Are you looking for an original series by Netflix that can offer you a satisfying watch? We have got you all covered with a list of the top 20 Netflix Original Series with great IMDB scores.
Since the beginning of Netflix in 2013, more than a decade has already passed. The platform has offered a whopping amount of entertainment content for the audiences on the platform and audiences can find a fine blend of quantity and quality both. Other the regional productions, Netflix original productions have also gained much popularity in the market in almost every genre including sci-fi, thriller, crime, adventure, action, animation, and whatnot. While you can also watch HBO or AMC productions on Netflix, the originals define more modern works that are increasingly getting more attention from audiences of all ages. Let’s explore the top Netflix original series of all time.
20+ Netflix Original Series That You Should Watch
- Arcane
Arcane definitely sits at the top of the list with its smooth and captivating animation. This anime series is a videogame adaptation of the popular game League of Legends and the story is based on the game lore. However, more than the game itself; it is the beautiful characterization and displays of power dynamics that made this series so captivating for all. Till now only three seasons have been released which is based fictional world of Arcane. Each of the characters like Jinx, Vi, Victor, Warwick, Ambessa, Echo, etc are presented well with a character development and back story that can keep you hooked. Even the people who haven’t played LOL yet can still enjoy the gripping story of this series.
- BoJack Horseman
BoJack is an animated dark comedy-drama that is specially crafted for the adults. The whole series is based on the main character BoJack who is a Hollywood sitcom actor and the story develops with a fair amount of side characters in BoJack’s life. This story is not for the weak hearts as the writers of the series have cleverly created every plot episode that is interconnected and greatly relatable. Dealing with sensitive matters like drug addiction, love, heartbreak, depression, and suicide, and then finally overcoming all of it; this series is like a therapy where you dump your trauma and finally overcome it. BoJack can sometimes hold a mirror in front of you, showing your true self with follies.
- Stranger Things
This series marks the rise of Mille Bobby Brown and many other young actors in Hollywood. The story is based on a group of kids in Indiana who come across supernatural threats. This sci-fi series is five seasons long and you will glued to your seats. The director has done a great job in bridging the ‘80s with the modern day through a nostalgic blend of emotions. There is also an intimidating monster and clashes between different realities. This series has also made the classic hit by Kate Bush, “Running Up That Hill” a hit number in the music industry again. The fifth and final season will be released this year.
- Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a dark sci-fi series that explores the dark side of the digital age and how it is going to be in the coming days. The intriguing concept of this series is capable of offering the hook to the audiences from episode 1. The dystopian nature of the stories makes them even more engaging for the audiences. The series comes with an incredible range of stories as each episode offers a different story than another. The stories are violent, dark, and bleak and explore the dark side of human minds. The comedic and satiric nature of the series also poses some critical questions about the system and the digital age.
- Dark
Dark is a German sci-fi series that gained much attention from viewers from all around the world. This sci-fi series also involves a fair share of thriller and murder mystery. After two local kids go missing from a small town, the story develops with multiple layers with an interconnected time-travel story. The dark and gloomy atmosphere along with perplexing puzzles makes this series very hooky and the hooks stay till the end until the mystery is resolved.
- Narcos
This series made Pablo Escobar a role model for many thanks to Wagner Moura’s mind-blowing acting skills. The series is based on narcotic business and drug lords who have a hard time with the cops of various countries and the first season is dedicated to Pablo Escobar who created an empire with cocaine. There are also other seasons and most of them are based on the cartel business and how the lords handle everything with their unwavering aura. It is like watching ‘Scarface’ in the format of a series.
- Blue Eye Samurai
If you enjoy fluid animations with satisfying hacks and slashes, then ‘Blue Eye Samurai’ is the best series to watch in the shonen category. This animation series is based on an outcast samurai, a female samurai who gives a tough time to the shogun and the whole system with the disguise of a man, the skills of a samurai, and a sword that is forged from meteor ore. The story is set in 17th-century Japan during the Edo period and you will feel like going back in time.
- The Crown
The series falls under the historical category as it is based on the rise and life of Queen Elizabeth II. The show focuses on her earlier years on the throne from the 1950s up to the 21st century, till she reigned. There are four seasons and three actresses have performed to offer different phases of the Queen’s life. What audiences can enjoy is the power dynamics of a royal person.
- Mindhunter
Netflix is best known for its psychological crime thrillers and ‘Mindhunters’ is one of the top of its creations. This series is highly captivating with two FBI agents interviewing serial killers in order to understand their motives, experiences, intentions, and planning as well as their general psychology which can help them find traces for other open and current cases as well. This series will make you brainstorm with a deeper and darker understanding of psychology.
- House of Cards
House of Cards is one of the first production works by Netflix that featured Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as two amoral politicians who would do anything to reach the top of power. The series psychologically explores the theme of Machiavellianism where one thinks everything is fair to gain power and influence. Politically cunning and greatly intriguing, this series is a powerful punch of politics and psychology. There are a total of six seasons and unfortunately, Spacey can’t be seen in all of them.
