With a subscriber base exceeding 300 million across more than 190 countries, Netflix stands as the world’s leading streaming platform, offering a vast catalog of content. Despite this extensive library, only a select few shows and films capture worldwide attention and secure a place in Netflix’s elite list of most-watched programs.
The following rankings showcase the top 10 most-viewed shows ever released on Netflix, determined by global viewership numbers within the first 91 days of a show’s debut. According to Netflix’s official methodology, views are calculated by dividing the total number of hours watched by a show’s runtime, offering a standardized measure of popularity.
Topping the list is the South Korean sensation Squid Game (Season 1), which amassed an astounding 265.2 million views in its first 91 days. This achievement illustrates the increasing global appeal of non-English programming. “Squid Game” originally premiered in September 2021 during a time when pandemic-induced lockdowns boosted digital content consumption dramatically. Its gripping storyline and cultural relevance propelled it to unprecedented heights, and its sequel also found massive success, earning 192.1 million views during the same initial window.
In fact, three of the top 10 shows are non-English productions, highlighting the internationalization of streaming entertainment. These include Squid Game (both seasons) and Money Heist (Season 4), which pulled in 106 million views. The Spanish-language crime drama continues to hold its ground among global viewers, proving that language barriers are increasingly irrelevant in the age of subtitles and dubbing.
While international content is gaining prominence, English-language shows still dominate the rankings. Wednesday (Season 1) follows closely behind Squid Game, with 252.1 million views. The show’s appeal lies in its charismatic lead, Wednesday Addams, described as both mysterious and sarcastic. With a quirky storyline set against a gothic backdrop, it managed to captivate a broad audience and is Netflix’s second most-watched show.
Sci-fi horror series Stranger Things (Season 4) occupies the fourth spot with 140.7 million views. The show’s nostalgic 1980s Indiana setting and its gripping mix of supernatural and suspenseful plotlines have made it a cultural phenomenon over the years. Each season builds on the previous with more intrigue and intensity, and its latest installment was no different in drawing massive attention.
The fifth spot goes to Adolescence, the newest addition to Netflix’s top 10. Debuting in March 2025, the show quickly garnered 134 million views in just two months. This limited series has been widely praised for its cinematic style, particularly the bold decision to film each episode in a continuous single shot without any cuts. This innovative approach has set it apart from traditional television formats. “Adolescence” is noted for being a standout in storytelling and direction, adding artistic depth to mainstream streaming content.
Coming in sixth is DAHMER, a chilling true-crime series chronicling the life and crimes of Jeffrey Dahmer. It received 115.6 million views, underlining the continued popularity of real-life horror stories and the general fascination with criminal psychology. This show sparked significant conversations around the ethics of dramatizing real tragedies but still managed to pull viewers in with its intense narrative and stellar performances.
Bridgerton (Season 1) follows next with 113.3 million views. The period drama, centered on Regency-era romance and high society intrigue, has resonated strongly with viewers around the world. Its third season also made the list with 106 million views, making Bridgerton the only show with multiple seasons featured in the top 10, aside from Squid Game. With a diverse cast, elegant costumes, and a romantic storyline, it offers a refreshing alternative to the thrillers and mysteries that dominate the list.
The Queen’s Gambit, another English-language limited series, ranks eighth with 112.8 million views. Based on a young chess prodigy’s journey to the top of the competitive chess world, the show captivated audiences not only with its plot but also with its stylish execution and emotional depth. It’s the only other single-season show besides Adolescence to make the cut, demonstrating the potential for limited series to leave a lasting impact.
Completing the list is Money Heist (Season 4), which like Squid Game, is a testament to the power of foreign-language programming on a global platform. Originally a Spanish-language series, Money Heist has become a global cultural symbol for rebellion and resistance, attracting audiences far beyond its domestic market. The fourth season’s viewership of 106 million confirms its sustained popularity.
Here’s the complete ranking of Netflix’s most-watched shows based on the number of views in the first 91 days of their release:
- Squid Game (Season 1) – 265.2M views – Korean
- Wednesday (Season 1) – 252.1M views – English
- Squid Game (Season 2) – 192.1M views – Korean
- Stranger Things (Season 4) – 140.7M views – English
- Adolescence – 134.0M views – English
- DAHMER – 115.6M views – English
- Bridgerton (Season 1) – 113.3M views – English
- The Queen’s Gambit – 112.8M views – English
- Bridgerton (Season 3) – 106.0M views – English
- Money Heist (Season 4) – 106.0M views – Spanish
Although non-English shows have clearly proven their global appeal, the top 10 list still sees English-language content claiming seven of the ten spots. This suggests that while Netflix viewers are increasingly open to international storytelling, English shows retain a strong hold on the platform’s viewership base.
From thrillers and horrors to period romances and single-season masterpieces, Netflix’s most-watched list reveals that high-quality storytelling—regardless of language or format—can capture the imagination of a worldwide audience. Whether it’s the high-stakes games of Squid Game, the eerie charm of Wednesday, or the artistic risk-taking of Adolescence, each of these shows has found a way to resonate with millions.
“Squid Game’s first season premiered in September 2021, supported by ballooning media consumption during COVID lockdowns,” Netflix notes, highlighting the timing of its breakout success.
Ultimately, the top 10 most-viewed shows underscore the diversity in viewer preferences, genre tastes, and geographic reach. As global audiences continue to evolve, so too does the definition of what makes a show a hit in the digital age.