Hello friends! We are in touch with you again. Honestly, I’m tired of work, of the news, of all this… life. I think you understand me, because in Ukraine, this is more relevant than ever. And so, when all this chaos subsides a bit, you just want to lie down on the couch, pour yourself some tea, or whatever you drink, and just… just disappear for a couple of hours. I do that too. And, of course, I’m looking for something to watch to switch my brain off. It’s like meditation for me, you know. That’s when I remembered that I promised you my selection. This is not an IMDb rating, no. This is my personal TOP 10 interesting Netflix series that really, honestly, impressed me. This is what I watched and said to myself: “Wow, this is just brilliant!” So, without further ado, let’s go.
Of course, I’m not a professor or a film critic. I’m just a guy who loves movies. And you know that I watch tons of them. My usual emotions seem to have atrophied. But these shows… they broke through to me. They made me think, cry, laugh, and sometimes just sit with my mouth open. I tried to include something historical, something about the future, and something just to let the brain rest. So, get your popcorn ready!
The Most Interesting Netflix Series: Which Ones Are Truly Worth Your Time
I’m starting my selection. I confess, the order here is a bit chaotic, just like my life, because they are all cool in their own way. But I still tried to arrange them in a way that reflects their impact on me. Because some of them simply turned my perception of series as a medium upside down.
What can I say about interesting Netflix series? The fact that they know how to surprise. They are not afraid to take risks, to shoot what does not fit into the framework of the “classic.” And that’s cool! That’s what distinguishes them from others.
For example, a friend of mine once said that Netflix is only for “killing time.” And I told him: “No, my friend, you just haven’t seen the right shows.” That’s why I’m making this selection for you.
1. «The Crown» (2016–2023)
- Director: There are a lot of them… Stephen Daldry, Benjamin Caron, Philip Martin, and so on.
- Starring: Wow, it’s a whole “Pantheon” — Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton. Well, you get it.
- Genre: Historical drama. But the kind that really grabs you.
- Duration: Each episode is about an hour. It’s a good length so you don’t get tired.
- IMDb: 8.6/10. This is, by the way, a very high score. And well-deserved!
- Author’s Rating: 9.5/10. Why not 10? Because there’s always room for growth.
Short description: Oh, well, this is just an explosion! This isn’t about the Queen sitting on the throne and waving. It’s about a person. About Elizabeth II, about her personal tragedies, about how she’s torn between duty and desire. And, by the way, the series shows that even royals have ordinary problems: with family, with children. That’s what impressed me the most. Because you think: “Oh, the Queen, everything comes easy to her.” But here — nope.
A mind-blowing scene: I remember a scene where Margaret Thatcher came to see the Queen. Well, you know, Thatcher — the “Iron Lady,” and the Queen is the Queen. Two mega-personalities in one room! You sit and watch them “fight” with their eyes, how they try to find common ground. It’s just an explosive episode!
Author’s comment: I watched “The Crown” and was truly captivated. I don’t know how they did it. The actors… My God, they are just perfect! Every actress who played Elizabeth is just… there are no words. They seemed to live her life. After watching, I even started reading about the royal family to check if everything was true. And you know what? A lot of it is true! I think this is a top, top, top show.
2. «Money Heist» (La Casa de Papel, 2017–2021)
- Director: There are many, but the main one is Jesús Colmenar.
- Starring: Well, who doesn’t know the Professor! Úrsula Corberó (Tokyo) and Pedro Alonso (Berlin) are also cool.
- Genre: Crime. Thriller. Action. All in one.
- Duration: An hour and a half flies by like five minutes.
- IMDb: 8.2/10. That’s a good indicator.
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10. Because you just have to see it.
Short description: The Professor assembles a team. Criminals. To rob the Royal Mint. It sounds simple, but believe me, there are so many “buts” that you’ll be sitting there nervously biting your nails. It’s not just a robbery, but a brilliant, well-thought-out plan where every step matters.
A mind-blowing scene: Well, for me, personally, it’s when they sing “Bella Ciao.” It’s so… emotional! It’s not just a song, it’s like their anthem. When I heard it, I even put it on my phone. Then my friends and I talked about it.
Author’s comment: This is a series that draws you in from the first minute. You think you’re watching one episode, and then you look at the clock — and it’s three in the morning! I once got so hooked that I almost was late for work. It’s like a drug. And what I like: there are no unequivocally bad or good guys. You understand that these people are criminals, but you root for them. It’s very cool.
3. «The Queen’s Gambit» (2020)
- Director: Scott Frank. I thank him very much for this!
- Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy. Well, she’s just. She’s fire!
- Genre: Drama. Very strong.
- Duration: A little over 7 hours. You can “swallow” it in one go.
- IMDb: 8.5/10. It’s worth it!
