Summary:
Netflix Originals have redefined streaming culture, producing global sensations like Stranger Things and The Queen’s Gambit, while also delivering costly flops such as Jupiter’s Legacy. This article explores the platform’s biggest hits and misses, the reasons behind their success or failure, and the lessons viewers and industry leaders can draw from Netflix’s evolving content strategy.
Introduction: Netflix as the Pioneer of Streaming Entertainment
Netflix has shaped modern entertainment like no other platform. From mailing DVDs in red envelopes to leading the global streaming revolution, the company has built a cultural empire. At the heart of its success is the creation of Netflix Originals—exclusive movies and series that have become household names worldwide.
Yet not every Netflix Original turns into a breakout success. While some titles spark global conversations, others fade quickly despite heavy investment. This contrast raises a central question: Which Netflix Originals have been the biggest hits and misses—and why?
In this blog, we’ll dissect the phenomenon by examining Netflix’s blockbuster hits, its most glaring misses, the business strategy behind them, and what the future holds. Along the way, we’ll answer the most searched questions Americans are asking about Netflix Originals today.
What Makes a Netflix Original a “Hit” or “Miss”?
Before diving into examples, it’s important to clarify what defines success or failure.
A “hit” Netflix Original typically shows:
- High viewership measured in hours watched (Netflix reported Squid Game reached 1.65 billion viewing hours within 28 days).
- Strong cultural impact, sparking memes, trends, or conversations (e.g., the “Demogorgon” craze from Stranger Things).
- Critical acclaim, winning awards or high Rotten Tomatoes scores.
- Longevity, with multiple seasons or ongoing influence.
A “miss” often involves:
- Low engagement compared to its budget.
- Negative reviews or poor audience reception.
- Short shelf life (canceled after one season).
- Minimal global conversation despite marketing efforts.
Now, let’s look at Netflix’s biggest success stories and its costly missteps.
The Biggest Netflix Original Hits
Stranger Things – The Gold Standard of Netflix Success
Few shows define Netflix like Stranger Things. Premiering in 2016, the supernatural sci-fi drama blended 1980s nostalgia with fresh storytelling. It quickly became one of Netflix’s flagship series, influencing fashion, music, and even Halloween costumes.
The show boosted sales of Eggo waffles, revived Kate Bush’s 1985 song Running Up That Hill, and inspired countless fan theories. Season 4 generated over 1.3 billion hours viewed. Beyond numbers, it earned multiple Emmy nominations and wins, cementing its place as a pop-culture phenomenon.
It remains the blueprint for how Netflix Originals can achieve both cultural dominance and commercial success.
Squid Game – A Global Phenomenon from South Korea
In 2021, Squid Game exploded beyond all expectations. The dystopian survival drama captivated audiences worldwide with its chilling commentary on class inequality.
It topped charts in 94 countries, reaching 142 million households within its first month. The series became a cultural juggernaut: Halloween costumes, TikTok challenges, and even political debates referenced it. Netflix capitalized with spin-offs, merchandise, and a reality show (Squid Game: The Challenge).
Few Originals have achieved such universal resonance, proving Netflix’s global-first strategy was the right move.
The Queen’s Gambit – Redefining the Chess World
A series about chess doesn’t sound like a likely megahit. But The Queen’s Gambit (2020) became one of Netflix’s most unexpected triumphs.
The show sparked a worldwide chess boom, increasing sales of chess sets by over 200% and driving millions to online platforms like Chess.com. It swept awards season, winning 11 Emmys including Outstanding Limited Series. Beth Harmon became a feminist icon for resilience and brilliance.
This series proved Netflix could take a niche subject and turn it into a global obsession.
Wednesday – Reviving Classic IP for Gen Z
Tim Burton’s Wednesday (2022) reintroduced The Addams Family to a new generation with Jenna Ortega in the titular role.
It debuted with a record-breaking 341 million hours watched in its first week—becoming Netflix’s second-biggest English-language series launch. Ortega’s viral dance scene became a TikTok sensation with billions of views.
