Welcome to the second part of our look at the biggest shows and movies of 2020, according to the Netflix top 10 feature. Below, we’ll take a look at the series that trended on Netflix from the introduction of the top 10 feature through to the end of the year.
Wondering what movies dominated the top 10s in 2020? Check out our separate guide for those here.
These lists are compiled by Flixpatrol who track various top 10s from different countries around the world which allows us to take a peek into what’s trending around the world at any given time. They’re not the definitive way of learning what’s the most popular on Netflix but they certainly provide a good picture of what’s been dominating the charts in 2020.
Please note: all data below is up to December 28th, 2020.
Global Top 20 Series on Netflix Globally
You’ll notice in the global list that most titles are Netflix Originals. The reason for this is because they’re the most widely available globally. Titles that are licensed, such as The Office which is only available in the US and Canada, are essentially capped at how many points they can earn due to the fact that they’re only available in limited regions.
1. The Queen’s Gambit
Flixpatrol Global Score: 43,265
Imagine someone telling you at the beginning of 2020 that a show about chess would be the most popular series on Netflix. That has been the reality with The Queen’s Gambit winning the hearts of millions around the world since its debut in November. It’s performed exceedingly well across the world hence topping the TV chart for 2020.
2. Emily in Paris
Flixpatrol Global Score: 27,143
This rom-com almost saw an instant renewal by Netflix and the reasons why are demonstrated here. Netflix’s ability to create fresh IP is something that only a few of its competitors can currently keep up with Disney+ and HBO Max relying on churning out sequels and spin-offs.
Its reign in the top 10 has also been attributed to the rise of ambient TV.
3. Lucifer
Flixpatrol Global Score: 25,969
This is possibly the best revival Netflix has ever made and its popularity continues to amaze us. Lucifans as they are known catapulted season five, part one up to the top of the charts around the world which led to Netflix canceling its plans to end after season five and proceed with a sixth season.
4. The Umbrella Academy
Flixpatrol Global Score: 23,443
The Umbrella Academy is one of the flagship shows for Netflix and gives Netflix a fighting chance against Disney+ and HBO Max which has a far superior lineup of superheroes to choose from.
The second season of The Umbrella Academy was well-received and did well across the globe.
5. Money Heist
Flixpatrol Global Score: 22,535
It should come as absolutely no surprise to anyone that Money Heist ranks well here. The fourth part came right in the middle of most countries’ lockdowns and hence its huge performance.
It also indicates what you’ll see a lot on this global list. That Spanish language shows are the second most popular after English titles.
And now, let’s take you up to the top 20.
- 6. Dark Desire
- 7. The Crown
- 8. Friends
- 9. Yo soy Betty, la fea
- 10. Ratched
- 11. Dark
- 12. Pablo Escobar, The Drug Lord
- 13. The Last Dance
- 14. Snowpiercer
- 15. The Haunting of Bly Manor
- 16. 100 Dias Para Enamorarnos
- 17. Cursed
- 18. Cobra Kai
- 19. It’s Okay to Not Be Okay
- 20. Locked Up
United States Top 10 Series on Netflix for 2020
Cocomelon was a largely US phenomenon but it’s led to the title being a permanent fixture in the top 10s since the summer. The Queen’s Gambit comes in second but losing by close to 200 points.
Avatar: The Last Airbender is another noteworthy title in the US top 10 but finally ran out of steam in the height of the summer.
- Cocomelon
- The Queen’s Gambit
- The Office
- Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
- Ozark
- Outer Banks
- Avatar: The Last Airbender
- The Umbrella Academy
- Unsolved Mysteries
- Cobra Kai
United Kingdom Top 10 Series on Netflix for 2020
In the United Kingdom, there are a few noteworthy titles. Up the top is a licensed title in the form of The Fall which did well from the re-addition to Netflix UK. White Lines is a notable title too given it was soon canceled after the first season and the UK was one of the few places where the title gained any steam.
- The Fall
- The Queen’s Gambit
- The Crown
- Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
- White Lines
- The Last Dance
- The Umbrella Academy
- Star Trek: Discovery
- Unsolved Mysteries
- Ratched
Australia Top 10 Series on Netflix for 2020
In Australia, The Last Dance did exceedingly well suggesting the NBA is very popular down under. Friends and Rick & Morty are the two licensed titles worthy of note too.
- The Queen’s Gambit
- The Last Dance
- Emily in Paris
- The Umbrella Academy
- Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
- Cocomelon
- The Crown
- Friends
- Cobra Kai
- Rick and Morty
Canada Top 10 Series on Netflix for 2020
Paw Patrol which originates from Canada did exceedingly well this year on Netflix CA. Modern Family from 20th Century is also noteworthy achieving the number two spot.
- The Queen’s Gambit
- Modern Family
- Sons of Anarchy
- Paw Patrol
- The Last Dance
- Family Guy
- Unsolved Mysteries
- Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness
- The Umbrella Academy
- The Crown
We’ll be back later in the week with more insights from the Netflix top 10s including some of the losers of 2020.
