These Are The 10 Most Popular Non-English Movies On Netflix of All Time

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 21st 2025, 23:45 GMT+2

Cropped aka — 10. AKA (2023) – 60,900,000 views / 125,900,000 hours viewed

Gritty, fast, and brimming with tension, *AKA* is the French action thriller that proved Netflix’s global audience loves their heroes morally gray. The story follows a hardened undercover agent tasked with infiltrating a crime syndicate, only to find himself caught between his mission and his growing bond with a crime boss’s young son. What could have been a straightforward shoot-’em-up instead digs into loyalty, identity, and the messy gray lines of justice. Every fight sequence feels raw and grounded, adding just enough grit to keep viewers glued to the screen. The emotional undercurrent makes the explosions mean something, transforming the film into more than just action spectacle. Fans praised it for blending heartfelt storytelling with pulse-pounding suspense. It’s an unapologetic reminder that Europe can churn out thrillers that rival Hollywood in both intensity and heart. And at the end of the day, *AKA* delivers exactly what its title promises: something sharp, simple, and unforgettable. | © Netflix

Cropped through my window — 9. Through My Window (2022) – 61,100,000 views / 116,000,000 hours viewed

Romance gets the full Netflix glow-up in *Through My Window*, the Spanish teen drama that had viewers swooning and cringing in equal measure. Based on the popular novel, it follows Raquel, an ordinary girl hopelessly in love with her wealthy neighbor Ares, and the steamy, messy romance that unfolds between them. The movie blends melodrama with youthful passion, delivering exactly the kind of love story that keeps fans hitting replay. For some, it’s a guilty pleasure; for others, it’s a relatable exploration of desire, class differences, and growing up. With charismatic leads and a soundtrack that fueled its viral popularity, the film quickly captured a global fanbase. It’s not subtle, but that’s the point – *Through My Window* leans into its intensity unapologetically. Teen dramas thrive on heightened emotions, and this one embraces every bit of that formula. Whether you loved or side-eyed it, the film delivered the kind of irresistible binge Netflix is famous for. | © Netflix

Cropped ad vitam — 8. Ad Vitam (2025) – 63,100,000 views / 103,000,000 hours viewed

High-stakes, tightly wound, and draped in Parisian grit – *Ad Vitam* drops you right into the chaos of a peaceful life ripped apart. Franck Lazareff, a former GIGN operator, is suddenly thrust into a deadly head-hunt when masked assailants kidnap his pregnant wife, Léo. Racing against time and tangled in a lethal conspiracy that reaches into the highest echelons of power, he must confront a dark past—and expose the truth. With vertigo-inducing rooftop chases, brutal hand-to-hand combat, and a stirring fight for family and honor, this unrelenting thrill ride leaves you breathless long after the screen goes black. | © Netflix

Cropped counterattack — 7. Counterattack (2023) – 66,900,000 views / 94,800,000 hours viewed

High-octane and unapologetically bold, *Counterattack* is the kind of action-packed blockbuster that pulls no punches – literally. This Chinese thriller drops viewers into a whirlwind of military-style battles, larger-than-life heroes, and explosive set pieces that feel designed for maximum adrenaline. It’s a film that doesn’t bother with subtlety, because its mission is pure entertainment. Each sequence is bigger than the last, and by the halfway mark, it’s clear that logic has left the building, but spectacle has happily taken its place. For action junkies, that’s more than enough reason to tune in. Its popularity highlights Netflix’s growing global reach, proving audiences are hungry for stories beyond Hollywood’s borders. The film embraces familiar tropes while giving them a distinctly Chinese cinematic flair, creating a mix that feels both fresh and familiar. Love it or roll your eyes at it, *Counterattack* is a wild ride from start to finish. | © Netflix

Cropped the platform — 6. The Platform (2019) – 82,800,000 views / 129,700,000 hours viewed

Few films have managed to be as disturbing and unforgettable as Spain’s *The Platform*. Set in a nightmarish vertical prison, the story explores class, greed, and survival through a horrifyingly simple system: food descends from the top floor to the bottom, and by the time it reaches the lowest levels, there’s nothing left. The allegory is as sharp as it is brutal, forcing viewers to confront uncomfortable truths about inequality. Its minimalist setting makes every detail matter, with claustrophobic tension driving the narrative forward. Critics praised it for its audacity and originality, while audiences couldn’t stop debating its themes long after the credits. It’s the kind of movie that leaves you both shaken and impressed, wondering what you would do if trapped in its nightmarish structure. Netflix turned this indie Spanish thriller into an international sensation, proving that horror can also be deeply political. *The Platform* isn’t just a movie – it’s a cautionary tale that cuts to the bone. | © Netflix

Cropped nowhere 2023 — 5. Nowhere (2023) – 85,700,000 views / 155,600,000 hours viewed

