Alright, let’s be real for a second—Udemy can feel like a wild jungle of online courses. There are literally tens of thousands of them. Some are amazing, others… not so much. And if you’ve ever found yourself scrolling through pages of “top-rated” courses wondering which ones are actually worth your time (and your hard-earned cash), I feel you.

So I went ahead and did the digging for you.

No fluff. No filler. Just the ultimate list of Udemy’s most popular, most-loved, most-binge-watched courses across different categories—from tech and business to personal growth and side hustles. These are the courses with millions of students, rave reviews, and results that speak for themselves.

Let’s get into it.

Tech & Programming

1. The Web Developer Bootcamp 2024 – Colt Steele

• Why it’s popular: Colt’s energy is next-level. He breaks down everything from HTML to Node.js like you’re just chatting over coffee.
• Perfect for: Absolute beginners who wanna build websites, apps, and launch dev careers.
• Student count: Over 1 million (yep, million with an M).

2. Complete Python Bootcamp: From Zero to Hero – Jose Portilla

• Why it’s loved: Jose’s voice is oddly calming, and he’s really good at explaining things. You’ll go from printing “Hello World” to building scripts and apps.
• For you if: You’re curious about data science, automation, or just learning a solid, versatile language.
• Bonus: Includes quizzes, notebooks, and actual practice.

3. 100 Days of Code: The Complete Python Pro Bootcamp – Dr. Angela Yu

• Why it rocks: You build something every single day for 100 days. It’s super hands-on, fun, and Angela’s vibe is incredibly motivating.
• Who it’s for: People who learn best by doing, not just watching.

4. Java Programming Masterclass – Tim Buchalka

• Why it’s on this list: Java isn’t the sexiest language, but it powers tons of apps and enterprise systems. Tim’s course is comprehensive without being dry.
• Ideal for: Anyone aiming to land a backend dev job or get serious with Android development.

Business & Entrepreneurship

5. An Entire MBA in 1 Course – Chris Haroun

• Why it’s everywhere: It’s literally what it says—an MBA-lite crash course. Business concepts, finance, leadership, startups, and more.
• Who should take it: Aspiring entrepreneurs, side hustlers, or professionals trying to level up.
• Fun fact: Chris is a former Goldman Sachs guy who teaches like your super chill mentor.

6. The Complete Financial Analyst Course – 365 Careers

• Why it’s a hit: It covers Excel, accounting, financial modeling, and valuation. You’ll walk away with solid skills for finance jobs.
• Perfect for: Business students, career switchers, or finance pros needing a refresh.

7. Product Management 101 – Cole Mercer & Evan Kimbrell

• Why people love it: It demystifies product management and gives you actionable skills. Plus, Evan is hilarious.
• Who it’s for: Anyone curious about PM roles, especially if you’re switching from dev or design.

Personal Development & Productivity

8. Superbrain – Jim Kwik

• Why it stands out: This one isn’t just about learning—it’s about learning how to learn. Memory, focus, speed reading, all that brainy goodness.
• Best for: Students, professionals, lifelong learners.

9. Become a SuperLearner® 2 – Jonathan Levi

• What makes it popular: It’s practical AF. You’ll learn techniques that actually help you remember things better and faster.
• Great for: Anyone drowning in reading material or prepping for exams.

10. Productivity & Time Management for the Overwhelmed – Josh Paulsen

• Why you’ll relate: The title says it all. It’s real talk for people juggling work, family, side hustles, and just trying not to lose it.
• If your calendar looks like a murder scene—this is your course.
  

Design & Creativity

11. Graphic Design Bootcamp – Derrick Mitchell

• Why it’s hot: You learn Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign—all in one go. Plus, it’s beginner-friendly without being watered down.
• For you if: You wanna create stunning designs, even if you’ve never opened Photoshop before.

12. Ultimate Drawing Course: Beginner to Advanced – Jaysen Batchelor

• Why people love it: It’s super accessible and builds your confidence fast. You don’t need any fancy tools or talent to start.
• Cool bonus: You’ll see real progress by the end of the first few lessons.

Career & Job Hunting

13. Interviewing Skills for Jobs: Ace the Job Interview – TJ Walker

• Why it’s gold: Real, no-BS advice. Practice questions, body language tips, and what to say (and not say).
• Especially useful if: You freeze up the minute someone asks, “Tell me about yourself.”

14. Resume Writing – Get Noticed! – Tom Cassidy & Angela Loëb

• Why it’s popular: Straightforward, practical advice to make your resume stand out in a sea of sameness.
• Use it if: You haven’t touched your resume in years or you’re switching careers.

Communication & Confidence

15. Complete Public Speaking Masterclass for Every Occasion – TJ Walker

• Why it works: You’ll stop saying “uh” and start sounding like you actually know your stuff—even if public speaking scares the crap out of you.
• Bonus: Covers presentations, speeches, panels, even wedding toasts.

16. Mastering Self-Confidence – Jimmy Naraine

• Why it’s worth it: It’s not preachy or cheesy—it’s legit. Jimmy brings real experience and helps you shut down that inner voice that says “you can’t.”

