As we reach the halfway mark of 2025, one number stands out across the entertainment landscape — seven of the ten most-watched movies in the U.S. are Netflix originals. It’s an extraordinary data point that reflects both Netflix’s genre versatility and the continued strength of its global distribution model.
From January to June, Back in Action led the charts with a staggering 279 million viewing hours, the kind of engagement that rivals theatrical releases. In fact, it’s safe to say the traditional concept of “opening weekend” no longer applies — the new blockbuster metric is hours streamed, not tickets sold.
What’s interesting is that the top 10 list doesn’t lean on one type of content. Netflix scored hits across action (Back in Action, Havoc), drama (Straw, The Life List), sci-fi (The Electric State), and comedy (Kinda Pregnant, Nonnas) — showing that audience segmentation is being replaced by platform-driven trust. When Netflix releases something new, viewers tune in first and ask questions later.
Meanwhile, family titles like The Secret Life of Pets and Despicable Me 4 continue to prove that animated IPs are the most reliable long-tail assets in streaming. They’re evergreen — watched by kids today, rewatched by parents who saw them years ago.
If there’s one clear takeaway, it’s this: Netflix has found the balance between quantity and resonance. By blending big-budget spectacle with small emotional stories, it’s created a portfolio that satisfies both algorithmic diversity and human curiosity.
And for studios trying to reclaim ground, that’s a lesson in strategy as much as storytelling.
1. Back in Action (Netflix)
Views: 164.7 million (until the end of June 2025) | Genre: Action
Netflix’s biggest win of the year, Back in Action exploded onto screens with the kind of energy that made old-school action movies so rewatchable. Its 313 million hours watched make it not just the most-streamed film of the year — but arguably Netflix’s biggest mid-year blockbuster ever.
2. Straw (Netflix)
Views: 102.9 million | Genre: Drama
A low-key drama with massive emotional depth, Straw became 2025’s word-of-mouth sensation. For a film that’s all dialogue and heartbreak, breaking 100 million views is the definition of slow-burn success.
3. The Life List (Netflix)
Views: 95.5 million | Genre: Drama
A hopeful, human story about love, loss, and second chances, The Life List has quietly become Netflix’s top-performing drama. It’s the perfect “curl-up-on-a-Sunday” film — and its numbers prove it.
4. Havoc (Netflix)
Views: 86.9 million | Genre: Action
The testosterone-charged Havoc is all grit and gunfire. Audiences loved its throwback intensity, and its success shows Netflix can deliver high-octane thrills without needing a theater release.
5. The Secret Life of Pets 2 (Universal)
Views: 74.5 million | Genre: Family
The animated sequel continues to charm families everywhere. Its continued popularity is likely fueled by Despicable Me 4’s release, creating a mini-resurgence for Illumination’s talking-animal universe.
6. The Electric State (Netflix)
Views: 74.2 million | Genre: Sci-Fi
A big-budget gamble that paid off, The Electric State is one of Netflix’s most visually ambitious films to date. With 158 million viewing hours, it’s clear audiences still crave cinematic spectacle — even from their couch.
7. Despicable Me 4 (Peacock/Universal)
Views: 69.8 million | Genre: Animation
Gru and the Minions can’t be stopped. Despite streaming on Peacock, the franchise’s cultural staying power continues to pull families back in droves.
8. The Secret Life of Pets (Universal)
Views: 65.9 million | Genre: Family
Released almost a decade ago, the first Pets film remains a comfort-watch for millions. Its continued charting is rare — and a testament to the enduring charm of simple, heartwarming storytelling.
9. Kinda Pregnant (Netflix)
Views: 58.9 million | Genre: Comedy
A breezy, laugh-out-loud comedy that caught fire on TikTok, Kinda Pregnant proves Netflix still knows how to serve a quick, crowd-pleasing watch between heavier titles.
10. Nonnas (Netflix)
Views: 57.6 million | Genre: Comedy
The warm, food-filled family comedy that quietly snuck up on everyone. Nonnas became a sleeper hit thanks to its relatable humor and bingeable runtime — the perfect Sunday evening film.
Netflix’s numbers this year show that genre diversity + instant access equals total dominance. From bombastic action to small-scale drama and wholesome comedy, it’s covering every base — and audiences are responding in record numbers.
2025 might be the year theaters fought to recover, but on streaming screens, the story is clear: Netflix didn’t just win — it redefined what “winning” looks like.
