Netflix Original Series
Netflix has produced many original series that cover a range of genres, from drama and fantasy to comedy and thriller, reflecting the company’s diverse programming. While opinions on the "top" shows can vary, here's a list of 40 excellent Netflix original series.
Stranger Things
A hit Netflix original series set in the 1980s, Stranger Things blends supernatural horror with nostalgic references to pop culture and sci-fi. The show follows a group of kids in a small town as they encounter mysterious government experiments and otherworldly creatures while searching for their missing friend.
Netflix, Stranger Things (2016-)
The Crown
This critically acclaimed Netflix original series delves into the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, offering a detailed portrayal of her personal and political challenges. The show is renowned for its historical accuracy, lavish production design, and exceptional performances, providing an intimate look at the British monarchy's evolution over the decades.
Netflix, The Crown (2016-2023)
Santa Clarita Diet
Santa Clarita Diet is a dark comedy series that follows Sheila Hammond, a suburban real estate agent who becomes a zombie and must navigate her new life while hiding her condition from her family and neighbors. The show combines humor with intense yet not overwhelmingly macabre elements to create suspense and intrigue, offering a unique twist on the zombie genre.
Netflix, Santa Clarita Diet (2017-2019)
The Kominsky Method
This comedy-drama series centers on an aging acting coach, Sandy Kominsky, and his long-time friend and agent, Norman Newlander. It follows the two as they navigate the ups and downs of their twilight years. The show is celebrated for its witty dialogue, heartfelt moments, and strong performances by Michael Douglas and Alan Arkin.
Netflix, The Kominsky Method (2018-2021)
Ozark
Ozark is a gripping Netflix original series that follows financial planner Marty Byrde. Marty relocates his family to the rural Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme gone wrong forces him to work for a cartel. As Marty tries to keep his family safe and launder money to satisfy the cartel's demands, he becomes entangled in a web of corruption, escalating tension and moral dilemmas. The series is known for its intense plot, complex characters, and somber, atmospheric tone.
Narcos
Narcos is a Netflix original series that chronicles the rise and fall of infamous cartels in Colombia. The series mainly focuses on Pablo Escobar's Medellín Cartel and the DEA's efforts to bring him to justice. The show is acclaimed for its gritty portrayal of substance trafficking, complex characters, and intense storytelling, blending historical events with dramatic narrative.
The Umbrella Academy
Gerard Way, the mastermind behind The Umbrella Academy, is a rockstar with a pen, turning cosmic chaos into captivating comics. Adapted for Netflix by Steve Blackman, The Umbrella Academy is a quirky, action-packed series about estranged superhero siblings who reunite to solve their father’s mysterious passing and avert an impending apocalypse.
Netflix, The Umbrella Academy (2029-2024)
When They See Us
This powerful miniseries recounts the harrowing true story of the Central Park Five, five Black and Latino teens wrongfully convicted of assailing a white woman in 1989. Through a searing portrayal of injustice and flawed justice systems, it sheds light on the deep scars left by systemic prejudice and wrongful incarceration.
Netflix, When They See Us (2019)
Orange Is The New Black
The critically acclaimed series, created by Jenji Kohan, aired from 2013 to 2019. Viewers followed Piper Chapman, who was sentenced to time in a federal women's facility, as she adjusted to life behind bars. Piper encounters a diverse group of inmates, allowing the audience to explore various social issues through the character's experiences, which is a creative blend of drama and comedy.
Netflix, Orange Is The New Black (2013-2019)
13 Reasons Why
Premiering in 2017, the show revolves around Hannah Baker, who has made the ultimate upsetting decision about her life. Hannah leaves tapes outlining incidents she experienced with 13 individuals, which she believes led to her choices. Controversial for portraying sensitive issues, the series received both praise and criticism.
Netflix, 13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)
Wednesday
The Netflix show centers around Wednesday Addams, a beloved and iconic character from the Addams Family franchise. The character's unique blend of goth, wit, and intelligence has a solid fan base, driving interest in the series. Directed by Tim Burton, Wednesday's dark comedy sports engaging plots with solid performances, especially by Jenna Ortega in the titular role.
Grace And Frankie
Grace and Frankie is a Netflix comedy series that follows two women in their 70s who form an unexpected friendship after their husbands reveal they have been in a secret relationship and are getting married. The show explores aging, friendship, and personal reinvention with humor and heart.
