Entertainment
20 Best Netflix Original Shows of All Time, Ranked
Netflix is a streaming platform that offers a wide range of shows and movies. With the 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
‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)
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. 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.
19
‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)
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.
18
‘Heartstopper’ (2022–2024)
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.
17
‘Bridgerton’ (2020–Present)
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.
16
‘Dark’ (2017–2020)
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.
15
‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–Present)
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.
14
‘Black Mirror’ (2011–Present)
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 Mirror 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.
13
‘When They See Us’ (2019)
This miniseries is a gut-wrenching but necessary portrayal of systemic 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.
12
‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)
The Crown offers an intricate depiction of the inner workings 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.
11
‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)
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 genuinely scary moments mixed with touching depth, the series provides a Netflix favorite for fans of the horror genre.
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