Here’s a look at our top 10: We’ve taken the time to go through Netflix’s expansive catalog and picked the 50 best shows. We highlight the best Netflix shows and tell you about their genre, cast, and recommended audience. This way, you can easily find something interesting to watch. Can’t find some of these Netflix shows in your library? We’ll also teach you how to stream Netflix content from other regions using a VPN. NOTE: Netflix has announced they will roll out more stringent controls on account sharing in “early 2023.” The idea is to prevent users from sharing their accounts outside of their “household.” The tips and instructions for watching Netflix shows included in the article are currently working, but could be affected by these changes.
What’s New This Month (March 2023)
Netflix is stocked with new releases this November. Here are just a few of our top picks.
The latest season of The Crown aired on November 9 and follows the riveting drama between Princess Diana and Prince Charles during their troubled marriage and eventual separation. Other shows getting new seasons this month are the comedy/drama Dead to Me, sci-fi thriller Manifest, and the animated fantasy The Dragon Prince. Documentary fans have much to look forward to with the new series Killing Sally, about the bodybuilding couple Sally and Ray McNeil and their turbulent relationship. The miniseries FIFA Uncovered traces the checkered history of the organization just in time for the upcoming World Cup in Qatar. Want something light and fun? Netflix has also just released Blockbuster, a comedy about the last Blockbuster in the world, starring sitcom veterans Randall Park (of “Fresh Off the Boat” and “Ant-Man and the Wasp”) and Melissa Fumero (of “Brooklyn Nine-Nine”).
For even more recommendations, keep reading for our list of the 50 best shows on Netflix.
The 50 Best Netflix TV Shows and Series to Stream Right Now
Netflix is undoubtedly the best streaming service today, with thousands of movies and TV shows. Unfortunately, this means finding the best shows to watch can be difficult, and the streaming platform’s massive collection changes so frequently. Our list of the best Netflix shows spans different genres. We list these TV series in the order of their current popularity. We made sure to include some classics you may have missed and recent releases that have quickly found a place among the most popular Netflix shows.
1. Keep Breathing
If you love to see people brave the odds and overcome difficult challenges, then Keep Breathing is an excellent choice. It follows lone survivor Liv (Melissa Barrera) as she battles harsh weather conditions and personal traumas to stay alive after her private plane crashes. This limited series was created by Blindspot executives Martin Gero and Brendan Gall.
2. Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a Sci-Fi series that follows a group of kids after one of their friends goes missing. Soon, they find themselves trying to stop supernatural beings and government agencies from destroying their town. This award-winning Netflix original is filled with suspense and has a stellar cast. If you’re interested in exploring a fantasy world full of mystery and intrigue, this is one of the best Netflix shows to watch! Fortunately, the second volume of Stranger Things Season Four is out, so if you’ve already watched the first volume, it’s time to find out how things end.
3. Never Have I Ever
Never Have I Ever is a coming-of-age comedy about a first-generation Indian-American teenager whose father passed away unexpectedly. Created by Mindy Kaling and Lang Fisher, the comedy explores the life of Devi as she learns about life and love, with all the familiar hurdles of high school. Season Three of Never Have I Ever was released in August.
4. Virgin River
Virgin River is the perfect series for you if you can’t get enough of Hallmark movies. This binge-worthy, romantic drama follows midwife and nurse Mel Monroe (Breckenridge) as she ditches Los Angeles for the remote Northern California town of Virgin River and tries to rebuild her life. This intimate, heartfelt, and emotional series was culled from Robyn Carr’s best-selling novels with the same name. Netflix released Season Four of Virgin river in July, and at least one more season is on the way.
5. Ozark
Ozark is one of the best shows for people who love crime dramas like Breaking Bad. While Marty (Jason Bateman) is not quite Heisenberg, he’s still a very well-developed character and follows a similar arc. His ordinary life gets turned upside down after he delves into the world of organized crime and pisses off the wrong people. Ozark also has a young woman in a leading role, and some political intrigue is thrown in the mix. The fourth and final season of the Ozark series premiered in January. If you’re unsure about what to watch on Netflix, give this gem a try!