Survival films often thrive on simplicity, and *Nowhere* takes that to a whole new level – just one woman, one container, and the endless sea. The Spanish thriller follows a pregnant woman adrift in a shipping container after fleeing a dystopian society, and every moment is a fight against impossible odds. With its claustrophobic setting and emotional core, the movie squeezes raw tension out of limited space. It’s not just about survival against the elements – it’s about the fierce determination to protect new life in the most hopeless of circumstances. The performance at the center carries the entire story, layering grit, fear, and resolve in a way that keeps audiences hooked. What could have been a one-note premise becomes a relentless nail-biter thanks to strong direction and emotional intensity. Viewers praised it as both heart-wrenching and edge-of-your-seat thrilling, making it one of Netflix’s most surprising hits. By the end, you’ll be breathless – and maybe grateful for solid ground under your feet. | © Netflix

Cropped exterritorial — 4. Exterritorial (2024) – 91,700,000 views / 166,500,000 hours viewed

Ambitious and thrilling, *Exterritorial* delivers a global-scale story that mixes espionage, politics, and pulse-pounding drama. The German Netflix film draws viewers into a web of international intrigue where shifting alliances and covert operations drive the tension forward. With slick production values and tightly paced storytelling, it feels every bit the equal of a big-screen spy blockbuster. What sets it apart, though, is its willingness to spotlight perspectives outside the Hollywood lens, giving the genre a refreshing global twist. Audiences praised it for its blend of suspense and sophistication, along with action sequences that refuse to let the adrenaline dip. It’s the kind of movie designed for late-night binges, where “just one more scene” turns into two hours gone. The characters are flawed yet compelling, pulling you deeper into the labyrinth of secrets. In the crowded field of thrillers, *Exterritorial* makes its mark with intelligence, style, and a fearless global voice. | © Netflix

Cropped society of the snow — 3. Society of the Snow (2023) – 98,500,000 views / 239,700,000 hours viewed

Based on the true story of the 1972 Andes flight disaster, *Society of the Snow* is as harrowing as survival dramas get. This Spanish-language film recreates the unimaginable ordeal of a rugby team stranded in the frozen mountains, fighting for life against brutal conditions. Every frame captures the desolation, the desperation, and the unbreakable will to endure. With a cast of largely unknown actors, the film heightens its authenticity, making the experience all the more gut-wrenching. Director J. A. Bayona handles the subject matter with sensitivity, balancing the horror of the situation with the humanity of those trapped within it. The film’s realism drew widespread critical acclaim, praised for both its emotional impact and technical brilliance. For viewers, it wasn’t just a movie but an immersive experience that forced them to imagine the unimaginable. It’s a chilling yet powerful reminder of the resilience of the human spirit when tested to its limits. | © Netflix

Cropped under paris — 2. Under Paris (2024) – 102,300,000 views / 177,300,000 hours viewed

Just when you thought it was safe to go back into the water, *Under Paris* makes you think twice about rivers too. This French creature feature unleashes a massive shark into the Seine, turning the City of Light into a city of panic. Equal parts disaster thriller and environmental warning, the movie combines sharp social commentary with pure popcorn fun. The spectacle of iconic Parisian landmarks under threat gives it a unique hook that audiences couldn’t resist. While the premise sounds outrageous, the execution leans into the tension, making the unbelievable feel just plausible enough to keep you on edge. Its blend of action, horror, and suspense struck a chord with global audiences who love their thrills big and bold. The result is a film that feels both ridiculous and riveting in equal measure. By the finale, you’ll never look at the Seine – or your summer swim – the same way again. | © Netflix

Cropped troll 2022 — 1. Troll (2022) – 103,000,000 views / 178,600,000 hours viewed

Norway’s *Troll* stomped its way into Netflix history by proving that giant monsters don’t just belong to Hollywood. The film reimagines Nordic folklore with a modern blockbuster twist, as an ancient creature awakens in the mountains and sets its sights on civilization. What makes it stand out is the way it mixes myth with modern spectacle, creating a creature feature that feels both timeless and fresh. The Norwegian landscapes provide a breathtaking backdrop, turning the chase into something visually unforgettable. While the monster smashes its way through cities, the story also explores family, heritage, and the clash between tradition and modernity. The balance of character-driven drama and larger-than-life action gave it surprising emotional weight. Audiences around the world embraced it as both a thrilling ride and a cultural showcase. With its record-breaking numbers, *Troll* roared loud enough to make the whole world listen. | © Netflix

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Netflix isn’t just about Hollywood blockbusters anymore – international cinema has taken center stage, and audiences around the world can’t get enough. From gripping thrillers to heartfelt dramas and visually stunning epics, non-English movies have proven that great storytelling knows no language barrier. Some of these films have even outperformed major U.S. productions, climbing Netflix’s global charts and becoming cultural phenomena in their own right.

In this article, we’re breaking down the 10 most popular non-English movies on Netflix of all time, ranked by total viewing hours. Whether you’re curious about what’s trending beyond Hollywood or simply hunting for your next binge-worthy film, this list will give you plenty of reasons to hit “play.”