A sci-fi disaster movie has unexpectedly surged to the top of Netflix’s charts, leaving blockbuster hits like How the Grinch Stole Christmas and The Super Mario Bros. Movie behind. The film in question, The Great Flood, centers on a catastrophic tsunami that threatens to wipe out humanity. Despite the streamer’s usual selection of well-known hits, this lesser-known movie has captured the attention of global audiences, drawing viewers in with its apocalyptic terror and intense survival drama.
Plot of The Great Flood
Co-written and directed by Kim Byung-woo (The Terror Live), The Great Flood hails from South Korea. The film follows Gu An-na, portrayed by Kim Da-mi (Itaewon Class, Our Beloved Summer), as she desperately tries to save her son from the rising floodwaters. The movie’s emotional and action-packed premise shows An-na fighting through panicked crowds, facing off against looters, and attempting to reach safety on the roof of a high-rise building with her son.
However, An-na soon finds herself separated from her son and is rescued by Hee-jo, a mysterious stranger played by Park Hae-soo (Squid Game, Karma). Despite Hee-jo’s aid, An-na grows suspicious of his motives and soon discovers that her and her son’s fate may depend on her ability to survive—and trust the right people.
Global Success and Critical Response
Since The Great Flood’s release on December 19, 2025, the film has rocketed to the #1 spot on Netflix worldwide and in the United States. The film’s rise is particularly notable considering the fierce competition from other popular releases, including Wake Up Dead Man: A Knives Out Mystery and KPop Demon Hunters.
Despite its success, the film has sparked divisive reactions from both critics and viewers. On Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 60% score from critics but a much lower 42% from audiences on the Popcornmeter. While some see The Great Flood as a thrilling addition to the sci-fi disaster genre, others argue that its ambitious plot veers into disastrous territory.
What Critics Are Saying
Critics are split on the film’s execution. Ready Steady Cut called it a “disaster of a movie” despite its strong start, criticizing its ambition. On the other hand, Heaven of Horror praised it as “a brilliant sci-fi adventure thriller, though it suggested the movie could have benefited from being shorter to improve its pacing.
However, Radio Times offered a more positive take, awarding the film 4/5 stars. They highlighted the emotionally charged performance of Kim Da-mi as a standout feature, as well as the monumental premise that ties the film together in its final moments.
Conclusion
While The Great Flood may not have the critical acclaim of other Netflix originals, it has certainly captured the attention of viewers, climbing to the top spot in a matter of days. Whether it will continue to thrive amid the divided reviews remains to be seen, but its success is proof of the growing appetite for sci-fi thrillers with high-stakes survival narratives.
