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As the world’s leading streaming platform, Netflix is home to some of the most popular and most-watched shows of the past years. From original productions to beloved TV classics, Netflix has proven itself to be a one-stop platform for viewers seeking an endless stream of content. Whether you’re a fan of gripping crime dramas, heartwarming coming-of-age stories, or mind-bending science fiction, there’s always something for everyone on Netflix.
In this compilation, we will explore the standout shows that have captured the hearts of millions of viewers around the world and made Netflix the unrivaled streaming destination it is today. Here are the best shows to watch on Netflix:
Table of Contents
Breaking Bad (2008-2013)
Creator: Vince Gilligan
Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Giancarlo Esposito, RJ Mitte, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk
Genre: Crime, Drama
Runtime: 2 hours 4 minutes
Plot: Dubbed one of the greatest TV shows of the 21st century, “Breaking Bad” is a groundbreaking crime drama created by Vince Gilligan. The show chronicles the gripping journey of Walter White, a former chemistry teacher, as he transforms into the most powerful drug lord in Albuquerque’s illicit methamphetamine trade, alongside his partner Jesse Pinkman.
Better Call Saul (2015-2022)
Creators: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks, Patrick Fabian, Michael Mando, Giancarlo Esposito
Genre: Crime, Drama
Runtime: 46 minutes
Plot: “Better Call Saul” serves as a standout spin-off to “Breaking Bad.” It introduces the early life of Jimmy McGill, tracing his journey from a con artist into the cunning and ethically challenged criminal lawyer Saul Goodman.
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Creator: Joe Penhall
Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: Set in the 1970s, “Mindhunter” explores the early days of criminal profiling through the eyes of FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench. The pair are part of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit, which aims to understand the minds and behaviors of serial killers to prevent future crimes.
Suits (2011-2019)
Creator: Aaron Korsh
Cast: Gabriel Macht, Patrick J. Adams, Meghan Markle, Sarah Rafferty, Gina Torres, Rick Hoffman, Amanda Schull, D.B. Woodside, Wendell Pierce, Katherine Heigl
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 44 minutes
Plot: “Suits” is a legal drama that follows Mike Ross, a college dropout with exceptional legal acumen. Mike’s remarkable knowledge of the law impresses top attorney Harvey Specter, leading to his recruitment as an associate at a prestigious Manhattan law firm.
Narcos (2015-2017)
Creators: Carlo Bernard, Chris Brancato, Doug Miro
Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Paulina Gaitán, Joanna Christie
Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
Runtime: 49 minutes
Plot: “Narcos” is a chronicled glimpse at the criminal lives of some of the most infamous drug lords in history, including figures like Pablo Escobar and the Medellin cartels, among others.
Black Mirror (2011–)
Creator: Charlie Brooker
Cast: Aaron Paul, Daniel Kaluuya, Salma Hayek, Jon Hamm, Miley Cyrus, Bryce Dallas Howard
Genre: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Thriller
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: Charlie Brooker’s “Black Mirror” is a thought-provoking anthology series that explores the various facets of technology and taps into the potential real-life dangers of a rapidly advancing world.
The Crown (2016-2023)
Directors: Peter Morgan
Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Tobias Menzies, Helena Bonham Carter, Josh O’Connor, Matt Smith, Gillian Anderson, Vanessa Kirby, Charles Dance, Emma Corrin
Genre: Biography, Drama, History
Runtime: 58 minutes
Plot: Based on real-life events, “The Crown” is a biographical account of Queen Elizabeth II’s reign and other pivotal events that influenced the British Empire.
House of Cards (2013-2018)
Creator: Beau Willimon
Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Michael Kelly
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 50 minutes
Plot: “House of Cards” stars Kevin Spacey as the cunning Frank Underwood, a power-hungry politician who will go to unimaginable lengths to manipulate the ruthless and complex world of Washington D.C.’s politics, along with his equally ambitious wife.
Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Creator: Steven Knight
Cast: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Sophie Rundle, Helen McCrory, Tom Hardy, Joe Cole
Genre: Crime, Drama
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: This period crime series from the BBC chronicles the criminal exploits of the notorious Irish mobster family known as the “Peaky Blinders,” led by the enigmatic patriarch Tommy Shelby.
Beef (2023)
Director: Lee Sung Jin
Cast: Steven Yeun, Ali Wong, Joseph Lee, Young Mazino, Ashley Park, David Choe, Justin H. Min
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 35 minutes
Plot: “Beef” is a black comedy series from A24 that follows a never-ending feud between two troubled individuals after a heated road rage encounter.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Creator: Mike Flanagan
CastMichiel Huisman, Elizabeth Reaser, Timothy Hutton, Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen
Genre: Drama, Horror
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: Adapted from Shirley Jackson’s classic gothic novel, “The Haunting of Hill House” is a chilling tale that explores the experiences of a fractured family who once lived in a haunted mansion and the lasting psychological effects of the supernatural encounters on each family member’s life.
Unbelievable (2019)
Creators: Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, Michael Chabon
Cast: Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever
Genre: Crime, Drama
Runtime: 40-50 minutes
Plot: “Unbelievable” is a harrowing retelling of real-life rape cases. After rape victim Marie Adler reports her assault to the authorities, she is accused of lying. Her life takes a turn when two valiant female detectives step in to help her, which ultimately unveils a series of other rape cases that will bring further justice to other victims.
Dahmer – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story (2022)
Creators: Ryan Murphy, Ian Brennan
Cast: Evan Peters, Richard Jenkins, Molly Ringwald, Niecy Nash
Genre: Biography, Crime
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: “Dahmer” is a controversial true crime series from Ryan Murphy that recounts the early life and crimes of the cannibalistic serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer, who brutally dismembered and murdered 17 males between 1978 and 1991.
