Netflix is a streaming platform that offers a wide range of shows and movies. With the famed platform’s success, Netflix has garnered trust in its production of quality shows. From binge-worthy guilty pleasures to high-stakes dramas, Netflix has filled the audience’s entertainment void with impactful TV shows.
Among some of the best the platform has to offer are the bold Netflix original dramas, mind-bending sci-fi, and animated hits with epic visuals. This list of Netflix originals is filled with their very best series that push boundaries and captivate global audiences, ultimately leaving a lasting impact on pop culture.
20 ‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–)
Created by Josh Heald, Jon Hurwitz, and Hayden Schlossberg
As a continuation of the Karate Kid films, Cobra Kai initially garnered a great number of viewers. The story follows the rekindled rivalry between beloved character Johnny Lawrance (William Zabka) who finds himself down on his luck, and Daniel LaRusso (Ralph Macchio) now a snazzy businessman, decades after their first meeting. As the two’s feud reignites, Johnny makes the decision to reopen the Cobra Kai dojo, the first domino to fall in a chain of events that elevates tensions throughout the series
As a martial dramedy of sorts, fans were initially skeptical and worried about the spin-off of such an iconic group of movies. Fortunately, skeptics took a chance on the six-season series and fell in love with the new characters, humor, storytelling, and most importantly, the nostalgic feel. Cobra Kai’s success, weaving together past and present storylines, solidifies its place as one of Netflix’s best.
19 ‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2023)
Created by Steve Blackman
A chaotic, humorous story that provides relatable themes in a unique way. The Umbrella Academy follows the humorously dysfunctional Hargreaves siblings, as they reunite to solve the secret to their estranged father’s death, all the while coming to terms with themselves, each other, and the unique superpowers they all wield.
The Umbrella Academy takes viewers on a captivating ride, one that ensures audiences will come back for more each season. Unfortunately, the series met its conclusion after its fourth season, leaving fans unsure whether they were satisfied with the show’s end or if more was needed. Regardless, lovers of the sci-fi series appreciate the show for its cast of strong performers, unique story, and wild action.
18 ‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)
Created by Laurie Nunn
Image via Netflix
This series offers a fun and bold take on the lifestyles of modern teens. Sex Education follows Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), a hopelessly awkward teen who, inspired by his mother, a sex therapist, assembles a hidden clinic where he advises his fellow students on sexuality and intimacy.
Sex Education’s portrayal of teenagers’ experiences is raw and unfiltered, making it one of the best teen shows ever. The series is praised for its blunt and progressive approach to discussing sexuality. With its amazing cast of characters and personal storylines, Sex Education provides audiences with a view into controversial topics with comedic moments, sensitivity, and honesty. The Netflix-acclaimed original does its story well, exploring themes of identity, personal growth, and sexuality while blending humor with many heartfelt moments.
17 ‘Heartstopper’ (2022–)
Created by Alice Oseman
Heartstopper is an incredibly wholesome series that premiered in April 2022. The iconic show features a romantic coming-of-age drama that follows British teens, Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) and Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), as they navigate their identities, friendships, school, and love. The wholesome story offers an uplifting tone and genuine storytelling.
With sickeningly sweet moments of budding love and self-acceptance, Heartstopper truly enthralls its audience with a wholesome story. While the series maintains a gentle tone, it also tackles some very tough topics, including bullying, a sense of belonging, mental health, and eating disorders. One of its greatest aspects, such as its positive representation of LGBTQ+ relationships, resonates well with various audiences, solidifying its place on this list.
16 ‘Bridgerton’ (2020–)
Created by Chris Van Dusen
Image via Netflix
Standing as a cherished favorite of the romance genre since its debut back in 2020, Bridgerton brings to life an incredibly beautiful story. The series, based on the eponymous novels by Julia Quinn, features the Bridgerton household, as they navigate the dramas of the ton, familial challenges, and the show’s highlight, love. Among the drama and the spice is a well-thought-out story.
Bridgerton became wildly popular, loved for its visuals, music, setting, and story. While the show does take a few creative liberties with historical accuracy, its fantastic and enthralling love story quickly wins over any viewers who may be skeptical. With the exploration of important themes like class, identity, gender, love, and family dynamics, it is no wonder the romantic TV show is so loved and is truly one of Netflix’s best.
15 ‘Dark’ (2017–2020)
Created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese
Premiering in December 2017, this German sci-fi series explores themes of free will, destiny, and the consequences of messing with time. Dark centers around time travel, family skeletons, and a strange town where certain occurrences repeat themselves over several generations. Its mind-bending story and haunting atmosphere completely immerse viewers as they attempt to unravel the puzzles within the fictional town of Winden, Germany.
Dark is known for its intricate storytelling which challenges viewers with its mysteries, but handsomely rewards dedicated audiences with a deeply satisfying experience and brilliant writing. With well-executed plot twists and intricate time travel mechanics, Dark is a well-thought-out and unique story, leading it to make this list of Netflix’s best.
