Netflix has an abundance of entertainment content. It becomes hard to pick one to watch with new titles released every other day.
If you find it hard to pick a show from the sea of options on Netflix, there’s no need to worry. We have compiled a list of shows for you to choose from. The best thing about this list is that it has all the fresh picks released recently in the last couple of years.
So, if you have some free time for binge-watching coming ahead, or you just want to laze around on your couch (no judgments there), you can start from these recommendations. There are also some bonus Netflix hacks at the end for you.
Best Shows: Over All
This list is for the best shows overall, regardless of genre and type. It has picks from fantasy, crime, and coming-of-age genres and all shows have an IMDB rating of 7.7 and over.
Wednesday
We all remember the bizarre Adam’s Family from our childhood, right? Wednesday is a Netflix original series, based on their daughter, Wednesday Adams. It’s a fantasy show with hints of sub-genres like coming-of-age and supernatural. The show revolves around the adventures of the titular Wednesday as she joins the Nevermore Academy. According to Netflix, the show has 252.1 million views and an IMDb rating of 8.1. Plus, Wednesday has been renewed for a 2nd season.
The Queen’s Gambit
This recommendation is for chess fans. The Queen’s Gambit is a coming-of-age period drama based on the Walter Tevis novel. It’s a mini-series that centers on the chess prodigy, Elizabeth Harmon. It is a captivating display of Elizabeth immersing herself in chess and drugs as she struggles to deal with her life’s problems. In the visual sense, the show has amazing cinematics, which makes it very pleasing to watch. It has an IMDb rating of 8.5.
The Witcher
The Witcher is an excellent medieval-themed fantasy show. It features Geralt of Rivia, played by Henry Cavill (some real eye candy right there). It is based on the book series of the same name, written by Andrzej Sapkowski. From mystical characters to monster hunt adventures, the show has all the right elements to engage you deeply. It currently has three seasons with a fourth one already in the making. The Witcher has an IMDb rating of 8 and is bound to be a thrilling watch for you.
Dark
Talking about the best Netflix shows and not mentioning Dark would be a huge injustice. It might not be as recent as other shows in this list, but it’s worth mentioning. If you are into complicated, mysterious, time-travel plots, this German series is for you. It features a town with a sinister past as the characters delve deep to uncover its secrets to find two missing children. Just a heads up, you need to pay attention, otherwise you will miss crucial details. It has 3 seasons and an IMDb rating of 8.7.
You
Who doesn’t love a handsome murderer/stalker, pretending to be a friendly neighborhood guy? You is a psychological thriller series featuring Joe, an obsessive male lead. The show spirals a cute budding love story into a sinister murder plot, giving viewers a whiplash. Moreover, Joe’s ability to captivate audiences with his seemingly-rational monologues, while being a psycho-killer sets this show apart. It currently has four seasons with a fifth one in production. You has an IMDb rating of 7.7.
Best Shows: Sci-Fi
Stranger Things
Set in Indiana in the 1980s, the show revolves around government secrets and hostile monsters. A group of young kids discover an entrance into an alternate dimension called the Upside Down. The show is an entertaining blend of investigative drama, suspense, and horror, with children hell-bent on saving the world. Despite seemingly centered on children, the show has successfully entertained a wide audience. It currently has 4 seasons and has a new one on the way.
3 Body Problem
Adapted from the Chinese novel series, Remembrance of the Earth’s Past, this series is an epic saga. It circles around a group of scientists who are forced to confront an extraterrestrial threat. The characters investigate mysterious events and find a decision made in the 1960s is connected to their confusing present. The show has complex timelines, intertwined plots, and small details, which make it a very gripping watch. Lastly, if you are into science and mystery, then this show is for you. Seasons 2 and 3 have been confirmed for the 3 Body Problem.
The Umbrella Academy
Who doesn’t love a dysfunctional superhero family? The Umbrella Academy is a sci-fi superhero show that features six siblings who were trained by their adoptive father to save the world. As the apocalypse approaches, the siblings are forced to work out together to solve the mystery of their father’s death and deter the apocalypse. It has time travel, mystery, and dark humor that make it an entertaining watch. The plot and the characters’ unpredictability set it apart from other shows. It currently has three seasons and has been renewed for a fourth one.
Best Shows: Crime
Baby Reindeer
Baby Reindeer is a stalker story with just the right amount of dark comedy and crime-thriller elements. It shows the male lead’s struggle as he deals with a stalker and trauma from a sexual assault. The show is based on the director Richard Gadd’s life, who plays himself. Additionally, you will see trauma, vulnerability, and deep insights into the human psyche in this mini-series. It hooks you till the last scene as you try to make sense of what goes on behind the characters’ minds.
Berlin
You must be aware of all the rage that Money Heist or La Casa de Papel was. Berlin is a series based on its very charming character Andres de Fonollosa, nicknamed Berlin. It is set before Money Heist when Berlin leads a gang of criminals. The show focuses on how he plans a major heist to steal jewels worth €44 million in Paris. The main lead’s charisma and artful thievery force you into a world of thrill and plot twists. It also traces the love lives of the characters, which adds interesting twists to the plot.
DAHMER – Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story
The biographical crime drama showcases the life of Jeffrey Dahmer, also known as the Milwaukee Cannibal. The best part is that this crime thriller shows Dahmer from the viewpoints of his victims, which increases the emotional impact on the audience. The show creator, Ryan Murphy, has done a stellar job in shedding light on the inherent racism and homophobia in the US in the late 90s. On top of that, Evan Peter’s portrayal of the serial killer makes it all more interesting to watch. Not to forget, the series crossed the billion-hour view time on Netflix, within 60 days.
Best Shows: Drama
Bridgerton
There is more to the show than fancy gowns and boisterous hairstyles. The historical drama is set in the Regency Era in England and delves deep into some of the best love stories. The societal bounds and budding sexualities of the characters create interesting plots that leave you wanting more. It mainly focuses on the eight Bridgerton siblings, who try to find love as an anonymous Lady Whisteldown spreads gossip. You will see interracial couples, unique storylines, and swoon-worthy characters in this series laced with poetic dialogues.
The Crown
The Crown features the Royal Family of the UK, starting from Queen Elizabeth II’s reign. As a historical drama, it covers all the private lives of the royal family members and all the political major events in their lives. It has six seasons which span over six decades. The show does a stellar job of portraying the characters in a super intimate way. The creator Peter Morgan blends historical events with emotional storytelling. Even though the cast changes almost every two seasons, you still feel connected to them, thanks to the amazing storytelling.
Bonus Hacks for Streaming Netflix
- Netflix codes are a great way to filter through the noise and explore sub-genres. You can also find hidden categories through these codes.
- Having high-speed internet, like Xfinity Internet, allows you to stream in 4k without any hitches.
- You can bypass regional restrictions and access content from other regions with the help of a VPN.
- Play around with Netflix tools to adjust your video quality and other settings.
- Find a streaming guide to find the right things to watch on Netflix.
These Netflix recommendations can boost your binge-watching time, without wasting hours to watch the right thing. Just make sure you are snuggled up with your favorite blanket, snacks, and low lighting.
Happy watching!
