Netflix’s Top 10 Most Viewed Shows Has ‘Squid Game’ as Crown Winner, ‘The Great Flood’ Tails Behind

Published 08/13/2026, 4:01 PM CDT

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Korean dramas and cinematic blockbusters are taking global entertainment by storm, pulling in billions of viewing hours across international markets. Streaming giant Netflix has successfully unlocked this formula by backing compelling storytellers, diverse genres, and unforgettable performances. Here are the top ten most-watched Korean titles dominating the global streaming service.

The global television sensation kicks off the countdown with most anticipated follow-up chapter in television history.

Squid Game season 2

Claiming the number 1 spot overall, Season 2 smashed records with an unbelievable 225.4 million views. Lee Jung-jae leads the cast as Seong Gi-hun re-enters the arena to dismantle the game system entirely. The most viral scene highlights Seong Gi-hun attempting to lead a voting rebellion among terrified new players.

Lee Jung-jae delivers a masterful lead performance that balances intense trauma, tactical intelligence, and unwavering determination. His commanding screen presence drives the narrative forward, making this season the undisputed king of Korean entertainment. It remains the single most-watched season of television ever released on the platform.

Credits: Netflix

High-stakes survival continues as the third installment expands the franchise's dark universe.

Squid Game season 3

The intense third chapter captured 155.8 million views, solidifying the franchise's incredible staying power. Lee Jung-jae returns as Seong Gi-hun to confront the mysterious forces operating the underground games. A pivotal scene depicts Seong Gi-hun engaging in a tense confrontation against the Front Man inside the control room.

Lee Jung-jae brings a darker, more hardened emotional edge to his iconic character this season. His performance captures the psychological toll of returning to the deadly arena while seeking ultimate justice. The compelling narrative keeps global viewers completely hooked through endless twists and suspenseful sequences.

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The global phenomenon that started a streaming revolution claims its spot among the top three.

Squid Game season 1

The groundbreaking season of Squid Game generated 101.6 million views, changing international streaming history forever. Lead actor Lee Jung-jae stars as Seong Gi-hun in creator Hwang Dong-hyuk's brutal survival competition. The world-famous "Red Light, Green Light" scene featuring the giant animatronic doll remains an iconic pop culture moment.

Lee Jung-jae portrays Seong Gi-hun with heartbreaking desperation, relatable human flaws, and incredible resilience. His powerful acting anchors the deadly games, making viewers care deeply about his survival against impossible odds. The first season established a massive global empire that continues dominating pop culture worldwide.

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An apocalyptic natural disaster sets off a dramatic battle for survival in this sci-fi thriller.

The Great Flood

The December release made an immediate impact, soaring to 93.6 million views on the platform. Lead actress Kim Da-mi stars as An-na alongside Park Hae-soo as security agent Son Hee-jo. A harrowing key scene shows An-na frantically navigating rising floodwaters to rescue her child from an apartment.

Kim Da-mi delivers a gripping, emotional performance as a desperate mother facing catastrophic environmental devastation. Park Hae-soo adds compelling tension to the narrative as they navigate intense high-stakes survival scenarios. The project rapidly became the most-watched Korean feature film on the entire service.

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Post-apocalyptic survival action takes centre stage as an earthquake reshapes the city landscape.

Badland Hunters

This 2024 post-apocalyptic action blockbuster achieved 78 million views shortly after its initial release. Action icon Ma Dong-seok stars as Nam-san, a fierce huntsman fighting through a lawless wasteland. A fan-favorite scene features Ma Dong-seok using raw physical power to punch his way through an entire platoon of enemies.

Ma Dong-seok dominates the screen with his signature heavy-hitting combat style and humorous one-liners. His imposing physical presence makes every fight scene feel remarkably powerful and thrilling to watch. The film stands as a prime example of high-budget Korean survival cinema done right.

BADLAND HUNTERS, (aka HWANG-YA), from left: NO Jeong-ee, LEE Hee Jun, 2024. ph: Cha Min-jung Netflix Courtesy Everett Collection PUBLICATIONXNOTxINxCANxCHNxFRAxITAxJPNxNORxPOLxRUSxESPxUKxUSA

Charming workplace romance and captivating chemistry elevate this next global fan favourite.

