‘Global sensation' Netflix movie tops chart with 106 million views

Metro

25-07-2025

Steve Charnock Published July 24, 2025 1:32pm Updated July 24, 2025 2:55pm Link is copied Comments Film fans, gather 'round. Netflix has delivered another top 10 movies list for the week. And it's a menu featuring a cocktail of animated wonders, heart-stopping thrillers, dumb-founding documentaries and a dose of Tyler Perry's cross-dressing chaos. Whether you prefer subtitles, swordplay, supernatural pop idols or just want to witness Madea's latest disaster, this ranking reflects Netflix subscribers' loves across the genres. Strap in for a tour through what's making waves on the world's most popular streaming service right now…(Picture: Netflix) This Thai action‑horror flick exploded onto Netflix globally in its first week thanks to its martial arts‑infused zombie carnage. It's not your average undead romp, either. Choreographed Muay Thai meets dystopian grimness here, with emotional punches landing alongside physical ones. Critics praised the intensity but some flagged that the character arcs are on the thin side. Still, with its stylish violence and high‑energy pace, it's a welcome jolt for anyone bored of the standard watered‑down zombie fare - or just curious as to what K‑zombies might look like (Picture: Netflix) A quiet indie flick that snuck into Netflix's top 10 for the past week, this Maine‑based drama combines fall foliage with emotional isolation. It never attempts to provide the viewer with flashy spectacle, this is all about subtle performances and introspective pacing. To the point that it might just feel a wee bit like it's plodding unless you're really in the mood. Yet it drew in over 4 million viewers over the last seven days, possibly because people love looking at New England scenery. Not unforgettable, but oddly soothing for a film about a 12 year-old boy trying not to die in the wilderness (Picture: Everett/Shutterstock) Next up we have a Brazilian comedy‑drama from director Felipe Joffily that passes as a more-than-watchable flick. It's charmed audiences across the world with its messy familial twists and warm humor. Thankfully, its blend of romance, subtle laughs and tear‑jerking sincerity feels earnest rather than forced. It boasts a cast that sparkles with chemistry, though critics were quick to point out that it has more than a few predictable plot points. At roughly 5.5 million weekly viewers, it's clear the appeal lies in watching ordinary chaos unfold with genuine heart. And maybe in reminding yourself that your own family gatherings could always be worse (Picture: Netflix) Charlize Theron reprises her immortal warrior role in this sequel that Netflix viewers have been enjoying over the past couple of weeks. Expect slick fight choreography, a touch of existential angst and a franchise that seems to have legs. Critics say it glosses over character development in favor of all-out action, but if adrenaline is what you want from your next movie pick, then this delivers in spades. Who said you can't age gracefully with a double-headed axe in your hand? Probably no one. But if anyone ever does, show them this action flick to prove them wrong (Picture: Netflix/AP) Netflix's South Korean psychological thriller set in a pressure‑cooked apartment building has captivated audiences globally this week. A man discovers unsettling secrets beneath his new home. Think claustrophobia meets urban paranoia. Film reviewers applauded its tense atmosphere and sharp production design, though some found the specifics of the 'mystery' a little predictable. Still, if you enjoy slow‑burn dread rather than CGI jump scares, Wall to Wall offers a stylish and unsettling ride through your worst neighbor‑from‑hell scenario (Picture: Young-Uk Jeon/Netlix) Maybe you thought this anthology docuseries had already peaked with the wonderfully titled Poop Cruise. But this Trainwreck exploring the 2009 'Balloon Boy' hoax may just prove otherwise. It brings to life a truly odd story that's a perfect storm of ridiculousness with serious implications. Critics were mixed: some saw it as sensationalist, others found it illuminating. Watch it if you've ever wondered how the internet and tabloids turn absurdity into spectacle and allow ridiculous lies to snowball into something quite extraordinary (but still extremely stupid) (Picture: Netflix) This Rotterdam-set Dutch buddy‑comedy climbed into Netflix's top five mostly due to its big laughs and even bigger stunts. Two mismatched cops fumble through crime scenes, slapstick disasters and heartfelt confessions, all before you can say 'slightly cliched plot'. Critics called it silly but effective at delivering crowd‑pleasing chaos. If you're after uncomplicated laughs with a fair few explosions, this pairs well with popcorn and fairly low expectations (Picture: Netflix) Tyler Perry's diva grandma returns in this sun‑drenched matrimonial adventure in the Bahamas. As always, Madea is equal parts troublesome gran and moral compass, stirring up family drama when her nephew's daughter marries a rapper she barely knows. Critics like to dismiss the franchise as broad throwaway slapstick, but Perry's audience just loves that familiar chaos. It's comfort viewing. If your comfort involves exaggerated accents, hugely unflattering dresses and fairly easy jokes, that is (Picture: Netflix/Everett/Shutterstock) This German thriller has a smart premise: out of the blue, a mysterious brick wall encloses an apartment building, leaving residents trapped inside. Matthias Schweighöfer and Ruby O. Fee anchor the film with a fair bit of emotional realism as panic and paranoia start to spread. Movie writers lauded its clever premise and escalating tension, though some said the resolution of the film feels a little contrived. And not super well executed. Hence its 38% rating on Rotten Tomatoes (Picture: Netflix/Sasha Ostrov) This animated gem - called 'a global sensation' by the movie website Bloody Disgusting - has slowly but surely turned into a cultural phenomenon in its fifth week of being available. Since first landing in Netflix's top 10, it's racked up an incredible 106 million views, with almost 26 million of those in the last week alone. The premise: the stars are a K‑pop girl band by day and demon‑hunting superheroes by night. It's frantic, flamboyant and occasionally baffling. Arden Cho's lead voice performance went down so well it even rallied fans to try and keep the movie at top spot until a sequel gets greenlit by Netflix. Surely, given the incredible success of the thing, that decision isn't far off…? (Picture: Netflix)