As summer 2025 unfolds, Netflix’s relentless stream of new releases is keeping audiences indoors, glued to their screens, and talking about what’s next in entertainment. But amidst the season’s star-studded premieres and much-hyped sequels, one film has emerged as an unexpected juggernaut: Night Always Comes. Released on August 15, 2025, this gritty crime thriller has quickly become the talk of the streaming world, challenging animated titan KPop Demon Hunters for dominance on the platform’s coveted Global Top 10 chart.
For nine consecutive weeks, KPop Demon Hunters has been the movie to beat, racking up a staggering 210.5 million views and cementing its place as Netflix’s second-most-watched film ever—trailing only behind the 2021 action-comedy Red Notice, which boasts 230.9 million views. According to Netflix’s official data, KPop Demon Hunters is only the second original film from the service to surpass the 210-million-view milestone, a feat that seemed nearly untouchable until now.
Yet, the landscape of streaming success is anything but static. Over the past several weeks, a handful of contenders—including Tyler Perry’s psychological thriller Straw, Charlize Theron’s superhero sequel The Old Guard 2, Adam Sandler’s much-anticipated Happy Gilmore 2, and the romantic dramedy My Oxford Year—have managed to briefly dethrone the animated favorite from its number-one spot. Still, KPop Demon Hunters has consistently clawed its way back to the summit, underscoring its enduring appeal.
Now, the arrival of Night Always Comes has injected fresh energy into the Netflix race. Directed by Benjamin Caron and adapted by Sarah Conradt from Willy Vlautin’s 2021 novel, the film tells the harrowing story of a woman facing eviction in an unaffordable city. Desperate to save her family, she embarks on a perilous overnight quest to raise $25,000—a premise that feels both timely and universal, especially in an era of rising housing insecurity.
The cast is nothing short of impressive. Vanessa Kirby, hot off her role in The Fantastic Four: First Steps and known for her Oscar-nominated performance in Pieces of a Woman, leads the ensemble with palpable intensity. She’s joined by Jennifer Jason Leigh (The Hateful Eight), Zack Gottsagen (The Peanut Butter Falcon), Stephen James, Randall Park, Julia Fox (Uncut Gems), four-time Emmy nominee Michael Kelly (House of Cards), and Eli Roth. Kirby also steps behind the scenes as a producer, collaborating with Gary Levinsohn, Caron himself, Lauren Dark, Billy Hines, and Ryan Bartecki to bring the project to life.
Just days after its release, Night Always Comes shot to second place on Netflix’s Global Top 10 movies for the week of August 11–17, 2025, notching 11.3 million views and a hefty 20.8 million hours watched. That’s no small feat, especially given the fierce competition from established franchises and sequels. The movie’s runtime clocks in at a tight 108 minutes, making it an accessible watch for viewers seeking a suspenseful, emotionally charged ride.
Critically, however, the film has sparked debate. According to coverage by Screen Rant, its Rotten Tomatoes score sits at a modest 57%, with reviewers divided over its execution. Some praise Kirby’s “powerhouse performance,” drawing parallels to her earlier acclaimed work, while others lament the film’s “lack of focus, reliance on clichés, and failure to deliver on its themes.” Still, the numbers don’t lie—audiences are tuning in, and the movie’s momentum shows little sign of slowing.
It’s worth noting that Night Always Comes dropped onto Netflix at a moment when the platform is firing on all cylinders. July’s lineup included the premiere of The Old Guard 2 (July 2), the much-anticipated second season of The Sandman (airing in two parts throughout July), and the documentary Trainwreck: The Cult of American Apparel, which explored the rise and fall of the infamous fashion brand. Meanwhile, musical fans celebrated the release of Wicked: For Good, the grand finale to the beloved Broadway saga, and the Hunger Games universe expanded with Glenn Close joining as Drusilla and Billy Porter as Magno.
All these releases underscore Netflix’s commitment to offering something for everyone—whether it’s action-packed sequels, fantasy epics, hard-hitting documentaries, or gripping dramas. As David Miller, an entertainment expert quoted by Valley Vanguard Online, put it: “Each of these selections not only caters to various interests but also underscores Netflix’s commitment to providing diverse and quality content.”
But what is it about Night Always Comes that’s resonating with viewers? It could be the film’s raw depiction of economic desperation—a theme that, for many, hits close to home. Or perhaps it’s the magnetic draw of Vanessa Kirby, whose recent turn as a Marvel superhero has only heightened her profile. There’s also the undeniable allure of a well-crafted thriller, especially one that unfolds over a single, tension-filled night.
Of course, the Netflix charts are notoriously volatile. As seen with KPop Demon Hunters, even the most dominant title can be unseated—if only for a week or two—by a hot new release. Sequels like Happy Gilmore 2 and The Old Guard 2 have proven that nostalgia and star power are potent forces, but original stories with emotional heft can just as easily capture the public’s imagination.
Looking ahead, the battle for streaming supremacy is far from over. With Night Always Comes surging and KPop Demon Hunters still holding strong, Netflix’s Global Top 10 remains a dynamic arena—one where fresh voices, familiar faces, and bold storytelling all have a fighting chance. For viewers, the message is clear: there’s never been a better time to settle in, press play, and see what all the buzz is about.
As the credits roll on another summer of blockbuster streaming, it’s the stories that tap into our anxieties, hopes, and dreams that linger longest. Whether you’re rooting for animated heroes or desperate underdogs, Netflix’s latest hits prove that great storytelling—no matter the genre—still reigns supreme.
