8 Most-Watched Netflix Shows of All Time
Netflix has revolutionized how we watch TV, delivering lots of original content. A few shows like Squid Games and Wednesday, rise above the rest, shattering records and capturing massive audiences worldwide. Netflix has a ton of shows that have gripping storylines and unexpected twists, these these types of series keep viewers coming back. Let’s dive into a list of the most-watched Netflix shows of all time!

1. Wednesday
Total Views: Over 252 million in its first 91 days.
Tim Burton’s Wednesday brought the kooky and mysterious Addams Family back into the spotlight. This comedy-horror series follows Wednesday Addams in her teenage years at Nevermore Academy, combining supernatural mysteries with a quirky edge. Wednesday has a mix of humor, spooky moments, and Jenna Ortega’s iconic performance turned it into the ultimate binge-worthy hit.
2. Stranger Things (Season 4)
Total Views: Approximately 141 million in 28 days.
Stranger Things has been a fan favorite since its debut, but Season 4 took things to another level. Season 4 had an intense storyline, bigger budget (estimated at $30 million per episode), and jaw-dropping moments, it became a global phenomenon. From the battle against Vecna to the introduction of brand new characters, plus serving Kate Bush’s music to a new generation, this season proved why the show remains among Netflix’s greatest hits.
3. Squid Game (Season 1)
Total Views: 152.5 million.
This South Korean series became a massive cultural sensation, drawing viewers into its high-stakes survival games. Packed with suspense and emotional drama, Squid Game captured the imagination of fans around the globe. The numbers don’t lie and Netflix recorded 68 million views in just four days after its release and 126.2 million in 11 days, marking the biggest TV debut on the platform. That is insane!
4. Bridgerton (Season 2)
Total Views: 193 million in its first month.
Shondaland’s Bridgerton series returned in its second season with a new love story, focusing on Lord Anthony Bridgerton’s journey to find a match. Bridgerton has it all! Viewers can spot lush costumes, scandalous drama, modern music played in a classic violin style and heartfelt romance made it irresistible for fans. This Regency-era drama redefined what spicy period storytelling could achieve in the streaming era.

5. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Total Views: Over 65 million (Part 5).
What started as a Spanish TV drama transformed into a global obsession. Money Heist took heists to the next level with its twisting plots and unforgettable characters like The Professor and Tokyo. Money Heist has multiple twists per episode, so we personally couldn’t help but finish the series in record time!
6. Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
Total Views: 196.2 million in its first 28 days.
True crime drama fans flocked to Dahmer for its chilling portrayal of the infamous serial killer. Played by Evan Peters, Jeffrey Dahmer’s story horrified and fascinated audiences. It sparked discussions around ethical storytelling as several of the victim’s families felt it shouldn’t have been filmed, but the popularity of the series left no doubt about its impact.
7. The Witcher (Season 1)
Total Views: 76 million in its first month.
Starring Henry Cavill, The Witcher brought Andrzej Sapkowski’s fantasy world to life. With swords, sorcery, monsters, and a catchy tune (“Toss a Coin to Your Witcher”), the show quickly won over fans. Season 1 set the tone for immersive storytelling that blended medieval and magical elements seamlessly. Season 3 brings in Liam Hemsworth as a replacement for Cavill so it will be interesting to see if the series can maintain it’s viewership.
8. The Queen’s Gambit
Total Views: Over 62 million households in 28 days.
Who would’ve thought a story about chess could captivate the world? The Queen’s Gambit turned a niche subject into riveting television. Viewers followed Beth Harmon’s journey from orphaned prodigy to global chess champion, with Anya Taylor-Joy delivering a breakout performance. Even years later, it remains iconic from the fashion to the tender friendship between the lead characters.
Other Notable Mentions
While the above titles dominate the all-time charts, several other shows also made waves:
- You (Season 4): Joe Goldberg’s twisted love story kept audiences on edge.
- Lupin: The tale of the gentleman thief became an international hit.
- The Crown (Season 5): Chronicling the British monarchy’s dramatic moments, it maintained its place as a prestige Netflix show.
- Tiger King: An early pandemic obsession that spiraled into memes and cultural discussions. It’s lead ended up broke and in prison which was a crazy ending to this twisted story.
What Makes These Shows So Popular?
So, why do these shows climb to the top? A combination of strong characters, compelling stories, and the ability to create buzz plays a huge role. Viewers crave narratives that make them think, laugh, cry, and—most importantly—hit “Next Episode.” The mystery of Stranger Things, the shocking moments of Squid Game, and the heartwarming charm of The Queen’s Gambit each deliver something unique.
Netflix’s global outreach also helps. Shows like Money Heist and Squid Game highlight how non-English programming can break barriers, letting different cultures tell really interesting and bineworthy stories.
The most-watched Netflix shows of all time prove how far-reaching great storytelling can be. Netflix continues to shape what it means to watch TV in a streaming-first world, and with more hits in the pipeline, the future of the platform looks as exciting as ever. Whatever your favorite genre, there’s always something waiting for you to press play. Which show will you binge next?