Predicting the 10 Biggest Netflix Hits of 2026

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2025 was a standout year for Netflix. The hit movie KPop Demon Slayers quickly became the most popular film ever on the platform, exceeding even Red Notice in viewership. In terms of TV series, long-running favorites Stranger Things and Squid Game both came to an end with their final seasons, concluding the Hawkins story on New Year’s Eve and wrapping up Squid Game’s narrative after three seasons, respectively. Wednesday continued to be a popular draw with its second season. The year also saw critical acclaim for Guillermo del Toro’s Frankenstein, starring Jacob Elordi and Oscar Isaac, which set a new benchmark for high-quality horror series.

Netflix is planning a strong 2026 lineup by bringing back popular shows. Fans can look forward to the second season of the sci-fi hit 3 Body Problem and more of the live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender. The year will also wrap up The Witcher with a final, large-scale season starring Liam Hemsworth as Geralt of Rivia. While these returning series are expected to be popular, Netflix anticipates that other new releases will break viewership records.

10) Little Brother

Later this year, Netflix will release Little Brother, a new comedy directed by Matt Spicer. The film stars John Cena as a structured real estate agent whose life is thrown into chaos when his unpredictable younger brother, played by Eric André, shows up unexpectedly. With producers like Ruben Fleischer and David Bernad (known for The White Lotus), the movie combines Cena’s established star power with André’s unique comedic style to appeal to a wide audience who enjoy funny stories about family and relatable characters. Michelle Monaghan and Christopher Meloni also join the cast, adding even more talent and boosting the film’s potential to become a streaming hit.

9) Swapped

Skydance Animation and Netflix are continuing their collaboration with the upcoming film, Swapped, a lively adventure directed by Nathan Greno. Greno, known for directing the Disney hit Tangled, has a history of creating popular, family-friendly movies. Swapped tells the story of a feisty forest animal and a bird who are enemies but are magically switched into each other’s bodies. The film stars Michael B. Jordan and Juno Temple as the main characters, and features comedic support from Tracy Morgan and Cedric the Entertainer. With a classic body-swap plot and a focus on animals and comedy, Swapped is expected to be a big draw for families when it releases in 2026.

8) Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials

The mystery genre consistently draws viewers, which should benefit Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials, a new series created by Chris Chibnall. Chibnall, known for shows like Broadchurch and Doctor Who, is updating a classic Agatha Christie story for modern audiences. The series centers on Bundle (Mia McKenna-Bruce), a determined young woman who uncovers a complex conspiracy sparked by a dangerous prank. Netflix has brought together a talented cast, including Martin Freeman as Superintendent Battle and Helena Bonham Carter as Lady Caterham. Given the recent success of mystery series like the Knives Out trilogy, Agatha Christie’s Seven Dials is expected to be a popular title on Netflix for quite some time.

7) Emily in Paris (Season 6)

Following the success of its fifth season, Netflix has renewed Emily in Paris for a sixth season. The latest season, which premiered in December 2025, attracted 26.8 million viewers in its first 11 days, demonstrating the show’s continued importance for keeping subscribers engaged. Creator Darren Star has kept the series popular by expanding its location beyond Paris to other parts of Europe – a move that recently made it the No. 1 show in 24 countries. The Season 5 finale introduced a major storyline change, hinting that the upcoming 2026 episodes will be set against a Mediterranean backdrop. With a high number of repeat viewers and a loyal fanbase, Season 6 of Emily in Paris is expected to be a reliable hit for Netflix in 2026.

6) Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man

Fans can expect the final chapter of the Shelby family story in 2026 with the release of Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man on Netflix. This film is especially noteworthy because it brings Cillian Murphy back to his famous role after his Oscar win for Oppenheimer, which has solidified his position as a leading actor. Building on that success, Murphy’s return to playing the tough Birmingham gangster is a major event. Director Tom Harper has added even more star power to the project by casting Rebecca Ferguson and Barry Keoghan. With a proven audience from the original series and this impressive cast, Peaky Blinders: The Immortal Man is expected to be a huge hit for Netflix.