- Author’s Rating: 10/10. It’s simply a masterpiece. No options.
Short description: A little girl named Beth Harmon. She is an orphan. And… she’s a chess genius. The series is about her journey to the big sport, her struggle with addictions, loneliness and, finally, success. And this is not a boring series about chess, no! It’s about passion, about how you can be obsessed with one thing, but at the same time feel alive.
A mind-blowing scene: The final match. In Moscow. The scene where she’s playing, and then, in her head, “moves” the pieces across the ceiling… It’s just tear-jerking. You understand how much she wants to win. It’s a kind of internalized monologue visualized. I watched and just couldn’t tear myself away.
Author’s comment: You know, I didn’t even expect to like a series about chess. But this is not about the game, it’s about a person. Anya Taylor-Joy… I’m just… I’m a fan of hers. She played so well that I thought I was playing those chess games myself. In addition, there is such a style, such costumes, such an atmosphere of the 60s, that I just enjoyed every frame. You just have to see it!
4. «Stranger Things» (2016–…)
- Director: The Duffer Brothers. Good job, guys!
- Starring: Winona Ryder — our love from the 90s. And also Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, well, you know them.
- Genre: Sci-fi, horror. But not too scary.
- Duration: Depends on the episode, but usually an hour.
- IMDb: 8.7/10. Well, there’s nothing to say here.
- Author’s Rating: 9.5/10. One of the best.
Short description: A small American town in the 80s. A boy goes missing. His friends, like real detectives, start looking for him. And here, of course, begins… a parallel dimension, monsters, secret laboratories. But the main thing is friendship! Friendship that can save the world.
A mind-blowing scene: There are many, but when Max escapes from Vecna. It’s just something else! To the music of Kate Bush. I think I even cried then. And then, after watching, I listened to that song for a whole week.
Author’s comment: If you love the 80s, Spielberg, Stephen King — this is definitely for you. This series is so nostalgic that it aches. It’s like you’re going back to childhood. I remember how we used to go to “secret” meetings in childhood, doing some “secret missions.” It’s the same here. It’s a story about how friends are the most important thing. I’m sure many of you who have watched it will remember your own childhood.
5. «Narcos» (2015–2017)
- Director: José Padilha.
- Starring: Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal. Well, these guys are just fire!
- Genre: Crime. Biography. It’s about real events, which, by the way, is impressive.
- Duration: An hour per episode. It’s a good length.
- IMDb: 8.8/10. I’ll tell you, that’s a very high rating.
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10. For its authenticity.
Short description: This is about Pablo Escobar. The most famous drug lord in history. But it’s not about him being “bad.” It’s about how he became that way. About corruption, about politics, about how one person can have such power. It’s very harsh, but very, very true.
A mind-blowing scene: When Escobar is in his “prison.” La Catedral. And you see that it’s not a prison, but his personal fortress. It’s just absurd! But it happened in real life.
Author’s comment: This series is a shock. You watch it and think: “How is something like this even possible?” I was honestly impressed that all of this is a real story. Wagner Moura… he’s just a brilliant actor. He got so into the role that I forgot he wasn’t Escobar, but an actor. After watching, I even searched the internet to see what really happened to Escobar. Very cool.
6. «Squid Game» (2021)
- Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk.
- Starring: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo.
- Genre: Thriller, drama.
- Duration: Each episode is different, but overall – not long.
- IMDb: 8.0/10.
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10. This is, by the way, a very high rating for such a show.
Short description: People with huge debts. Participate in a game. A children’s game. But losing means death. It’s cruel, but very, very exciting. This is a series about what a person can do when they are pushed against the wall.
A mind-blowing scene: “Red light, green light.” This is probably one of the coolest and most terrifying scenes I’ve ever seen. You look at it and think: “How could someone come up with that?” And then you realize that it’s just brilliant.
Author’s comment: I was probably one of the few who watched this series and thought that it was something more than just entertainment. It’s about social inequality, about how the rich have fun while the poor fight for survival. This is, by the way, very relevant, if you understand what I mean. The series will not leave you indifferent. I guarantee it.
7. «Ozark» (2017–2022)
- Director: Jason Bateman. He is, by the way, also the main character.
- Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner. She, by the way, received an “Emmy” for this role.
- Genre: Crime. Drama. Thriller.
- Duration: An hour. Approximately.
- IMDb: 8.5/10.
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10. This is a real top show.
Short description: Financial consultant Marty Byrde. Launders money for a cartel. And that’s when it starts! He moves with his family to Ozark to continue his “work.” And here you see how his family gets drawn into this chaos.
A mind-blowing scene: Every time Ruth (Julia Garner) appears on screen. She is just something else! This girl who is trying to survive in this world, who is fighting for her family. It’s just incredible. I think it’s one of the best roles I’ve ever seen.
