While Netflix heavily advertises its flagship programming and major feature films, there exists a plethora of surprising movies that consistently dominate the streaming platform’s charts. From audiences rediscovering hidden treasures from past decades to children repeatedly rewatching their beloved animated features, the Netflix charts frequently showcase unexpected cinematic gems.
Although Netflix boasts an impressive array of original programming, a significant portion of its charm lies in its extensive library of classic films. When we analyze what propels certain titles to the top of the charts, it’s fascinating to observe how these two facets of Netflix converge to create a diverse viewing experience that celebrates the rich history of cinema.
10
Discover the Cult Classic: The Quick And The Dead (1995)
Despite its initial underperformance at the box office in 1995, Sam Raimi’s The Quick and the Dead has seen a resurgence in popularity, shooting up the Netflix streaming charts in 2025. Featuring a star-studded cast that includes Russell Crowe, Leonardo DiCaprio, and Sharon Stone, this cult classic has garnered a dedicated fanbase over the years and is finally receiving the recognition it rightfully deserves from mainstream audiences.
As a genre-defying spectacle revolving around a merciless outlaw-turned-mayor who encourages bandits to eliminate one another for cash rewards, The Quick and the Dead plays up classic B-movie clichés while paying tribute to iconic works like Sergio Leone’s Dollars Trilogy. With Raimi’s distinctive absurdist style on full display, this innovative Western has ultimately received the acclaim it has long been denied.
9
Experience the Family Favorite: Despicable Me 4 (2024)
While a Despicable Me film performing well on streaming platforms is hardly surprising, many viewers may be astonished to discover that Despicable Me 4 emerged as the most-watched movie on Netflix during the first half of 2025. As a franchise that has grossed $5.6 billion, starring Steve Carell, audiences simply cannot get enough of Gru, the former supervillain, and his animated Minion companions.
Despicable Me 4 has sustained its popularity long after its theatrical release, exemplifying yet another remarkable instance of family-friendly films climbing the streaming charts. This sequel likely benefited from children’s tendency to rewatch their favorite films repeatedly, enhancing its viewership.
8
Explore the Heartwarming Story: The Intern (2015)
Although Robert De Niro was a dominant star in the 1970s, it’s the more contemporary film The Intern that continuously captivates audiences on Netflix. Starring De Niro alongside Anne Hathaway, this film explores themes of unlikely friendship, mentorship, and discovering new purpose in later life, resonating profoundly with viewers across streaming platforms.
Despite being nearly a decade old, The Intern reached the number one spot on Netflix’s US streaming charts shortly after its arrival on the platform in 2025. As a touching and humorous narrative that showcases one of De Niro’s finest comedic performances, The Intern strikes all the right chords and remains a beloved favorite for audiences globally.
7
Unravel the Mystery: Wall To Wall (2025)
Squid Game is not the only South Korean Netflix production that has achieved significant success with viewers worldwide, as Wall to Wall emerged as a surprising hit in 2025. This mystery thriller features Kang Ha-neul as Noh Woo-sung, a man who, after diligently saving his money to purchase an apartment, discovers unsettling truths about his new home.
Ranking as the number one non-English language film on Netflix in July 2025, Wall to Wall also soared to the top position in countries such as Japan, Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Vietnam. The global acclaim of Wall to Wall serves as a testament that when a story is compelling and performances are exceptional, international audiences will eagerly embrace foreign productions.
6
Experience the Thrills of The Cursed (2021)
The lesser-known gothic horror film The Cursed found unexpected success on Netflix, achieving a spot in the top ten in 2025. Featuring Yellowstone’s Kelly Reilly, this eerie tale about a werewolf terrorizing a rural French village in the 19th century entwines supernatural elements with genuine frights and a dark, unsettling atmosphere.
The Cursed presents a unique interpretation of werewolf mythology, as the villagers grapple with the true nature of the beast haunting their community. With its buried secrets and an age-old curse haunting the population, The Cursed is an intriguing horror offering from writer and director Sean Ellis.
5
Discover the Enchantment of Wish Dragon (2021)
The fantasy comedy Wish Dragon serves as Netflix’s alternative to Disney’s Aladdin, featuring a college student named Din Song who stumbles upon a magical teapot that houses a dragon capable of granting three wishes. While this premise may seem familiar, Wish Dragon is a delightful animated film that resonates with audiences on Netflix.
Featuring a remarkable voice cast including Jimmy Wong and John Cho, even producer Jackie Chan lent his voice to the Mandarin version of the film. Wish Dragon takes the foundational elements of Aladdin and recontextualizes them within a modern Chinese setting, crafting a captivating cultural remix that merges fantasy with contemporary Shanghai life.
4
Dive into the Holiday Horror: Krampus (2015)
The Netflix streaming charts demonstrate that it’s never too early to embrace the holiday spirit, as Krampus emerged as an unexpected hit on the platform in July 2025. This Christmas-themed horror-comedy draws inspiration from the Austro-Bavarian folklore figure of Krampus, a demonic creature known for punishing naughty children during the festive season.
Featuring stellar performances from actors like Toni Collette and Adam Scott, Krampus delivers genuine scares year-round as a dysfunctional family encounters the demon during a particularly stressful holiday gathering. The ominous and chilling atmosphere of Krampus leans heavily into horror elements, making it a noteworthy addition to the festive horror genre.
3
Delve into the Legal Thriller: The Lincoln Lawyer (2011)
While Matthew McConaughey enjoyed a remarkable resurgence in his career with hit films in the past, the original The Lincoln Lawyer continues to attract new audiences on streaming platforms. Although many might associate McConaughey with films like Dallas Buyers Club and Interstellar, The Lincoln Lawyer remains a pivotal release in the actor’s late-career renaissance.
In this film, McConaughey portrays lawyer Mick Haller, whose case involving a wealthy client accused of assault reveals unsettling connections to a previous case he handled. Blending themes of legal ethics with deep character exploration, it’s clear why Netflix chose to expand this successful film into a television series.
2
Enjoy the Action-Packed Adventure: Wanted (2008)
Fans of Angelina Jolie rediscovered one of her most thrilling action films when Wanted surged up the Netflix streaming charts in 2025. Starring James McAvoy as the timid, aspiring assassin Wesley Allan Gibson and Jolie as his skilled mentor, this tale of secret societies and hidden fraternities remains one of Jolie’s most underrated films.
Re-entering Netflix’s top ten nearly 17 years after its initial release, Wanted stands out as a stylish action film that continues to resonate with audiences due to its dynamic appeal even years later. Although plans for a sequel have stalled, the film’s recent resurgence may provide the necessary momentum to reignite discussions about a potential follow-up.
1
Sing Along with the Hit: Trolls Band Together (2023)
Despite being the third film in the Trolls franchise, Trolls Band Together consistently ranks among the top ten streaming movies on Netflix and has even claimed the top spot on several occasions. As a crowd-pleasing jukebox musical that reunited NSYNC members, it’s no wonder audiences have continued to embrace this delightful animated journey.
Trolls Band Together features Justin Timberlake, who has been involved with the franchise from the onset, joining forces with his NSYNC bandmates JC Chasez, Lance Bass, Joey Fatone, and Chris Kirkpatrick. This makes this third installment a must-watch for fans of 1990s boy band culture as well as younger viewers alike.
Sources: Netflix, FlixPatrol
