Netflix original film ‘The Great Flood’ has made a powerful global debut, topping the platform’s worldwide rankings in its first week of release.
According to Netflix’s official analytics site Tudum, based on data collected from December 15 to 21, ‘The Great Flood’ ranked No.1 on the Global Top 10 Films list (English and non-English combined). The film quickly gained momentum following its release, attracting viewers across multiple regions.
A Record-Breaking Opening
The film posted an exceptional opening performance. Within just three days of release, ‘The Great Flood’ recorded 27.9 million viewing hours, calculated by dividing total watch time by runtime. This figure marks the highest opening-week viewership ever recorded for a Korean Netflix original film. Previous high-performing titles, including ‘Badland Hunters’, opened in the 10 million hour range making ‘The Great Flood’’s performance more than double by comparison.
Strong Global Reach
The film also demonstrated broad international appeal, entering the Top 10 charts in 93 countries and regions. It reached No.1 in several markets, including Brazil, Mexico, Peru, Spain, Portugal, and Singapore, signaling strong engagement beyond Asia. The widespread rankings highlight Netflix’s continued success in positioning Korean films as global content, particularly within the action and disaster genres.
Divided Critical Response
Despite its impressive numbers, audience reactions remain mixed. Some viewers have expressed confusion over the film’s tonal shift from a traditional disaster narrative into more science fiction driven territory, describing the transition as abrupt. Others, however, have praised the genre blend as a refreshing departure from conventional disaster films, noting its ambition and unpredictability as strengths rather than weaknesses.
Fans Are Already Debating It
Online reactions show just how divided opinions are.
On platforms like X, viewers have been sharing very different takes:
“I didn’t expect it to go in that direction, but I actually liked it.”
“The visuals are great, but the story lost me halfway.”
“It’s not perfect, but at least it’s not boring.”
The contrast in reactions is part of what’s keeping the film in conversation.
More Than Just a Hit
Even with mixed reviews, one thing is clear.
The Great Flood has captured global attention in a very short time.
Sometimes, a film does not need to be universally loved to become widely talked about.
In this case, the debate itself is helping keep the film visible.
Editor’s Insight
What stands out about The Great Flood is how it combines strong initial performance with divided audience reactions.
While some viewers may not fully connect with the story, the film’s willingness to shift genres and take risks is what keeps it relevant in conversation.
In today’s streaming environment, being talked about can be just as important as being universally praised, and this film seems to be achieving exactly that.