Netflix’s Top 10 Most Watched Movies+Shows in 2021

By: Paoline S. Guinoo

Netflix has drastically changed the way people consume movies, films, and a variety of shows. Millions of moviegoers still head to the theaters week after week to watch Hollywood’s newest offerings, but there are plenty of viewers who are opting for at-home entertainment instead.

The streaming service’s exponential growth in the past 15 years means that the world’s biggest stars like Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson, Sandra Bullock, Ryan Reynolds, and Robert De Niro have all jumped on board to produce movies with the popular streaming service like Red Notice, Bird Box, and The Irishman. Together, they have brought hundreds of millions of viewers to the platform. (Rodriguez, 2021)

Netflix was known not to reveal its viewing figures, but the service began unveiling numbers for its biggest hits earlier in 2021. Take a look on the list of movies whom you’ve help to make it to the top 10 on Netflix in the world 2021.

TOP 10 MOVIES ON NETFLIX 2021

Red Notice

Director: Rawson Marshall Thurber

An FBI profiler pursuing the world's most wanted art thief becomes his reluctant partner in crime to catch an elusive crook who's always one step ahead.

We Can Be Heroes

Director: Robert Rodriguez

When alien invaders capture Earth's superheroes, their kids must learn to work together to save their parents — and the planet

Army of the Dead

Director: Zack Snyder

After a zombie outbreak in Las Vegas, a group of mercenaries takes the ultimate gamble by venturing into the quarantine zone for the greatest heist ever.

Wish Dragon

Director: Chris Appelhans

Determined teen Din is longing to reconnect with his childhood best friend when he meets a wish-granting dragon who shows him the magic of possibilities.

Army of the Thieves

Director: Matthias Schweighöfer

In this prequel to "Army of the Dead," a mysterious woman recruits bank teller Dieter to help her crew crack three legendary safes across Europe.

The Mitchells vs. The Machines

Director: Mike Rianda (in his feature directorial debut), co-directed by Jeff Rowe

The Machines. A robot apocalypse put the brakes on their cross-country road trip. Now it's up to the Mitchells — the world's weirdest family — to save the human race.

Fatherhood

Director: Paul Weitz

A widowed dad copes up with doubts, fears, heartache, and dirty diapers as he set out to raise his daughter on his own. Inspired by a true story.

The Unforgivable

Director: Nora Fingscheidt

Released from prison into a society that won't forgive her, a woman convicted of murder searches for the little sister she was forced to leave behind.

The Guilty

Director: Antoine Fuqua

A troubled police detective demoted to 911 operator duty scrambles to save a distressed caller during a harrowing day of revelations -- and reckonings.

Yes Day

Director: Miguel Arteta

A mom and dad who usually say no decide to say yes to their kids' wildest requests — with a few ground rules—on a whirlwind day of fun and adventure.

TOP 10 TV SHOWS ON NETFLIX 2021

Squid Game

Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk

Hundreds of cash-strapped players accept a strange invitation to compete in children's games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits — with deadly high stakes.

Money Heist

Director: Alex Rodrigo, Jesús Colmenar

Eight thieves take hostages and lock themselves in the Royal Mint of Spain as a criminal mastermind manipulates the police to carry out his plan.

Lupin

Director: Louis Letterier

Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, gentleman thief Assane Diop sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family.

Sex/Life

Director: Stacy Rukeyser

A woman's daring sexual past collides with her married-with-kids present when the bad-boy ex she can't stop fantasizing about crashes back into her life.

Bridgerton

Director: Alrick Riley, Julie Anne Robinson, Sheree Folkson, Tom Verica

The eight close-knit siblings of the Bridgerton family look for love and happiness in London high society

New Amsterdam

Director: Peter Horton

America's oldest hospital welcomes a new maverick director in Dr. Max Goodwin, who steps in to change the status quo and save patients' lives.

Lucifer

Director: Len Wiseman

Bored with being the Lord of Hell, the devil relocates to Los Angeles, where he opens a nightclub and forms a connection with a homicide detective.

Who Killed Sara?

Director: David Ruiz

Hell-bent on exacting revenge and proving he was framed for his sister's murder, Álex sets out to unearth much more than the crime's real culprit.

Yo soy Betty la fea

Director: Fernando Gaitán

Never very pretty, Betty has dedicated all her time to her studies. But her life changes when she gets a job at Eco Moda and meets Armando Mendoza.

Maid

Director: Wells

After fleeing an abusive relationship, a young mother finds a job cleaning houses as she fights to provide for her child and build them a better future.

References:

• Rodriguez, K. (2021, December 31). The 10 Most Watched Netflix Movies of All Time. Complex. https://www.complex.com/pop-culture/most-watched-netflix-movies-right-now/

• Flix Patrol. (2022). Top 10 on Netflix in the World 2021. https://flixpatrol.com/top10/netflix/world/2021/