We're heading into the final few months of 2025, making now seem as good a time as any to take stock of the biggest Netflix shows of the year. The streaming service has brought us a ton of new releases throughout the last 10 months, from long-awaited series returns to brand-new thrillers and surprise hits, and we're still waiting for "Stranger Things" season 5, which is bound to be another huge release.
Although we've been served plenty of fresh watches, only 26 have managed to rise through the ranks and hold onto the No. 1 spot in the streamer's charts in any given week in the United States. And if you're wondering which ones are most worth your time, I've picked out the best of the bunch.
Best Netflix No. 1 shows of 2025 (so far)
'Adolescence'
It's featured on every version of this list I've made this year, but I won't be replacing "Adolescence" here, either, as I don't think you can debate it as one of the streamer's most important projects of 2025.
This powerful four-part limited series comes from "Boiling Point" star Stephen Graham and creator Philip Barantini, and saw the lives of a British family turned upside down when their 13-year-old son, Jamie (Owen Cooper), is arrested for the murder of a fellow pupil.
It sparked big debates, won huge praise, shot to the No. 2 spot on Netflix's all-time most-watched shows list and it swept the Emmys. If you've not seen it yet, it's definitely worth setting the time aside to watch it.
Watch "Adolescence" on Netflix now
'Sirens'
It may not have gone down quite as well as "Maid," but I was a big fan of Molly Smith Metzler's "Sirens," and so I'm keeping it on this list for now.
Across five episodes, the series follows concerned sister, Devon DeWitt ("Drop" star, Meghann Fahy) as she goes to check on her younger sister, Simon (Milly Alcock). Simone's been pulled into the orbit of wealthy socialite, Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore), and Devon believes she's been brainwashed into her new life as a live-in assistant.
When she shows up — unannounced — at the Kell estate, Devon discovers Mrs. Kell is a formidable opponent, and. It's a twisty, funny, and emotional miniseries, and well worth checking out.
Watch "Sirens" on Netflix now
'The Hunting Wives'
"The Hunting Wives" was initially developed for Starz by Lionsgate, but was subsequently acquired by Netflix... which is where this binge-worthy mystery-thriller subsequently became a streaming hit over the summer.
The series centers on Sophie (Brittany Snow), a PR executive who makes the move with her family to a small East Texan town. There, she's sucked into an elite social circle of affluent women led by Margo Banks (Malin Åkerman) — the titular "Hunting Wives." That friendship begins with lavish events but spirals into danger when a teenager's body is discovered in the woods, and Sophie soon learns that her new home hides plenty of dark secrets.
Stream "The Hunting Wives" on Netflix now
'Untamed'
If you love a compelling, character-driven mystery series, "Untamed" is the series for you. The show hails from Mark L. Smith ("American Primeval") and Elle Smith ("The Marsh King's Daughter") and takes place within the stunning setting of Yosemite National Park.
There, Investigative Services Branch Agent Kyle Turner (Eric Bana) is searching for a killer, and that investigation sees him uncovering some sinister secrets within that beautiful setting. It's a suspenseful drama that also won praise from my colleague Alix Blackburn earlier in the year, and shouldn't be overlooked if you missed it on release.
Watch "Untamed" on Netflix now
'Wednesday'
While "Wednesday" season 2 may not have had the seismic impact that the first did, this darker second stay at Nevermore Academy is still very much worth watching, in my opinion.
Released in two parts, "Wednesday" season 2 follows Wednesday (Jenna Ortega) and the rest of the Addams Family back to Nevermore Academy, where the whole Addams set is sucked into a new supernatural mystery, crossing paths with fresh friends (and foes!) and old allies and enemies in the process. Powered once again by Ortega's excellent central performance and its trademark mischievous spirit, "Wednesday" season 2 was a blast.
Watch "Wednesday" on Netflix now
Already streamed every pick? Be sure to take a look at our definitive list of all the best Netflix shows for tons more top streaming suggestions for even more watchlist-worthy picks.
Every Netflix No. show so far in 2025
Below, you can find the full list of the 26 Netflix shows that have laid claim to the top spot in the streamer's charts, based on Netflix's weekly data (listed alphabetically).
- "Adolescence"
- "American Manhunt: O.J. Simpson"
- "American Manhunt: Osama Bin Landen"
- "American Murder: Gabby Petito"
- "American Primeval"
- "Bad Influence: The Dark Side of Kidfluencing"
- "Black Rabbit"
- "Canelo vs. Crawford"
- "Fit for TV: The Reality of the Biggest Loser"
- "Ginny & Georgia"
- "Gone Girls: The Long Island Serial Killer"
- "Katrina: Come Hell and High Water"
- "Monster: The Ed Gein Story"
- "Ransom Canyon"
- "Running Point"
- "Sirens"
- "Squid Game"
- "Sullivan's Crossing"
- "Surviving Black Hawk Down"
- "The Four Seasons"
- "The Hunting Wives"
- "The Night Agent"
- "The Waterfront"
- "Untamed"
- "Wayward"
- "Wednesday"
Follow Tom's Guide on Google News and add us as a preferred source to get our up-to-date news, analysis, and reviews in your feeds. Make sure to click the Follow button!
More from Tom's Guide
You must confirm your public display name before commenting
Please logout and then login again, you will then be prompted to enter your display name.
