netflix top movies right now: What to watch as new arrivals shake up the charts
New releases and surprise hits have refreshed the current watchlist, sending several titles to the top of the charts. The slate blends big-budget espionage, gritty crime drama, psychological mystery and lighter regional fare — offering something for viewers chasing thrills, emotion or laughs.
Big-ticket arrivals and high-stakes thrillers
At the center of the current surge is a high-profile spy action film that moved from theatres to streaming after a robust box-office run. Anchored by a powerhouse lead performance and built as the opening chapter of a planned duology, the story follows an undercover intelligence officer embedding himself in criminal networks across a hostile border city to halt a looming terror operation. Expect taut infiltration sequences, political friction and a relentless pace that keeps momentum through the run time.
Crime drama fans have also been rewarded. A returning gritty Punjabi series reopened its mystery with a new season that elevates the original’s moody atmosphere and layered character work. Its creators double down on slow-burn investigative tension and ensemble interplay, creating an immersive whodunit that balances procedural beats with emotional stakes.
International offerings continue to perform strongly. A recently released Korean mystery blends psychological suspense and character-driven intrigue: a woman who reinvented herself is murdered, and the ensuing investigation unravels layers of deception and identity. Released on Feb. 13, 2026 (ET), the series leans into mood, twists and the kind of meticulous plotting that has fuelled global interest in Korean thrillers.
Movies topping viewing charts: variety and crowd-pleasers
Across the film slate, several titles are drawing sustained attention. A courtroom drama inspired by a landmark legal case returns to the conversation with a performance-led narrative that explores social rights, family upheaval and the pressures of public scrutiny. Viewers looking for high-emotion storytelling and debate-friendly themes will find much to discuss.
On the opposite end of the emotional spectrum are romcoms and relationship dramas that continue to chart well. One sequel in particular revisits characters from a popular earlier film and leans into generational humor and family dynamics, while a contemporary romance explores memory loss and the fragility of daily life with a soft, melancholic touch.
Hard-hitting crime thrillers remain steady draws. A police-procedural sequel featuring a determined female officer on the trail of a serial predator underscores the appetite for tense cat-and-mouse storytelling. Another revenge-tinged drama — a compact, atmospheric film anchored by a standout central performance — remains among the platform’s most-watched films for its lean storytelling and emotional payoff.
Regional cinema and lighter options worth queuing
Regional releases are playing a prominent role in the current lineup. A Telugu-language comedy drama delivers a blend of humor and heart through an everyman protagonist, balancing lightness with emotional resonance and offering a crowd-pleasing counterpoint to darker material.
Political satire from a southern-language production uses village politics and absurdity to skew social norms, anchored by a strong central turn that grounds the satire in believable stakes. These regional entries are notable not only for local flavor but for how they broaden the overall selection with cultural specificity and varied tonal palettes.
Bottom line: the present mix rewards both binge-watchers chasing high-concept suspense and casual viewers seeking lighter, character-driven fare. If you’re prioritizing fresh releases, start with the big-budget spy thriller for action, the returning Punjabi crime series for long-form mystery, and the Korean psychological series for a twist-heavy ride. For palate cleansers, regional comedies and relationship-driven romances offer a refreshing change of pace.
