These Are The 10 Most Popular English Shows On Netflix Of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 21st 2025, 17:00 GMT+2

Cropped stranger things season 3 — 10. Stranger Things 3 – 94,800,000 views / 716,100,000 hours viewed

When Hawkins, Indiana becomes ground zero for another supernatural crisis, *Stranger Things 3* delivers the perfect storm of neon nostalgia, teen angst, and monster-chomping mayhem. The third season ramps up the action with Starcourt Mall as its flashy centerpiece, giving fans food courts, fashion, and a portal to the Upside Down all under one roof. Relationships bloom and break, friendships are tested, and, of course, terrifying creatures lurk just out of sight. What makes this season stand out is the way it leans into summer fun while never losing the eerie edge that makes the series so addictive. Eleven grows more powerful, but also more vulnerable, while the rest of the gang tries to balance growing up with saving the world. It’s equal parts heartfelt and horrifying, with enough humor sprinkled in to keep the binge-watching marathon fun. By the explosive finale, the stakes feel higher than ever, proving why this show continues to dominate the cultural conversation. *Stranger Things* didn’t just capture viewers’ attention – it made sure they never wanted to look away. | © Netflix

Cropped Fool Me Once — 9. Fool Me Once – 98,200,000 views / 629,800,000 hours viewed

Mystery fans found their latest obsession in *Fool Me Once*, the twisty limited series adapted from Harlan Coben’s bestselling novel. The story follows Maya, a woman haunted by the murder of her husband – only to see him appear alive on her nanny cam, kicking off a chain of secrets and shocking revelations. Each episode tightens the web of lies, pulling viewers into a suspenseful spiral where nobody can be trusted. The show balances emotional intensity with edge-of-your-seat pacing, ensuring that the binge feels both thrilling and addictive. With strong performances and a plot that never stops doubling back on itself, it became a must-watch for anyone who loves unraveling mysteries. Audiences were hooked by the way it teased answers before flipping the script yet again. It’s the kind of show that sparks endless “just one more episode” promises, even as the clock pushes past midnight. By the finale, the payoff is as satisfying as it is shocking, leaving viewers breathless. | © Netflix

Cropped The Night Agent Season 1 — 8. The Night Agent: Season 1 – 98,200,000 views / 803,200,000 hours viewed

Political thrillers often talk big, but *The Night Agent* backs up every whisper and shadowy phone call with genuine tension. This fast-paced series follows Peter Sutherland, a low-level FBI agent who answers a mysterious emergency line in the basement of the White House – only to find himself pulled into a massive conspiracy. The show excels at weaving paranoia, action, and government intrigue into a binge-worthy package that keeps the pulse racing. What could have felt like a standard thriller is elevated by its sharp writing and strong performances, particularly Gabriel Basso as the reluctant hero. Each episode peels back another layer of secrets, making it impossible not to hit “Next Episode.” It’s stylish, suspenseful, and unapologetically addictive, a reminder that Netflix knows how to deliver an instant crowd-pleaser. Fans praised it for blending action with character-driven stakes, ensuring it never lost its heart amidst the chaos. And in true Netflix fashion, the cliffhangers are crafted to make sleep feel optional. | © Netflix

Cropped Bridgerton Season 3 — 7. Bridgerton: Season 3 – 106,000,000 views / 46,500,000 hours viewed

Opulence, gossip, and romance return in *Bridgerton: Season 3*, where the ton’s glittering ballrooms are once again filled with whispers of scandal. This season shifts its focus to Penelope Featherington and Colin Bridgerton, giving fans a slow-burn love story packed with longing looks and stolen moments. The lavish costumes and grand sets remain as dazzling as ever, turning every scene into a visual feast. But beneath the gowns and gossip, the emotional core resonates – friendships, betrayals, and secret identities all intertwine with the love story at its center. Viewers were once again swept away by the irresistible mix of romance and intrigue, proving that this Shondaland hit still has plenty of magic left. Every dance feels like a declaration, every letter like a weapon, and every secret like a ticking time bomb. It’s escapism at its most luxurious, with enough heart to keep fans invested long after the credits roll. For anyone craving love and drama wrapped in silk and diamonds, this season delivers it all. | © Netflix

Cropped The Queens Gambit — 6. The Queen’s Gambit – 112,800,000 views / 746,400,000 hours viewed

Who knew chess could be this thrilling? *The Queen’s Gambit* turned the quiet strategy of the board into one of Netflix’s most addictive dramas, captivating audiences worldwide. Anya Taylor-Joy shines as Beth Harmon, a prodigy whose brilliance is matched only by her struggles with addiction and loneliness. The series carefully balances the technical side of the game with powerful storytelling, making every match feel like a life-or-death battle. Its stunning cinematography, period detail, and haunting score add layers of elegance to the gripping narrative. Beyond the drama, it sparked a cultural phenomenon, inspiring a global wave of interest in chess that saw sales of boards skyrocket. The limited series is proof that great storytelling can make even the most unexpected subjects riveting. With just the right mix of brilliance and vulnerability, Beth became an icon of resilience and ambition. By the end, viewers weren’t just rooting for her wins – they felt every move along with her. | © Netflix

Cropped Bridgerton Season 1 — 5. Bridgerton: Season 1 – 113,300,000 views / 929,300,000 hours viewed