King The Land

The romantic comedy series captured 69 million views on the platform while delighting fans worldwide. Lead actor Lee Jun-ho plays hotel heir Gu Won alongside Im Yoon-ah as dedicated hotelier Cheon Sa-rang. Their most celebrated scene involves an accidental rainstorm encounter that leads to a sweet, heart-fluttering romantic confession.

Lee Jun-ho brings suave charisma to his character while Im Yoon-ah shines with her delightful, radiant screen presence. Their natural onscreen chemistry drives the storyline through classic romance tropes and funny workplace misunderstandings. Audiences praise the series for providing comfort, laughter, and heartwarming moments throughout every episode.

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Catchy musical numbers and family-friendly animation take over the middle spot on our list.

Pinkfong & Baby Shark’s Space Adventure

The vibrant animated feature recorded 65.5 million views, cementing its status as an international kids' sensation. The film stars the iconic animated lead Baby Shark alongside Pinkfong during an adventurous cosmic journey across space. Its most famous scene showcases the characters performing an energetic musical dance number among bright twinkling stars.

The beloved lead characters captivate younger audiences with cheerful energy, colorful animation, and extremely catchy sing-along tracks. Streaming metrics highlight how animated family entertainment commands massive long-term viewing numbers worldwide. Families continuously return to this fun space voyage for joyful entertainment.

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High-octane revenge and sharp thriller elements keep viewers glued to their screens during this next entry.

Ballerina

This intense 2023 action thriller generated 62.7 million views as viewers embraced its sleek visual style. Lead actress Jun Jong-seo portrays Ok-ju, a relentless former bodyguard seeking retribution for her late friend. The most iconic scene features Ok-ju single-handedly destroying an entire criminal lair in a neon-lit battle.

Jun Jong-seo commands every single scene with fierce determination, silent intensity, and emotional vulnerability. Her captivating physical performance creates an unforgettable heroine who stops at nothing to achieve justice. The revenge thriller remains one of the most visually stunning movies on the platform.

Netflix Ballerina film press conference SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, SEP 25: South Korean director Lee Chung-hyun during Netflix Ballerina film press conference at the Hotel Naru Seoul in Seoul, South Korea, on September 25, 2023. Seoul the Hotel Naru Seoul South Korea 7958_274932

This law-enforcement action comedy brings fast-paced martial arts combat directly to action enthusiasts.

Officer Black Belt

The 2024 action comedy film racked up 59.7 million views across global streaming charts. Lead star Kim Woo-bin plays Lee Jung-do, a skilled martial artist monitoring probation violators under strict surveillance. One highly popular sequence highlights Kim Woo-bin taking down an entire wave of armed thugs inside a narrow hallway.

Kim Woo-bin delivers incredible physical choreography while maintaining a charmingly playful personality on screen. His energetic performance elevates simple combat sequences into highly entertaining cinematic moments. The film successfully proves that Korean action comedies resonate powerfully with global streaming audiences.

Netflix film Officer Black Belt press conference SEOUL, SOUTH KOREA, SEP 10: South Korean actor Kim Sung-kyun during Netflix film Officer Black Belt press conference at the Lotte Cinema in Seoul, South Korea, on September 10, 2024. Seoul the Lotte Cinema South Korea 8108_280116

The ultimate streaming record belongs to the immense fan appeal and stunning transformation sequences.

True Beauty

The popular romance series accumulated 53.6 million views on Netflix after gaining massive international traction following its television broadcast. Lead actor Cha Eun-woo stars as Lee Su-ho alongside Moon Ga-young as Lim Ju-kyung. A standout moment features the lead duo sharing an emotional rooftop encounter where true feelings surface beneath dramatic secrets.

Moon Ga-young skillfully delivers a relatable performance as a student mastering makeup artistry to gain personal confidence. Cha Eun-woo complements her perfectly by portraying a quiet, caring classmate who sees beyond superficial looks. Fans worldwide continue rewatching this charming high-school romance due to its perfect blend of humor and heart. Fans can start streaming these top-rated Korean titles on Netflix today to experience world-class drama, action, and romance.

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What do you think about Korean dramas and cinematic blockbusters? Let us know in the comments.

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Soma Mitra

1698 articles

Soma is a journalist at Netflix Junkie. With a postgraduate degree in Mass Communication, she brings production experience from documentary films like Chandua: Stories on Fabric. Covering the true crime and docu-drama beat, she turns psychological thrillers into sharp, audience-aware storytelling.

Edited By: Hriddhi Maitra

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