Netflix U.S. Top 10: 2025 Sci-Fi Hit With 87% Score Is Suddenly Climbing the Charts

Bugonia, one of the most talked-about sci-fi films of 2025, has now found a new wave of success on streaming. According to Netflix U.S. top 10 rankings reported for the week of April 27 to May 3, the film landed at No. 7 after arriving on the platform, marking its first time entering the charts.

The movie, directed by Yorgos Lanthimos, did not become a major box office hit during its theatrical run. It earned about $17.6 million domestically and $43.5 million worldwide, which is modest compared to bigger sci-fi releases. However, its performance has changed now that it has moved to streaming, where it is reaching a much wider audience.

Bugonia follows two cousins who become convinced that the CEO of a powerful pharmaceutical company is actually an alien planning to destroy Earth. Believing this, they kidnap her, setting off a dark and tense chain of events. The film mixes science fiction with black comedy and psychological thriller elements, creating a strange and unsettling tone throughout.

The story is a remake of the South Korean film Save the Green Planet!, but Lanthimos gives it his own style, focusing heavily on awkward humor, paranoia, and uncomfortable situations. The screenplay, written by Will Tracy, was even nominated for an Oscar, with critics noting its sharp commentary on modern fear, conspiracy thinking, and corporate power.

The cast has also been a major reason for the film’s success. Emma Stone plays the CEO at the center of the story, while Jesse Plemons delivers a standout performance as Teddy, the cousin who leads the kidnapping plan. Aidan Delbis also appears as Don, Teddy’s cousin, adding emotional depth to the group dynamic.

Critics have highlighted Stone’s performance as one of the strongest parts of the film. Her character is written in a way that keeps the audience uncertain about what is real and what is not, and she plays that ambiguity throughout the story. Plemons has also received praise for balancing intensity and vulnerability in a role that could have easily become one-dimensional.

Industry commentary has also pointed out that Bugonia continues a successful creative partnership between Lanthimos and Stone. Their previous collaborations, including Poor Things and Kinds of Kindness, have all been critically well received, with “Poor Things” even earning major awards recognition.

Even though the film has strong performances and critical attention, it is not an easy or light watch. Many reviewers describe it as dark, uncomfortable, and intentionally strange. It deals heavily with paranoia and human behavior, which makes it more challenging for casual viewing.

One of the reasons for its streaming success may be curiosity. After awards attention and positive reviews, many viewers are now checking it out for themselves on Netflix. Its entry into the Top 10 shows that even difficult, unconventional sci-fi films can find a second life once they reach streaming audiences.

With its mix of controversy, strong acting, and unusual storytelling, Bugonia has now secured its place as one of the standout sci-fi films of the year, both in theaters and on streaming.

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