Netflix's most-watched movie of 2025 so far has been revealed – and it wasn't one of the streamer's own films.
American ratings firm Nielsen has unveiled its streaming charts for the year's halfway point, confirming that an unexpected movie has proved the biggest hit on Netflix US.
According to them, Despicable Me 4 was the most-watched title on Netflix, with 6.274 billion minutes viewed, as well as the second-most watched movie across streaming generally behind Disney+'s Moana 2.
In terms of just Netflix, that's ahead of originals Back in Action (5.264 billion minutes) and The Electric State (3.254 billion minutes).
Non-originals The Wild Robot and Sonic the Hedgehog 2, which were split between the streamer and fellow services Peacock and Paramount+, also proved popular.
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Despicable Me 4 (which isn't currently available on Netflix UK) was released last year, marking the first main entry into the franchise in seven years, as well as the first in two years since prequel Minions: The Rise of Gru.
The story sees Gru (Steve Carell) forced to relocate his family to a safe house after former rival Maxime Le Mal (Will Ferrell) emerges and seeks revenge against the reformed supervillain, while also dealing with his family including newborn Gru Jr.
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Despite its huge streaming success, the sequel wasn't the biggest hit with critics upon its release, landing the lowest Rotten Tomatoes rating of the main movies with 56% – slightly ahead of the bottom-ranked Minions.
"Fast paced and teeming with slapstick gags, Despicable Me 4 is as overstuffed as a piñata but full of enough candy to give audiences an enjoyable sugar rush," the consensus reads.
Despicable Me 4 is available to buy or rent from Prime Video, iTunes, Microsoft Store and more in the UK.
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Sam is a freelance reporter and sub-editor who has a particular interest in movies, TV and music. After completing a journalism Masters at City University, London, Sam joined Digital Spy as a reporter, and has also freelanced for publications such as NME and Screen International. Sam, who also has a degree in Film, can wax lyrical about everything from Lord of the Rings to Love Is Blind, and is equally in his element crossing every 't' and dotting every 'i' as a sub-editor.