The season that started it all, *Bridgerton: Season 1* swept audiences into the decadent world of Regency-era London with irresistible charm. At its heart was the passionate romance between Daphne Bridgerton and Simon, the Duke of Hastings, a pairing that had fans swooning from the very first waltz. With Shonda Rhimes’ signature flair, the show blended lush production design, sizzling chemistry, and just enough scandal to make every episode a guilty pleasure. Beyond the corsets and ballroom gossip, it offered heartfelt stories of family loyalty and personal struggle, giving it emotional depth alongside the spectacle. It became a global phenomenon, sparking endless memes, playlists, and even fashion trends inspired by the Regency aesthetic. The season redefined period dramas for modern audiences, making them bold, inclusive, and more daring than ever before. Every whispered rumor and longing glance kept viewers hooked, ensuring binge-watching marathons were inevitable. By the finale, it was clear Netflix had found its crown jewel of romance storytelling. | © Netflix

Cropped DAHMER Monster The Jeffrey Dahmer Story — 4. Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story – 115,600,000 views / 1,031,100,000 hours viewed

Few series gripped audiences – and stirred controversy – quite like *Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story*. Ryan Murphy’s chilling dramatization of one of history’s most infamous serial killers was as haunting as it was unsettling, bringing Evan Peters into the spotlight with a performance both terrifying and tragically human. The show delved into Dahmer’s crimes but also shined a light on the systemic failures that allowed them to continue for so long. Each episode layered horror with uncomfortable truths, making it more than just another true-crime adaptation. For many, it was difficult to watch yet impossible to look away, cementing its place as one of Netflix’s most talked-about limited series. It sparked widespread conversation about the ethics of dramatizing such stories, amplifying its cultural impact even further. With its dark atmosphere and gripping performances, it created a binge that left viewers uneasy long after the credits rolled. Love it or hate it, *DAHMER* proved Netflix could turn real-life horror into a streaming juggernaut. | © Netflix

Cropped stranger things season 4 — 3. Stranger Things 4 – 140,700,000 views / 1,838,000,000 hours viewed

Bigger, scarier, and more ambitious than ever, *Stranger Things 4* took the series to new heights – and new horrors. With the group scattered across different locations, the season wove together multiple storylines, each building to a terrifying showdown against Vecna, the most formidable villain yet. The Hawkins kids may have grown older, but their bond and bravery remained at the heart of the story, grounding the supernatural chaos with genuine emotion. The scale of the season was massive, with jaw-dropping set pieces and episodes that played more like mini-movies. It balanced nostalgic 1980s vibes with dark, cinematic storytelling, creating some of the most iconic moments in Netflix history. From Kate Bush’s “Running Up That Hill” resurgence to gut-wrenching character arcs, the season became a cultural juggernaut. Fans binged it instantly, then rewatched to relive the thrills, proving the series had lost none of its power. By the explosive finale, one thing was clear: *Stranger Things* had firmly cemented its legacy. | © Netflix

Cropped Adolescence — 2. Adolescence – 142,600,000 views / 546,500,000 hours viewed

Raw, relentless, and impossible to look away from, *Adolescence* turns a small-town murder into one of Netflix’s most searing dramas. When 13-year-old Jamie Miller is accused of killing a classmate, the series unravels in four one-shot episodes that put every parent, teacher, and investigator under a merciless spotlight. The result is less a whodunit than a piercing look at how teenage boys are shaped by toxic masculinity, digital echo chambers, and a society too slow to notice the warning signs. The format is audacious, the performances electric, and the impact chilling – sparking global debate and instant acclaim. With its mix of intimate storytelling and cultural urgency, *Adolescence* isn’t just watched; it’s felt. | © Netflix

Cropped Wednesday Season 1 — 1. Wednesday: Season 1 – 252,100,000 views / 1,718,800,000 hours viewed

Dark humor met gothic charm in *Wednesday*, the breakout hit that turned everyone’s favorite Addams family daughter into Netflix royalty. Jenna Ortega’s portrayal of Wednesday Addams became an instant cultural icon, blending deadpan wit with fierce independence and a dash of teenage vulnerability. Set at Nevermore Academy, the series delivered a mix of mystery, supernatural intrigue, and school drama, all wrapped in Tim Burton’s distinct gothic aesthetic. Every episode balanced eerie atmosphere with sharp humor, keeping viewers hooked from the first cello note. The show didn’t just captivate audiences – it launched viral trends, from Ortega’s now-famous dance sequence to fashion styles inspired by her character. It became a global phenomenon, smashing records and cementing itself as one of Netflix’s most-watched shows ever. Audiences loved the way it honored the Addams legacy while carving out something refreshingly new. With its perfect blend of darkness and charm, *Wednesday* left fans begging for more. | © Netflix

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Netflix has become the go-to platform for global entertainment, but not all shows achieve the same level of success. Over the years, a select few English-language series have managed to dominate the charts, break streaming records, and spark worldwide conversations. From thrilling dramas to addictive sci-fi adventures and heartwarming stories, these are the shows that people simply couldn’t stop watching.

In this list, we’ll break down the 10 most popular English shows on Netflix of all time, ranked by total hours viewed. Whether you’re looking for your next binge-worthy obsession or just curious about what the rest of the world is watching, this roundup has you covered.