6. Uncoupled
Uncoupled only premiered on July 29, but it’s quickly becoming one of the top rom-com shows on Netflix. This American romantic comedy was produced by Darren Star and Jeffery Richman, the minds behind Sex and the City and Modern Family, so it’s no surprise it’s a hit. This eight-part series tells the story of Michael (Neil Patrick Harris), whose life is upended when his partner of 17 years suddenly leaves him. In a world of hookups, thirst traps, and dating apps, Michael struggles to find love while rediscovering himself.
7. The Umbrella Academy
The Umbrella Academy is based on an eponymous novel by Gerard Way. It follows a group of superhero siblings who struggle to deal with the repercussions of growing up in the spotlight while being under the thumb of a neglectful father. You can expect compelling characters, a fresh take on the traditional superhero story, and even time travel from this show. The Umbrella Academy Season Two ended on a cliffhanger, but Season Three is now available on Netflix.
8. Squid Game
Squid Game took the internet by storm after its release, quickly becoming a top favorite. This South Korean survival drama series tells the story of a mysterious survival game where people risk their lives for a prize pool worth millions of dollars. In a matter of weeks after its release, Squid Game captured the minds of TV show buffs all across the globe. The hype is real, with real-life (though less violent) “Squid Game” events being organized and the familiar music used in the show being played at every opportune moment. In 2022, lead actor Lee Jungh-jae even won an Emmy for his performance. Squid Game Season Two has been confirmed, so we can expect a sequel to what is easily one of the most popular shows on Netflix.
9. You
You is a psychological thriller that follows an intense romance between a bookstore manager and a writer. It became extremely popular thanks to its innovative style — second-person narration and the use of direct messaging interfaces to tell a story. This is not a family-friendly show: it features serious themes and violence. The show is based on a series of books by Caroline Kepnes, and it has since become one of the top shows on Netflix. You Season Three came out in October 2021. The fourth season: part one will be released on February 10, 2023, and season 4: part two will hit Netflix on March 10, 2023.
10. Hellbound
Hellbound is a South Korean show that topped the viral Squid Game in viewership. It is set in an alternate version of earth where supernatural beings appear to condemn people to “Heck.” This is one of the best Netflix shows for fans of the fantasy genre. This captivating thriller delves deep into discussions about society, religion, and individuality. If you like thrillers, Hellbound is a good choice. There are already plans for Hellbound Season Two. This is one of the top shows on Netflix.
11. The Office
Yes, The Office is back on Netflix! All nine seasons are available to stream right now. If you want to binge-watch the show again, it’s available in most countries. The Office is a classic and one of the best shows to watch on Netflix. If you’ve never seen The Office, now is a good time to get into it. It’s a US adaptation of a UK show and follows the daily life of employees at Dunder-Mifflin, a middling paper company. The Office has everything you’d want in a comedy drama: zany characters, funny pranks, and office romance. The Office is an excellent pick if you want to kick back and enjoy a light-hearted show. If you’re unsure about what to watch on Netflix, this one won’t disappoint.
12. The Witcher
The Witcher is a fantasy show about Geralt of Rivia, a mutant monster hunter for hire, as his world collides with those of Yennefer and Ciri. Adapted from a collection of books and short stories by Andrzej Sapkowski, the first season follows the three main characters through different points in their lives before coming together in the finale. You can’t go wrong with this one if you’re unsure about what to watch on Netflix and want to engross yourself in a world full of mystery, magic, and intense sword fights. Plus, it’s got Henry Cavill! Season two of The Witcher premiered on December 17, 2021.
13. Money Heist/La Casa de Papel
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) is a show about a group of criminals who work together to pull off the biggest heists in history. Led by The Professor, the team targets the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain. Money Heist became a global sensation after its release, and it’s one of the most popular Netflix shows. You don’t need to be put off by the language barrier either — it’s been dubbed in many languages. Money Heist Season Five, volume two (the final few episodes of the series) was released on December 3, 2021. It has also been announced that a prequel show called “Berlin” is in the works. This spin-off will focus on the familiar Money Heist character Berlin and introduce exciting new characters.
