As we dive into 2024, Netflix continues to dominate the streaming world with a diverse range of content, from star-driven original films to globally acclaimed international productions. With so many options, it can be hard to decide what to watch. To help, we’ve compiled a list of the top 6 Netflix films of 2024 that are keeping audiences glued to their screens. Whether you’re into fantasy, heists, survival dramas, or animated classics, this list has something for everyone.
1. Damsel – A Twist on the Fairy Tale Genre
At the top of Netflix’s charts for 2024 is Damsel, a fantasy adventure film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and starring Millie Bobby Brown, Ray Winstone, and Angela Bassett. This movie turned traditional fairy tale tropes on their heads and captured the imaginations of viewers, making it the most-watched Netflix original film in early 2024.
The plot follows a young woman, dutiful and innocent, who agrees to marry a charming prince, only to discover that her new royal family intends to sacrifice her to repay an ancient debt. This subversion of the classic damsel-in-distress narrative resonates deeply with audiences, creating a fresh take on familiar themes.
Millie Bobby Brown’s massive fan base, built from her role in Stranger Things, undoubtedly contributed to Damsel’s immense success. Despite receiving a lukewarm critical reception, with a Metascore of 46, Damsel thrived on Netflix’s platform, proving that audience appeal can often trump critics' opinions. This film’s success exemplifies Netflix's strength in the young adult fantasy genre, continuing a winning streak following the success of Enola Holmes and The School for Good and Evil.
2. Society of the Snow – A Riveting True Story of Survival
If you’re looking for something more intense and thought-provoking, Society of the Snow (Spanish: La Sociedad de la Nieve) is one of Netflix’s standout films of early 2024. Directed by J.A. Bayona, this survival drama tells the gripping true story of Uruguayan Air Force Flight 571, which crashed in the Andes Mountains in 1972.
Despite being released in late 2023, Society of the Snow continued to draw in viewers well into 2024, thanks to its raw portrayal of human endurance and resilience. Unlike many top-performing Netflix films, Society of the Snow received widespread critical acclaim, praised for its powerful storytelling and emotional depth.
The success of this Spanish-language film highlights Netflix’s growing investment in international content. With streaming platforms becoming more global, Netflix’s ability to bring high-quality, non-English content to a global audience is a major asset. Society of the Snow not only tells a harrowing story of survival but also serves as a testament to Netflix’s increasing strength in producing critically acclaimed international films.
3. Lift – A Star-Driven Action-Heist Comedy
Lift, directed by F. Gary Gray and starring Kevin Hart, offers a wildly entertaining mix of action, comedy, and high-stakes heist thrills. Released in early 2024, the film secured the third spot on Netflix’s most-watched list. The plot follows a master thief and his ex-girlfriend as they assemble an elite crew to steal $500 million in gold from a passenger plane mid-flight.
Though it struggled with critics, garnering a low score of less than 30% on Rotten Tomatoes, Lift still drew significant viewership, a common pattern for Netflix originals. The undeniable appeal of Kevin Hart, one of Hollywood’s biggest comedic stars, played a key role in its success. With his star power, the movie catered to a broad audience looking for fun, high-energy entertainment.
Lift demonstrates Netflix’s ongoing strategy of prioritizing star-driven, high-concept films that emphasize mass appeal over critical acclaim. While it may not win any awards, it’s a great example of the platform’s ability to keep subscribers engaged with blockbuster-style entertainment.
4. Atlas – Sci-Fi Action with Jennifer Lopez
Fourth on Netflix's list of top films for 2024 is Atlas, a sci-fi action film starring Jennifer Lopez. Though plot details were scarce, the high viewer engagement signals that this action-packed film struck a chord with Netflix’s audience. It’s not hard to see why—Jennifer Lopez, as a global superstar, brings a powerful fan base to every project she touches.
Like Lift, Atlas didn’t fare well with critics, earning less than 30% on Rotten Tomatoes. Nevertheless, its strong showing in terms of viewership highlights a recurring trend: Netflix’s top-performing films often focus on attracting a wide range of viewers rather than aiming for critical praise.
The film solidifies Netflix's presence in the ever-popular sci-fi genre. With hits like The Adam Project and Don’t Look Up already under its belt, Netflix continues to compete with major studios for high-profile projects in this space, making Atlas yet another example of the platform’s big-budget, star-driven offerings.
