Whenever I have no clue what to watch on Netflix, I make a beeline for the streamer's top 10 most-watched movies list. While these kinds of rankings on the best streaming services don't guarantee a movie's a hit, it is a great resource for cutting through the noise.
So how do you figure out which movies are worth the hype? That's where we come in. Here at Tom's Guide, we've narrowed down the best movies in the Netflix top 10 to watch right now. This list includes an underrated video game adaptation and a new action comedy starring Eddie Murphy.
This article is based on the Netflix top 10 list of most-watched movies in the U.S. as of 8 a.m. ET on July 5. For even more streaming recommendations, check out everything that's new on Netflix this week and a new superhero show that just crashed the Netflix top 10 with 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.
'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' (2024)
"Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is a continuation of the popular action-comedy franchise that started in the 1980s. The No.1 movie on Netflix follows Eddie Murphy reprising his iconic role as Axel Foley, a street-smart Detroit cop who once again finds himself navigating the upscale, glamorous, yet dangerous world of Beverly Hills.
In this latest installment, Axel Foley returns to solve a major case that ties back to the Los Angeles area, bringing his unique blend of unorthodox police work, wit, and charm. The movie combines fun but intense action with comedy, featuring new characters and some familiar faces from previous movies you’ll probably recognize. It’s definitely one to watch if you just need to relax and have a laugh. — AB
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'Warcraft' (2016)
Despite its low rating on Rotten Tomatoes, “Warcraft” is still a fun video game adaptation to experience, and it doesn't deserve all the criticism it got back in 2016. This underrated fantasy epic crashed the Netflix top 10 not too long ago, proving that people are enjoying the brilliant visual work and world building.
The movie, based on the popular video game series by Blizzard Entertainment, is set in the fantasy world of Azeroth and tells the story of the initial encounter between the human kingdom of Stormwind and the orcish Horde, who are fleeing their dying homeworld of Draenor. The plot focuses on key characters from both sides: Anduin Lothar (Travis Fimmel), a noble human knight, and Durotan (Toby Kebbell), an orc chieftain seeking a new home for his people. — AB
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'Shrek' (2001)
We just got a big update about "Shrek 5" (and a "Donkey" spinoff) courtesy of Eddie Murphy, so it's no surprise to see this animated hit among Netflix's top 10 movies, especially seeing as DreamWorks' 2001 hit is still as entertaining as ever.
If you're yet to see it, "Shrek" is a mock fairytale that follows everyone's favorite green ogre, Shrek (voice by Mike Myers). After his solitary life in the swamp is disturbed by banished fairytale creatures, Shrek sets off on a quest (accompanied by Murphy's wisecracking donkey) to save a princess from a dragon in a bid to get his life back. It's a fun spin on familiar tales and one which absolutely still holds up. — MS
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Netflix Top 10 Movies Right Now
- "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" (2024)
- "A Family Affair" (2024)
- "Warcraft" (2016)
- "Minions" (2015)
- "Trigger Warning" (2024)
- "Shrek (2001)
- "The Super Mario Bros. Movie (2023)
- "Jigsaw" (2017)
- "The Blind Side" (2009)
- "Home" (2015)