By blending nostalgia with Gen Z aesthetics, Netflix proved its ability to refresh classic IPs for younger audiences.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) – From Spanish TV to Global Icon
Originally a Spanish network show, Money Heist became a global smash when Netflix picked it up.
The red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks became symbols of rebellion worldwide, sparking protests and fan movements. It quickly became one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English series. The spin-off Berlin extended the brand further, demonstrating Netflix’s ability to transform local-language dramas into global franchises.
Other Notable Hits
- Bridgerton: A Shondaland hit that redefined period drama with inclusivity, fashion, and steamy romance.
- The Crown: A prestige drama chronicling Queen Elizabeth II, winning 21 Primetime Emmys.
- All of Us Are Dead: A South Korean zombie thriller that captivated youth audiences worldwide.
- 13 Reasons Why: Controversial but widely watched, sparking conversations about teen mental health.
The Biggest Netflix Original Misses
While Netflix has delivered undeniable hits, its track record also includes high-profile disappointments.
Jupiter’s Legacy – A Superhero Bust
Netflix invested heavily in Jupiter’s Legacy (2021), a superhero series based on Mark Millar’s comics.
With an estimated $200 million budget, expectations were sky-high. But the show was criticized for weak storytelling, slow pacing, and uninspired visuals. It was canceled after just one season—making it one of Netflix’s most expensive failures.
Bright – Star Power, Weak Story
Starring Will Smith, Bright (2017) was hyped as Netflix’s first blockbuster movie.
Despite strong initial viewership, the film was panned for incoherent storytelling and clumsy worldbuilding. With a $90 million budget, critics and audiences alike saw it as a wasted opportunity.
It proved that star power alone cannot guarantee long-term success.
The Get Down – Musical Drama with High Costs
Baz Luhrmann’s The Get Down was a bold attempt to tell the story of hip-hop’s birth.
Despite dazzling visuals and a unique premise, it struggled with production delays, inconsistent tone, and ballooning costs (around $120 million for one season). Ultimately, it was canceled after one season—another big-budget experiment gone wrong.
Space Force – Comedy That Didn’t Take Off
With Steve Carell and Greg Daniels (The Office creators) behind it, expectations were huge.
But Space Force (2020) fell flat with critics, who called it unfunny and unfocused. Despite a $100 million budget for Season 1, it ended after Season 2, never finding its comedic rhythm.
Cursed – Arthurian Epic Gone Wrong
This fantasy series reimagined the legend of King Arthur through Nimue’s eyes, with Katherine Langford in the lead.
Promoted as Netflix’s next big fantasy saga, it was plagued by weak writing and poor CGI. Despite initial interest, it was canceled after one season, joining the list of fantasy flops.
Other Misses
- Marco Polo: Expensive ($200M) but bland, quickly forgotten.
- Gypsy: Naomi Watts-led thriller, canceled after one season.
- Hemlock Grove: Early supernatural effort that was overshadowed by later hits.
- Girlboss: Based on Sophia Amoruso’s memoir, criticized for tone-deaf storytelling.
Why Do Some Netflix Originals Fail While Others Thrive?
The stark difference between successes and failures highlights key lessons:
- Storytelling Quality Matters More Than Budget: The Queen’s Gambit thrived with modest resources, while Marco Polo flopped despite its huge spend.
- Cultural Timing is Critical: Squid Game resonated during heightened conversations on class inequality.
- Global Appeal Works: Non-English titles like Money Heist and All of Us Are Dead underline Netflix’s global-first approach.
- Marketing & Memes Drive Virality: Wednesday succeeded partly because of TikTok trends that kept it in the spotlight.
How Netflix Measures Success Differently
Unlike traditional TV, Netflix doesn’t focus only on ratings. It evaluates:
- Total hours watched in the first 28 days.
- Global reach across different territories.
- Retention value—whether a show keeps users subscribed.
This explains why shows with mixed reviews (Emily in Paris) get renewed, while fan favorites (Sense8) may not survive due to cost-to-value imbalance.
FAQs on Netflix Originals
Q1. What is the most-watched Netflix Original of all time?
