2025 was a typical year for Netflix and the streaming world: not every show or movie was a success, but the hits were huge. While several films drew interest, the TV shows really dominated the conversation. Series like Stranger Things, Black Mirror, Wednesday, Adolescence, Cassandra, The Witcher, You, American Primeval, Emily in Paris, and Squid Game all had significant moments – whether it was a final season, a major new installment, or a breakout launch that captured the public’s attention. But which of these shows truly stood out? We’ve created this list to highlight the best of the year.
These are the top 10 Netflix TV shows of 2025, listed from number 10 to number 1. We considered a lot when making this list – not just how many people watched, but also how long shows stayed popular, what viewers thought, how much buzz they created around the world, and even what criticisms they received.
10) Cobra Kai
After six seasons, the popular show Cobra Kai has concluded, and many fans consider its finale to be exceptionally well done. The series picked up decades after the original Karate Kid movie, following Johnny Lawrence and Daniel LaRusso. It succeeded because viewers connected with these characters and enjoyed the long-standing rivalry between them. The show didn’t need to change its core elements; it simply gave fans what they wanted – exciting conflicts, compelling drama, and a satisfying dose of nostalgia.
While Cobra Kai has been important to Netflix in the past, it didn’t perform as strongly as the year’s biggest hits. Several other shows left a bigger impression and were more memorable. This isn’t to say Cobra Kai is a bad show, but rather that its success comes from being consistently good over a long period of time.
9) The Beast in Me
Netflix has created a gripping psychological thriller with The Beast in Me. The show centers on Aggie Wiggs (Claire Danes), a writer who gets involved with a man suspected of murder. Their relationship unfolds with a mix of attraction, control, and risk. While some shows suffer from a slow burn, here it actually enhances the suspense and focuses on building psychological tension. The series is thought-provoking, and the exceptional performances are a major reason why it’s so compelling.
Even though the story sometimes follows predictable patterns, it’s still captivating. This is why The Beast in Me did so well on Netflix – it was one of their most popular movies of the year, staying in the Top 10 for weeks. However, it was a steady success, rather than a cultural phenomenon. While very impressive compared to other content on the platform, it didn’t quite reach the same level of massive popularity as the top-ranked shows.
8) Sean Combs: The Reckoning
2024 saw significant controversy, particularly surrounding musician and producer P. Diddy. At the close of 2025, Netflix released the documentary series Sean Combs: The Reckoning, which investigated the accusations against him and explored themes of power, influence, and the ways institutions often stay silent. The documentary’s impact came not just from its skillful production, but from the compelling and timely nature of a story that captured global attention.
The series has clearly been a hit, racking up around 21.8 million views in its first six days and hitting the top spot on Netflix in many countries – even briefly beating out Stranger Things. However, the show’s success is largely due to the timeliness of the subject matter and the public’s interest in it, rather than its artistic quality. It’s a must-watch, but its power comes from what it’s about, not how it’s made.
7) Sirens
It’s funny how some TV shows take off unexpectedly. Sirens started out quietly, but quickly gained a much larger audience than anyone anticipated. The show centers on Devon (Meghann Fahy), who goes undercover in a wealthy, exclusive world to find her sister, Simone (Milly Alcock). She soon realizes this world is driven by power struggles, competition, and deception. What made Sirens so successful was its ability to combine suspenseful drama with insightful observations about society, all while remaining thoroughly entertaining – a balance that appealed to a wide range of viewers.
The show exploded in popularity when it was first released. Positive buzz spread quickly, and it rapidly climbed the Netflix charts. Within just four days, it became the most-watched series of the week. Sirens initially looked like a standout hit of the year, but sadly, it lost steam relatively quickly.
6) The Diplomat
After the popular show House of Cards ended, viewers were looking for another compelling political drama on Netflix. The Diplomat filled that void, returning for a third season in 2025 and proving to be one of Netflix’s most consistently good series. The show centers on Kate Wyler, played by Keri Russell, an American diplomat navigating tricky international situations while also struggling with her personal life. The core of the show’s drama comes from the world of foreign policy.
