It’s been a pretty great year for Netflix. We’ve covered the highest watched series and films in two separate lists, but now it’s time to look at the overall content that has been available throughout 2019, based on the available statistics.
It shouldn’t be a surprise that all of the films and TV shows on this list have featured on the previous two lists; however they have been combined to form the ultimate ranking of both viewership and quality. Here are the top 10 Netflix films and TV of 2019, ranked.
6 Underground
This international Michael Bay adventure is certainly action-packed and hits all the right notes if you’re a fan of the genre. However, it’s the worse piece of content in terms of storytelling on this list, despite actually being the 3rd most-watched thing.
The problem isn’t with its charismatic cast or even the action sequences themselves but the way the film is pieced together. It isn’t innovative and is slightly arrogant in its delivery. Nonetheless, Netflix viewers clearly enjoyed it for the spectacle.
The Highwaymen
This film takes a look at the hunt for Bonnie and Clyde, shown from the perspective of two sheriffs who have been tasked with tracking them down and finally putting an end to their string of horrendous crimes and robberies.
It’s action-packed, yet slow-paced; telling a rich story that hasn’t been shown in the same way before. While it isn’t groundbreaking, however, it’s still an extremely interesting journey and one we’re taken on by a talented cast. It’s also the 10th most-watched piece of content on Netflix.
The Witcher
The fantasy epic based on the books and the video games has brought in a new audience to this franchise, becoming the 6th most-watched thing on Netflix and delivering in terms of the magic and monsters that the trailers promised.
This series truly captures the heart of what the franchise is all about, with Henry Cavill portraying an excellent version of the titular character. What’s more, it clearly has room to grow, as this success is only just the beginning for a long-running series.
Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
Ted Bundy is one of the most notorious criminals in America. His trials were widely publicized and his personality was not what you’d expect of a convicted serial killer. He’s extremely dangerous and completely despicable.
He’s also portrayed by Zac Efron who rounds out an impressive cast. This movie performed well at the box office due to its compelling subject matter and clearly Netflix viewers couldn’t wait to watch, with it becoming the 6th most-watched item on the list.
Triple Frontier
The cast of this movie boasts the likes of Ben Affleck and Oscar Isaac but also portrays the real-life journey of military experts who have used their skills to their own advantage and decided to steal drug money and keep it for themselves.
It’s a thrilling premise and the film delivers, although it’s perhaps one of the more unexpected hits of the year due to a smaller amount of publicity compared to the other films on this list. Regardless it’s the 7th most-watched selection.
Murder Mystery
Adam Sandler has sometimes been credited with creating some of the worst Netflix original movies that the streaming platform has to offer. However, the most-watched film on Netflix in 2019 was somehow also one of the ones that was critically overlooked.
The murder mystery genre has returned in full force, especially over the last two years, however, this comedic take was a breath of fresh air. It was unique and hilarious, with an easy to follow plot that managed to pull off a lot of jokes that genuinely hit.
The Umbrella Academy
This science fiction and comic book world has somehow been successfully translated onto this streaming service. It was the 9th most-watched piece of content in 2019 as it actually managed to bring something new to this overplayed genre.
Since the superhero world is continuing to expand, there needed to be something actually unique to cut through all the noise. This manages to do so in a very graphic way; with brilliant character and set design as well as an original narrative.
Stranger Things 3
The third season of the fantasy franchise was critically praised and certainly successful with audiences, becoming the 2nd most-watched thing on Netflix. Narratively speaking this was also a major win and leads into a fourth season.
The kids from Hawkins are just as interesting now as they were in the first season and the Upside Down is perhaps even scarier. This has such a unique tone and retro vibe that it’s no wonder that audiences keep on coming back for more.
The Incredibles 2
This PIXAR film has already become a classic and is certainly a worthy sequel to the original. The movie follows this incredible family as they try to adapt to a world that’s starting to want superheroes in their society once again.
With Elasta Girl taking on the responsibility of fighting crime, as Mr Incredible looks after the kids, a new threat emerges that they must face. It’s such a fun film and one that the whole family can enjoy; it’s become the 4th most-watched item on this list.
The Irishman
Based on the way the other lists worked, this Scorsese movie was not at the top of the quality list for the highest watched films of the year. However, the 5th most-watched piece of content is top of the list overall, for its remarkable performances and direction.
It certainly tries to capture the same tone as the gangster movies of old and has received huge critical acclaim. This is a really gritty and serious film, with some amazing CGI that only helps the narrative of the piece. It’s worth a watch due to its historical importance in cinema.