14. Avatar: The Last Airbender
Avatar: The Last Airbender is an animated series about a boy named Aang, the titular Avatar and the only person in the world who can manipulate all four elements — air, water, earth, and fire. He joins a group of powerful friends to save the world from the Fire Nation while rushing to master his skills before all is lost. Avatar is one of the best Netflix shows for kids. If you’re looking for a fun animated series, this will reel you in! This show was first aired on Nickelodeon and has now found its way online. Its successor, The Legend of Korra, is also available on Netflix.
15. Heartstopper
Heartstopper may not quite live up to its title, but this queer romance drama is heartwarming, at the very least. Author Alice Oseman must be proud of this adaptation as the movie does an excellent job depicting her graphic novels. This LGBT teen-centric show chronicles the twists and turns of a coming-of-age romance between two teenagers in a British high school. Although heartstopper was released in April, the series has risen through the ranks, becoming one of the top Netflix shows. Netflix has confirmed that it will return for a second season, and also a third. Cheers to at least two more seasons of this drama.
16. Sex Education
Sex Education follows Otis Milburn and his group of friends as they try to find romance and learn about sex while dealing with the pressures of high school. This coming-of-age comedy series is a Netflix original that instantly became a hit after its release. Sex Education Season Three was released in September 2021, and the show has been renewed for Season Four!
17. Dead to Me
Dead to Me is a show about a widow looking for answers after her husband dies tragically and unexpectedly. Her life quickly becomes complicated when she meets a new friend with a dark secret. Dead to Me is an overlooked gem. Actresses Christina Applegate and Linda Cardellini strike up an unlikely friendship. They find themselves in increasingly dangerous situations as they try to leave their past behind. Dead to Me Season three premiered in November 2022.
18. Manifest
Manifest has piqued the interest of many Netflix users, and it’s easy to see why. The series pulls off an interesting mix of supernatural mystery and melodrama. A commercial airliner suddenly appears with 191 people who have been missing for over five years. Manifest follows their attempts to reintegrate into a world that has moved on. There are already three seasons available, and the first half of season 4 can now also be found on Netflix . The show’s creator and executive producer, Jeff Rake, has revealed that Manifest Season 4 Part 2 will hopefully be released in spring 2023.
19. When They See Us
When They See Us is a limited series about the Central Park Five, a group of five young black men wrongfully charged with assaulting and raping a jogger in Central Park in 1989. Based on a true story, the show follows the journey of the Central Park Five from the incident in 1989 to their exoneration in 2002 and finally their settlement in 2014.
20. Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad follows a chemistry teacher who discovers he has cancer and is forced to pay back his medical bills by making and selling meth. His priorities quickly shift when he finds success with his past student and now business partner, Jesse Pinkman. Breaking Bad is one of the most well-received shows in recent years, thanks to the amazing performance of its cast and the gripping storyline. This is a masterpiece and is undoubtedly one of the best Netflix shows.
21. Lucifer
What would happen if celestial beings got bored with their life in heaven or hell and decided to visit us? That’s precisely what Lucifer creators Neil Gaiman, Sam Kieth, and Mike Dringenberg thought when they drafted this show. It follows the original fallen angel Lucifer after he gives up his throne in hell and decides to go to Los Angeles to work as a police consultant. Lucifer Season Six premiered in September 2021, concluding this epic show.
22. Community
Cult classic Community is about a suspended lawyer forced to go to community college after his bachelor’s degree is called into question. He starts a study group with a diverse group of fellow students. As this group of unlikely friends navigate life at Greendale Community College, they find themselves in unique and often hilarious situations. This show starts as a traditional sitcom and quickly transforms into a show about meta-humor and outrageous situations. If you want a light-hearted comedy, this is one of the most popular Netflix shows to watch.
23. Shadow and Bone
Shadow and Bone is a fantasy series based on the Grishaverse books by Leigh Bardugo. Alina Starkov, an orphan mapmaker, discovers she might be the only person who can destroy the mysterious, monster-ridden “Fold” that divides her country. Meanwhile, the Crows, a small team of skilled criminals, accept a high-paying job that might just make their paths cross Alina’s. It became one of the most popular Netflix shows after its release, rising to the top of the streaming charts. Shadow and Bone Season Two is set to be released in 2023.
