Want something new to watch on Netflix? The streamer's list of the top 10 most-watched movies on the platform is a great place to start, as this ever-changing ranking gives you an insight into what flicks are drawing the interest of subscribers.
However, the Netflix top 10 isn’t always a well-curated list of movies worth adding to your watchlist. Over the years, we’ve seen plenty of low-quality films make their way into the streamer’s most-watched list. Case in point, the truly terrible Adam Sandler comedy "Blended" is currently ranked No. 9, and it's certainly one to skip.
That's why I’m picking out the standout options in the Netflix top 10 that deserve your viewing time right now. This list includes one of the best Robert Downey Jr. dramas you've (probably) not seen as well as a classic animated comedy, and a slick action movie that proves Denzel Washington is the coolest man in Hollywood.
These picks are based on the Netflix top 10 as of 7:35 a.m. ET on Wednesday, May 8. And for even more top films that you can enjoy from the comfort of your own home, be sure to check out our list of the top 5 new movies to stream this week.
Best movies in the Netflix top 10
‘The Judge’ (2014)
“The Judge” is an example of a movie where critics and viewers don’t quite see eye-to-eye. While its 49% score on Rotten Tomatoes is enough to earn the Robert Downey Jr. fronted drama a “rotten” rating, its audience score is much more positive at a fairly strong 72%. For reference, I lean more towards the viewer score on this one, while the legal drama is a little long in the tooth, it’s well-constructed and features a host of strong performances not just from Downey Jr. but also Robert Duvall, Vera Farmiga, Jeremy Strong and Vincent D’Onofrio.
The predominantly courtroom-set movie focuses on Hank Palmer (Downey Jr.) a successful defense attorney in Chicago, who returns to his hometown in Indiana following the death of his mother. Reuniting with his father, Judge Joseph Palmer (Duvall), the pair’s fractured relationship is put to the ultimate test when Hank must defend his father in court after he’s accused of murder. As the case proceeds family secrets and struggles come to light.
Watch on Netflix now
‘Shrek’ (2001)
“Shrek” is one of the most beloved (and memed) animated movies ever made. It’s a family-friendly classic that needs no introduction, but if you’ve somehow yet to make acquaintance with the big green guy, this comedy follows the titular Shrek (Mike Myers), a swamp-dwelling ogre, on a perilous quest to save Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz) from a dragon-guarded tower on the orders of Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Along for the ride is a wisecracking talking mule, called Donkey (Eddie Murphy).
Set in a fantasy land, “Shrek” is a clever satire of fairy tales and riffs on several well-told stories like The Three Blind Mice and Little Red Riding Hood, and also takes a few playful swipes at Disney movies. It’s a real crowd-pleaser crammed full of loveable characters, and a soundtrack that has become iconic (it’s the reason that “All Star” by Smash Mouth remains a house party staple). While the animation is now a bit dated, “Shrek” remains a firm favorite to this day, and is as fun in 2024 as it’s ever been.
Watch on Netflix now
‘The Equalizer’ (2014)
“The Equalizer” is the perfect vehicle for Denzel Washington to showcase his action credentials. The legendary actor is practically perfect in the lead role of Robert McCall, a former special service commando, now living a quiet life in Boston. But this peaceful retirement doesn’t last when the experienced soldier is forced to go to war with the Russian mafia to protect a vulnerable young girl. What follows is a very bloody conflict.
Tapping into the same power fantasy as the “John Wick” movies (the first of which was released just a few weeks later), “The Equalizer” has spawned a franchise with two sequels and a TV show spin-off, but as is often the case, the original remains the best. While the hook of a retired soldier delivering no-hold-barred justice isn’t exactly original, the real selling point of “The Equalizer” is the magnetic screen presence of Denzel Washington.
Watch on Netflix now
Netflix top 10 movies right now
- "Unfrosted" (2024)
- "Shrek" (2001)
- "The Judge" (2014)
- "One More Shot" (2024)
- "The Great Wall" (2016)
- "Shrek Forever After" (2010)
- "The Equalizer" (2014)
- "Anyone But You" (2023)
- "Blended" (2014)
- "Madagascar: Escape 2 Africa"
