33 Must-Watch Netflix Originals

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  • Post last modified:November 16, 2024
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Netflix isn’t just a streaming platform—it’s a powerhouse reshaping Hollywood as we know it. With its lineup of groundbreaking originals, Netflix has not only redefined storytelling but also blurred the lines between television and cinema.

As a Cinema enthusiast, I’ve curated this list of 33 must-watch Netflix originals that have left an undeniable mark on the industry. Whether you’re a fan of intense dramas, gripping thrillers, or mind-bending sci-fi, this list has something for everyone.

TITLES WITH STAR (⭐), MY FAVORITE

1- Stranger Things ⭐

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Mystery
  • IMDb Rating: 8.7
  • Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour

Why You Should Watch: A nostalgic trip back to the ’80s with a supernatural twist, Stranger Things has become a cultural phenomenon.

2- The Crown

  • Genre: Biography, Drama, History
  • IMDb Rating: 8.6
  • Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Matt Smith, Tobias Menzies

Why You Should Watch: This lavish biographical drama doesn’t just tell the story of the British monarchy; it shows Hollywood how historical narratives should be done with elegance and depth.

3- Squid Game ⭐

  • Genre: Drama, Thriller, Action
  • IMDb Rating: 8.0
  • Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon

Why You Should Watch: This South Korean masterpiece didn’t just break records; it broke barriers, showcasing Netflix’s global influence on Hollywood.

4- The Irishman ⭐

  • Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 7.8
  • Cast: Robert De Niro, Al Pacino, Joe Pesci

Why You Should Watch: Martin Scorsese’s epic crime drama is a testament to Netflix’s ability to attract Hollywood’s finest.

5- The Witcher ⭐

  • Genre: Fantasy, Action, Adventure
  • IMDb Rating: 8.1
  • Cast: Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, Freya Allan

Why You Should Watch: The Witcher is Netflix’s answer to Hollywood’s love for epic fantasy tales, delivering action, intrigue, and a whole lot of Geralt.

6- Roma

  • Genre: Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 7.7
  • Cast: Yalitza Aparicio, Marina de Tavira

Why You Should Watch: This Oscar-winning film by Alfonso Cuarón is a cinematic gem that brought arthouse cinema to mainstream Hollywood.

7- Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)

  • Genre: Crime, Thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 8.2
  • Cast: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Pedro Alonso

Why You Should Watch: Originally a Spanish series, Netflix turned Money Heist into a global phenomenon that rewrote the rules for heist dramas.

8- BoJack Horseman

  • Genre: Animation, Comedy, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.8
  • Cast: Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie

Why You Should Watch: This animated series isn’t just hilarious; it’s a profound commentary on mental health and the price of fame in Hollywood.

9- Black Mirror ⭐

  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.8
  • Cast: Varied Cast (Jon Hamm, Bryce Dallas Howard, Daniel Kaluuya)

Why You Should Watch: An anthology series that pushes the boundaries of storytelling, Black Mirror holds a mirror to society’s darkest fears about technology.

10- Bridgerton

  • Genre: Drama, Romance
  • IMDb Rating: 7.3
  • Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Nicola Coughlan

Why You Should Watch: A period drama with a modern twist, Bridgerton combines scandal, romance, and stunning visuals to captivate audiences worldwide.

11- Narcos ⭐

  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography
  • IMDb Rating: 8.8
  • Cast: Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Boyd Holbrook

Why You Should Watch: A gritty crime drama based on the real-life drug cartels that gripped Latin America, Narcos explores one of the most gripping eras in history.

12- 13 Reasons Why

  • Genre: Drama, Mystery
  • IMDb Rating: 7.5
  • Cast: Dylan Minnette, Katherine Langford

Why You Should Watch: This emotional drama sparked global conversations about mental health, making it a groundbreaking moment for teen dramas on streaming platforms.

13- Russian Doll

  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery
  • IMDb Rating: 7.8
  • Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett

Why You Should Watch: This unique show blends existentialism and dark comedy as it follows a woman trapped in a time loop.

14- Dark ⭐

Dark Netflix Original Web series
  • Genre: Sci-Fi, Thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 8.7
  • Cast: Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn

Why You Should Watch: Germany’s first Netflix original series is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that takes you on a journey through time.

