Netflix generates much of its revenue from original content, yet many subscribers still gravitate toward licensed classics. That's unfortunate, as the platform produces exceptional originals. With so many options, it can be overwhelming to know where to start—or you might lack time to sample uncertain picks.
We've curated this guide based on years of streaming expertise to help you find Netflix Original series that align perfectly with your preferences and deliver hours of enjoyment.
Begin with critically acclaimed series that have captivated audiences and critics alike, earning prestigious awards.
Stranger Things is a must-watch supernatural tribute to 1980s pop culture. It follows a group of kids searching for their missing friend, joined by Eleven, a girl with telekinetic powers. The show's accolades are extensive, and it's one of Netflix's biggest hits.
Another standout is Orange Is the New Black, where affluent Piper Chapman lands in prison for a past drug offense. This witty series blends humor with sharp commentary on the prison system.
Perfect for Netflix and chill sessions, these sitcoms suit every humor style—even American fans of British wit.
Check out 8 British Comedies Every American Should Watch on Netflix for top picks available now. For vibrant, nostalgic laughs, try GLOW (Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling). Crave sharp gags? The Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt delivers. For darker, cheekier vibes, A Series of Unfortunate Events shines—complete with a wise-beyond-years subtitled baby who loves to bite.
Comic fans, Netflix's Marvel exclusives are binge gold. If you haven't devoured them yet, start now.
Daredevil, focusing on the blind vigilante of Hell's Kitchen, kicked off Netflix's Marvel lineup. Follow with Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, Iron Fist, The Defenders, and—if you can handle the intensity—The Punisher.
Our ranking: Marvel Netflix Shows Reviewed and Ranked. With four dedicated series, we break down each to guide your watch order. Read more.
Sci-fi thrives across film, TV, and books, and Netflix offers diverse gems.
The Lost in Space remake exceeds expectations. Altered Carbon, adapted from the cyberpunk novel, lingers long after. The Rain might make you seal your windows shut.
UK viewers: Star Trek: Discovery streams on Netflix. US? Check CBS All Access—Beyond Star Trek: Discovery: Is CBS All Access Worth It? Read more.
Anthologies highlight TV's creativity. Black Mirror, successor to The Twilight Zone by Charlie Brooker, features stars like Bryce Dallas Howard, Letitia Wright, and Benedict Wong. Seasons 1-2 aired on UK TV before Netflix revived it—thrillingly so.
For lighter fare with dark humor, try romantic comedy anthology Easy, starring Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Orlando Bloom, and Emily Ratajkowski.
Netflix hosts quirky cult favorites like Twin Peaks, with its devoted fans. Love Twin Peaks? 10 Shows You Must Watch on Netflix. Read more.
This horror-mystery unfolds the murder of two girls in a eerie town, suspecting a possible werewolf.
For grounded intensity, 13 Reasons Why traces events leading to Hannah Baker's (Katherine Langford) suicide, spotlighting mental health. A 2017 standout among Netflix originals.
2017 Netflix Originals Worth Watching. Read more.
House of Cards wraps up, but Designated Survivor steps in seamlessly.
Kiefer Sutherland stars as Thomas Kirkman, thrust into the presidency after a deadly explosion wipes out his superiors. Unprepared, he navigates crises and uncovers the plot. Netflix streams it globally after ABC's cancellation—season 2 ends on a cliffhanger.
History buffs, dive into these contrasting epics.
Marco Polo flew under the radar despite big budgets—a slow burn that hooks after episode two.
The Crown, Netflix's priciest series, dazzles with stunning visuals, incisive writing, and stars like Claire Foy and Matt Smith.
These keep kids engaged—solo or family viewing.
Turbo FAST, Netflix's first kids' original post-DreamWorks' Turbo, spans 52 episodes of a supersonic snail's adventures. Mark Hamill voices villain Breakneck.
Star Wars fans: full Clone Wars. Gaming limit? Skylanders Academy stars Spyro, soon revived in Spyro Reignited Trilogy.
The Toys That Made Us nostalgically traces franchises like Star Wars (snubbed by Hasbro/Mattel, saved by Kenner) and Star Trek. Beginner's Guide to the Star Trek Franchise. Read more.
For gripping true crime, Making a Murderer spans a decade chronicling Steven Avery's wrongful 18-year conviction, overturned by DNA in 2003.
Despite price hikes and a trimmed catalog, Netflix overflows with gems. How to Find Netflix Movies You'll Love. Read more.
