Netflix isn’t slowing down in 2025—in fact, it’s firing on all cylinders. After dominating 2024 with crowd-pleasers like Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F and The Piano Lesson, the streaming giant has doubled down with an even more ambitious slate of releases. From pulse-pounding action flicks to emotional documentaries and experimental animation, Netflix is aiming to lead the global movie conversation in a year already filled with streaming milestones.
Among the breakout hits, Tyler Perry’s *Straw* has taken center stage, becoming the most-watched Netflix original of the year so far. With nearly 49 million views in its first week, the film’s viral success highlights Netflix’s ability to turn auteur-driven projects into global events. Meanwhile, *Our Times*, a genre-bending Spanish sci-fi romance, and *Titan: The OceanGate Disaster*, a haunting deep-sea documentary, show how Netflix can pivot from emotional storytelling to real-life tragedy without missing a beat.
The momentum doesn’t stop there. This summer, Netflix is pulling out all the stops. Guillermo del Toro’s highly anticipated Frankenstein, starring Oscar Isaac, Mia Goth, and Andrew Garfield, is slated for a November release and already generating awards buzz. December will see the return of Benoit Blanc in *Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery*, with Rian Johnson back in the director’s chair and a new cast of suspects to unravel. And on June 27, the global phenomenon *Squid Game* concludes with its final season, capping off one of the most influential TV runs in streaming history.
Netflix’s June 2025 calendar alone is stacked with major releases:
- *K.O.* (June 6) – A gritty French action thriller about a retired fighter who takes on a criminal syndicate. Think *Taken* meets *Unleashed*, with visceral hand-to-hand combat.
- *Tyler Perry’s STRAW* (June 6) – A dramatic and emotional pivot from Perry, tackling generational trauma and forgiveness with standout performances.
- *Trainwreck: The Astroworld Tragedy* (June 10) – A searing documentary revisiting the 2021 concert disaster with firsthand accounts and expert analysis.
- *Titan: The OceanGate Disaster* (June 11) – A chilling deep-dive into the ill-fated submersible expedition that captivated headlines in 2023.
- *Our Times* (June 11) – A cerebral romance that combines time travel, quantum physics, and heartache.
- *Cocaine Air: Smugglers at 30,000 Ft.* (June 11) – A fast-paced true crime documentary chronicling an international drug trafficking ring hidden in plain sight.
- *Cheers to Life* & *Aniela* (June 11) – A feel-good Netflix film and international series debuting on the same day, aimed at global audiences.
And May 2025 wasn’t light either, with standout titles like *Fear Street: Prom Queen* continuing the popular horror franchise, and *Nonnas*, a feel-good culinary comedy that’s already inspired real-world cookbook deals and viral recipes on TikTok.
Looking ahead, Netflix’s second half of 2025 looks just as exciting:
- *The Old Guard 2* (July 2) – Charlize Theron returns in this sequel to the gritty immortal action saga.
- *Happy Gilmore 2* (July 25) – Adam Sandler resurrects one of his most iconic characters, with early set photos generating viral buzz online.
- *The Thursday Murder Club* (August 28) – Based on the bestselling book by Richard Osman, this mystery-comedy features an all-star cast including Helen Mirren and Pierce Brosnan.
- *Plankton: The Movie* – Expanding the *SpongeBob* universe with a solo outing for its smallest villain. Expect chaotic energy and meme-worthy moments.
- *Wallace & Gromit: Vengeance Most Fowl* – A return to stop-motion excellence, featuring the comeback of the Feathered Menace from *The Wrong Trousers*.
- *The Electric State* – A dystopian adventure directed by the Russo Brothers, starring Millie Bobby Brown and Chris Pratt, based on the acclaimed graphic novel.
- *Back in Action* – Cameron Diaz’s comeback movie alongside Jamie Foxx, blending spy tropes with buddy-comedy chaos.
Netflix’s commitment to original storytelling is also global. With increasing investments in non-English-language content—from Spanish romances to Korean sci-fi and Indian thrillers—the platform continues to bet big on diverse international appeal. Netflix now releases more than 50% of its content outside of North America, signaling a firm belief that the next big hit might come from anywhere in the world.
Whether you’re here for the star power, genre experimentation, or cultural moments, Netflix in 2025 is offering something for every kind of viewer—and then some. As theatrical windows shrink and binge-worthy premieres grow in prestige, Netflix remains a dominant force shaping what movie nights look like around the globe.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix’s 2025 movie lineup has already delivered one of its biggest hits ever with Tyler Perry’s “Straw.”
