The Netflix movies that got the most views in the first half of 2025
A general notion about Netflix audiences is that they only show up for flashy new series and franchise spin-offs. Suppose you thought that too, but it is time for you to think again. In the first half of 2025, some of the most-watched content on the platform was not episodic at all. It was films. From Hollywood blockbusters and star-led originals to surprise international hits, Netflix’s latest engagement report confirms that feature films are still pulling in massive numbers.
According to the report, which captures nearly 99% of all watch time between January and June 2025, Netflix members streamed over 95billion hours of content globally. While Netflix series continued to thrive, obviously, the film category showed serious staying power, especially for a few standouts that dominated the charts.
Leading the list was Back in Action, an action-comedy that racked up a staggering 165million views in just six months. The film starred Jamie Foxx and Cameron Diaz. It marked Diaz’s return to acting after a years-long hiatus. That alone drew attention, but the film’s blend of high-speed chases, sharp one-liners, and nostalgic buddy-comedy vibes made it one of the most talked-about movie drops of the year.
Right behind it was Tyler Perry’s STRAW, a drama that pulled 103million views in the same period. Through this film, Perry made sure his long-standing relationship with Netflix continues to deliver. Moreover, STRAW’s emotional depth and strong performances made it more than just another addition to his catalogue; it became a cultural moment. The film’s success also reaffirmed Perry’s unique ability to blend heartfelt storytelling with mass audience appeal. Also, the film stayed in the top ten global list for weeks.
Next in line was The Life List, starring Sofia Carson. It amassed 96 million views, making it one of Netflix’s most-watched romantic dramas of the year so far. The film follows a woman navigating grief, personal reinvention, and unexpected romance. Clearly, it struck a chord with audiences looking for something emotional but comforting.
Rounding out the top-tier English-language films was Nonnas, a heartwarming multi-generational comedy that delivered 58million views. Its mix of family chaos, warm humour, and classic Italian comfort food created the kind of feel-good experience Netflix audiences seem to crave mid-year.
But the success of Netflix films in 2025 was not limited to English-speaking releases. Non-English language films found just as much love and, in some cases, even more momentum.
Exterritorial, a German thriller, delivered a remarkable 88 million views. Set in a remote borderland facility with rising political tensions and eerie isolation, it combined timely themes with taut suspense. It quietly became one of the most-watched international titles on the platform this year.
Counterattack, a Mexican action film, pulled 71million views, while France’s Ad Vitam, a philosophical sci-fi thriller, was not far behind with 70million views. These numbers speak for themselves. Netflix’s international catalogue is no longer a niche but an essential viewing.
Other international standouts included iHostage from the Netherlands (57M views), K.O. from France (44M), Bullet Train Explosion from Japan (33M), and India’s Jewel Thief – The Heist Begins, which clocked in at 23million views. Each title came from a different region and genre, yet all managed to break into global watchlists, a sign that cross-border storytelling is only getting stronger on Netflix.
What these numbers show is that Netflix films are no longer side dishes to their hit shows. They are events in their own right. Whether it is the return of a beloved actor, the promise of an emotional escape, or the thrill of discovering something totally unexpected, movies are clearly a key part of how people use the platform.
It also helps that Netflix continues to invest heavily in variety in tone, in talent, and in geography. The top movies this year range from loud action set pieces to slow-burn dramas, from English-speaking stars to regional language heroes, and from mainstream comfort watches to niche genre experiments.
And while most of the top performers in H1 2025 were recent releases, the report also reminds us that older Netflix Originals like Red Notice, Leo, and We Can Be Heroes are still pulling big numbers, each logging over 20million views despite having premiered years ago.
In a landscape where movie releases can often feel like background noise in the streaming shuffle, Netflix has proved it can still make films feel big. And more importantly, it can get people to show up for them.