What truly makes a film or show a phenomenon on Netflix? Is
it a star-studded cast, a massive budget, or a high-octane action plot? For
years, the streaming giant’s charts were dominated by films that ticked all
those boxes, with one particular title reigning supreme. Dwayne Johnson and
Ryan Reynolds’ blockbuster collaboration, Red Notice, seemed
untouchable, a testament to the power of star wattage and global reach. But
crowns on Netflix are not eternal. The question now lingers: what has ascended
to take its place, leaving the A-list titans humbled?
Netflix’s movie landscape is now ruled by an unlikely new
king, or specifically queens?
The animated musical that conquered the charts
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An animated musical, K-pop Demon Hunters, has
officially claimed the title of Netflix’s most-watched film ever. This animated
spectacle from Sony Pictures Animation has amassed an astonishing million views
since its debut in June. While Red Notice, released in 2021 and starring
Dwayne Johnson, Ryan Reynolds, and Gal Gadot, had 230.9 million views, earning
a 37% Rotten Tomatoes score. Conversely, K-pop Demon Hunters, which
premiered in 2025, has surpassed it with 236 million views and boasts a stellar
97% Rotten Tomatoes score.
The film’s remarkable success is an example of its
compelling story, dynamic visuals, and a soundtrack that has become a global
sensation, with four songs even charting on the Billboard Hot 100. With weeks
remaining in its 91-day premiere period, K-pop Demon Hunters is poised to
widen further the gap between itself and the now-second-place Red Notice,
solidifying its legacy as a cultural phenomenon.
The success of a film like K-pop Demon Hunters
highlights the incredible quality and immense popularity of animated movies on
the streaming platform.
Top must-watch animated movies on Netflix
From groundbreaking original productions to beloved
classics, the genre offers a treasure trove of entertainment for all ages. Guillermo
del Toro’s Pinocchio is an absolute masterpiece and an essential viewing
experience. The film, a visually stunning stop-motion re-imagining of the
classic tale, delves into mature themes of grief and loss with a beautiful and
haunting sensibility. It holds a remarkable 96% critics’ score on Rotten
Tomatoes.
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For those who appreciate a blend of humor, heart, and
stunning visuals, The Mitchells vs. the Machines is a standout choice.
This Oscar-nominated film is a chaotic and hilarious adventure about a
dysfunctional family forced to save the world from a robot apocalypse. The
movie’s unique animation style, which cleverly incorporates hand-drawn doodles
and visual gags, perfectly complements its energetic and witty narrative. It
has a 97% critics’ score on Rotten Tomatoes. The list does not end here; there are more animated masterpieces to fill one’s leisure time.
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Do you think the upcoming releases of Netflix can replace the new crown holder? Let us know in the comments below.