Most Watched Netflix Series of All Time

The biggest Netflix hits span languages, genres, and formats, and they pulled in viewers from every corner of the world. From Korean survival games to glossy period romances and true-crime juggernauts, these series set records with massive global audiences and huge social buzz that kept them on the service’s top rows for weeks.

Below is a wide-ranging tour through the titles that drew the most viewers. You will find quick details on creators, casts, episode counts, and what each show is about, so you can zero in on the series that match your mood or fill a gap in your watchlist.

‘Squid Game’ (2021–present)

This Korean survival thriller follows cash-strapped contestants who enter children’s games with deadly stakes in hopes of winning a life-changing prize. It stars Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, and Wi Ha-joon, and was created by Hwang Dong-hyuk.

Season 1 runs nine episodes and sparked global interest in Korean television and culture. Production involved large-scale practical sets and distinctive costuming that became instantly recognizable worldwide.

‘Wednesday’ (2022–present)

This supernatural mystery centers on Wednesday Addams at Nevermore Academy as she investigates a series of killings while navigating psychic abilities. The series features Jenna Ortega, Gwendoline Christie, Catherine Zeta-Jones, Luis Guzmán, and Christina Ricci.

Created by Alfred Gough and Miles Millar with Tim Burton directing multiple episodes, the first season includes eight episodes. It blends coming-of-age elements with gothic imagery and uses Romania as a key filming location.

‘Dahmer — Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story’ (2022)

This true-crime miniseries dramatizes the crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer and their impact on victims’ families and the community. Evan Peters leads the cast alongside Richard Jenkins, Niecy Nash-Betts, and Penelope Ann Miller.

Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the limited series has ten episodes. It uses a timeline that shifts perspectives to highlight investigative failures and community responses.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016–present)

Set in the 1980s, this sci-fi horror series follows kids and families in Hawkins as they confront threats from the Upside Down. The ensemble includes Millie Bobby Brown, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, and Gaten Matarazzo.

Created by the Duffer Brothers, the show spans multiple seasons with escalating episode runtimes and cinematic visual effects. Production draws on practical creature work and extensive period detail across Indiana-set storylines.

‘Bridgerton’ (2020–present)

This period romance chronicles the Bridgerton family’s social and romantic entanglements during Regency-era London. The cast has included Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, Simone Ashley, and Nicola Coughlan.

Produced by Shondaland and created by Chris Van Dusen, the series adapts Julia Quinn’s novels. Seasons highlight different siblings and feature elaborate costumes, orchestral covers of pop songs, and large ballroom sequences.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023–present)

This political action thriller follows an FBI agent who answers a hotline for undercover operatives and becomes embroiled in a conspiracy at the highest levels. Gabriel Basso and Luciane Buchanan star.

Developed by Shawn Ryan from the Matthew Quirk novel, the first season delivers ten episodes. Filming took place largely in Vancouver, and the show blends procedural pacing with serialized twists.

‘All of Us Are Dead’ (2022–present)

This Korean series tracks a group of students trapped in their high school during a sudden zombie outbreak. The ensemble cast includes Park Ji-hu, Yoon Chan-young, Cho Yi-hyun, and Lomon.

Based on a webtoon, Season 1 runs twelve episodes with extended runtimes. Practical makeup effects and large-scale crowd sequences shape the survival narrative across classrooms and rooftops.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

This Spanish heist thriller follows the Professor and his crew as they carry out intricate robberies targeting national institutions. Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Pedro Alonso, and Itziar Ituño lead the cast.

Originally airing in Spain and re-cut by Netflix, the series spans multiple parts with high-stakes planning, flashbacks, and character codenames. Iconic red jumpsuits and masks became central to its visual identity.

‘Lupin’ (2021–present)

Inspired by the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, this French series follows Assane Diop as he uses elaborate cons to expose corruption. Omar Sy stars with Ludivine Sagnier and Clotilde Hesme.

The show alternates heist-of-the-week storytelling with long-running arcs tied to family history. Paris landmarks feature heavily, and the production emphasizes practical illusions and sleight-of-hand setups.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

This limited series charts the rise of chess prodigy Beth Harmon as she competes internationally while managing addiction. Anya Taylor-Joy plays the lead alongside Bill Camp, Marielle Heller, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster.

Based on Walter Tevis’s novel, the seven-episode run recreates period tournaments with historically informed openings and endgames. Costume and production design track Beth’s progression across the 1950s and 1960s.

‘The Watcher’ (2022–present)

This mystery thriller adapts a real-life case involving unsettling letters sent to new homeowners in New Jersey. Naomi Watts and Bobby Cannavale lead the ensemble with Jennifer Coolidge and Mia Farrow.

Created by Ryan Murphy and Ian Brennan, the first season presents seven episodes that reframe the case through multiple suspects. The show uses suburban settings and home surveillance motifs to drive the investigation.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021–present)

This dramedy follows a mother and daughter who relocate to start fresh while past secrets complicate the new life. Brianne Howey and Antonia Gentry star with Diesel La Torraca and Sara Waisglass.