5. Under Paris – A Romantic Adventure in the City of Love
Ranking fifth among Netflix’s top films of early 2024 is Under Paris. While there are limited details about the plot available, its popularity suggests that it captured the allure of Paris as a backdrop for romance and adventure. The film’s success follows a familiar formula—global audiences are drawn to content set in iconic cities, and the romantic atmosphere of Paris often serves as the perfect setting for emotional storytelling.
Although it’s unclear whether Under Paris is a Netflix original or an acquired title, its place among the top 6 films underscores the platform’s ability to offer a wide variety of content. From escapist fantasies to heartfelt romances, Netflix continues to cater to diverse tastes, keeping viewers coming back for more.
6. The Super Mario Bros. Movie – A Beloved Franchise on the Small Screen
Rounding out the list is The Super Mario Bros. Movie, an animated adventure based on Nintendo's legendary video game franchise. Though not a Netflix original, its inclusion in the top 6 most-watched list highlights the platform’s continued success with licensed content.
The film enjoyed a strong theatrical run before landing on Netflix, where it attracted a massive viewership. With multi-generational appeal and one of the most recognizable franchises in the world, Super Mario Bros. brought in families, nostalgic gamers, and younger audiences alike.
Its success on Netflix reaffirms the importance of acquiring blockbuster hits to complement the platform’s original content. Super Mario Bros. is a reminder that, despite its heavy investment in original productions, licensed content remains crucial for Netflix’s overall strategy in attracting and retaining subscribers.
Conclusion: A Diverse Slate Reflecting Netflix's Strengths
Netflix’s top 6 films of 2024 reflect the platform’s multi-faceted approach to content creation. From star-driven originals like Damsel and Lift to international hits like Society of the Snow, Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape by offering a mix of blockbuster entertainment, heartfelt dramas, and visually stunning escapist fare.
A key takeaway from this year’s lineup is the noticeable gap between critical reception and audience engagement. With the exception of Society of the Snow, most top-performing films in 2024 struggled with critics. Yet, this hasn’t deterred Netflix from succeeding in what matters most—keeping viewers entertained.
Additionally, Netflix’s emphasis on international productions, as seen with Society of the Snow, shows the company’s increasing focus on expanding its global reach. And with licensed films like The Super Mario Bros. Movie, Netflix continues to strike a balance between original and acquired content, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
As Netflix evolves its strategy to keep up with growing competition, one thing is certain: its 2024 film slate proves that the streaming giant is still the go-to platform for binge-worthy content, regardless of genre or critical score.
10 FAQs for "Top 6 Netflix Films of 2024"
What is the most-watched Netflix film of 2024?
Damsel holds the title of the most-watched Netflix original film of 2024, thanks to its unique twist on traditional fairy tales and the star power of Millie Bobby Brown.
What is Society of the Snow about?
Society of the Snow is a Spanish survival drama based on the true story of a 1972 plane crash in the Andes, highlighting the resilience of the survivors.
Which top film on Netflix received the best critical reviews in 2024?
Society of the Snow received widespread critical acclaim, unlike many other top-performing Netflix films that focused more on entertainment value than critical reception.
Why is Lift so popular on Netflix?
Despite low critical scores, Lift, starring Kevin Hart, became a hit due to its exciting action-heist plot and Hart’s comedic appeal, which resonated with a wide audience.
What makes Atlas a standout Netflix film?
Atlas, a sci-fi action film starring Jennifer Lopez, captivated audiences despite poor critical reviews, proving that star-driven projects remain popular on Netflix.
What genre is Damsel?
Damsel is a fantasy adventure film that flips the traditional damsel-in-distress narrative, offering viewers a fresh and engaging story.
What is the appeal of The Super Mario Bros. Movie on Netflix?
Although not a Netflix original, The Super Mario Bros. Movie attracted a large audience due to its multi-generational appeal and the popularity of the iconic video game franchise.
Is Under Paris a Netflix original film?
Specific details about Under Paris remain unclear, but its romantic setting in Paris contributed to its popularity, capitalizing on the city's allure.
What trends are emerging in Netflix’s 2024 film slate?
Netflix’s top films of 2024 show a growing reliance on star-driven productions, international content, and a mix of genres, catering to diverse tastes globally.
How does Netflix balance original and licensed content?
Netflix continues to offer a balance of original productions like Damsel and licensed titles such as The Super Mario Bros. Movie, ensuring a varied content library that appeals to a wide audience.
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