Release Date
2017 – 2019
Network
Netflix
14 ‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–)
Created by Tim Miller
This animated anthology series debuted on the Netflix platform in 2019, featuring stunning visuals and brilliant storytelling. Love, Death & Robots is a unique series that features a collection of short stories varying in genre, including fantasy, science fiction, and horror. In every installment, there is a unique animation style and a standalone story.
While each episode provides a different experience, Love, Death & Robots, in its entirety, is a refreshing change from the standard sci-fi series. Each episode of the series offers an entertaining surprise due to the series’ anthology format. With deep themes, a variety of amazing animation styles, and breathtaking visuals, Love, Death & Robots appeals to a wide range of viewers, as an innovative must-watch.
13 ‘Black Mirror’ (2011–)
Created by Charlie Brooker
Image via Netflix
Often presenting dystopian futures and unnerving what-if scenarios, Black Mirror is an anthology series that dives into the dark side of technology and its impact on human civilization. With thought-provoking content that challenges standard societal norms, Black Mirror has a habit of creating incredible stories capable of both entertaining and unsettling audiences in the same breath.
With an interesting take on modern technological advancements and their potential consequences, Black Mirror inspires questions and debates about real-world tech. The incredible series can come off a bit cynical during its entertaining episodes, but Black Mirrors guides audiences into an interesting frame of mind, as they question ethical ramifications, leading it to be one of the better standouts on Netflix, with its unique premise.
Release Date
December 4, 2011
Network
Channel 4, Netflix
12 ‘When They See Us’ (2019)
Created by Ava DuVernay
Image via Netflix
This miniseries is a gut-wrenching but necessary portrayal of systematic racism and wrongful imprisonment. Making its debut in 2019, When They See Us, based on the true story of the Central Park Five, follows Black and Latino teens who are wrongfully convicted of a terrible crime in 1989. This exposes the deep and troubling flaws of the U.S. justice system and the lifelong impact on those unfortunate enough to get tangled in it.
When They See Us is a heavy and difficult watch that brings awareness to the truth of the real-life miscarriage of justice. The series offers a view into the incredible feats of human resilience in a powerful way. The series is continuously regarded as one of Netflix’s most notable, offering an impactful story, and shedding light on hard truths.
11 ‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
Created by Peter Morgan
The Crown offers an intricate depiction of the inner workers of the British Monarchy. Inspired by real events, the series chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II, portraying personal and political occurrences that shaped the second half of the 20th century.
The Crown is known for its brilliant performances and high production value. The series provides a look into the complex world of the British monarchy, giving its viewers an immersive setting. The Crown dramatizes true events in a striking way that captivates its audience with the drama that lives behind the throne. The series’ in-depth analysis of personal sacrifice and duty, as well as its stunning cinematography, make it one of Netflix’s most notable original shows.
10 ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)
Created by Mike Flanagan
Image via Netflix
This widely acclaimed horror series blends a deep emotional narrative with an entertaining supernatural element. The Haunting of Hill House alternates between two timelines, centering around five siblings who were raised in a haunted house and their present-day battles with grappling with their past traumas.
The series uses a slow-burn approach to inspire tension throughout, and this often creates an awesome and very impactful haunting atmosphere. The Haunting of Hill House is a blend of immersive storytelling, intriguing characters, and a unique approach to horror, using its hair-raising atmosphere to tackle daunting themes of grief and loss. With its genuine scary moments mixed with touching depth, the series provides a Netflix favorite for fans of the horror genre.
9 ‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023–)
Created by Michael Green and Amber Noizumi
This gory animated action show first premiered in 2023, with a flair of thrilling action and an intense story. Blue Eye Samurai is set in Edo Japan, where strife is brewing. The series follows a blue-eyed, mixed-heritage female warrior on the path of vengeance and self-discovery.
While the fierce animation is incredibly intense with striking visuals, action-filled scenes, and even spicy moments, the thrilling ride, along with the impactful quiet moments, is impossible to go without. Blue Eye Samurai is a beautifully animated work of fiction, with intricate fight scenes, important lessons, and deep character exploration, leading it to be one of the most enjoyed series made in recent years on the streaming giant.
8 ‘Squid Game’ (2021–)
Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk
Image via Netflix
Squid Game premiered in 2021, dominating pop culture and the entertainment industry. The death game TV series centers around 456 individuals who are severely struggling financially. With nothing to lose, and a mega prize to win, these willing participants fight for both their prize and their survival, all while playing childhood games with deadly consequences.
Squid Game took fans through an immersive experience during its first season, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The series builds tension and mind-numbing suspense extraordinarily well. The relatable show portrays financial struggles and the extreme lengths people will often go to in order to overcome them. This Netflix original stands as one of the best on the platform for its phenomenal storytelling and its almost instant global popularity.