Instead of losing momentum, the show continued to be strong. The writing quality stayed consistent in the new episodes, and existing fans remained dedicated, with very little negative feedback. The Diplomat has become a standout series in its genre, making it one of the year’s best. While it might not be the most talked-about show online, it consistently attracts viewers and keeps them engaged, making it a reliable success for Netflix.
5) Last Samurai Standing
Netflix’s Last Samurai Standing is a smart move for reaching viewers worldwide. The series, set in 1800s Japan, features samurai competing in a dangerous contest for money, mixing historical storytelling with the popular survival-game format seen in shows like Squid Game. This simple, engaging idea is easy for audiences everywhere to grasp and market. While that broad appeal is a benefit, it also means the show doesn’t push boundaries or explore complex themes in great depth, preventing it from being truly exceptional.
Despite being a new series, Last Samurai Standing has achieved significant success. It received a perfect 100
4) Squid Game
Netflix truly hit a high point with Squid Game. The show concluded in 2025, becoming one of its most successful series ever. The third and final season finished the story of the dangerous games where people compete for money, maintaining the mix of social issues and exciting visuals that first attracted a global audience. For weeks, the show dominated online conversations, inspired countless memes, and had everyone discussing the ending – and even a new spin-off that’s already being planned.
Despite some storytelling weaknesses, the latest season of Squid Game was a huge success. It broke records for global premieres and achieved the highest number of views Netflix has ever seen in a 10-day period. The show remains incredibly popular, and few series can capture worldwide attention with each new season. However, the new season didn’t have the same impact as the first, and the familiar format felt a little stale, preventing it from reaching its full potential.
3) Wednesday
While some viewers didn’t connect with Season 2 of Wednesday as strongly as they did with the first season, it was still a major success. The show continued to attract a large audience and ranked among Netflix’s most popular titles in 2025. Wednesday follows Wednesday Addams (Jenna Ortega) as she navigates a school for students who are different, combining mystery, the character’s signature dark humor, and typical teenage experiences.
The season reached a total of 119.3 million views, making it the fourth most popular English-language series ever on Netflix. While critics had mixed reactions, its success isn’t surprising. Wednesday appealed to a wide range of ages, didn’t face much negative feedback, and kept the story moving in a satisfying way, leaving viewers eager to see what happens next. It simply didn’t have the same cultural impact as the top two shows.
2) Adolescence
“Adolescence” was a standout show in 2025, demonstrating a clear vision and unwavering confidence. The series centers on Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), a teenager accused of a crime, and powerfully explores the emotional and social consequences through a gripping, intimate story. This combination of a strong narrative and exceptional acting quickly resonated with viewers globally.
Wow, as a total cinema and TV buff, I was blown away by how quickly Adolescence took off! It racked up over 140 million views in just its first few days – even beating Stranger Things Season 4 in that regard. It wasn’t just popular, though; it actually broke viewing records for limited series on Netflix and became their most-watched show worldwide in the first half of the year. Everyone was talking about how beautifully directed and well-written it was, and it really sparked conversations about some tough, important topics. The recognition was huge too – it won major awards, including Emmys, and even landed a whopping 2026 Golden Globe nominations! Honestly, Adolescence made a massive splash in a remarkably short time.
1) Stranger Things
Topping the charts is Stranger Things, a show that’s captured the world’s attention. After nearly ten years, the series concluded with its fifth season in late 2025, finishing strong and becoming Netflix’s biggest hit ever – even before the final episodes aired. The show’s impact on popular culture is huge, telling the story of a group of kids battling supernatural forces in a small town during the 1980s. It’s unique in its ability to combine widespread popularity, a global buzz, memorable characters, and a long-lasting emotional connection with its viewers.
As a huge cinema and TV fan, I have to say Stranger Things really became Netflix’s flagship show. When the final season dropped, it absolutely shattered all previous viewing records – even causing the service to temporarily crash! And it wasn’t just the new episodes; all the older seasons suddenly jumped back into Netflix’s Top 10 charts worldwide, too. It wasn’t just a season premiere, it felt like everyone stopped what they were doing to watch!
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2026-01-01 01:18