Netflix has completely changed the way we watch shows. With billions of hours streamed every year, some series have managed to rise above the rest and become true global sensations. But which ones pulled in the biggest audiences?
Netflix uses a specific metric to measure popularity: views = total hours watched ÷ show’s runtime (in the first 91 days after release). Based on that, here’s the official list of the 10 most-watched series of all time as of September 2025.
From heart-racing thrillers to nostalgic dramas and supernatural mysteries, these shows kept us glued to our screens. Let’s dive in.
1. Squid Game (Season 1) – 265.2 million views
The South Korean survival drama that became a worldwide cultural moment. Deadly games, shocking twists, and sharp social commentary made it Netflix’s biggest hit ever.
2. Wednesday (Season 1) – 252.1 million views
Jenna Ortega’s Wednesday Addams brought gothic vibes, mystery, and humor to Nevermore Academy, winning fans of all ages.
3. Squid Game (Season 2) – 192.1 million views
The sequel raised the stakes with new challenges, deeper lore, and even more nail-biting suspense.
4. Squid Game (Season 3) – 143.4 million views
The final season tied everything together with big reveals and unforgettable confrontations.
5. Adolescence (Limited Series) – 142.6 million views
A powerful story about teenagers navigating identity, relationships, and the pressures of modern life. Relatable, raw, and binge-worthy.
6. Stranger Things (Season 4) – 140.7 million views
The Upside Down got scarier than ever, with emotional story arcs, new villains, and blockbuster-sized battles.
7. DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (Limited Series) – 115.6 million views
This chilling dramatization of one of the world’s most infamous serial killers shocked and fascinated audiences, with Evan Peters delivering a haunting performance.
8. Bridgerton (Season 1) – 113.3 million views
Romance, scandal, and stunning Regency-era visuals—Bridgerton’s debut season was everything fans of period dramas could ask for.
9. The Queen’s Gambit (Limited Series) – 112.8 million views
A beautifully told story of a chess prodigy rising against all odds. Intense, stylish, and surprisingly emotional.
10. Bridgerton (Season 3) – 106.0 million views
Focused on Penelope and Colin’s romance, this season gave fans drama, secrets, and all the gorgeous sets and costumes we love.
(Fun fact: Money Heist Part 4 also had 106.0 million views, but we’re highlighting Bridgerton here for variety.)
Why These Shows Hit Different
What’s interesting is how international content dominates this list. Squid Game didn’t just break records—it changed how audiences view non-English shows, proving that subtitles aren’t a barrier to global popularity.On the other side, Wednesday and Stranger Things struck gold with nostalgia, supernatural mysteries, and unforgettable characters. Meanwhile, Bridgerton offered pure escapism, blending romance with a modern twist on period drama.
Final Thoughts
These series aren’t just numbers on a chart—they represent the kinds of stories that connect with us, whether it’s the thrill of survival, the charm of romance, or the pull of mystery.If you haven’t seen them yet, maybe it’s time for your next binge. And keep an eye out—new shows could easily shake up this list in the coming months.