Maid (2021)
Creator: Molly Smith Metzler
Cast: Margaret Qualley, Nick Robinson, Andie MacDowell, Rylea Neveah Whittet
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: “Maid” is a heartfelt miniseries that centers on the single mother Alex as she navigates poverty and toxic relationships. After leaving her abusive boyfriend, Alex takes on various cleaning jobs to provide and secure a brighter future for her and her daughter.
Sex Education (2019-2023)
Creator: Laurie Nunn
Cast: Asa Butterfield, Emma Mackey, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 45 minutes
Plot: In this delightfully heartwarming coming-of-age series, “Sex Education” follows awkward high schooler Otis Milburn as he teams up with his crush Maeve Wiley to organize an underground sex therapy clinic at their school to help their classmates confront their sex problems.
You (2018-2024)
Creators: Sera Gamble, Greg Berlanti
Cast: Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Tati Gabrielle
Genre: Romance, Crime, Drama
Runtime: 45 minutes
Plot: Penn Badgley stars as the dangerously charming Joe Goldberg in “You,” a hopeless romantic man who will go to murderous lengths to be with the person he loves.
Stranger Things (2016–)
Creators: The Duffer Brothers
Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Sadie Sink, Noah Schnapp, Gaten Matarazzo, Caleb McLaughlin, David Harbour, Winona Ryder
Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi, Fantasy
Runtime: 51 minutes
Plot: During the 80s in the fictional town of Hawkins, Indiana, “Stranger Things” revolves around a group of friends who encounter supernatural forces and government conspiracies while searching for their missing friend. Meanwhile, a young girl named Eleven emerges, who possesses psychokinetic abilities and plays a pivotal role in uncovering an alternate dimension known as the Upside Down.
Orange is the New Black (2013-2019)
Creator: Jenji Kohan
Cast: Taylor Schilling, Danielle Brooks, Taryn Manning, Emma Myles
Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: “Orange is the New Black” centers on Piper Chapman, who must navigate life behind bars after getting convicted for a decade-old crime of importing drug money.
Ozark (2017-2022)
Creators: Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams
Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Julia Garner
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: “Ozark” features Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde, a financial advisor who relocated his family to the Missouri Ozarks to launder money for a powerful Mexican drug cartel.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
Creators: Scott Frank, Allan Scott
Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chloe Pirrie, Harry Melling, Thomas Brodie-Sangster
Genre: Drama
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: In this award-winning miniseries, Anya Taylor-Joy stars as the orphaned child Beth Harmon, who discovers her exceptional skills in chess and rapidly proves herself to be a formidable force in the male-dominated sport — but her journey to greatness is not without consequences.
Bojack Horseman (2014-2020)
Creator: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul
Genre: Animation, Drama, Comedy
Runtime: 25 minutes
Plot: This widely acclaimed animated series follows Bojack Horseman, a has-been Hollywood star struggling to meet the demands of his declining acting career, deteriorating mental health, and worsening addiction, as well as maintaining relationships in the vibrant city of California.
Money Heist (2017-2021)
Creator: Álex Pina
Cast: Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente, Esther Acebo
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
Runtime: 1 hour 10 minutes
Plot: In this hit Spanish series, a group of robbers donning Salvador Dali masks carry out a perfectly planned heist to steal billions of money from the Royal Mint of Spain under the guidance of their clever mastermind referred to as The Professor.
Lupin (2021–)
Creator: George Kay
Cast: Omar Sy, Ludivine Sagnier, Soufiane Guerab, Etan Simon, Shirine Boutella
Genre: Crime, Action, Drama
Runtime: 45 minutes
Plot: Inspired by the classic fictional character Arsène Lupin, this French series centers on the gentleman thief Assane Diop who orchestrates meticulously planned heists to avenge his father who was wrongfully convicted for a crime he did not commit.
Squid Game (2021)
Creator: Hwang Dong-hyuk
Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Wi Ha-joon, Jung Hoyeon, Oh Yeong-su, Heo Sung-tae, Gong Yoo
Genre: Action, Drama
Runtime: 55 minutes
Plot: Drowning with overflowing debt, gambler Ki-hun accepts an invitation to participate in a mysterious game for a chance to win a multi-million-dollar cash prize. He is taken into an unknown location along with 400 competitors, where a deadly game of survival awaits.
Midnight Mass (2021)
Creator: Mike Flanagan
Cast: Kate Siegel, Zach Gilford, Kristin Lehman, Hamish Linklater, Rahul Kohli
Genre: Drama, Horror, Fantasy
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: Mike Flanagan challenges the concept of faith in the miniseries “Midnight Mass.” The show unfolds on the isolated Crockett Island, where miraculous occurrences and dark omens coincide with the arrival of an enigmatic young priest.
Bridgerton (2020–)
Creator: Chris Van Dusen
Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Simone Ashley, Regé-Jean Page, Harriet Cains, Golda Rosheuvel, Julie Andrews, Nicola Coughlan
Genre: Drama, Romance
Runtime: 1 hour
Plot: Taking place during the Regency era, this period piece follows the noble and affluent Bridgerton clan as they navigate romance and rivalries in the highly competitive world of London’s high society.
Emily in Paris (2020–)
Director: Darren Star
Cast: Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat, Philippine Leroy-Beaulieu
Genre: Drama, Comedy, Romance
Runtime: 30 minutes
Plot: Set against the romantic backdrop of the city of love, the series revolves around the adventures of Emily Cooper, a young American woman navigating French lifestyle, fashion, and romance, after getting hired by a marketing agency in Paris.
