Netflix in 2024 delivered a rich mix of original films, licensed favorites, thrilling action, heartfelt drama, and animated hits that captivated audiences worldwide. From action-packed blockbusters to emotionally resonant stories, Netflix’s top movies of 2024 dominated streaming charts and generated cultural buzz. This topic explores the most-watched films on Netflix in 2024, diving into what made them resonate and why they topped year-end lists.
Damsel – Netflix’s 2024 Breakout Original
Leading the pack, *Damsel* starring Millie Bobby Brown became Netflix’s most-watched movie of the first half of 2024. With more than 143 million views by June, it topped charts in 79 countries contentReference[oaicite0]. The dark fantasy thriller blending fairytale motifs with gritty revenge storytelling earned massive engagement despite mixed critical reviews contentReference[oaicite1].
Lift and CarryOn – Thrillers That Pulled Big Viewership
*Lift*, an actionoriented Netflix original, amassed over 129 million views, ranking second on 2024’s list contentReference[oaicite2]. *CarryOn*, featuring Taron Egerton and Sofia Carson, debuted over Christmas and scored the largest opening of the year with 97 million views in ten days, eventually exceeding 149 million views and becoming one of Netflix’s topfive Englishlanguage titles ever contentReference[oaicite3].
The Union and Rebel Ridge – Elite Thrillers and Political Drama
*The Union* gathered 131 million views while *Rebel Ridge*, directed by Jeremy Saulnier, earned 129 million views and won Best Movie Made for Television at the Critics’ Choice Awards contentReference[oaicite4]. These films reinforced Netflix’s strength in gritty, characterdriven suspense.
Family Animation Domination
- *Trolls Band Together* – 402 popularity points, major repeat viewership
- *Shrek* (legacy) – 360 points, one of the most consistent titles on Top 10 charts
- *Minions* – 336 points, another longrunning animated favorite
- *Sing* and *The Secret Life of Pets* – steady viewers throughout 2024 contentReference[oaicite5]
Other Notable Netflix Originals in the Top Viewership
- *Our Little Secret* – 81 million views
- *Sing Thriller* – 77 million
- *A Family Affair* – 74 million
- *Uglies* – 72 million
- *Don’t Move* – 69 million views
- *Dr. Seuss’ The Grinch* – 66 million views during its holiday resurgence contentReference[oaicite6]
Global Weekly Favorites in Latter Half of 2024
Data from Netflix’s own engagement reports for July-December 2024 confirmed *CarryOn* as the mostwatched film of the second half with 137.3 million views. Close behind were *The Union* (131.1M) and *Rebel Ridge* (129.0M). *Beverly Hills Cop Axel F* opened strong with 97.1 million views in five days, making it one of the top premieres of the midyear season contentReference[oaicite7].
Critical Highlights and Viewer Engagement
The films that resonated most in 2024 often combined spectacle, emotional intensity, or franchise familiarity. *Damsel* and *CarryOn* dominated despite mixed reviews because they delivered strong visual and thematic punch. Legacy family titles like *Shrek* and *Trolls* retained relevance through high rewatchability and broad demographic appeal contentReference[oaicite8].
2024 Standouts Diverse Genres and Audiences
Animation & Family
Animated titles performed consistently well especially ones tied to beloved franchises. They frequently re-entered Top 10 lists, highlighting their lasting popularity.
Thrillers & Action Films
The dominance of *CarryOn*, *Lift*, *Rebel Ridge*, and *The Union* shows audiences flocked to fastpaced, highstakes entertainment with bold storytelling.
Young Adult & Fantasy
*Damsel* captured young and mid20s viewers drawn to stylized visuals and feminist revenge arc, even as critics remained divided on its message and execution.
Netflix’s Strategy Reflected in 2024 Hits
- Highprofile originals with global appeal
- Largescale licensed animation to attract repeat viewers
- Holidayseason debuts timed for maximum exposure (*CarryOn*, *Grinch*, *That Christmas*)
- Genre variety to reach multiple core audiences (action, drama, family, comedy)
Honorable Mentions and Emerging Titles
A few films released late or niche yet notable include *The Piano Lesson* a drama based on August Wilson’s Pulitzerwinning play starring John David Washington and Samuel L. Jackson, receiving award buzz and solid viewership since its November debut contentReference[oaicite9]. Other rising titles like *Society of the Snow* (a foreignlanguage survival drama) reached over 100 million views first half of the year, placing it among the most viewed nonEnglish Netflix originals of 2024 contentReference[oaicite10].
In 2024, Netflix’s most popular movies combined blockbuster spectacle, emotional depth, and franchise familiarity to achieve massive viewership. Titles like *Damsel*, *CarryOn*, *Lift*, and *Rebel Ridge* defined the year in storytelling trends. At the same time, beloved animated staples like *Trolls*, *Shrek*, and *Minions* showed the power of family appeal in streaming. Together, these films illustrate Netflix’s strategy of balancing highbudget originals with licensed content and a release calendar calibrated for maximum impact, especially around holidays and summer. For movie lovers looking for top hits of 2024 on Netflix, this lineup offers a compelling snapshot of what captured viewers’ attention last year.