5) Enola Holmes 3

Millie Bobby Brown is back as the clever and independent detective in Enola Holmes 3, continuing the popular series. After the success of the first two movies, this new installment takes Enola to Malta for a dangerous new mystery. Brown’s return is a major reason fans are excited, as she’s become a popular star on Netflix, especially with younger viewers, and Enola Holmes is now a key part of the platform’s film lineup. Philip Barantini is directing this time, and promises to keep the fun, fast-paced style and unique storytelling that fans love.

4) Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story

The next season of Ryan Murphy’s true-crime series, Monster: The Lizzie Borden Story, is expected to be a major topic of conversation in late 2026. Following the huge success of Monster: The Ed Gein Story – which gained over 12 million views in its first three days – this new installment stars Ella Beatty as Lizzie Borden, a role that marks a high point in the actress’s career after her popular performance in Feud: Capote vs. The Swans. In an unexpected casting choice, Charlie Hunnam, who recently played Ed Gein, will return to the series as Andrew Borden, Lizzie’s father. Rebecca Hall will play stepmother Abby Borden, and Vicky Krieps will portray the family maid, Bridget Sullivan. By focusing on a female subject for the first time and assembling a well-known cast, Ryan Murphy aims to make this season as popular and widely discussed as previous Monster installments.

3) Bridgerton (Season 4)

Season four of Bridgerton centers on Benedict Bridgerton’s (Luke Thompson) search for love, sparked by a captivating encounter at a grand masquerade ball. This season is based on the popular book An Offer from a Gentleman and introduces Yerin Ha as Sophie Baek, the enigmatic “Lady in Silver” who catches Benedict’s eye. Bridgerton continues to be a major draw for Netflix, and this new season hopes to build on the success of the 2024 episodes, which gained over 45 million views in their first week. Showrunner Jess Brownell promises a visually stunning story that delves into the artistic side of Regency London, with new characters like Lady Araminta Gun (Katie Leung). With its strong presence on social media and devoted fanbase, Bridgerton Season 4 is expected to be one of Netflix’s biggest hits of the year.

2) Stranger Things: Tales From ’85

Even though the main Stranger Things story has ended, the world of Hawkins lives on with the new animated series, Stranger Things: Tales From ’85. Set in the winter of 1985, this series follows the familiar characters as they tackle a spooky mystery that happens between seasons two and three. Created by the Duffer Brothers and Eric Robles, the show aims to recapture the fun, nostalgic feel of old Saturday morning cartoons while still delivering the franchise’s signature horror. While the original actors don’t return, a new voice cast—including Brooklyn Davey Norstedt as Eleven and Luca Diaz as Mike—brings the story to life. Given the huge popularity of the Stranger Things finale, demand for more stories is incredibly high, making this animated series a must-watch for millions of fans.

1) Narnia

Netflix’s biggest project for 2026 is a new film series based on C.S. Lewis’s Narnia books, helmed by acclaimed director Greta Gerwig. It’s been 16 years since Narnia was last adapted for the screen, and Netflix is investing over $200 million in this ambitious franchise. The first film, The Magician’s Nephew, will tell the story of how the world of Narnia was created and how the White Witch (played by Emma Mackey) came to power. The movie boasts a fantastic cast, including Daniel Craig, Meryl Streep (voicing Aslan), and Carey Mulligan. Netflix is planning a major release, starting with an exclusive IMAX theatrical run on November 26, 2026, before debuting globally on their streaming service on December 25. With the popular Narnia books and Gerwig’s directing talent, this series is expected to be Netflix’s biggest success of 2026.

What movie or TV series do you predict will become the most popular on Netflix in 2026? Share your thoughts in the comments and join the discussion on the ComicBook Forum!

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2026-01-11 03:15