The numbers for the last week of April are in. Netflix viewers have been bingeing mostly usual fare, from new sci-fi films to sensational true crime documentaries. But there is a curious entry on the top ten list of films globally—a Christian drama film, Lifemark. This is the second time in April (there was Letters To God a couple of weeks ago) that a film specifically categorised as “Christian drama” has made its way to the top.
Kicking off the list is Rebel Moon – Part Two: The Scargiver, the sequel to the space saga directed by Zack Snyder. Set on a distant moon of a fictional planet, Veldt, this adventure follows Kora and her band of warriors as they defend the farmers against the menacing forces of the Motherworld. With a cast including Sofia Boutella, Djimon Hounsou, and Anthony Hopkins, this film has been dominating the top ten charts since its debut. Of course, Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire is only three places below at the fourth spot.
Next up is Anyone But You, a romantic comedy directed by Will Gluck. (Very, very) Loosely based on Shakespeare’s Much Ado About Nothing, this modern-day love story stars Sydney Sweeney and Glen Powell as two unlikely partners navigating the ups and downs of dating. The film had critics divided for being the silliest story, but the average viewer has quite taken to it.
Next up, in the third rank, Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp offers a trip down memory lane. Directed by Jon Rosenbaum, this live-action/animated comedy brings everyone’s favourite woodpecker to life as he sets out on many misadventures at Camp Woo Hoo. The other animated film soaring on the charts is Smurfs: The Lost Village.
True crime enthusiasts will be drawn to What Jennifer Did, a documentary that highlights the chilling case of Jennifer Pan. Directed by Jenny Popplewell, this film explores the shocking true story of a Canadian woman convicted of orchestrating a kill-for-hire attack on her own parents.
For those interested in health and wellness, Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut provides insights into the world of microbiomes. Through a series of experiments, four participants uncover the hidden mysteries of their stomachs, shedding light on the crucial role gut health plays in overall well-being.
Lifemark offers a saccharine tale of love and redemption inspired by a true story of adoption. Directed by Kevin Peeples, this Christian drama follows the journey of a young Louisiana man who discovers his mother chose to put him up for adoption instead of aborting him—a troubling storyline to champion in a post-Roe v. Wade America.
On the other side of the world, Hotel Mumbai has taken audiences on a thrilling ride through one of the darkest chapters in modern-Indian history. Directed by Anthony Maras, this action-packed thriller recounts the harrowing events of the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks, focusing on the heroic efforts of the hotel staff and guests at the iconic Taj Mahal Palace Hotel.
Rounding out the list is M. Night Shyamalan’s Glass. This film closes out the unconventional superhero trilogy with characters introduced in Unbreakable and Split.
The 10 most popular films on Netflix this week:
- Rebel Moon — Part Two: The Scargiver
- Anyone But You
- Woody Woodpecker Goes to Camp
- Rebel Moon — Part One: A Child of Fire
- What Jennifer Did
- Hack Your Health: The Secrets of Your Gut
- Lifemark
- Hotel Mumbai
- Smurfs: The Lost Village
- Glass