Release Date
2021 – 2024
Network
Netflix
7 ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)
Created by Scott Frank and Allan Scott
Image via Netflix
What an exceptional story indeed. Debuting in 2020, The Queen’s Gambit centers around the life of Beth Harmon (Anya Taylor-Joy), an orphaned chess genius in the 1950s and ’60s, as she advances through the extremely competitive ranks of chess players worldwide, all the while confronting addiction and personal struggles.
This charming piece of fiction connects so well with audiences, that many turned to chess as a new hobby. The Queen’s Gambit provides a nuanced approach to the subject of addiction, adding a lot of depth to the series. The show’s strong performances, in particular Anya Taylor-Joy’s enthralling portrayal, offer an emotional impact that hammers the point across in a very subtle way. Themes of feminism and personal empowerment rank this Netflix gem high among the best original series on the platform.
6 ‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)
Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro
Image via Netflix
Narcos offers a gritty depiction of the impact on society and law enforcement due to the drug trade. The series follows the rise and fall of Colombian drug kingpins, focusing on infamous cartels like Cali Cartel and figures like Pablo Escobar (Wagner Moura).
Narcos became instantly popular during its run, captivating audiences with a gripping tale and high-stakes drama. The series gives a detailed portrayal of the complexities within the drug trade and law enforcement’s hard fight against it. Blending suspense, thrilling action, and historical context, the show delivers an impactful viewing experience. With engaging storytelling, solid pacing, and an immersive setting, Narcos is a definite favorite of crime drama lovers who frequent the Netflix platform.
5 ‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)
Created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams
Image via Netflix
The hit series, Ozark was brought to fans of thrilling crime dramas in 2017. The show brings to life a story of complicated family dynamics, survival, and morality. The drama centers around Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial planner, as he moves his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme gone wrong. This forces the family to somehow go deeper into the criminal lifestyle as their lives are threatened by a cartel. The family’s moral boundaries are pushed and tested as they struggle to survive.
Ozark draws its inspiration from classic dramas, ultimately setting itself apart with its own uniqueness and captivating story. With compelling character arcs, an engaging plot, and amazing performances, Ozark is among the strongest in the genre. The exploration of moral ambiguity and unexpected twists in the drama solidifies its place as one of Netflix’s best shows.
4 ‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)
Created by Joe Penhall
Image via Netflix
With a deep exploration of the criminal mind, this series is one of Netflix’s standouts. Mindhunter dives deep into the early days of criminal profiling and criminal psychology in the FBI, following agents Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) and Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) as they investigate serial killers in order to capture active ones.
Viewers appreciate Mindhunter’s commitment to historical accuracy and the detailed interviews within the series. Audiences are completely drawn into the series’ world of high-stakes crime, morality, and intensity. Its darker themes, due to the show’s insightful exploration of criminal minds, add realism and depth, engaging audiences with masterfully crafted tension. With the show’s ability to offer a unique viewing experience, the dark crime-drama series Mindhunter is definitely one of Netflix’s highlights.
3 ‘Arcane’ (2021–)
Image via Netflix
First dominating screens in 2021, this brilliant animated series offers stunning visuals and an even better sci-fi story. Set in the world of League of Legends, Arcane follows the origins of Vi and Jinx, as they navigate the strained relations between the oppressed underground of Zaun, and the rich city of Piltover. Each character in the series embarks on an engaging journey, filled with complexities that explores personal challenges, progressive relationships, and the consequences of ambition.
Based on a popular video game, Arcane offers audiences an emotional, character-driven story, with incredible cinematic quality. With its engaging themes of class struggle, personal identity and power, Arcane is one of the top series that is setting a new standard for video game adaptations.
2 ‘BoJack Horseman’ (2014–2020)
Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Image via Netflix
BoJack Horseman is a beloved animation that offers a satirical approach to self-atonement and Hollywood life. The series follows the depressed BoJack (Will Arnett), a has-been actor from a 1990s sitcom, as he grapples with the complexities of past fame, addiction, and depression.
The series delivers a great story, blending witty comments with dark humor that offers viewers a very distinct style of comedy. BoJack Horseman’s confrontation of real-world issues like addiction and self-destructive behaviors within people makes audiences appreciate the show for what it is. With emotionally charged writing and deep character development, BoJack Horseman stands as not only one of the best animated series on Netflix, but one of the best shows Netflix has to offer.
1 ‘Stranger Things’ (2016–)
Created by Matt Duffer and Ross Duffer
Image via Netflix
This sci-fi horror series is best known for its masterful blend of character development, thrilling narrative, and nostalgic ’80s pop culture references. Stranger Things, set in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana in the 1980s, centers around a group of D&D-playing friends, who encounter strange paranormal forces and secret government experiments.
While the beloved series’ charm carries it far, Stranger Things is also heavily praised for its unique story that delivers horror, action, and character depth. The amazing child performances of the cast garnered quick recognition for their brilliance. The cultural impact and loyal fan base of the captivating series lead it to sit as the best Netflix original to date.
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