Are you looking for your next show to binge-watch on Netflix? There is no denying the streaming giant has had some absolute smash hits, and the top 5 shows on Netflix change regularly depending on the popularity of new releases.
But what are the top 5 shows on Netflix of all time?
Since Netflix began streaming in 2007, moving from the DVD rental market, there have been over 1,500 original shows made for the streaming service alone before you look at all the additional series it has, such as The Big Bang Theory, Gilmore Girls, Friends, and Vampire Diaries to name a few.
Netflix received fewer than 105 Emmy nominations in 2022 alone, coming away with 26 trophies alongside 16 Oscar wins from 116 nominations for their original movies.
How Does Netflix Measure Success?
Now, you may be wondering what constitutes success and how does Netflix identify whether or not something has been popular. Recent changes have come into play to give more accurate viewing and popularity scores of everything it releases on the platform.
Previously, if just minutes of a show or movie was streamed, it counted; now, it is by total hours watched.
If you want to know what the top 5 shows on Netflix are, read on to find out!
Squid Game S1
Squid Game was undeniably a runaway success for the streaming platform, and no one was expecting it to reach the level of success it did. With a massive 94% Rotten Tomatoes score, the show took the world by storm and seemed to take on a life of its own.
The premise of the show, set in a dystopian world, is that people are invited to participate in children’s games for the opportunity to win cash. However, all isn’t as it seems, and there are deadly stakes that no one expected. What exactly are people willing to do to win?
You will have to watch to find out, and with over 1,65 billion viewed hours, audiences definitely wanted to know more.
Stranger Things S4
The latest instalment of the smash hit series Stranger Things, S4, catches up with the Hawkins crew to find out what has been happening and how life is treating everyone in the aftermath of the finale of S3.
There is a new monster in town, or is there? For fans of the show, the stand-out characters this season were Max and her epic choice in music (who will ever forget Kate Bush’ Running up That Hill!) and newcomer Eddie played by the outstanding Joseph Quinn.
With over 1.3 billion hours viewed and a Rotten Tomatoes score of 91%, it’s safe to say this season didn’t disappoint.
Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
For fans of true crime, this series was long awaited. Played by the ever-charismatic Evan Peters, Dahmer: Monser: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story was bound to be a hit, but no one was prepared for the depths the show would go to explore the man himself and his despicable crimes.
It was a strict watch with one of the most prolific serial killers being portrayed on the small screen, but fans lapped it up and were both enthralled and disgusted in equal measures. The Rotten Tomatoes score is only 54%, but fans voted with their viewing hours, and this series is currently over 830 million watched hours placing in the top 5 Netflix shows of all time.
Money Heist S5
Fans haven’t been able to get enough of this daring escapade where a group of 8 thieves takes hostages in the bank of Spain. For those following along (no spoilers), the stakes have risen, and the gang is facing a new adversary in Season 5. Will things go well, or are the stakes too high for Netflix’s most enterprising criminals?
Only time will tell, and to date, the time spent watching this five-part drama has been in excess of 790 million hours. And with a Rotten Tomatoes score of 90%, even the critics are invested in this long-running heist show.
Bridgerton S2
When it comes to period dramas, Bridgerton has been a runaway success. And with Shonda Rhimes at the helm, you can see why.
Based on the books of the same name, these series follow eight close-knit family members as they navigate high society in London. Fans have loved the elaborate costumes, the fanciful set designs, and the grandeur of days gone past, all mixed in with copious amounts of drama and romance.
Just tipping S1 when it comes to viewing hours (S2 has over 656 million compared to S1 625 million plus viewing hours), the series didn’t exactly wow critics (Rotten tomatoes scored s! 87%, and S2 77%) viewers have loved the dashing characters, the leading heartthrobs and antics of the Bridgerton family.
So there you have it. The current top 5 shows on Netflix of all time. Which ones have you seen, and what did you think of them?