Since 2013, Netflix has churned out a whopping amount of original content. They deliver quality as well as quantity: in 2021 alone, Netflix’s original programming won 44 Emmy Awards; more than any other production company. Netflix has had its fair share of duds, of course. (See Real Rob and Emily in Paris). But a handful of its shows, like BoJack Horseman and Black Mirror, have rightly earned their place in the pantheon of great TV.
Netflix’s deep pockets mean they have been able to produce several large-scale shows starring big names that can more than compete with anything made by HBO or AMC. Netflix’s most acclaimed shows span a range of genres, from sci-fi and comedy to historical drama and crime – IMDb users have made it easy to determine the top 10 Netflix series of all time.
30
‘Kingdom’ (2019–2020)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Set in the 16th century in a medieval-inspired Joseon, Kingdom is a South Korean period horror series that depicts the unraveling of a conspiracy that endangers the nation. It follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he investigates the lies within the royal court before finding himself in the middle of the spread of a mysterious epidemic. As the dead rise and wreak havoc, the protagonist finds allies in physician Seo-bi (Bae Doona) and the mysterious warrior Yeong-shin (Kim Sang-ho).
It may not be the first to combine the period drama and zombie genres, but Kingdom certainly does it right. The show is exhilarating on all fronts, whether it’s the Crown Prince’s grappling with his role and the throne’s future or the numerous discoveries and twists about the nature of the “resurrection plant” and the undead.
29
‘Castlevania’ (2017–2021)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Based on the beloved video game series of the same name, Netflix’s Castlevania had a lot to live up to, thanks to many skeptical fans. The series did not disappoint, portraying the dark and gothic world in an exciting and visually striking way. The show follows Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage), the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont clan, as he battles against the powerful vampire Count Dracula (Graham McTavish). He must work alongside the mage Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso) and the dhampir Alucard (James Callis) to take down Dracula and save humanity from extinction.
Blending horror, action, and fantasy, Castlevania is deliciously dark but surprisingly accessible for beginners. The modern animated TV series delivers just the right amount of intensity for both original fans of the franchise and total newcomers. Its sequel, Castlevania: Nocturne, may not live up to the high standards set by the original, but is still worth watching for anyone who enjoyed the series.
28
‘One Piece’ (2023–Present)
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
Already being called one of the best live-action adaptations of a manga series, 2023’s One Piece burst onto the scene and entertained both established and new fans. The fantasy adventure series follows Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his pirate crew as they sail across the sea in search of the ultimate treasure. They come across several obstacles during their quest for the title of Pirate King.
Starring a talented ensemble cast to portray the Straw Hat Pirates, One Piece has been praised for its fantastic performances, gorgeous visuals, and high production value that shows in the outcome. Most importantly, it has been incredibly loyal to the source material, which had numerous fans to begin with.
27
‘The Railway Men’ (2023)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
The Railway Men is a four-episode miniseries based on the events of December 2, 1984, in Bhopal, India. It is the heroic story of the Indian Railways employees who risked their lives to help save and evacuate the city’s citizens after a factory’s deadly gas leak. A thriller from start to finish, The Railway Men is among the best of Netflix’s originals based on true stories.
While the series amplifies the dramatic events in true television fashion, the story is an onscreen tribute to the brave men who saved thousands from the Union Carbide leak. For fans of Max’s Chernobyl, The Railway Men is a worthy genre cohort with messaging about doing the right thing in the face of imminent danger.
26
‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’ (2019)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
1982’s The Dark Crystal is a beloved classic and a groundbreaking fantasy film that made excellent use of animatronics to bring its magical world to life. Many fans were likely hoping that Netflix’s prequel series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, would be a chance to dive back into the world of the Gelflings. The show follows three Gelflings: Rian, Deet, and Brea, and their quest to bring the clans together to save their planet Thra.
