This #1 Netflix Film Has Become the Newest Sci-Fi Obsession
If you turned on Netflix expecting to see a Christmas movie trending in the top spot, you're probably surprised. As it turns out, people aren't in the mood to see jolly films like Best. Christmas. Ever and Our Little Secret. Instead, it's The Great Flood, a gritty sci-fi thriller sitting at the top spot on the platform this week. A South Korean blockbuster starring Kim Da-mi (Itaewon Class) and Park Hae-soo (Squid Game), the film is number one globally, not just for its tsunamis, but for epic twists and turns that leave audiences on the edge of their seats. Per the Netflix synopsis, The Great Flood chronicles a disastrous flood that sweeps the planet, depicting the desperate struggle of those who have pinned their hopes on humanity's last days in a flooded apartment building.
When Did 'The Great Flood' Premiere?
The Great Flood made its initial debut on September 18, 2025. At the time of its release, social media was divided on its opinion, with some calling it a "10/10 masterpiece," and others confused on the general storyline, specifically, the non-linear timeline. This divide is reflected in the 39 percent Popcornmeter rating, as one writes, "I thought it was a global-warming doomsday film. Oh boy, I was wrong. It’s more like Inception meets The Day After Tomorrow. On the flip side, another user writes, "I didn’t understand anything from the beginning to the end." What users can agree on, is the strong performances of Kim Da-mi and Park Hae-soo. Da-mi delivers a riveting performance as a woman battling psychological trauma, and Park Hae-soo plays a mysterious security officer who is only concerned about saving a woman he is interested in, and not her son.
Moral conflict aside, The Great Flood strikes a rare balancing act of using a global apocalypse to tell an in-depth story about motherhood, morality and human consciousness. Additionally, the film has been praised for its realistic cinematography, stunning visuals and sci-fi elements.
Will There Be a Sequel to 'The Great Flood?'
It's too early, at the moment, to say whether or not there will be a sequel to The Great Flood, as Netflix has not officially announced one. That's not to say that there won't be a sequel, as Netflix is reported to monitor their 'Top 10' database for at least 28 days before making a renewal decision. If the film continues to trend with high viewership, that could potentially mean a follow-up being greenlit. High-performing K-Dramas (I.E., Squid Game and Hellbound) have received sequel projects thanks to their global chart domination. And while theories have already begun circulating on social media about a potential second film, director Kim Byung-woo has become known over the years for high-concept thrillers that typically stand alone as one-off stories.
What Else to Watch
In the meantime, you can check out similar Korean sci-fi flicks that are equally as mind-bending as The Great Flood. Films like the The Silent Sea (a story about dying Earth and lunar mysteries) and Jung_E (a deep-dive into AI and family trauma in futuristic settings) are high-rated, and praised for action, storyline and plot twists.