The series blends teen-focused plots with adult storylines across multiple seasons. Episodes interweave school, relationships, and crime elements with a serialized family arc.

‘The Witcher’ (2019–present)

Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, this fantasy series follows monster hunter Geralt of Rivia and intertwines timelines around Ciri and Yennefer. The cast includes Henry Cavill in early seasons and Anya Chalotra and Freya Allan.

The production incorporates large creature effects, stunts, and European locations. Seasons are structured around episodic hunts alongside overarching political conflicts on the Continent.

‘One Piece’ (2023–present)

This live-action adventure adapts Eiichiro Oda’s long-running manga about a pirate crew seeking the ultimate treasure. Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd, Jacob Romero, and Taz Skylar headline the cast.

Season 1 covers early arcs with ship-set builds and ocean-based action. The adaptation combines practical sets, stylized costumes, and CGI for Devil Fruit abilities and sea creatures.

‘3 Body Problem’ (2024–present)

This science-fiction drama adapts the opening novel of Liu Cixin’s trilogy, tracing a decades-spanning first contact story. The ensemble includes Benedict Wong, Eiza González, Jovan Adepo, and Jess Hong.

The series mixes historical scenes with modern physics research and large-scale simulations. Visual effects depict the virtual world of a mysterious game and astronomical phenomena tied to the core mystery.

‘Baby Reindeer’ (2024)

This limited series dramatizes a comedian’s experience with a stalker and the aftermath that follows. Richard Gadd stars and created the show, with Jessica Gunning in a key role.

The production uses intimate locations and a restrained visual style across seven episodes. It presents legal processes, communications, and performance spaces as part of the unfolding timeline.

‘The Sandman’ (2022–present)

Based on the DC Comics series by Neil Gaiman, this dark fantasy follows Morpheus as he restores order to the realm of Dream. Tom Sturridge, Gwendoline Christie, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, and Boyd Holbrook are among the cast.

The show blends anthology-style chapters with serialized arcs from key comic volumes. Production design emphasizes surreal sets, practical makeup, and extensive CGI for dreamscapes.

‘Fool Me Once’ (2024)

Adapted from Harlan Coben’s novel, this thriller tracks a woman who spots her supposedly dead husband on a nanny cam and investigates. Michelle Keegan, Adeel Akhtar, Richard Armitage, and Joanna Lumley star.

The limited series runs eight episodes and was filmed in the UK. It follows the author’s trademark structure of twists, family secrets, and parallel police inquiries.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

This psychological thriller follows Joe Goldberg across cities as he hides crimes and adopts new identities while pursuing relationships. Penn Badgley leads the cast with Victoria Pedretti, Tati Gabrielle, and others across seasons.

Originally debuting on another network before moving, the show spans multiple settings including New York, Los Angeles, and London. Voiceover narration and literary references frame each season’s structure.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020–present)

This romantic dramedy follows an American marketing executive navigating work and life after a transfer to Paris. Lily Collins stars with Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu, Lucas Bravo, and Ashley Park.

Created by Darren Star, the series showcases fashion, branding campaigns, and location shooting across Paris neighborhoods. Seasons present workplace storylines alongside evolving relationships.

‘Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story’ (2023)

This prequel limited series explores the origin of Queen Charlotte’s rise and her marriage to King George. India Ria Amarteifio and Corey Mylchreest star, with Golda Rosheuvel reprising her role.

Developed by Shondaland, the six-episode story links directly to the main ’Bridgerton’ timeline. Costumes, hair, and music continue the franchise’s stylized historical approach.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2024–present)

This live-action adaptation follows Aang and friends as they confront the Fire Nation and restore balance. Gordon Cormier, Kiawentiio, Ian Ousley, and Dallas Liu headline.

Season 1 adapts early arcs from the animated series with extensive stunt work and element-bending visual effects. Production builds included large sets for the Southern Water Tribe and Earth Kingdom locations.

‘Outer Banks’ (2020–present)

This teen adventure drama tracks rival groups hunting for legendary treasure along the North Carolina coast. Chase Stokes, Madelyn Cline, and Jonathan Daviss star.

Filmed largely in South Carolina and Barbados for later seasons, the show combines boating sequences, chases, and historical clues. Season arcs center on maps, family histories, and shifting alliances.

‘Griselda’ (2024)

This limited series portrays the life of Colombian figure Griselda Blanco and the operations she led. Sofía Vergara stars with supporting performances from Alberto Guerra and Martín Rodríguez.

The six-episode run reconstructs Miami and Colombian settings with detailed period production design. The narrative follows organizational structures, smuggling methods, and law enforcement responses.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

This superhero series follows adopted siblings with powers who reunite to solve family mysteries and avert catastrophes. The ensemble includes Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, Emmy Raver-Lampman, and David Castañeda.

Based on the comic by Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá, the show features stylized fight choreography, time-travel arcs, and a rotating soundtrack. Seasons were filmed in Toronto with elaborate sets for the academy and alternate timelines.

Share your favorites from this list in the comments and tell us which series you think everyone should try next.