24. Dear White People
Dear White People is about a group of black university students who attend a predominantly white Ivy League college. It deals with social injustice, misguided activism, and racial tensions within political and educational institutions. Dear White People Season Four premiered on September 22, 2021, and that is expected to be the end of this story — at least for now. If you’re unsure about what to watch on Netflix, give this one a try!
25. Lupin
The mischievous exploits of the fictional Arsène Lupin, a world-famous thief and master of disguise in French author Maurice Leblanc’s books, inspired the show. Lupin is a 2021 crime action series that follows the adventures of Assane Diop, a thief who seeks to avenge his father. It’s a thrilling adventure, with exciting heists and surprising twists that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Lupin Season Three or “Part 3” has been announced, but there’s no release date. This show has Omar Sy in the leading role, and the writing is stellar. It’s easily one of the most popular Netflix shows, with just the right balance of thrill and witty dialogue.
26. Disenchantment
Disenchantment is an animated fantasy Netflix series following the adventures of Bean, a hard-drinking young princess, in Dreamland. Accompanied by an elf called Elfo and a personal demon named Luci, Bean navigates life in a crumbling medieval setting. The show was created by Matt Groening, the same person behind The Simpsons and Futurama. Disenchantment Season Four was released in February 2022. There’s no confirmation yet if there’ll be a season five.
27. The Queen’s Gambit
The Queen’s Gambit follows Beth Harmon, a chess prodigy trying to become the best chess player in the world while struggling with addiction. The limited series is set during the Cold War and is based on an eponymous book by Walter Tevis. The Queen’s Gambit took the world by storm upon its release, becoming one of the most widely-streamed Netflix shows.
28. Queer Eye
Queer Eye is a reboot of Bravo’s Queer Eye. Netflix’s modernized version of Queer Eye documents the team’s efforts to enrich the lives of the people and communities they meet. In each episode, a new “hero” gets a complete makeover by the Fab Five. The cast is filming Queer Eye Season Seven, although there’s no release date yet.
29. The Crown
The Crown is a historical drama about Queen Elizabeth II and her reign. The show provides a slightly fictionalized look into the life of the royals and how they shaped events in the twentieth century. The Crown Season Five was released in November 2022. It’s one of the best Netflix shows to watch, especially if you love drama.
30. Love, Death + Robots
Love, Death + Robots is an animated anthology Netflix series that tells individual stories through stand-alone episodes. The episodes usually combine the three title subjects and often bring together a talented cast of actors. With a separate self-contained story in each episode, Love, Death + Robots manages to combine different art styles and genres into one show. Love, Death + Robots Season Three was released in May 2022, and it is expected to get a fourth season.
31. Orange Is the New Black
If you’re looking for a top-tier, super funny Netflix series that you can binge-watch, look no further. Orange is the New Black revolves around your typical neighborhood good girl — who just so happens to land herself in prison. Prison life quickly turns dark and unbearable for her, but she masters her courage, faces her fears (prison bullies), and finds out what she’s really made of. To put it in her own words, “I’m scared I’m not myself in here, and I’m scared that I am.” You’ll be hooked!
32. Better Call Saul
A much-needed spin-off series of Breaking Bad, the show revolves around the scrupulous ex-con Jimmy McGill. In an attempt to reinvent himself into an astute attorney, he taps into his alter-ego, Saul Goodman. Saul is cunning, brilliant, and hilarious. And the scam artist in him has an “interesting” approach to winning cases. The show is unique, loaded with fantastic characters, a great storyline, and more plot twists than you can imagine. It’s no wonder it’s one of the top Netflix shows with a well deserved rating of 8.9/10 on IMDB. It has six seasons, with the sixth season being the last of the show.
33. Vikings
Vikings is a raw and merciless TV show that’s based on Norse mythology. The series starts off with the protagonist Ragnar Lothbrok as a poor, simple farmer and family man. So are his fellow Norsemen. However, nothing about Ragnar is simple. In him lies an ambitious, battle-hardened warrior who believes he’s a descendant of the Norse god, Odin, and will stop at nothing to get what he wants. And what does he want? To conquer uncharted, overseas civilizations rumored to be vastly rich. The show is absent of high-level CGI making the sword fights, battles, and Viking crude antics look real. The character development is top-notch, coupled with phenomenal acting and storytelling. The show has six seasons, with the sixth marking the end of the show.