Netflix, Grace And Frankie (2015-2022)
Vikings: Valhalla
Vikings: Valhalla is a Netflix series set in the 11th century. It follows a generation of Viking explorers and warriors embarking on epic adventures and facing European conflicts. The show is a sequel to the popular series Vikings, which aired on the History Channel. It delves into some of the Viking Age's most legendary battles and figures.
Netflix, Vikings: Valhalla (2022-2024)
Lupin
Lupin is famous on Netflix due to its charismatic lead actor, Omar Sy, and its engaging blend of clever heists and intricate storytelling. The show's modern twist on the classic Arsène Lupin character, suspenseful plots, and high-stakes drama have captivated a global audience.
GLOW
GLOW follows a group of women who joined a professional wrestling team in the 1980s. The show explores their struggles and the challenges of the sport. It combines comedy and drama, highlighting the empowerment and camaraderie of its diverse cast while offering a nostalgic look at the wrestling world.
Master Of None
Famous for its fresh, insightful take on modern life and relationships, Master of None blends humor with thoughtful commentary on race, identity, and career challenges. The show's unique storytelling style and creative use of diverse perspectives and real-life experiences resonate deeply with audiences.
Netflix, Master of None (2015-2021)
Dead To Me
The show follows the unlikely friendship between Jen, a grieving widow, and Judy, a free-spirited woman with a hidden secret. It starts with their meeting in a support group. Blending dark comedy and drama, Dead To Me weaves a complex narrative filled with twists and revelations about their pasts and intertwined fates.
Netflix, Dead To Me (2019-2022)
Dear White People
The series delves into the dynamics of identity struggles at a predominantly white Ivy League college, seen through the experiences of Black students. Dear White People is popular for its insightful and engaging exploration of these social issues, presented with a blend of sharp humor and thoughtful drama.
Netflix, Dear White People (2017-2021)
Kaleidoscope
Unlike any other Netflix series, Kaleidoscope centers on a heist and does so with a unique narrative structure. Its popularity stems from this innovative storytelling approach, which allows viewers to watch episodes in any order and still piece together the story. Suspenseful plots and strong performances keep audiences engaged and guessing.
Atypical
Atypical follows the life of Sam, a teenager on the autism spectrum, as he navigates high school, family dynamics, and his quest for independence. The series explores his journey with playfulness and heart, offering a nuanced portrayal of Autism and the challenges faced by his loved ones.
Big Mouth
The show's praise stems from its bold, irreverent wit and honest, often outrageous exploration of adolescence and puberty. Its clever writing, unique animation style, and relatable yet exaggerated take on teenage issues make it both entertaining and thought-provoking.
House Of Cards
This series found popularity for its gripping portrayal of political intrigue and power dynamics. Complex characters and intense drama drive the storyline. The show's sharp writing and compelling performances, particularly by Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright, kept viewers hooked.
Like binge-watching a daytime soap with higher stakes, the plot twists are just as unpredictable as a game of musical chairs in a room full of sharks.
Netflix, House Of Cards (2013-2018)
American Vandal
American Vandal is a mockumentary series that investigates high school pranks. It specifically focuses on the mystery behind several vandalism incidents involving obscene graffiti. The show cleverly parodies true crime documentaries. American Vandal offers a humorous and surprisingly insightful look at teenage behavior and social dynamics.
Basque Films, The Platform (2019)
A Series Of Unfortunate Events
This brilliant series serves up a deliciously dark and witty stew of misfortune. Each episode is a masterclass in blending sharp satire with clever storytelling as the Baudelaire orphans navigate a series of ominously comedic misadventures while trying to uncover the mystery behind their parents' passing and evade the sinister Count Olaf. The show's snarky narration and whimsical world-building perfectly blend intellectual mischief and entertaining misery.
Netflix, Screenshot from the television series (2017-2019)
Unorthodox
Unorthodox is a miniseries that follows Esther "Esty" Shapiro, a young woman who leaves her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin. Shapiro is seeking freedom from her arranged marriage and strict religious constraints. The show explores her journey of self-discovery and the challenges of navigating two very different worlds.
Bloodline
Bloodline is a beautiful blend of intense family drama and suspenseful thriller elements. It reveals how past sins resurface to threaten a family’s seemingly idyllic lives. The Rayburns, whose dark secrets unravel when their estranged, troubled brother returns home, expose buried traumas and hidden conflicts.
Netflix, Bloodline (2015-2017)
Beef
Beef combines sharp writing and compelling performances. It is well-liked for its gripping portrayal of a long-standing feud between two people that spirals into a complex exploration of anger and personal vendettas. This Netflix series provides a unique take on the consequences of unresolved conflicts, making it both engaging and thought-provoking.