- Daredevil
Talk about iconic blind characters who are also a superhero, yes we are talking about none other than Daredevil. Charlie Cox played the character of Matt Murdock and absolutely nailed it. Matt is a lawyer in daylight and at night time he keeps the streets safe by taking care of the bad guys with his bare hands. He has ethics like Batman and he does not kill. He believes in second chances and this journey of a vigilante is quite engaging. You will also find the villains like Kingpin and fellow vigilantes like the Punisher in the series.
- Ozark
Ozark creates a world of crime and deceit which is mainly based on the family of Brydes. It is a dysfunctional family that finds themselves escaping from an urban to launder their money for a drug cartel. The story quickly takes some bizarre twists and it slowly blurs the lines between the right and the wrong. In order to survive in the situation, the Brydes go through a lot of character development which creates an arc of their own selves. The impressive and dark depiction of a family man can be truly intriguing and ‘Breaking Bad’ has already proved it.
- The Last Kingdom
This series is based on a 9th-century England setting where a Saxon nobleman was captured and raised by the Vikings, named Uhtred of Bebbanburg. As he grows up, he wants to take revenge on the killers of his father but he also finds himself in a dilemma where he has to opt for one side. The narrative for this story involves a fair share of history, political cunningness, clashing ideas, and many other aspects of the Viking age. The series brilliantly paints a picture of medieval life and gore battles where death became a daily life ingredient. Is there anything better than well-choreographed violence? Perhaps not.
- The Queen’s Gambit
Whether you love chess or not, this 11-time Emmy-winning miniseries should be on your watch list as well. Anya Taylor-Joy’s remarkable performance as a teenage chess prodigy who wants to become a world champion is truly engaging for viewers of all ages. The series is based on a novel of the same name by Walter Trevis. The story revolves around the protagonist Beth Harmon along with a depiction of sexism in sports in the 1960s which is still relevant in this era. The realistic portrayal and gripping story will make you desire to become a chess Grandmaster.
- ”The Haunting of Hill House
This amazing work by Mike Flanagan is something that proves television horror can be even more horrific and terrifying. The story is based on a gothic novel by Shirley Jackson which previously took place through a movie. The Crain children have grown up but the haunting trauma of the hill house still lingers. The series constantly manipulates viewers by going back and forth between the past and the present. The supernatural occurrences are quite haunting and the series has garnered much attention from horror enthusiasts.
- Sacred Games
This Indian crime thriller is based in a neo-noir setting that explores a lot of dark aspects as well. The series is based on the novel of the same name by Vikram Chandra. The story mainly revolves around two main characters namely Mumbai police officer Sartaj Singh and crime lord Ganesh Gaitonde who are played by Saif Ali Khan and Nawazuddin Siddiqui respectively. It goes without saying that both of them offered an amazing performance and the corruption and crime syndicate in India is well described through the story. It has only two seasons and that is enough to be in the top list.
- Love, Death & Robots
Netflix has aced in the animation genre and ‘Love, Death & Robots’ is one of their most intriguing projects. The series has already dropped 3 seasons and each of the episodes can take you to a different dimension. Other than smooth and versatile animation styles; each story is also based on an intriguing subject matter that makes it even more catchy and hooky. It is dark and questions the existence of humans by creating different and dystopian situations. It offers a wide array of dynamic stories.
- After Life
While Ricky Gervais is best known for his unfiltered humor and laughter, this series also shows that he can be sad and depressed. However, there is also a dark comedic nature that goes perfectly with his character. The protagonist of the story decides to end his life after the death of his beloved wife but he cannot. The series offers a greater sense of satisfaction by providing a slice of life that is beautiful, harsh, wholesome, and full of follies; yet we can make it better by staying true to ourselves. This series can make you cry and laugh at the same time.
- The Punisher
The Punisher is one of the most striking characters of Marvel that came before Disney started milking all the Marvel superheroes. The punisher is no superhero but a Marine veteran named Frank Castle who seeks revenge against the killers of his wife and children. His unbridled rage and combat skills make him become a vigilante who brings justice by bringing terror and shedding blood in the New York crime underworld. Jon Bernthal did a great job in beating up the bad guys and the show received an Emmy nomination for Stunt Coordination.
- Castlevania
Castlevania is one of the most attractive original projects by Netflix that offers an overpowering anime edge to the classic gothic folklore and religious stories that involve demons, Dracula, gods, mages, fighters, and whatnot. It is based on the video game series of the same name and it appears to be more attractive than the game itself. This show offers a blended essence of action, horror, and fantasy that is deliciously captivating with some smooth animations.
Some of the other honorable mentions are ‘Kingdom’, ’One Piece Live Action’, ‘The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance’, ‘Cobra Kai’, and the list goes on. Stay tuned as more original series are about to be released in 2025.
