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

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Ignacio Weil

Entertainment - August 20th 2025, 22:00 GMT+2

Cropped Who Killed Sara Season 1 — 10. Who Killed Sara?: Season 1 – 58,400,000 views / 392,400,000 hours viewed

Few series pulled viewers in with such speed and mystery as *Who Killed Sara?: Season 1*. This Mexican thriller hooked audiences from the start, combining the intrigue of a murder mystery with the addictive twists of a soap opera. The plot follows Álex, recently released from prison after being wrongfully convicted, as he seeks justice for his sister Sara’s death. Each episode peels back layers of secrets, lies, and betrayals, keeping viewers guessing at every turn. Its mix of family drama and suspense made it irresistible for binge-watchers, quickly becoming one of Netflix’s most surprising international hits. The show also sparked plenty of theories and online debates, as fans scrambled to piece together the tangled puzzle. With a strong blend of melodrama and genuine tension, it offered something familiar yet fresh to global audiences. By the finale, viewers were already demanding answers in Season 2, proving that this mystery was far too good to leave unsolved. | © Netflix

Cropped Lupin Part 2 netflix — 9. Lupin: Part 2 – 68,400,000 views / 258,900,000 hours viewed

France gave the world its very own gentleman thief, and *Lupin: Part 2* cemented the series as an international sensation. Omar Sy dazzles once again as Assane Diop, a master of disguise and clever heists inspired by the legendary Arsène Lupin. This second installment escalates the stakes, pitting Assane against powerful enemies while keeping his family at the emotional core. The charm lies in the blend of suave escapades, heartfelt moments, and clever twists that make each episode feel like a mini-movie. Paris itself becomes a character, with iconic landmarks serving as the backdrop to daring schemes. Fans praised it for balancing suspense with charisma, keeping the tone light without losing the thrill. The mix of action, style, and humanity made the show a must-watch worldwide. By the end, Assane’s journey had solidified him as one of Netflix’s most beloved non-English protagonists. | © Netflix

Cropped La Palma — 8. La Palma – 70,300,000 views / 215,700,000 hours viewed

Dramatic, sweeping, and deeply emotional, *La Palma* brought a powerful limited series to the global stage. Set against the backdrop of family secrets and shifting loyalties, the show unfolds with a deliberate pace that allows its characters to truly breathe. Its strength lies in how it blends intimate storytelling with broader themes of identity and belonging, giving it both heart and weight. Viewers connected to its authenticity, praising the layered performances and the way it balanced personal conflict with universal resonance. Unlike some thrill-heavy dramas, *La Palma* leaned into emotion and nuance, proving that slower storytelling can captivate just as strongly. The series built momentum through word of mouth, expanding its audience far beyond its home region. Netflix’s platform gave it the global visibility it deserved, turning it into a conversation starter across borders. By the finale, it had carved out a reputation as one of the streamer’s most heartfelt limited series. | © Netflix

Cropped Money Heist Part 3 — 7. Money Heist: Part 3 – 80,000,000 views / 519,800,000 hours viewed

When *Money Heist* returned for Part 3, expectations were sky-high – and it didn’t disappoint. The beloved Spanish series brought back the Professor and his crew for another daring plan, this time aimed at rescuing one of their own. With higher stakes, bigger set pieces, and an even louder chorus of “Bella Ciao,” the season doubled down on everything fans loved. The mix of personal drama and political commentary gave it depth, while the heist mechanics provided endless tension. Every cliffhanger felt engineered to keep viewers glued to the screen, and judging by its massive viewership, it worked flawlessly. By expanding its scope beyond the original heist, the show proved it still had plenty of stories to tell. Fans around the globe embraced the new dynamics, cheering for their favorite characters even as the odds stacked higher. Part 3 solidified *Money Heist* as not just a hit, but a worldwide phenomenon. | © Netflix

Cropped Money Heist Part 5 — 6. Money Heist: Part 5 – 99,200,000 views / 900,700,000 hours viewed

The grand finale of *Money Heist* arrived with Part 5, delivering an emotional and action-packed conclusion to one of Netflix’s most iconic shows. This final chapter raised the stakes to the breaking point, as the crew faced both internal fractures and external enemies determined to end their mission once and for all. The series never shied away from mixing explosive action with heartfelt character moments, and the finale was no exception. Beloved characters got their arcs completed in dramatic, often heartbreaking fashion, ensuring fans felt every triumph and loss. The tension never let up, each episode designed to keep audiences perched at the edge of their seats. Beyond the spectacle, the show cemented its place as a cultural touchstone, inspiring global fandoms and endless conversations. Its bold storytelling and emotional depth made the ending feel both satisfying and unforgettable. With Part 5, *Money Heist* closed its story in the grand, operatic fashion it always promised. | © Netflix

Cropped Lupin Part 1 — 5. Lupin: Part 1 – 99,500,000 views / 396,300,000 hours viewed

