Ben Affleck’s New Thriller Is the Most-Watched Movie on Netflix This Week

Netflix’s audiences in the United States gravitated toward a compelling mix of star-studded crime thrillers, family comedies, and animated favorites during the second week of October 2026.

From fresh studio arrivals to an entire animated franchise resurgence, the domestic viewership charts highlight both brand-new originals and enduring multi-generational hits. Viewers spent their viewing hours exploring gripping true-crime sagas, hard-hitting dramas, and lighthearted domestic misadventures.

‘Ice Age: Continental Drift’ (2012)

The animated adventure follows Manny, Sid, and Diego after a continental cataclysm separates them from the rest of the herd. Using an iceberg as a makeshift ship, the trio embarks on a maritime voyage across the open ocean to reunite with their families. Along their journey, they encounter dangerous sea creatures and a ruthless crew of seafaring pirates led by the ape Captain Gutt. Directed by Steve Martino and Michael Thurmeier, the film features a returning voice ensemble alongside additions such as Peter Dinklage and Keke Palmer.

‘Ice Age: The Meltdown’ (2006)

Directed by Carlos Saldanha, the animated sequel picks up as rising temperatures begin to thaw the glacial valley inhabited by the prehistoric herd. Manny, Sid, and Diego learn that a massive ice dam is on the verge of collapsing, prompting a valley-wide evacuation toward a distant geyser field. During the migration, Manny discovers that he is not the last mammoth when he crosses paths with Ellie and her opossum brothers Crash and Eddie. The travelers must navigate unstable terrain and aquatic predators while Ellie slowly reconciles her true identity.

‘Ice Age: Dawn of the Dinosaurs’ (2009)

The animated saga centers on the consequences of Sid adopting a trio of seemingly abandoned dinosaur eggs. When a protective mother Tyrannosaurus rex reclaims her hatchlings and takes Sid with her, his friends descend into a hidden subterranean jungle to rescue him. The rescue party encounters Buck, an eccentric one-eyed weasel who serves as their survival guide in a prehistoric environment teeming with dinosaurs. Carlos Saldanha directed the project, which introduces Simon Pegg to the voice cast as the swashbuckling adventurer.

‘UNABOMBER’ (2026)

Directed by Janus Metz, the biographical crime drama examines the life of mathematician Ted Kaczynski prior to and during the federal investigation that uncovered his actions. The narrative follows a teenage Kaczynski during his studies at Harvard University, where he participates in psychological experiments conducted by Professor Henry Murray. Decades later, an ongoing FBI manhunt spearheaded by agent Joanne Miller begins connecting the clues to locate the elusive domestic terrorist. The production stars Jacob Tremblay as the younger Kaczynski, alongside Russell Crowe, Shailene Woodley, and Annabelle Wallis.

‘The Breadwinner’ (2026)

Directed by Eric Appel and co-written by Dan Lagana alongside stand-up comedian Nate Bargatze, the family comedy revolves around a traditional suburban household. When mother Katie Wilcox secures an investment on ‘Shark Tank’ for her invention, she departs on an extended business trip that leaves her husband Nate in charge of their three daughters. Unaccustomed to domestic management, Nate encounters escalating household crises and comical mishaps as he tries to maintain order. Bargatze leads the feature alongside Mandy Moore, with supporting comedic roles played by Colin Jost, Zach Cherry, Kumail Nanjiani, and Will Forte.

‘Ice Age: Collision Course’ (2016)

The prehistoric franchise continues as Scrat accidentally launches a dormant extraterrestrial vessel into deep space while chasing his acorn. The resulting cosmic chain reaction sends a massive asteroid hurtling directly toward Earth, threatening total extinction for all surface life. Manny, Ellie, Sid, and Diego reunite with the one-eyed weasel Buck to execute a plan involving magnetic space rocks in an attempt to deflect the incoming projectile. Michael Thurmeier and Galen T. Chu directed the animated feature, which features returning voice stars Ray Romano, John Leguizamo, and Denis Leary.

‘Ice Age’ (2002)

Directed by Chris Wedge and Carlos Saldanha, the original animated adventure establishes the unlikely partnership among three very different prehistoric animals. Manny the woolly mammoth and Sid the ground sloth recover an abandoned human infant and resolve to return him safely to his migrating tribe. They are joined by Diego, a saber-toothed cat who secretly intends to deliver the child to his predator pack before developing genuine affection for his traveling companions. The film launched a massive global franchise for Blue Sky Studios and 20th Century Fox.

‘The Widower: ‘Til Death Do Us Part’ (2026)

Directed by Chris Smith, the true-crime documentary chronicles the extensive investigation into Nevada resident Thomas Randolph. The narrative focuses on the suspicious deaths of four of Randolph’s six wives, examining the life-insurance payouts and legal trials that followed. Veteran producer Dan Slepian and homicide detective Dean O’Kelley lead viewers through years of real-time footage and interviews surrounding the case. The film investigates multiple murder-for-hire allegations, judicial appeals, and testimonies from victims’ families that culminated in criminal convictions.

‘Doing Life’ (2026)

Written and directed by Tyler Perry, the romantic drama focuses on the unexpected bond that develops between two individuals facing substantial personal hurdles. Naomi Baker portrays a determined single mother attempting to build a stable future for her family amid financial and emotional stress. Her path crosses with a reformed ex-convict, played by Jay Reeves, who is attempting to re-enter society and escape the burdens of his past. The production explores themes of redemption, societal judgment, and mutual support across its supporting cast, which includes Tamberla Perry and Karen Obilom.

‘Animals’ (2026)

Directed by and starring Ben Affleck, the crime thriller follows Los Angeles mayoral candidate Mark Kimball during a high-stakes family emergency. After an unidentified caller demands a multimillion-dollar ransom for the return of his son Denny, Mark and his wife Abigail discover that the kidnapper mistakenly took another child. The couple must navigate intense moral compromises and political peril while working with a private fixer named Dayle to resolve the hostage situation. Co-starring Kerry Washington, Steven Yeun, Gillian Anderson, Adriana Paz, and Luis Gerardo Méndez, the film explores wealth, privilege, and ethical boundaries under duress.

Share your thoughts on which of these trending movies you have watched recently in the comments.