The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance certainly succeeds at worldbuilding, creating a visually striking fictional landscape where anything seems possible. However, its attempt at being family-friendly takes away from the gravitas of its plot. It’s not surprising it was canceled after just one season, considering its high cost, dashing any hope of The Dark Crystal‘s return.
25
‘Delhi Crime’ (2019–Present)
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
A true-crime series based on the infamous 2012 events in New Delhi, Delhi Crime is a needle-in-the-haystack gem that IMDb users gave its proper due. The international drama follows the New Delhi police as they investigate the brutal Nirbhaya case, seeking to bring the men who committed the crime to justice. The Netflix original is focused on gritty storytelling rooted in suspense and fast-paced thrills.
From the start, this two-season series set the tone for audiences that this was going to be far more aggressive than a standard police procedural show. The masterful performances and attention to cinematic detail make Delhi Crime an under-the-radar stream that mainstream Netflix viewers need to add to their watchlist.
24
‘After Life’ (2019–2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
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After Life is a remarkable comedy series that will break viewers’ hearts before they know what hit them. Created by and starring Ricky Gervais in one of his best roles as Tony Johnson, the series focuses on the protagonist’s journey through grief after the death of his beloved wife. To cope with his pain, Tony ignores societal norms and decides to be as brutally honest as possible to everyone and anyone, even if it hurts them. Over time, however, Tony’s attitude and approach to grief slowly change.
The series manages to use dark humor to delve into heavy topics with a light touch, with Ricky Gervais’ impeccable writing and tour-de-force performance making the show worth watching. Viewers can expect to both laugh and cry as they watch Tony’s winding journey to healing. After Life is a profound exploration of grief and the human experience, oscillating between comedy and heartbreak to deliver a truly unique viewing experience.
23
‘Cobra Kai’ (2018–2025)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Serving as a nostalgic throwback to the original source movies the series draws from, Cobra Kai is an original series that’s fun for the whole family. Ralph Macchiao and William Zabka return to their iconic roles as Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence when they once again find themselves rivals, teaching their variations of martial arts to the next generation. Concluding at the end of season six, Cobra Kai brought back supporting and villainous characters from the movies into the series, arcing Daniel and Johnny from enemies to allies and a whole lot in between.
Each season remained consistent in its attention to the martial arts sequences, comedic writing, and character development of the old and new. What was an iconic 80s coming-of-age story rings true today, decades later, with The Karate Kid‘s legacy passing to the cast of teens stepping into the shoes Macchiao and Zabka broke in.
22
‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–Present)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Now rightly considered among the best anthology series ever made, Love, Death & Robots depicts numerous incredible stories that weave sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more. Created by Tim Miller, the Netflix original series delivers bite-sized tales that explore the darker aspects of humanity. From dystopian worlds where robots examine the remnants of society to utopias ruled by sentient yogurt, the series covers a wide array of fascinating stories.
Of course, the scene-stealer in the Netflix show is often the novel animation techniques and mesmerizing visual styles displayed with delicious variety across its episodes. Every episode is different, with different animation studios and artists getting a chance to show off their talents. Everyone has their own favorites, with Love, Death & Robots‘ best episodes — from “Bad Travelling” to “Beyond the Aquila Rift” — earning their place in TV history.
21
‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Ozark thrusts viewers into a world full of crime and deceit, in the midst of which are the Byrdes, a dysfunctional family that moves away from their comfortable urban home to launder money for a drug cartel. Led by the unassuming but brilliant Marty Byrde (masterfully played by Jason Bateman), the family is forced to stay one step ahead to ensure their own survival. In the process of evading the dangerous criminals that begin to surround them, the Byrdes start to change, and their transformative character arcs become the true stars of the series.
With its shocking twists to go alongside this impressive character development, Ozark goes to some truly dark places. It blurs the line between right and wrong as it becomes painfully obvious that the Byrdes are not the victims in all of this. The morally ambiguous journey is something fans of the crime and drama genres should experience at least once.
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