Video, YouTube & Content Creation

17. Video Production Bootcamp – Phil Ebiner

• Why creators swear by it: Camera setup, lighting, editing, audio—everything a beginner needs to start making great videos.
• For you if: You wanna start a YouTube channel or up your content game.

18. YouTube Masterclass – Complete Guide to YouTube Growth – Joe Parys

• Why it’s legit: Teaches you how to grow, monetize, and stay consistent. Tons of algorithm insights too.

Side Hustles & Money Skills

19. Amazon FBA: Guide to Start Your Business – Theo McArthur

• Why it’s a top-seller: Theo takes you through setting up, sourcing products, and scaling. No fluff—just actionable steps.
• Who it’s for: Anyone curious about eCommerce, even if you’re starting with zero budget.

20. Freelancing Masterclass: Work From Home & Earn Money – Phil Ebiner & Diego Davila

• Why it’s trending: Shows you how to set up, find clients, price your services, and thrive as a freelancer.
• If you’ve got a skill but don’t know how to sell it—this course is a great starting line.
  

‍♀️ Wellness & Mental Health

21. The Science of Well-Being – Laurie Santos (via Coursera, also mentioned on Udemy)

• Why it’s different: It’s not just “woo-woo”—it’s based on Yale psychology research. You’ll learn how to rewire your brain for more happiness.
• If you’re burnt out or just feeling meh, start here.

Bonus Section: Niche Courses That Deserve More Hype (But Still Have Massive Followings)

Alright, we’ve talked about the rockstars—those blockbuster Udemy courses everyone and their coworker knows about. But what about the underdogs? The niche courses that quietly rack up tens of thousands (sometimes hundreds of thousands) of students, glowing reviews, and repeat buyers?

Yep, they’re out there—and honestly, some of them are absolute gems. Here’s a handful you should totally have on your radar:

22. The Complete Digital Marketing Guide – 12 Courses in 1 – Rob Percival & Daragh Walsh

• Why it’s rising fast: It’s a beast of a course. SEO, Google Ads, Facebook, email marketing—you name it. If you’re trying to grow a business or personal brand online, this is the Swiss army knife you didn’t know you needed.
• Best for: Bloggers, influencers, small biz owners, or anyone diving into marketing without a team.
• What students say: “It’s like getting a marketing degree without the soul-crushing debt.”

23. The Complete SQL Bootcamp – Jose Portilla

• Why it matters: SQL isn’t flashy, but data is everywhere—and this course teaches you how to wrangle it like a boss.
• Perfect for: Beginners in data analysis, business intelligence, or anyone who touches spreadsheets and wants to level up.

24. Learn Ethical Hacking From Scratch – Zaid Sabih

• Why it’s awesome: Hacking sounds scary, but this course teaches it in a way that’s legal, ethical, and super empowering.
• You’ll learn: Kali Linux, network hacking, website vulnerabilities—stuff that sounds intimidating but Zaid makes fun and doable.

25. The Complete Copywriting Course – Codestars by Rob Percival

• Why it’s lowkey fire: Copywriting is one of those skills that can make you money in any This course breaks down how to write in a way that actually sells—emails, ads, websites, the whole deal.
• For you if: You’re into freelancing, marketing, or just wanna sound less robotic in your emails.

26. How to Create an Online Course in 2024 – Phil Ebiner

• Wait… a course about making courses? Meta, but it works. If you’ve got knowledge to share and want to turn it into passive income, this course lays out the exact steps.
• Pro tip: Tons of Udemy instructors got their start right here.

What This All Really Means (a little real talk)

Here’s the thing: learning doesn’t have to be expensive or boring anymore. With Udemy, you get access to world-class instructors, practical skills, and real transformation—for the price of a pizza. Sometimes even less if you catch a sale.

But don’t let the price tag fool you—these aren’t throwaway courses.

Many of these instructors have years (even decades) of experience and have trained thousands of students. Some are even industry legends. So when you dive into one of these courses, you’re not just “watching videos”—you’re learning from the best, without gatekeepers or student loans in the way.

And no, you don’t need to finish a course in one sitting. You don’t even have to follow the modules in order (shoutout to all my ADHD friends ). The beauty of self-paced learning is that you’re in charge. If something’s not clicking, pause. Rewind. Jump ahead. Or switch gears completely.

Final Pro Tips Before You Enroll

• Check the last updated date – Tech and tools move fast. A “top” course from 2018 might not cut it in 2025.
• Read a few reviews – Pay attention to what beginners say vs what pros say. Match your current skill level.
• Watch the preview videos – If the instructor’s voice or teaching style bugs you… move on. Learning should be enjoyable, not painful.
• Use the Q&A section – Most instructors are super responsive. Got stuck? Ask questions. You’re not alone.

There you have it—your no-nonsense, fluff-free, ultimate guide to Udemy’s best and most popular courses. Whether you’re upskilling for work, pivoting into a new industry, or just learning for the heck of it, there’s definitely something here for you.

So go ahead—pick a course, hit enroll, and see where it takes you.

Learning’s never been this accessible… or this fun.