(Credits: Netflix)

Streaming platforms like Netflix are regularly updating their catalogue with hundreds of new releases, old classics and restored television shows, aiming to provide a rich number of choices for their subscribers. However, the most popular films vary week by week, with some titles consistently leading the charts and others surprisingly creeping towards the top.

At the bottom of the chart is Venom: Let There Be Carnage which was released in 2021 and stars Tom Hardy, Michelle Williams and Woody Harrelson. The Marvel adaptation was directed by Andy Serkis, and is the second instalment in the series, following Eddie Brock as he attempts to revitalise his career by interviewing a serial killer. The film was met with mixed reviews, but perhaps is seeing a resurgence in popularity with sequel being announced for a 2025 release.

Next up on the charts we have a few action and adventure films, with Jurassic World: Dominion, Unhinged, The Predator and Bad Boys: Ride or Die. The Jurassic universe always proves to be a heavy-hitter with global audiences, and despite being under fire for its weak script and storyline, and despite this, the 2022 addition to the franchise still proves to be doing the numbers.

Surprisingly, Unhinged appeared on the charts this week, an unsuspecting thriller starring Russel Crowe from 2020. Perhaps the film was not given enough attention due to its release in the middle of the pandemic, but it has seen a resurgence in viewers over the last week, with Crowe playing a sadistic villain.

The Predator is yet another franchise movie, and this version of the story was not met well by audiences, so who knows why it has suddenly found an increase in viewership. Bad Boys: Ride or Die is less out of place on this list, given that it was released this year and sparked some controversy with Will Smith cast in the lead role, which marked his second on-screen appearance after the infamous slapping incident at the Oscars.

Next up in number five on the list, is Sing, the delightful jukebox musical with a cast of animated animals, with Reese Witherspoon and Matthew McConaughey voicing the lead roles. With colder, darker days and the October break around the corner, it makes sense as to why people are retreating to the reliable comfort of this heart-warming film.

Next up, we have two documentaries, The Menendez Brothers and Sweet Bobby; My Catfish Nightmare. Following the success of The Jeffrey Dahmer series and the Amanda Knox documentary over the last few years, true crime and real-life stories have massively increased in popularity.

Both shows follow unbelievable experiences, documenting a decade-long catfish scheme and the story of two brothers who killed their parents in 1989. There has been much discourse around viewers’ fascination with these types of stories and the moral grey area of finding viewing pleasure in watching people live through traumatic experiences. However, despite the controversy around our engagement with these shows, they continue to be very popular.  

At number two on the list is Anna Kendrick’s directorial debut, Woman of the Hour, a film set in 1970’s Los Angeles and a woman who discovers the identity of a serial killer on a dating show. Kendrick also stars in the film, establishing herself as both a formidable actor and director.

Finally, the film that has made its way to the top of the charts, is Lonely Planet. The announcement of the film seemed to slowly creep up on audiences, with a surprise announcement of the film a few days before its release. Directed by Susannah Grant, the film follows a lonely novelist who finds herself on a writers retreat in Morocco, finding a surprising connection with a younger man.

The plot doesn’t sound anything out of the left field for Netflix, however the casting of the project is perhaps what is drawing in so many viewers, with Laura Dern and Liam Hemsworth playing the leads. Many people questioned why Dern in particular was cast in a project like this, known for being an indie darling and frequent collaborator of famous auteurs like David Lynch and Jean Marc-Vallee. However, this unpredictable casting decision seems to have done the trick, and the film has had nearly 14 million viewers in the last week.

The 10 most popular movies this week: October 2024