34. The Dark Crystal
The show is a dark, epic fantasy adventure set on the fictional planet Thra. As evil overlords (The Skeksis) destroy the planet, a group of Gelfing unites to recover a broken piece of The Dark Crystal. When pieced back together, the Dark Crystal will rid their world of the overlords. It’s a true adventure! The characters are puppets, but the fluidity in their movements will blow you away. The worldbuilding and images are inventive and will certainly catch your eye.
35. Cyberpunk: Edgerunners
If you’re into animated cyberpunk, cybernetic implants, and anarchist outlaws, this is for you. The show is based on the Cyberpunk 2077 video game and is about a talented street kid who joins the Edgerunners to stay alive. The visuals, characters, soundtracks, and gore will leave you in awe. The bad news is you’re not going to be ready for the heart-breaking ending. The good news is the show can be binge-watched in one sitting since it’s a mini-series.
36. Lost in Space
Love cinematic space adventures coupled with twists and turns? This family-friendly, epic adventure revolves around a brave family — The Robinsons — who crash-land on a hostile planet. Faced with one calamity after the other, they fight to survive against killing AI robots, beasts of all sizes, and hostile eco-systems. The show will captivate you from the get-go. It’s loaded with vibrant philosophical questions, such as personhood and humanity, that are accessible to all audiences.
37. Dynasty
If you’re looking for a drama that will keep you on the edge of your seat from the minute you press play, look no further. Dynasty is a fantastic drama that revolves around the world of money, sex, and power. It exposes the sleazy moves that the super-rich do to build their wealth. It’s addictive, glamorous, scandalous, and full of plot twists that will have you hooked!
38. Inventing Anna
Played by Oscar winner Julia Garner from Ozark, Inventing Anna is the unbelievably true story of Anna Sorokin. It narrates how a rural German girl infiltrated New York’s most elite social circles posing as Anna Delvey, a wealthy German heiress. She swindled hundreds of thousands of dollars from elites, stayed in $400-a-night hotels for a month, had an A-list fitness trainer whom she paid $4,500 for a couple of sessions, and did a whole lot more. Your jaw will drop throughout the whole show. Julia Garner, with her talent for imitating accents and fantastic acting, delivers an eye-popping performance.
39. Designated Survivor
Kiefer Sutherland — a low-level cabinet member — finds himself as the president of the United States after a catastrophic event wipes out everyone above him in the line of succession. This fast-paced, political thriller follows Kiefer as he tries to unite the nation and rebuild the government. It will keep you captivated with its plot twists about terrorism and plotting officials. Unfortunately, the show was cancelled after three seasons. Nonetheless, it is still worth watching.
40. Mindhunter
Mindhunter is a psychological crime thriller that involves two FBI agents who solve murders by learning how murderers think. The show is a true story that reveals and applies the findings of a man who pioneered the science of profiling serial killers. Its meticulous character development, horrific murders, and cutting-edge criminal science used to catch serial killers will keep you hooked. The show has two seasons out, and the third season will be aired in 2023.
41. Travelers
Travelers is hands down one of the best time-traveling shows ever. Unlike most sci-fi shows, the show gets better and better as it progresses. You’ll grow fond of the characters as they battle to save humankind by going back to the 21st century (it’s set in the distant future). They do this by transporting their consciousness into the past and taking over bodies to carry out missions that will save humans from their tragic fate. The show was unfortunately canceled after the third season.
42. Good Girls
Picture two sisters and a friend who are tired of playing by the rules. They find themselves in desperate need of cash and decide to rob a grocery store to cover their financial woes. The show is hilarious; the characters mesh together well; and the plot is well-executed.
43. 13 Reasons Why
The plot revolves around a high school kid named Clay whose classmate Hannah recently committed suicide. Before she did, she sent him a box of tapes and a map to guide him around town. Through the tapes and map, Hannah takes him through events and people that she holds responsible for taking her own life. It’s a series that will take you through the motions of depression from the eyes of a teenager.