Author’s comment: This series… it’s so… dark. But tense. Every episode keeps you on the edge of your seat. You don’t know what will happen next. To be honest, I binged it in one week. Well, because I couldn’t stop. And there are no “good” heroes. Everyone does something bad, but you still root for them. It’s very, very cool.
8. «Bridgerton» (2020–…)
- Director: Julie Anne Robinson, Sheree Folkson.
- Starring: Nicola Coughlan, Jonathan Bailey.
- Genre: Historical drama. Melodrama.
- Duration: An hour. Approximately.
- IMDb: 7.4/10.
- Author’s Rating: 8.0/10. For its lightness.
Short description: London, the Regency era. The Bridgerton family. Their romances, intrigues, secrets. Everything you need for a good, light-hearted series. And, by the way, the music is just incredible. They took modern pop hits and turned them into classics. It’s simply brilliant!
A mind-blowing scene: When Daphne and the Duke are dancing at the ball. There’s such chemistry between them that sparks fly. It’s just… I don’t know how to put it into words. You have to see it! And you sit and think: “Well, finally, they’ll be together.”
Author’s comment: To be honest, at first I thought it wasn’t for me. Well, because it’s a “melodrama.” But then I got hooked. This is the kind of series to just relax with. Without tension, without cruelty. Just enjoy the beautiful costumes, beautiful people, and beautiful love. It’s like a sweet treat after a hard day.
9. «Black Mirror» (2011–…)
- Director: Charlie Brooker.
- Starring: Different cast in each episode.
- Genre: Science fiction, thriller.
- Duration: From 40 to 80 minutes.
- IMDb: 8.7/10. Well-deserved.
- Author’s Rating: 9.5/10. It’s simply a masterpiece.
Short description: An anthology series. Each episode is a separate story. About how technology can affect our lives. And, as a rule, not very well. It’s like “The Twilight Zone,” but for modern times.
A mind-blowing scene: I remember the episode “San Junipero.” It’s about love in a virtual world. And at the end, you just… cry. Or the episode “USS Callister.” It’s just… I can’t describe it in words. You have to see it.
Author’s comment: This is a series that makes you think. You watch it and realize that it’s not just a fantasy, it could become a reality. And that’s scary. After watching, I was afraid to pick up my phone. This is, by the way, a series that I would recommend everyone to watch. Because it shows that we are building our own “black mirror” world.
10. «You» (2018–…)
- Director: Lee Toland Krieger.
- Starring: Penn Badgley.
- Genre: Psychological thriller.
- Duration: 45-50 minutes.
- IMDb: 7.7/10.
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10.
Short description: Joe is a normal guy. Well, he seems normal. He works in a bookstore. But… he’s a maniac. He stalks the girls he falls in love with. And the series shows everything from his point of view. It’s just creepy.
A mind-blowing scene: When he’s sitting and texting, and at the same time, in his head, he’s saying such things that you think: “Oh my God, what kind of person is this?” It’s very scary because you realize that such people could be around.
Author’s comment: This is a very cool thriller. Penn Badgley plays brilliantly. He is so convincing that I sometimes found myself feeling sorry for him. And then immediately: “Wait! This is a maniac!” This is a series that makes you think about the nature of evil.
Conclusion
Well, friends? That’s my selection. It’s not perfect, but it’s what personally impressed me. All these series are united, in my opinion, by one feature: they are not just for “killing time.” They make you think, feel. For example, after watching some of them, I thought about the plot and the characters for a week. And I think that’s the main thing.
I want to end with a quote that, it seems to me, is a perfect fit: “Cinema, in my opinion, is not only entertainment. It is life, it is art, it is a way to understand yourself and the world around you”. That’s what Federico Fellini said. And I, as a person who watches movies every day, completely agree with him. Because cinema is about life. And life, as you know, is not easy for us right now. So, let’s distract ourselves. Let’s think. Let’s watch.
And what series would you add to this list? Share your thoughts in the comments!
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Which series from the selection is best for watching with friends?
I would say “Squid Game” or “Stranger Things”. These series are dynamic, easy to discuss while watching, and they evoke a lot of emotions. You definitely won’t be bored.
Which of these series has the deepest plot?
I think it’s “Black Mirror” or “The Crown”. They make you think about important things, about the present and the future. If you want to “burden” your brain, this is exactly what you need.
Are there many violent scenes in these series?
In “Squid Game” and “Narcos” there are scenes of violence, that’s true. But it’s not cruelty for the sake of cruelty, it’s part of the plot. Other series, such as “The Crown” or “Bridgerton,” are more “soft” in this regard, so don’t be afraid.
Author — ReelPoint
Think… Watch… Feel.
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