From Umbrella Academy to Stranger Things: Top 25 Netflix Shows

2024 Author: Malcolm Clapton | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-17 03:44

Dark superhero stories, historical projects, and cool time travel fiction.

25. Diet from Santa Clarita

• USA, 2017–2019.
• Comedy, horror.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 8.

Respectable Sheila Hammond works as a realtor and, together with her husband Joel, brings up daughter Abby. But in the life of the family, everything changes when the main character suddenly turns into a zombie. Sheila has to look for human flesh for food and somehow maintain the illusion of a normal life. And Joel and Abby are looking for a way to cure her.

The series, starring Drew Barrymore and Timothy Olyphant, looks like a typical family adventure sitcom with a lot of text jokes and funny situations. But the bloody and cruelty of the zombie series is added to this humor, which turns the story into an excellent black comedy.

24. Lemony Snicket: 33 misfortunes

• USA, 2017–2019.
• Drama, comedy, adventure.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 8.

After a terrible fire, the young Baudelaires - Violet, Klaus and Sunny - were left orphans. The children were given to the care of Count Olaf, who dreams of seizing their inheritance. The villain tries to set up an accident, and at the same time gets rid of all competitors who are ready to shelter the young heroes.

For the first time, Barry Sonnenfeld tried to film the famous series of books back in 2004, taking on the role of Earl Olaf Jim Carrey. But within the framework of one film, the plot of three short stories turned out to be too crumpled. But in the form of a series by the same author, the story was told in detail and very close to the original. Moreover, many consider the screen ending more successful than the book one.

23. Matryoshka's life

• USA, 2019 - present.
• Science fiction, comedy, drama.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

Red-haired sarcastic Nadia is celebrating her birthday. Leaving the party, she dies under the wheels of the car and immediately returns at the moment when she was just about to leave the holiday. This is how Nadia dies over and over again, stuck in a time loop. Then the heroine decides to figure out the cause of the anomaly.

A very funny and short series of eight half-hour episodes, only at first glance, it is devoted to the traditional time loop. In fact, from the middle of the season, it becomes clear that the plot will develop outside the box, and the heroine literally "hacks" reality itself. Plus, it's just a touching story about a woman in a midlife crisis.

22. Jessica Jones

• USA, 2015-2019.
• Science fiction, action, drama, thriller.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 7, 9.

Private detective Jessica Jones has superpowers, but she tries not to resort to them, because of this she has only problems. But the trauma of the past does not give her a quiet life and work: she received superpowers against her will, and then fell under the influence of a sadist who completely controlled her.

This series is part of the shared world of The Defenders, a dark and realistic comic book series from Marvel and Netflix. But in fact, "Jessica Jones" looks more likely not a superhero series, but a noir detective about abusive relationships and PTSD.

21. Shine

• USA, 2017 - present.
• Comedy, sports, drama.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

After failing another casting, actress Ruth Wilder joins a new project, which was organized by former filmmaker Sam Sylvia. He wants to launch the first ever women's wrestling show.

This series is based on the real story of the origin of the show "Shine". The authors only added a lot of humor and an excellent picture to the plot, which will make you feel nostalgic for the 80s.

20. Umbrella Academy

• USA, Canada, 2019 - present.
• Science fiction, drama, action, comedy.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 0.

In 1989, 43 unusual children were born in different countries of the world at the same time, and their mothers were not even pregnant. The eccentric billionaire Reginald Hargreaves has gathered seven of them and created a team of superheroes. Years later, all the students of the Umbrella Academy meet at the funeral of their adoptive father and learn that they will have to prevent the end of the world.

The film adaptation of the comic strip of the same name by Gerard Way pleases with an unexpected combination of genres. On the one hand, this is a typical superhero story about saving the world. Moreover, served as brightly as possible, with great humor and a memorable soundtrack. On the other hand, the Umbrella Academy primarily talks about family relationships and the problems of people with a spoiled childhood.

19. Orange is the new black

• USA, 2013–2019.
• Drama, comedy, crime.
• Duration: 7 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

Piper Chapman is arrested for a crime committed by her ex-girlfriend and sentenced to 15 months in a women's prison. To survive in the new world, the girl has to learn a lot.

This series was created by Jenji Cohen, known for the comedy project "Datura", and therefore there are many ironic situations in the dramatic plot. Moreover, "Orange is the hit of the season" is based on the true story of Piper Kerman, who spent more than a year in prison. By the way, she herself appears in the screensaver.

18. End of the *** world

• UK, 2017-2019.
• Drama, melodrama, adventure, crime.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

An introverted teenager James considers himself a psychopath and is thinking of killing a man someday. His choice falls on his classmate Alyssa, who just offers to escape with her from the city. Soon, their relationship develops into true love.