44. Bridgerton
Drama, scandals, humor, comedy — this show has it all. Bridgerton explores the fictionalized, historical London high society, as well as the private lives of the nobles who try to navigate a world besieged by one too many rules. Each season follows the romance of a Bridgerton sibling, set against a backdrop of lavish gowns, beautiful music, and all the excitement and angst that comes with finding your one true love. Season one follows Daphne Bridgerton and her whirlwind marriage to Duke Simon of Hastings, while season two features Anthony Bridgerton and his will-they-won’t-they romance with Kate Sharma.
45. Emily in Paris
Think fashion, feminism, comedy, and romance — all with a cinematic backdrop of Paris in all its splendor. The show is about Emily, an American who moves to Paris and tries to fit in. It’s interesting and relatable especially if you’ve started your life in a new country before. The show has two seasons that you can binge-watch.
46. The Great British Baking Show
Yet another baking show? Hear us out: the show has a variety of amateur contestants, each with their own unique skills and interesting personalities. However, if you’re into baking, this series will elevate your skill to a whole new level. It will take you through baking techniques, the history of different baked goods, and much more. You won’t be disappointed!
47. House of Cards
Follow Frank Underwood, the Secretary of State, as he seeks revenge on those who betrayed him while working his way up to the top. House of Cards tackles socio-economic issues, including corruption, racism, mental illness, religion, sexual assault, women’s rights, and much more. Watch this if you like shows that dive deep into corruption among politicians.
48. Locke & Key
Based on the comics by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodriguez, Locke & Key features three siblings and their mother who move back to their ancestral home after their father is murdered. At the home, they discover magical keys that unlock powers and secrets. Although the show is about magic, it also involves romance, horror, comedy, and mysteries. It’s a high-budget show, too, so expect incredible magical scenes coupled with brilliant acting.
49. Sweet Tooth
Sweet Tooth is a beautiful story about kids who are born out of a science experiment as hybrids (half animal, half human). They try to survive in a hostile environment infected with a contagious virus whose cause is unknown. Meanwhile, a military group believes that the kids are the cause of the virus and hunts them down. The story is intriguing, the characters are well-developed, and the scenes are cinematic. Sweet Tooth is a must-watch.
50. The Last Kingdom
If you enjoyed Viking or love Norse Mythology in general, here’s another one for you. Follow the protagonist Ultritcht Ragnor through his highs and lows as he grapples with his conflicting identities and thirst for revenge. The locations used are splendid, and the battles, relationships, politics, and fantastic cinematography will keep you watching all the way through. The show has five seasons, the fifth being the final.
Using a VPN to Unblock New Content on Netflix
Discovering that a show you want to watch isn’t available in your country’s Netflix library can be frustrating. Netflix has geographical restrictions in place due to copyright laws. Using a VPN like NordVPN allows you to watch Netflix shows that wouldn’t otherwise be available to you. This is one of the main reasons people use a VPN. Once you connect to a server in a different country, you can access the movies and TV shows in that country’s Netflix library. For instance, if you can’t access Haunting of Hill House in your country’s library, you can connect to a server in the US to watch it. You can also connect to a server in France and check out the local collection of shows and movies on Netflix. We recommend opting for a premium VPN, but we understand that some people may hesitate to invest in a VPN. You can take advantage of the NordVPN free trial to use the service for 30 days at no cost. Alternatively, you can try a free VPN for Netflix, but they don’t always work.
How to use a VPN to watch Netflix
Accessing the Netflix library in other countries is easy. Follow these six steps to do it: Need a little extra help? Check out the articles below for more information about Netflix and VPNs:
Watching Netflix with a VPN: A Step-by-Step Guide Best Netflix VPNs: Watch American Netflix Worldwide Netflix Hidden Codes: How to Unlock Hidden Movies and TV Shows How to Delete Your Netflix History
Do you know of a show you think should be on our list? Leave a comment below! If you’d like to see which other shows are worth a watch, our up-to-date list of the 50 best Netflix shows contains some excellent recommendations. If you’re looking for more suggestions, check our expanded list of the 50 best shows on Netflix.
