wartime saga. The series dedicated its episodes to different warriors’ perspectives, expanding mythological storytelling on the platform.
The range of trending content across Netflix in 2025 reflects a year of global storytelling appealwith blockbuster franchises, animated features, award-winning dramas and returning seasonal hits. Whether viewers seek suspense, drama, action or light entertainment, these shows and films represent the most popular and culturally resonant choices to stream now.
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