Based on the comic strip of the same name by Charles Forsman, the series reveals the story of children much more fully. In the original, the whole plot was based only on Alissa's desire to find her father. The film adaptation focuses on the development of relationships between the main characters.

17. Modified carbon

• USA, 2018 - present.
• Science fiction, action, detective.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 1.

The action takes place in the world of the future, where humanity has learned to transfer its consciousness to digital media and the physical body has turned only into a temporary shell. The protagonist, former resistance soldier Takeshi Kovacs, has been frozen for over 200 years. When he wakes up, he gets a new body and goes to work for the rich man Lawrence Bancroft. Kovacs must find the killer who destroyed the previous body of the customer.

The adaptation of the novel of the same name by Richard Morgan combines the traditional tabloid detective story with the atmosphere of cyberpunk, while strongly departing from the plot of the book. The transference move allowed the authors to reasonably change the performer of the main role: in the first season, Kovacs was played by Yuel Kinnaman, and in the second - by Anthony Mackie.

16. The Witcher

• USA, 2019 - present.
• Fantasy, adventure.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 8, 2.

Geralt hunts all kinds of monsters for a fee that attack people. However, those around them still consider the witcher himself a monster. In parallel, the plot tells the stories of Yennefer, who was sold to a witch's apprentice, and the young princess Ciri, who escapes from the kingdom captured by enemies. The three heroes have to find each other, because they are united by a mission.

In late 2019, Netflix released a series that was supposed to be a major replacement for HBO's Game of Thrones. However, the novelty came out ambiguous: the project was scolded for differences from the original and too complex plot. However, the majority of viewers liked The Witcher and even set records for views on the platform.

15. American vandal

• USA, 2017–2018.
• Drama, comedy, crime.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 2.

The mock-documentary series follows investigations into school vandalism. In the first season, someone draws penises on the teachers' cars; in the second season, someone sprinkles laxatives into the food from the cafeteria. To sort out these matters are taken by two high school students who record everything on a video camera.

This ironic project parodies many documentaries, which, in particular, were released on Netflix (primarily "Creating a Killer"). But in an amazing way, the authors managed to turn a comedy with vulgar humor into a poignant statement about the problems of adolescents.

14. Not a jack of all trades

• USA, 2015-2017.
• Comedy.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

The aspiring Indian-born actor Dev is trying to break through to the top of the film industry, but so far only appears in commercials and second-rate films. Parents do not understand him, and friends start families and build a career. But Dev does not give up and hopes for the best.

The Handyman is a very personal project by Aziz Ansari, best known for playing Tom Haverford in Parks and Recreation. He wrote the script, largely based on his own life, and played the main role himself. Moreover, even the parents of the protagonist are played by Ansari's mother and father.

13. Eighth Sense

• USA, 2015-2018.
• Science fiction, thriller, drama.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

Eight people from different countries suddenly discover that they are emotionally connected to each other. A powerful stranger is trying to bring the heroes together. In parallel, those who see a threat in supernatural forces begin to hunt them.

This project was created by the authors of "The Matrix" Lana and Lilly Wachowski. After two successful seasons, the series was canceled, and then fans staged an entire campaign in support of the "Eighth Sense". As a result, the platform released an additional two-hour ending.

12. Sex education

• UK, 2019 - present.
• Drama, comedy.
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 3.

The mother of schoolboy Otis is a famous sexologist. Therefore, the teenager is well versed in matters of sex education. With the support of local rebel Maeve, he begins to consult peers on the topic of sex and relationships for money. But Otis himself is very shy and cannot admit to a friend that he has fallen in love with her.

The British TV series is filled with humor and life situations. Using the example of schoolchildren, the authors talk about problems that are important for viewers of any age: shame of their own bodies, violence, suppression of a partner in a relationship, and much more.

11. Ozark

• USA, 2017 - present.
• Drama, thriller, crime.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 4.

Financial advisor Marty Bird, who laundered money for the mafia and owes bosses, is forced to flee. Together with his family, he moves from Chicago to the quiet resort town of the Ozarks to improve his financial situation.

This criminal project is often called the main replacement for the famous TV series "Breaking Bad". It is in the "Ozark" that the dramatic talent of Jason Bateman, who is considered by many to be primarily a comedian, is perfectly revealed. Moreover, Bateman also directed several episodes.

10. Paper house

• Spain, 2017 - present.
• Thriller, crime, drama.
• Duration: 4 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 4.

The genius under the pseudonym Professor gathers a team to commit the most daring robbery in history. Criminals break into the building of the Royal Spanish Mint and take hostages. But it seems that everything can collapse due to the emotional actions of some of the gang members.

The series originally started on the Spanish channel Antena 3, but was soon picked up by Netflix, changing the number and duration of episodes for ease of viewing. "Paper House" pleases with a combination of unpredictable criminal action with almost melodramatic lines of the characters' relationships.