15- Ozark

  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 8.5
  • Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney

Why You Should Watch: A gritty crime thriller that explores the complexities of family and survival.

16- Unbelievable

  • Genre: Crime, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.4
  • Cast: Kaitlyn Dever, Toni Collette

Why You Should Watch: Based on true events, this gripping miniseries shines a spotlight on the mishandling of assault cases.

17- House of Cards

  • Genre: Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.7
  • Cast: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright

Why You Should Watch: One of Netflix’s first originals, this political drama set the stage for quality streaming content.

18- The Haunting of Hill House ⭐

  • Genre: Horror, Mystery
  • IMDb Rating: 8.6
  • Cast: Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen

Why You Should Watch: A masterpiece in horror storytelling, blending psychological terror with deeply emotional themes.

19- Master of None

  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.3
  • Cast: Aziz Ansari, Lena Waithe

Why You Should Watch: This comedy-drama offers a fresh perspective on relationships and cultural identity.

20- The Queen’s Gambit

  • Genre: Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.6
  • Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Bill Camp

Why You Should Watch: An intense portrayal of a young chess prodigy navigating success and addiction.

21- Mindhunter ⭐

  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
  • IMDb Rating: 8.6
  • Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany

Why You Should Watch: A chilling dive into the early days of criminal profiling, exploring the psychology behind serial killers.

22- Orange Is the New Black

  • Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.0
  • Cast: Taylor Schilling, Kate Mulgrew, Uzo Aduba

Why You Should Watch: A groundbreaking dramedy that humanized the lives of inmates while delivering sharp social commentary.

23- You

  • Genre: Crime, Drama, Romance
  • IMDb Rating: 7.7
  • Cast: Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti

Why You Should Watch: This psychological thriller turns the idea of romantic obsession into a terrifying spectacle.

24- Locke & Key

  • Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
  • IMDb Rating: 7.4
  • Cast: Darby Stanchfield, Connor Jessup

Why You Should Watch: A fantastical tale that combines mystery, magic, and family drama, appealing to fans of Stranger Things.

25- Love, Death & Robots

  • Genre: Animation, Short, Action
  • IMDb Rating: 8.4
  • Cast: Varied Voice Cast

Why You Should Watch: A unique anthology series with stunning animation and mind-bending sci-fi stories.

26- Shadow and Bone

  • Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy
  • IMDb Rating: 7.6
  • Cast: Jessie Mei Li, Ben Barnes

Why You Should Watch: Based on Leigh Bardugo’s fantasy novels, this series offers a rich world of magic, war, and intrigue.

27- The Kominsky Method

  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.2
  • Cast: Michael Douglas, Alan Arkin

Why You Should Watch: A heartfelt comedy about aging, friendship, and life in Hollywood.

28- The End of the F*ing World ⭐

  • Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Crime
  • IMDb Rating: 8.1
  • Cast: Jessica Barden, Alex Lawther

Why You Should Watch: A darkly comedic take on teenage rebellion with unexpected twists.

29- The Umbrella Academy

  • Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
  • IMDb Rating: 7.9
  • Cast: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper

Why You Should Watch: A dysfunctional superhero family saves the world if they can survive each other.

30- The Midnight Gospel

  • Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy
  • IMDb Rating: 8.2
  • Cast: Duncan Trussell, Phil Hendrie

Why You Should Watch: A trippy animated series that combines philosophy, comedy, and mind-expanding visuals.

31- Altered Carbon

  • Genre: Action, Drama, Sci-Fi
  • IMDb Rating: 8.0
  • Cast: Joel Kinnaman, Anthony Mackie

Why You Should Watch: A cyberpunk thriller that explores identity, immortality, and the price of power.

32- Sex Education ⭐

  • Genre: Comedy, Drama
  • IMDb Rating: 8.3
  • Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson

Why You Should Watch: A frank and funny look at teenage life, relationships, and self-discovery.

33- The Good Place

  • Genre: Comedy, Drama, Fantasy
  • IMDb Rating: 8.2
  • Cast: Kristen Bell, Ted Danson

Why You Should Watch: A hilarious yet thought-provoking series about morality, philosophy, and the afterlife.

These Netflix originals have transformed Online Cinema with unique storytelling, groundbreaking visuals, and unforgettable characters. Dive into each title and experience the magic of cinema that Netflix has brought to millions worldwide.

Let us know in the comment section about your favorite one.

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