Netflix

Netflix Reveals Most Popular Movies and TV Series by Viewing Hours

Netflix has recently released new data detailing the most popular movies and television series on its platform, based on total viewing hours. This marks a shift from the previous metric used, which counted household views. The updated metric provides a clearer picture of viewer engagement with the content.

Top-Ranked TV Series

Leading the list of Netflix's most-watched TV series is Squid Game: Season 1, which has amassed a staggering 1.6 billion hours of viewing time. The South Korean series, known for its intense plot and social commentary, has captivated audiences worldwide.

Following Squid Game is Bridgerton: Season 1, with 625 million hours viewed. The period drama, celebrated for its diverse cast and intricate storytelling, holds significant appeal for Netflix's global audience.

Other notable entries include Money Heist: Part 4 with 619 million hours, Stranger Things 3 with 582 million hours, and The Witcher: Season 1 with 541 million hours. These series demonstrate the wide range of genres that Netflix offers, from fantasy to heist dramas, each attracting substantial viewer engagement.

Further down the list are 13 Reasons Why: Season 2 with 496 million hours, Maid: Limited Series with 469 million views, and both You: Season 3 and You: Season 2 with 468 million and 457 million views respectively.

Popular Films

On the film front, Red Notice tops the list with 328.8 million views, showcasing the pulling power of its star-studded cast. Bird Box, a thriller that spurred numerous discussions and memes upon its release, follows with 282 million views.

Also featured is Extraction, which has garnered 231 million views, highlighting Netflix's ability to produce action-packed films that resonate with a broad audience.

Current Top 10 Series

In addition to historical data, Netflix also provides a weekly update of its top series. For the week of September 3 to 9, the list is led by Wednesday: Season 2, which has remained in the top spot for five weeks. This series continues to engage audiences with its unique take on a beloved character from pop culture.

Other entries include My Life With the Walter Boys: Season 2 and Katrina: Come Hell and High Water: Season 1, each holding their positions for two weeks. Fresh entries such as The Great British Baking Show: Collection 13 and Raw: September 1, 2025 have quickly captured viewer interest.

The list also features Love Con Revenge: Season 1, Ms. Rachel: Season 2, A Thousand Tomorrows: Season 1, Two Graves: Limited Series, and Orphan Black: Season 1, all demonstrating Netflix's diverse programming range.

Understanding Viewer Engagement

Netflix's transition to tracking viewing hours over household views offers deeper insights into viewer engagement and preferences. This approach allows the streaming giant to assess which genres, formats, and storylines resonate most with its audience, influencing future content decisions.

The streaming service's use of data analytics to monitor these trends underscores its commitment to delivering content that aligns with viewer interests. Monthly updates on popular shows and movies reflect shifts in audience preferences, as new releases and returning favorites compete for attention.

Viewer demographics also play a crucial role in determining the popularity of Netflix's content. The platform's extensive library caters to a wide range of tastes, ensuring that there is something for everyone, from critically acclaimed series to award-winning films.

As Netflix continues to update its list of top content, the data provides valuable insights into what drives audience engagement and how viewing habits evolve over time.