9. Mind Hunter

• USA, 2017–2019.
• Drama, thriller, detective,
• Duration: 2 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 6.

In the late 1970s, FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench interview arrested maniacs to understand their behavior and way of thinking. They use this knowledge to find serial killers who are still at large.

This series was produced by David Fincher, known for his careful approach to every detail in crime stories. He took as a basis the story of real FBI agent John E. Douglas and told about many real maniacs in fictional form.

8. Daredevil

• USA, 2015-2018.
• Science fiction, action, drama, thriller.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 6.

After a tragic incident as a child, Matt Murdock loses his sight. But all his other senses are heightened, and learning from a martial artist turns Matt into a superhero. Now Murdoc works as a lawyer by day, and at night defends the city from criminals with his fists.

The first series from the world of "Defenders" captivated the audience with incredible action and a dark plot. The fights here are staged as realistically as possible: in the first season there is even a three-minute scene of a massive battle, filmed in one frame without gluing.

7. The ghosts of the house on the hill

• USA, 2018 - present.
• Drama, horror.
• Duration: 1 season.
• IMDb: 8, 7.

A family with five children moves into a secluded old mansion. The parents plan to renovate it and sell it profitably, but it turns out that the old house is inhabited by ghosts. And even after many years, childhood nightmares continue to haunt grown children.

The Ghosts of the Hill House is built in a very unusual way. The first five episodes detail each of the main characters. And the project looks more like a family drama than horror. But then, with each series, the tension only grows.

6. BoJack Horseman

• USA, 2014–2020.
• Drama, comedy,
• Duration: 6 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 7.

The anthropomorphic horse BoJack was once a television star. Glory remained in the distant past, and now the hero is trying to remind about himself, but he cannot even take up the memoirs ordered by the publisher.

Despite its seeming simplicity and bright humor, BoJack Horseman explores the midlife crisis so deeply that serious dramatic projects can envy the authors' courage. And even the ending leaves the viewer to independently decide what kind of attitude the protagonist deserves.

5. House of Cards

• USA, 2013–2018.
• Drama, thriller.
• Duration: 6 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 7.

The brutal and purposeful Congressman Frank Underwood is trying to break through to the heights of power. He is aiming for the post of secretary of state, helping a colleague to become president. But he eventually denies him the position. Then Frank begins to take revenge.

This remake of the British project of the same name became the first original Netflix series. Moreover, the streaming service acted very boldly, releasing the entire first season at once. Over time, this approach became the norm. And the sound from Underwood's two hits on the table (you can see them at the end of the trailer) has long been the screensaver of all Netflix projects.

4. Crown

• UK, USA, 2016 - present.
• Drama, history, biography.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 7.

The project is dedicated to the real biography of the current Queen of Great Britain, Elizabeth II, from the moment of her accession to the throne to the present day.

The historical series covers many decades of the Queen's life. Therefore, the authors completely change the cast every two seasons. Young Elizabeth was played by Claire Foy, then she was replaced by Olivia Colman. In the fifth and sixth seasons, the lead role will pass to Imelda Staunton.

3. Narco

• USA, Colombia, Mexico, 2015-2017.
• Drama, crime.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 8.

The series tells about the formation of the criminal Pablo Escobar, who founded the world's largest drug cartel. To catch him, one of the best FBI agents arrives in Colombia and organizes a hunt for the villain.

Interestingly, the narco plot is not just about Escobar. The third season tells about another criminal gang. And in general, the topic of drug trafficking turned out to be so popular on Netflix that the authors also filmed the spin-off "Narco: Mexico", which takes place in the 1980s in Guadalajara.

2. Darkness

• Germany 2017-2020.
• Drama, fantasy, detective.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 8.

In a small German town not far from a nuclear power plant, two children disappear one after another. The teenager Jonas, whose father recently committed suicide, finds himself at the center of mysterious events involving the lives of several families.

Netflix's most popular German-language project is considered one of the best time travel series. It has a very complex plot with many intertwining lines. But the final third season answered absolutely all questions and brought the story to its logical conclusion.

1. Very strange things

• USA, 2015 - present.
• Science fiction, horror, drama.
• Duration: 3 seasons.
• IMDb: 8, 8.

In the mid-1980s, a boy, Will Byers, disappears in the American town of Hawkins. Mom and the local sheriff try to find him, believing that the child is connecting with them from a parallel world. Meanwhile, Will's friends meet the young Eleventh, who has escaped from a secret laboratory.

This series is literally steeped in 80s nostalgia. The creators of the project, the Duffer brothers, filled the plot with references to old films and pop culture. Otherwise, Stranger Things is beautiful and emotional teenage fiction.