The Most-Watched Netflix Original Series of 2025: Adolescence, You and More

Netflix continues to dominate streaming in 2025, already bringing out countless new originals since the new year started. Netflix originals have earned their place in some of the best modern movies and TV shows over the past decade, creating cult classics like Squid Game, Bird Box, and Don’t Look Up, among many more, and this year is nothing short of that. Today, we will look at the movies and series that Netflix put out this year that top our favourites list, based on both viewership and quality. After unpacking these movies and shows, the next step is for you to watch them! Netflix has not only put more attention to cinema and art, but it has also brought attention to many topics society often overlooks. Prepare to be moved and inspired by the platform’s cinematic storytelling.

1. Adolescence 

With 6.5 million viewers just in the first week of Adolescence’s debut, the show has stolen the hearts of millions across the world. Talking about deep issues like incel-culture (involuntary celibacy), violence, online influences, and masculinity. The story follows 13-year-old, Jamie Miller, who is arrested after the murder of a girl in his school. It also follows his adolescent experience, his identity, family dynamics, and his overall coming of age. Being a part of said subculture shows the rage, mentality, and thoughts of a boy troubled by his worst enemy: himself. The coolest part of the show, each episode is filmed in one shot, where incredible acting and performance shine through!

2. You - Season 5

Arguably one of the best shows ever, in our books at least. You’s new season is the fifth and final season, getting 10.1 million views in its first four days. Joe Goldberg, everyone’s favorite psychopath, is the husband of his last lover, Kate Lockwood, a very famous CEO. Joe goes back to New York City, and the couple is recognized as part of high society; they also start raising Henry together (Joe’s child with Love). However, when Kate’s dirty secret resurfaces (she’s at fault for giving many kids cancer because of a pipeline she built), Joe’s overprotective tendencies are awakened to conceal their image and defend his family. This will be the last we see of Joe, so we ask you to pay attention to this season’s every detail because Joe Goldberg might be the most complicated, yet intentional character on television, ever!

3. The Night Agent - Season 2

The second season of The Night Agent cultivated 13.9 million views in its first four days. The story follows Peter Sutherland, a special FBI Agent on Night Action duty. His turbulent experience is not only rocky but also shows the gaps of who he can trust and who he can’t, with many mistrustees supposedly on his team. He encounters Rose as she calls for help when she discovers her aunt and uncle were murdered, and she also discovers on the same night that they are undercover spies. Season 2 is rockier than ever, with even more government scandals facing the pair, keeping you on the edge of your seat the entire time!

4. Black Mirror - Season 7

Black Mirror is sure of one thing… tripping the living daylights out of us. The sci-fi world of Black Mirror never fails to flabbergast, but nothing beats this new season of Black Mirror. This season has 6 new episodes, each very different but equally filled with horror, mystery, wonder, and the unknown. In less than a week after debuting, it reached 7.1 million viewers, a testament to the craze surrounding the world of Black Mirror. If you want to experience realms you never thought could be reached, join the bandwagon of Black Mirror and let your brain explore all of its corners and edges. 

5. The Residence 

The Residence is a new Netflix show of 2025 that has been on everyone’s watch radar. During a state dinner, a murder that must be solved took place. Cordelia Cupp, a one-of-a-kind detective, joins the scene to figure out what happened. The reveal, the suspense, the plot twists, this is a story you don’t want to miss. The show captured 1.84 billion minutes of viewing in its first week. Once you start this show, there is no way you will put it down, so join the detective and solve the murder occupying everyone’s screens!

Netflix, Netflix, on the Screen

Yes, people are ditching modern cable TV for Netflix, but that’s for another deep dive. We can’t avoid the powerful world of streaming, and honestly, we shouldn’t want to when most of today’s good content reaches us through platforms like Netflix. In 2025 alone, Netflix has brought viewers enough good content to last for ages. Entertainment is top tier with the Netflix shows mentioned above, and you can pick from themes on all sides of the scale. So hop into Netflix-mode and binge, or take it slowly… whatever pace rolls your boat.