The debut of *Lupin* was nothing short of a revelation, catapulting the French series into the global spotlight. Omar Sy’s Assane Diop stole not just jewels but audiences’ hearts, embodying a master thief whose brilliance lies as much in his wit as his disguises. Inspired by the legendary Arsène Lupin stories, the show reimagined the gentleman thief for a modern era while keeping the charm intact. With Paris as its glamorous stage, every episode unfolded like a sleek puzzle, blending action, suspense, and charisma in equal measure. Viewers fell in love with Assane’s clever schemes and his deeper mission rooted in family and justice. The mix of cultural homage and fresh storytelling made it instantly bingeable, with cliffhangers designed to spark obsession. It wasn’t just France cheering – the whole world joined in, proving non-English shows could dominate streaming charts. By the time Part 1 ended, *Lupin* had firmly stolen a spot among Netflix’s elite. | © Netflix

Cropped Money Heist Part 4 — 4. Money Heist: Part 4 – 106,000,000 views / 710,200,000 hours viewed

If *Money Heist: Part 3* raised the stakes, Part 4 detonated them. This explosive installment brought chaos to the Bank of Spain, where the Professor’s carefully laid plans began to unravel in shocking ways. The season leaned heavily into high drama, delivering betrayals, sacrifices, and gut-punching twists that left fans reeling. It was also one of the most emotional chapters, with character arcs reaching devastating peaks. The combination of action-packed set pieces and deeply personal storytelling ensured every moment hit hard. Global audiences were captivated, pushing the series into record-breaking territory yet again. Part 4 proved that *Money Heist* wasn’t just about the thrill of the heist – it was about the people behind the masks, their dreams, and their heartbreaks. By the end, the world was fully invested, waiting desperately to see how the saga would conclude. | © Netflix

Squid game season 3 msn — 3. Squid Game: Season 3 – 139,600,000 views / 856,400,000 hours viewed

The global juggernaut returned with *Squid Game: Season 3*, showing it wasn’t just a one-hit wonder but a full-fledged cultural phenomenon. This season dug even deeper into the twisted world of the games, expanding the stakes and exploring new characters while keeping its razor-sharp social commentary intact. The brutality remained shocking, but the emotional stakes grew larger, pulling viewers into questions about power, inequality, and the cost of survival. Netflix doubled down on cinematic spectacle, delivering visuals and set pieces that rivaled blockbuster films. Fans praised its ability to stay fresh while continuing the themes that made the original so compelling. Each episode ended with cliffhangers that reignited global watercooler conversations. The show proved lightning could strike twice – and even three times – with a formula that was both horrifying and addictive. Season 3 cemented *Squid Game* not only as a Netflix hit but as a cultural landmark of the decade. | © Netflix

Cropped Squid Game Season 2 — 2. Squid Game: Season 2 – 192,600,000 views / 1,380,100,000 hours viewed

Anticipation for *Squid Game: Season 2* was sky-high, and it delivered in ways both expected and surprising. Picking up from the first season’s shocking finale, the show widened its scope to explore the larger machinery behind the deadly competition. Viewers were introduced to new characters, new games, and an even darker understanding of the system that drives the carnage. At the same time, the emotional core remained intact, keeping audiences invested in the personal struggles of those forced to play. The mix of satire, suspense, and horror proved irresistible, with episodes sparking endless theories and debates online. Its jaw-dropping production design and brutal storytelling pushed boundaries once again. Fans couldn’t look away, even as the stakes grew deadlier and the commentary sharper. With its record-breaking numbers, Season 2 proved the series was no fluke – it was a phenomenon built to last. | © Netflix

1. Squid Game: Season 1 – 265,200,000 views / 2,205,200,000 hours viewed

The show that changed everything, *Squid Game: Season 1* became Netflix’s most-watched series of all time and a cultural milestone that transcended language barriers. Its premise was deceptively simple – hundreds of contestants play deadly versions of childhood games for a massive cash prize – but the execution was unforgettable. With razor-sharp social commentary on class, inequality, and human desperation, it resonated with audiences everywhere. The characters were richly drawn, from the tragic to the ruthless, ensuring viewers were emotionally invested in every shocking twist. Its striking visuals, haunting set pieces, and unforgettable iconography made it instantly iconic. Beyond the screen, it fueled viral trends, Halloween costumes, and endless pop culture references. Critics and audiences alike hailed it as one of the boldest series Netflix had ever released. By the time the season ended, *Squid Game* had already secured its place in history as a global phenomenon. | © Netflix

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Netflix has become a true global platform, and some of its biggest hits aren’t in English at all. From gripping crime dramas to heart-wrenching romances and mind-bending thrillers, international shows have captured audiences worldwide – proving that subtitles (or dubbing) are no barrier when the storytelling is this good. In fact, many of these non-English series have gone on to dominate Netflix’s charts, sparking massive fan followings and even influencing pop culture far beyond their home countries.

In this article, we’re counting down the 10 most popular non-English shows on Netflix of all time, based on total viewing hours. Whether you’re looking to expand your watchlist or just curious about what the rest of the world is streaming, these record-breaking titles are proof that global TV is here to stay.