Netflix is celebrating a major victory this December. A single, ambitious original film has surged to the top of the global charts, reportedly costing over $150 million to produce. The pressure was immense, but the gamble paid off – it debuted at number one worldwide.
Beyond this blockbuster, the streaming service’s top ten is a delightful mix of entertainment. Expect animated adventures, heartwarming romantic comedies, pulse-pounding revenge thrillers, and, of course, plenty of festive holiday cheer. Even a uniquely Scandinavian tale of battling trolls found its place among the most-watched.
At number 10, Dr. Seuss’ *The Lorax* captivated over 4 million viewers. This vibrant 2012 adaptation, featuring the voices of Danny DeVito and Zac Efron, brought the environmental parable to a new generation. Its catchy songs and colorful visuals make it a family favorite, despite some debate over its faithfulness to Seuss’s original satire.
The prehistoric Crood family returned in *The Croods: A New Age*, securing the ninth spot with 4.2 million views. This sequel leans into comedic culture clashes as the Croods encounter the “Betterman” clan. Nicolas Cage, Emma Stone, and Ryan Reynolds are joined by Peter Dinklage, adding to the film’s broad appeal for both children and adults.
*The Hustle*, starring Rebel Wilson and Anne Hathaway, landed at number 8 with 4.2 million views. Inspired by *Dirty Rotten Scoundrels*, this con artist comedy found a second life on streaming, offering a lighthearted escape even if it pales in comparison to its classic predecessor.
Bruce Willis takes on the role of a vengeful surgeon in the 2018 remake of *Death Wish*, claiming the seventh position with 5.9 million views. The film sparked debate with its exploration of justice and gun culture, ultimately delivering a raw and unflinching revenge fantasy.
A trio of films tied for fourth place, each attracting 8 million viewers. *The Super Mario Bros. Movie* brought Nintendo’s iconic plumbers to the big screen with dazzling animation and a focus on spectacle. *KPop Demon Hunters* proved a surprising success, maintaining a strong presence in the charts for an impressive 26 weeks. And *Troll 2*, a sequel to Netflix’s Norwegian hit *Troll*, continued the monster mayhem with a distinctly Scandinavian flair.
George Clooney stars in *Jay Kelly* at number three, drawing in 9 million viewers. The film explores themes of celebrity and regret as a celebrated actor confronts his past. Supported by Adam Sandler and Laura Dern, it offers a reflective journey through Europe, though some critics found its themes familiar.
*My Secret Santa* charmed its way to the second spot with 16.2 million views. This cozy rom-com follows a single mother who disguises herself as Santa to make ends meet, finding unexpected romance with her boss. It’s a festive escape, prioritizing heartwarming vibes over critical acclaim.
Finally, *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery* claimed the top spot with a staggering 20.2 million views. Rian Johnson’s latest Benoit Blanc mystery delivers a darker, more introspective whodunit, featuring a stellar ensemble cast including Daniel Craig, Josh Brolin, Glenn Close, and Mila Kunis. It’s a captivating puzzle that has quickly become a global phenomenon.