Squid Game is Netflix’s most-watched Original, reaching 1.65 billion viewing hours within 28 days of release in 2021. Its gripping survival storyline, strong social commentary, and viral global popularity made it an instant phenomenon, setting records across 90+ countries and redefining international success for Netflix Originals.
Q2. Which Netflix Original has won the most awards?
The Crown dominates Netflix’s awards tally with dozens of Emmys, Golden Globes, and Screen Actors Guild wins. Its meticulous storytelling, strong performances, and historical dramatization of the British monarchy elevated its prestige. The series cemented Netflix’s reputation as a serious player in high-quality, award-winning television production worldwide.
Q3. Why does Netflix cancel shows so quickly?
Netflix cancels shows based on strict performance metrics. If a series fails to attract new subscribers, maintain high completion rates, or achieve global appeal, it’s often cut despite fan love. High production costs and the company’s strategy of favoring fresh content over long-running series also drive cancellations.
Q4. Are non-English Netflix Originals more successful now?
Yes. Non-English Originals like Money Heist, Dark, All of Us Are Dead, and Squid Game prove massive global appeal. Subtitles, dubbing options, and universal themes fuel international success. These shows demonstrate that Netflix can build worldwide cultural phenomena beyond English-language programming, reshaping how global audiences consume entertainment.
Q5. Which Netflix movie was the biggest flop?
Bright (2017), starring Will Smith, is often cited as Netflix’s biggest flop. Despite a $90 million budget and high expectations, critics slammed its weak script and execution. While it achieved initial streaming numbers, poor reviews and lack of cultural impact made it an expensive, high-profile disappointment.
Q6. What Netflix Original has the highest Rotten Tomatoes score?
The Queen’s Gambit (2020) holds one of the highest Rotten Tomatoes scores at 96%. Critics praised its strong performances, stunning production, and engaging chess-driven narrative. Its success not only boosted Netflix’s reputation for limited series but also reignited global interest in chess, driving board sales worldwide.
Q7. Are Netflix Originals better than HBO or Disney+ shows?
It depends on perspective. Netflix prioritizes volume and global variety, producing hits and misses. HBO emphasizes prestige storytelling (Succession, The Last of Us) while Disney+ leans on Marvel and Star Wars universes. Netflix wins on breadth, but HBO and Disney+ often score higher in consistent critical acclaim.
Q8. Will Netflix continue investing in big-budget Originals?
Yes, though with more caution. After expensive failures like Jupiter’s Legacy and Cowboy Bebop, Netflix is refining investments, focusing on safer franchises, proven showrunners, and international co-productions. Big-budget projects like The Witcher will continue, but profitability and sustainable growth are now prioritized over experimental, costly risks.
Q9. Which Netflix Originals are most influential in pop culture?
Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Squid Game dominate cultural conversations, sparking viral trends, merchandise, Halloween costumes, and fan communities. These shows transcend television, influencing music, fashion, and even video games. Their massive online presence proves Netflix Originals can define generational pop culture in ways few platforms have achieved.
Q10. What canceled Netflix shows deserve revival?
Fans still passionately campaign for Sense8, The OA, and Anne with an E. These shows had loyal audiences, diverse representation, and critical acclaim but were canceled due to low profitability. Their cult followings continue petitions and online campaigns, highlighting the emotional connection viewers build with beloved Originals.
Key Takeaways
- Netflix Originals reshaped entertainment with both massive successes and expensive failures.
- Global-first strategy (e.g., Squid Game, Money Heist) drives growth.
- Expensive productions don’t guarantee success; storytelling and timing matter most.
- Cultural relevance and social media virality amplify hits.
- Netflix focuses on subscriber retention over prestige alone.
Conclusion: The Future of Netflix Originals
As competition intensifies from Disney+, Amazon Prime, Apple TV+, and HBO Max, Netflix’s Originals remain its strongest weapon. Its megahits—from Stranger Things to Squid Game—continue to redefine streaming culture. Yet failures like Jupiter’s Legacy show the risks of overspending without strong creative direction.