Luke Cage
Luke Cage is a man with superhuman strength and unbreakable skin who seeks justice in his Harlem neighborhood. The Netflix show named after the character combines superhero action with social commentary, delving into race, power, and community themes while Luke battles criminal enterprises and personal demons.
Netflix, Luke Cage (2016-2018)
The Watcher
The Watcher is a Netflix series based on the real-life case of a family terrorized by ominous letters from a mysterious stalker after moving into their dream home. The show combines suspense and psychological thriller elements, exploring the impact of the unsettling surveillance on the family's lives and unraveling the mystery behind the threatening correspondence.
The Haunting Of Hill House
Follow the Crain family as they confront their past and haunted experiences after moving into a sinister mansion. The show intertwines their childhood encounters with the supernatural with their adult lives. Its intricate use of non-linear storytelling weaves multiple timelines to reveal the Crain family's haunting experiences. Spooky!
Netflix, The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)
She's Got To Have It
The series, a reimagining of Spike Lee's 1986 film, delves into themes of sexual freedom, self-discovery, and modern relationships with a fresh, empowering perspective. It centers on Nola Darling, a young, independent woman in Brooklyn who juggles relationships with three very different men while exploring her desires and identity.
Netflix, She’s Gotta Have It (2017-2019)
The OA
If you like the idea of The Matrix and Lost having a cosmic love child, blending mind-bending mysteries with a storyline so twisty you'll need a map to keep up, then The OA is a must-watch. Prairie Johnson is a young blind woman who mysteriously returns after a seven-year disappearance with her sight restored and a new ability to perform otherworldly movements. The series is a beautiful blend of elements of science fiction, fantasy, and thriller genres.
BoJack Horseman
Comedic, satirical, and poignant, BoJack Horseman's appreciation comes from its sharp, witty take on celebrity culture and unflinching honesty. The series is like watching a sitcom where the main character is a washed-up horse actor with a penchant for self-destruction and navigating Hollywood's absurdities.
Netflix, BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
The Perfect Couple
A murder at a high-profile wedding sets off a suspenseful investigation into the lives and secrets of the family and guests. The Perfect Couple is a mystery drama series based on Elin Hilderbrand's novel. The show's masterful blend of suspense, strong performances, and the famous collective dance sequence, for which only one of the cast members was excited to perform, make it a riveting Netflix original.
Netflix, The Perfect Couple (2024)
Daredevil
Daredevil is a Marvel Comics superhero series centered around Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer in Hell's Kitchen, New York City, who seeks justice both in the courtroom and on the streets as the masked vigilante Daredevil. The show, particularly popular on Netflix, explores Murdock's complex relationships with characters like his best friend Foggy Nelson, his love interest Karen Page, and his adversaries, such as the Kingpin (Wilson Fisk) and the Punisher (Frank Castle).
Netflix, Daredevil (2015-2018)
Bridgerton
Set in Regency-era London, viewers watch the wealthy Bridgerton family navigate high society, romance, and scandal. The show is known for its lavish period costumes and modern twist on classic historical drama. Bridgerton's popularity comes from its combination of the scandalous intrigue of Regency-era high society with a contemporary flair, making it the perfect guilty pleasure for anyone who loves their history served with a side of drama and romance.
The Politician
This satirical Netflix series tracks the ambitions of Payton Hobart, a wealthy high schooler determined to become President of the United States. As he tackles the ruthless dynamics of student politics and beyond, this show blends sharp wit, dark humor, and a critique of American politics. It features a star-studded cast and extravagant production.
Netflix, The Politician (2020-)
The Witcher
The Witcher weaves a spellbinding tale of monster-hunting and destiny, where Geralt of Rivia's gruff exterior hides a surprisingly soft spot for complex moral dilemmas. With its mix of sword fights, sorcery, and political intrigue, it's like a medieval soap opera with dragons and much more brooding.
Squid Game
Premiering on Netflix in 2021, this South Korean television series centers on a group of financially desperate individuals invited to participate in a mysterious competition. Lured by the promise of a substantial cash prize, contestants compete in children's games with dire consequences.
Squid Game was so successful, it spawned a reality show—but the awful treatment of the real contestants was nearly as disturbing as the fictional competition. In their pursuit of the $4.5 million cash prize, contestants endured harrowing conditions like lack of food and cold weather that left some people with hypothermia and nerve damage.
