10 of the best free games on Netflix

The big N has been making some major money moves lately. Some good, some unpopular, but all noteworthy. 

One of the most significant moves? Getting into gaming. After acquiring several gaming companies and even launching a studio of its own, Netflix hopes to win the thumb war.

As of June 2023, Netflix offers over 60 free games and counting, with a variety engineered to attract all types of gamers. From hard-driving racing games to dreamy stress-busters. Here are 10 Netflix games that are getting a lot of love.

Top free games on Netflix

1. Exploding Kittens: Fun, funny, and designed by the creator of “The Oatmeal” comic, Exploding Kittens is a simple way to release some of your daily stress.
   
2. Kentucky Route Zero: A noir-y love letter to the Bluegrass state, this game feels more like a gorgeous graphic novel come to life, and it’s as immersive as any big-budget movie.
   
3. Into The Breach: If giant robots are more your speed, download this one. Sensational graphics plus a little time travel make for a heart-stopping animated adventure.
   
4. Asphalt Extreme: Who says only teenage boys like to drift? This game offers a seemingly endless array of customizable vehicles and uber-detailed racing terrains.
   
5. Heads Up: This one’s about group fun and the rules couldn’t be simpler. Hold the phone up to your forehead. Your friends read the display and fire out clues until you guess what the phone says.
   
6. Immortality: It’s hard to choose what’s more impressive about this game: the hyper-realistic graphics or the amount of thoughtful, complex writing that went into creating it. Watch clips of ‘lost’ live-action movies and solve the mystery.
   
7. Stranger Things: Don’t call it a throwback. Or do. This super-low-fi pixelated game will transport you back to an ’80s arcade. Totally tubular graphics.
   
8. Reigns: Three Kingdoms: An oddly compelling mix of medieval strategy and simple swiping, this game lets you rule your own ancient Chinese kingdom.
   
9. Spiritfarer: Get ready to feel. This simulation game deals with souls crossing into the afterlife, and it’s as emotional as it is beautiful and addictive.
   
10. Tomb Raider: Reloaded: Lara Croft is back and she’s packing heat. Less of an exploration game and more of an old-school shooter, this one pays a very creative homage to a classic 2D heroine.

BTW, these are all easy to find and play. Simply tap the game controller icon on the app’s home page. And make sure you’re not making any of these common mobile app mistakes first!

Netflix has a lot up its ruby-red sleeve

Time will tell if it pays off. CEO Reed Hastings is the latest tech founder to make a big bet on a moonshot outside his company’s core offerings (think: Meta’s hemorrhaging VR play).

🍕Some of its other wild projects: a Netflix pop-up restaurant. Yep, you read right. With a menu created by Netflix-famous chefs (think Great British Bake Off), the LA-based Netflix Bites will soon open a few hours a day during the week and for brunch on the weekend. 

Not All Fun and Games

Even with the rollout of all these great new games, Netflix isn’t playing around. When it comes to sharing passwords, that is. An estimated 30 million households shared passwords with friends and family. As of May 23, 2023, those days are over.

This unpopular move got a lot of heat from subscribers, on social media and even from its old-school competitors, but Netflix is wiping its tears with your dollars. 

After shutting down sharing, Netflix reported its four highest days of new subscribers added. Ever.

But Netflix isn’t the only streaming game in town. Check out our report on the viewer demographics of YouTube, Netflix and other streaming options.