Netflix Charts Reveal Gritty Dramas And Global Hits

Netflix’s global audience has always been a fascinating barometer for what’s hot in entertainment, and this week is no exception. As of late January 2026, streaming charts in both the UK and India are telling stories of shifting tastes, international crossovers, and the enduring power of compelling drama. What’s topping the lists? A mix of gritty biopics, crime thrillers, and heartwarming romances—each with its own unique cultural flavor and backstory.

In the UK, the 2018 film A Prayer Before Dawn has made an unexpected and powerful resurgence, landing at the #3 spot on Netflix’s film chart, according to FlixPatrol data reported on January 23, 2026. The film stars Joe Cole—best known for his roles in Peaky Blinders and Gangs of London—as Billy Moore, a British boxer whose life spirals after he’s arrested in Thailand and thrown into a notorious prison. The story, based on Moore’s memoir A Prayer Before Dawn: My Nightmare in Thailand’s Prisons, doesn’t pull any punches. It’s a harrowing tale of addiction, violence, and the desperate search for redemption in one of the world’s harshest penal systems.

Directed by Jean-Stéphane Sauvaire, with a screenplay by Jonathan Hirschbein and Nick Saltrese, the film immerses viewers in the claustrophobic, chaotic world of Thai prison life. It’s not just the visceral fight scenes or the grim setting that have critics raving—it’s Cole’s transformation. As Variety put it, he delivers a “ferociously physical lead performance.” The Independent echoed this, noting, “It’s a full-blown method-style performance. We don’t question its authenticity for a moment.”

Other reviewers have been equally effusive. RogerEbert.com called the film “a remarkable feat that requires a strong stomach to sit through,” while the Los Angeles Times described it as “an immersive, deeply powerful and darkly inspiring tale.” Empire Magazine added, “For all the flying fists and the hero’s nightmarish predicament, the notions of redemption examined here are plenty deep.” Little White Lies went so far as to label it a “star-making performance” for Cole. The critical consensus is clear: this is a film that leaves a mark.

It’s not just critics who are taking notice. With a 92% approval rating from 64 reviews on Rotten Tomatoes, A Prayer Before Dawn has found new life and a fresh audience on Netflix. The film’s cast also features local Thai actors Panya Yimmumphai and Vithaya Pansringarm, and in a nod to authenticity, Billy Moore himself makes a cameo appearance. For those who prefer their dramas with a dose of reality and grit, this is one to watch—though, as reviewers warn, it’s not for the faint of heart.

Elsewhere in the UK Netflix top five, crime drama The Rip (starring Matt Damon and Ben Affleck) sits at #2, while the romantic comedy People We Meet on Vacation continues to charm viewers, holding strong at #5.

Meanwhile, across the globe in India, Netflix’s trending list on January 25, 2026, reveals a different but equally eclectic set of favorites. The #1 spot is held by Tere Ishk Mein, a film that blends love, betrayal, and personal transformation. The story centers on Shankar, a young man with a fiery temperament, and Mukti, a research scholar who selects him as the subject of her study on love and violence. Their bond is tested by betrayal, leading Shankar to join the Air Force in an attempt to rebuild his life. Seven years later, past and present collide, bringing emotional conflicts to the fore. The film’s sharp performances and emotional depth have kept it at the top of the Indian Netflix chart.

But it’s not just new releases that are making waves. The list is a mix of older and recent titles, reflecting the diverse tastes of Indian viewers. People We Meet on Vacation also appears at #9, demonstrating its broad international appeal. The gritty police drama Mardaani (2014) and its 2019 sequel Mardaani 2 are trending at #8 and #7, respectively—a surge likely fueled by the upcoming release of Mardaani 3 on January 30, 2026. Both films follow police officer Shivani Shivaji Roy as she battles crime and corruption, themes that clearly continue to resonate with audiences.

The action-packed Akhanda 2 (at #6) tells the story of twin brothers separated by fate, while Eko (#5) wraps up Bahul Ramesh’s Animal Trilogy, with some viewers in Kerala noting its political undertones. The RIP (#4), also trending in the UK, explores a tense cash recovery raid gone wrong, delving into mistrust and greed among law enforcement officers. HAQ (#3) tackles personal and social questions related to women’s divorce settlements, drawing inspiration from a major Supreme Court case and a well-known book. Rounding out the top three is the family comedy De De Pyaar De 2, which continues the story of Ashish, an NRI in his fifties, as he tries to win over his younger fiancée’s parents—a lighthearted exploration of generational tensions.

What’s striking about the Indian chart is its linguistic and genre diversity. Films in Hindi, Telugu, and Malayalam sit comfortably alongside each other, with stories ranging from action and romance to social drama and dark thrillers. As the Koimoi report notes, some films trend due to renewed buzz around sequels, while others find new audiences after their theatrical runs end. The list is a testament to both the enduring popularity of certain franchises and the appetite for fresh, boundary-pushing content.

For viewers in both the UK and India, Netflix’s charts this week offer a window into the world’s living rooms—and perhaps a few surprises. Who would have guessed that a brutal prison drama from 2018 would be captivating British audiences anew, or that a romantic road trip movie would bridge cultures from London to Lucknow? It’s a reminder that while our tastes may differ, the power of a good story is universal.

With sequels on the horizon and new releases dropping every week, it’s anyone’s guess what will top the charts next. For now, though, these films are the ones everyone’s talking about—and for good reason.