The scent of pine needles and the sound of carols are inescapable – Christmas is undeniably here. And if you’re gauging the season’s pulse, look no further than Netflix’s most-watched list. As the calendar edges closer to December 25th, the streaming giant is brimming with festive content, but one film is already dominating the charts, offering a surprising twist on holiday cheer.
Currently reigning supreme with a staggering 19.3 million views isJingle Bell Heist. Forget heartwarming tales of Santa’s workshop; this London-set crime-rom-com injects a dose of thrilling mischief into the season. It follows Sophie, a struggling retail worker, and Nick, a reformed convict, as they hatch a daring plan to rob a luxurious department store on Christmas Eve. Romance and secrets quickly complicate their already precarious alliance.
Just behind, with 14.4 million views,Champagne Problemsoffers a different flavor of festive escapism. Minka Kelly stars as a driven executive dispatched to Paris with a mission: acquire a champagne vineyard before Christmas. Her task? Negotiate with the vineyard’s charming heir, Henri Cassell, leading to a predictably sparkling connection. Critics have praised its smooth pacing and captivating cast.
The animated adventureKPop Demon Hunterscontinues its remarkable run, securing the third spot with 10.4 million views. What began as a quirky concept – a South Korean pop band battling supernatural forces – has blossomed into a global phenomenon, holding a place in the top ten for an astonishing 24 weeks.
In fourth place,In Your Dreams(9.3 million views) whisks viewers away on a vibrant animated journey. Siblings Stevie and Elliot embark on a thrilling quest through a fantastical dream realm to find The Sandman, captivating audiences with its polished animation and clever storytelling.
Guillermo del Toro’s reimagining ofFrankenstein(7.3 million views) continues to enthrall, now in its fourth week in the top ten. This isn’t simply a retelling of the classic horror story; it’s a deeply moving character study, featuring compelling performances from Oscar Isaac and Jacob Elordi.
Prepare for a somber, yet powerful experience withTrain Dreams(6.9 million views). Joel Edgerton delivers a stunning performance in this contemplative drama about a man grappling with loss and hardship. Be warned: this is a profoundly sad film, best saved for a moment when spirits are already high.
True crime enthusiasts are captivated byThe Carman Family Deaths(4.7 million views), a documentary that unravels a dramatic tale of rescue, accusation, and a wealthy New England family. This gripping film offers a chilling glimpse into a complex and unsettling case.
For lighthearted fun,A Merry Little Ex-Mas(4 million views) provides a breezy 90-minute escape. Alicia Silverstone and Oliver Hudson star in this charming rom-com, perfect for enjoying while decorating the tree or writing Christmas cards.
Jason Momoa returns as Aquaman inAquaman and The Lost Kingdom(3.9 million views), bringing underwater action and spectacle to the streaming platform. Despite a controversial lead-up, the sequel has proven popular with audiences.
Finally, Tom Hanks delivers a surprising performance inA Man Called Otto(3.6 million views). Departing from his usual jovial roles, Hanks portrays a curmudgeon who rediscovers joy through unexpected connections with his new neighbors. It’s an uplifting, if occasionally poignant, watch.