Netflix top 10 movies — here's the 3 worth watching right now

Eddie Murphy in Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F
(Image credit: Netflix)

We're in the dog days of summer now, and Netflix is heating up with plenty of great movies to watch. Whenever I'm not sure what to watch next, I make a beeline for the top 10 most-watched movies list. Sure, they aren't all guaranteed to be winners, but it's a good way to cut through the noise quickly. 

We've separated the wheat from the chaff and narrowed down the three best movies to watch in the Netflix top-10 list. This list includes a beloved reboot of an '80s action series starring Eddie Murphy, a heartwarming sports drama about overcoming the odds, and a fun animated movie for the whole family to enjoy

This article is based on the Netflix top 10 list of most-watched movies in the U.S. as of 4 p.m. ET on July 18. If you're looking for even more recommendations on what to watch across the best streaming services, check out everything new on Netflix this month.

'Trolls Band Together' (2023)

TROLLS BAND TOGETHER | Official Trailer 2 - YouTube TROLLS BAND TOGETHER | Official Trailer 2 - YouTube
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The Trolls are back! "Trolls Band Together" is the sequel to the hit movie "Trolls World Tour". Justin Timberlake and Anna Kendrick return as Branch and Poppy, who must team up to rescue Branch's old friend Floyd (Troye Sivan), who had previously been in the boyband BroZone with Branch when they were both kids. In the process, they uncover the grouchy, music-hating Branch's past life as a member of the boyband BroZone. 

The movie also features Eric Andre, Daveed Diggs, and Kid Cudi and serves as a de facto NSYNC reunion, with the boy band performing their first original song in decades during the movie. Audiences agree that it's a cute movie with some catchy songs that's fun for the whole family.

Watch it now on Netflix

'The Long Game' (2023)

THE LONG GAME - Official Trailer (2024) - YouTube THE LONG GAME - Official Trailer (2024) - YouTube
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With the summer Olympics just around the corner, why not check out one of the best sports dramas so far this year? Set in the '50s, this little-known-yet-remarkable true story about a group of Mexican-American youth who started their own golf team in the border town of Del Rio, Texas, after being banned from an all-white country club. While “The Long Game" wasn't an instant summer blockbuster in theaters, it was warmly received by critics and audiences alike, with the latter giving it a rare 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes

If you've never held a golf club before, don't worry: You don’t need to be a fan to enjoy this underdog story. Despite lacking professional training and quality equipment, the team goes on to win a Texas state high school golf championship against all odds. Described as “‘Field of Dreams’ set in the world of Golf,” this feel-good sports movie seems like a real hole-in-one hit.  

Watch it now on Netflix

'Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F' (2024)

Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F | Official Trailer | Netflix - YouTube
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For the second weekend in a row, this reboot of a beloved '80s action-comedy franchise is the most-watched movie on Netflix. In "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F," Eddie Murphy is back for another spin as one of his fan-favorite comedic characters: the wise-cracking Detective Axel Foley. 

This time around, he returns to Los Angeles to reconnect with his estranged daughter (Taylour Paige), now a criminal defense attorney in Beverly Hills. Forced to partner up with her ex-boyfriend (Joseph Gordon-Levitt) to crack a case, the three find themselves on the trail of a major conspiracy and need to recruit some old pals to get to the bottom of it. With Murphy's signature wit, this movie combines thrilling action with comedy and features new characters alongside some familiar faces like Billy Rosewood (Judge Reinhold) and John Taggart (John Ashton). And given its 79% audience score on Rotten Tomatoes, "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" is shaping up to be one of the rare long-awaited reboots done right. 

Watch it now on Netflix 

Netflix Top 10 Movies Right Now

  1. "Trolls Band Together" (2023)
  2. "Hillbilly Elegy" (2020)
  3. "Fifty Shades Freed" (2018)
  4. "The Long Game" (2023)
  5. "Fifty Shades Darker" (2017)
  6. "Minions" (2015)
  7. "Vanished Into the Night" (2023)
  8. "Beverly Hills Cop: Axel F" (2024)
  9. "Shrek" (2001)
  10. "The Super Mario Bros. Movie" (2023)

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Alyse Stanley
News Editor

Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming and entertainment. Prior to joining Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk, where she covered breaking tech news — everything from the latest spec rumors and gadget launches to social media policy and cybersecurity threats.  She has also written game reviews and features as a freelance reporter for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and miniature painting.

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