There’s something deeply thrilling about discovering a great movie in a language I don’t speak. It reminds me that cinema is universal — emotion, suspense, heartbreak, and action can all leap off the screen, subtitles or not. Over the years, I’ve found myself more drawn to international films than ever before. Whether it’s a chilling Spanish thriller or a surreal Norwegian fantasy, non-English films are proving they can command the world’s attention — and Netflix has the data to back it up. These movies aren’t just popular in their home countries; they’re global hits, racking up millions of views and hours watched. Let’s dive into the 10 most-watched non-English movies on Netflix and see what made them such massive sensations.
1. Troll (Norway)
Views: 10.3 crore | Runtime: 1h 44m | Hours Viewed: 17.86 crore
A towering Norwegian creature feature, Troll blends folklore with modern disaster storytelling. When an ancient monster awakens in the mountains, Norway must scramble to protect its cities from total destruction. With high-end visual effects and a solid emotional core, it’s no surprise Troll crushed the global charts. It’s part Godzilla, part fairy tale — and it’s got bite.
2. Under Paris (France)
Views: 10.23 crore | Runtime: 1h 44m | Hours Viewed: 17.73 crore
Just behind Troll is Under Paris, a thriller that takes the shark genre into the heart of Europe. The film follows a marine scientist as she discovers a deadly shark swimming through the Seine — yes, the Seine in Paris. What sounds absurd on paper becomes a tense and gripping ride that had audiences hooked. Call it Jaws with a French twist.
3. Society of the Snow (Spain/Uruguay)
Views: 9.85 crore | Runtime: 2h 26m | Hours Viewed: 23.97 crore
Based on the real-life 1972 Andes plane crash, Society of the Snow is a harrowing survival drama that pulls no punches. It’s raw, emotional, and beautifully shot, chronicling the unimaginable choices faced by a group of young men stranded in the mountains. It leads this list in total hours watched — a testament to its powerful storytelling and long runtime.
4. Nowhere (Spain)
Views: 8.57 crore | Runtime: 1h 49m | Hours Viewed: 15.56 crore
A woman trapped in a shipping container adrift at sea — Nowhere turns a minimalist setup into a survival thriller packed with tension. It’s both a physical and emotional journey as the protagonist fights to stay alive and protect her newborn baby. Short on cast but big on intensity, it became a must-watch for fans of edge-of-your-seat storytelling.
5. The Platform (Spain)
Views: 8.28 crore | Runtime: 1h 34m | Hours Viewed: 12.97 crore
This dystopian sci-fi thriller became a viral hit thanks to its haunting allegory of class inequality. In The Platform, prisoners are stacked in vertical cells and fed by a platform that descends from above — with the upper levels getting the best food. Brutal, intelligent, and impossible to forget, it’s one of Netflix’s most thought-provoking originals.
6. Counterattack (China)
Views: 6.39 crore | Runtime: 1h 25m | Hours Viewed: 9.05 crore
Counterattack packs a punch in a compact runtime. A classic revenge action tale with a modern Chinese twist, the film offers slick fights, clear stakes, and relentless pacing. Its success proves that tight storytelling and high-octane action still draw global audiences in droves.
7. Ad Vitam (France)
Views: 6.31 crore | Runtime: 1h 38m | Hours Viewed: 10.3 crore
This moody French sci-fi film explores a future where death has been nearly eliminated — but at what cost? With a noir-like atmosphere and a deep philosophical undercurrent, Ad Vitam is for those who like their dystopia served cold and stylish. Its uniqueness is what helped it stand out and go viral.
8. Through My Window (Spain)
Views: 6.11 crore | Runtime: 1h 54m | Hours Viewed: 11.6 crore
A teen romance with a spicy edge, Through My Window hit a chord with younger audiences. It follows a girl’s obsession with her mysterious neighbor — and what happens when the feelings become mutual. It’s a slow-burn love story with plenty of drama, passion, and plot twists, making it a binge-worthy romance.
9. AKA (France)
Views: 6.09 crore | Runtime: 2h 4m | Hours Viewed: 12.59 crore
In AKA, a special ops agent goes undercover in a brutal criminal organization — but soon forms a bond with a gangster’s young son, blurring the lines between duty and emotion. The film combines gritty action with a strong emotional arc, giving it depth beyond its bullet-ridden exterior.
10. Blood Red Sky (Germany)
Views: 6.09 crore | Runtime: 2h 3m | Hours Viewed: 12.48 crore
A bold mix of horror and action, Blood Red Sky tells the story of a hijacked flight — with a twist. One of the passengers is a vampire, and she’s ready to unleash terror to protect her son. Surprisingly emotional and relentlessly entertaining, it’s no wonder the film found a huge international audience.