- Upcoming heavy-hitters include “Frankenstein” and the third Knives Out film, “Wake Up Dead Man.”
- Summer 2025 releases include animated musical “KPop Demon Hunters” and romantic time-travel story “Our Times.”
- Major series like “Squid Game,” “Bridgerton,” and “FUBAR” are back with new seasons.
- Netflix continues to expand with globally-produced dramas, comedies, documentaries, and genre-bending films.
Spotlight on Netflix Original Movies in 2025
Netflix’s 2025 lineup continues to push boundaries across genre, language, and style. In addition to Perry’s “Straw,” viewers are raving about “The Survivors”—a moody Tasmanian thriller with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes—and “Titan,” a gripping real-world documentary that revisits the OceanGate tragedy. These releases show Netflix’s commitment to original content that’s both provocative and entertaining.
Drama and Documentaries
While 2024 brought us well-received dramas like “His Three Daughters” and “The Piano Lesson,” 2025 is delivering on that promise with stories like “Our Times”—a Mexican sci-fi romantic drama that’s cracked the global Top 10 thanks to its heartwarming plot and future-facing themes. The documentary “Titan” joins the Trainwreck docu-series, offering an emotional deep dive into recent tragedy with signature Netflix polish.
Netflix’s library of international dramas continues to grow, featuring standout films from Europe, Asia, and Latin America. This global approach broadens the platform’s storytelling while maintaining emotional resonance and critical acclaim.
Comedies and Family Entertainment
Family-friendly content continues to thrive. March saw the debut of “Plankton: The Movie”—a SpongeBob spinoff that drew 14 million viewers its first weekend. Animated musical “KPop Demon Hunters” arrives this June with huge anticipation from both animation fans and K-pop enthusiasts.
Meanwhile, comedies like “Semi-Soeter” (an Afrikaans romantic comedy releasing June 20) and a new wave of Netflix comedy specials keep things light, fun, and global. Netflix continues to invest in humor that speaks across cultures and generations.
Action and Thrillers
Netflix’s 2024 action hits like “Rebel Ridge” and “Lift” have been joined in 2025 by adrenaline-charged titles like “The Waterfront” (a gritty new family saga set in coastal North Carolina) and returning series “FUBAR” Season 2. High-stakes thrillers with strong ensemble casts and tight scripts continue to be a staple for Netflix’s action-loving audience.
Looking ahead, Guillermo del Toro’s “Frankenstein”—starring Oscar Isaac—arrives this November and promises a stylized blend of gothic horror and dark fantasy that could become Netflix’s next awards-season juggernaut.
International Highlights and Series You Shouldn’t Miss
Netflix’s global reach has never been more obvious. In 2024, shows like “Maestro in Blue” and “The Six Triple Eight” made headlines. Now in 2025, the streamer is leaning even harder into international hits. Recent breakouts include “The Survivors” from Australia and “Our Times” from Mexico, both topping charts worldwide.
Upcoming titles from Europe and South Korea are poised to follow suit. These diverse voices and unique cultural stories help Netflix connect with a global audience like no other platform can.
Returning Series to Watch
New seasons of “Squid Game” (June 27), “FUBAR”, “Ginny & Georgia”, and “Bridgerton” are keeping the series side strong. Netflix’s binge-worthy approach keeps viewers hooked and has helped shows like “Drive to Survive” and “The Umbrella Academy” maintain their cultural impact.
The platform’s global top 10 is now often dominated by international titles, proving that audiences are more open than ever to cross-cultural storytelling—and Netflix is more than happy to deliver it.
Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the most popular Netflix movie right now?
Tyler Perry’s “Straw” is currently the most-watched Netflix film in 2025, with nearly 49 million views in its first week. It’s a drama with sharp twists and powerful performances that’s dominating conversation right now.
What upcoming movies should I be excited for?
Major titles to watch include “Frankenstein” by Guillermo del Toro in November and “Wake Up Dead Man” (a new Knives Out mystery) in December. Also, keep an eye out for buzz around animated and musical features like “KPop Demon Hunters.”
Is “Squid Game” really coming back?
Yes! “Squid Game” Season 3 is officially launching on June 27, 2025. It will be the final season, and anticipation is sky-high. Netflix is already teasing a shocking conclusion to the global phenomenon.
Where can I see what’s new on Netflix each month?
Netflix updates its “New & Popular” section regularly and posts upcoming releases on the official Netflix Tudum blog. You can also follow Netflix’s social channels or check monthly roundups on entertainment news sites like Vulture and What’s On Netflix.
