Hey, friends! Long time no see, I’ve just accumulated a ton of impressions. You know me, I can’t pass up on new movie premieres. Especially when Netflix releases several hits at once. In fact, 2024 has been an incredible year for big new releases. Are we here in Ukraine even managing to keep up with everything? Constant air raids, blackouts… But I’m getting sidetracked. Sometimes you just want to immerse yourself in another world, to forget about everything for a couple of hours. And this selection of popular Netflix series is my ticket to those worlds. It includes both continuations of legends and completely fresh, surprising stories. Believe me, there’s a lot to discuss, recommend, and get excited about. Brew yourself some tea, coffee, whatever you have, and let’s go! I’ll tell you about everything in detail, without spoilers, but with some spice.
Why Are These Popular Netflix Series of 2024 Real Hits?
I thought for a long time about how to curate this selection. Of course, I could have just taken the first shows from the top 10, but that’s not our method. I chose the ones that, in my opinion, have potential. The ones that sparked the most discussions on social media, received great reviews from critics, or just personally touched me. I know everyone has their own taste, and that’s okay. Some people love dramas, some love comedies, and some love reality shows just to have a laugh. And you know what? This selection is precisely about variety. Here you’ll find thrillers, romance, and even something like a boxing match. Everyone will find something for themselves, I guarantee it.
1. Squid Game (Season 2) (Squid Game: The Challenge)
- Director: Hwang Dong-hyuk
- Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Lee Byung-hun, Im Si-wan, Park Gyu-young
- Genre: Thriller, Drama, Survival
- Length: 9 episodes
- IMDb: 7.9/10
- Author’s rating: 9/10
Short description: Wow, now that’s a long-awaited return! After the incredible success of the first season, which probably only those without internet access haven’t seen, Netflix decided not to prolong the pleasure and quickly released the second. Of course, everyone was waiting for the continuation of Seong Gi-hun’s story, but the plot went… well, not exactly as everyone expected. Gi-hun is back, and now his goal is not just to survive but to take revenge on the game’s organizers. He’s no longer that naive guy; now he’s… you know, a real fighter. And, of course, there are new characters and new challenges, even more brutal and insidious. And that strange doll character… well, you’ll know what I mean.
A mind-blowing scene: There’s one scene where they show a new game, and it’s so psychologically intense that I sat there with my mouth open. It shows how quickly people are willing to betray one another to get even a small chance. It’s a classic “Squid Game” — not about the games themselves, but about human nature.
Author’s comment: I honestly have to say, it was scary. Not because of the blood and violence, but from the realization that these games are like our lives, just in an extreme, hyperbolized form. We also compete, fight for resources, and sometimes walk over others. It’s not just a series; it’s a social satire of sorts. A question for you: would you participate in such a game? I think most people would say “no,” and then, when push comes to shove, they’d start to think. This series is definitely worth your time; it makes you think, not just “consume” and forget.
2. Perfect Match
- Director: Florian Gallenberger
- Cast: Toby Sebastian, Anna-Lena Klenke, Bianca Bardoe
- Genre: Reality TV, Romance
- Length: 10 episodes
- IMDb: 6.1/10
- Author’s rating: 7.5/10
Short description: Well, what can I say? Sometimes after a hard day, you want to watch something light and uncomplicated. And “Perfect Match” is the perfect option. It’s a reality show that brings together contestants from other popular Netflix projects. They are “reality veterans.” They are given a villa in some paradise-like place, and they have to find their match. The rules are simple: if you’re in a pair, you’re safe. If not, you risk leaving the show. It’s certainly not “The Bachelor” or “MasterChef,” but watching adults try to build relationships on camera is its own kind of entertainment. Especially when someone starts to manipulate or play with others’ feelings. You know, just like in real life, but in a beautiful package.
A mind-blowing scene: I remember one scene where a couple that seemed very strong suddenly broke up over some silly conflict. It was so unexpected and so realistic that I thought, “Wow, that’s exactly how it happens.”
Author’s comment: I’m not a big fan of reality TV, but this series… it’s like popcorn. You don’t have to think much, but it’s addictive. I’d turn it on just to relax and didn’t notice how an hour flew by. There are similar shows in Ukraine, but here, everything is so… American. A luxurious villa, constant intrigues, beautiful people. It’s a true escape from reality. You can imagine yourself in their place, and that’s entertainment in itself.
3. Monsters: The Lyle and Erik Menendez Story — 2024
- Director: Paris Barclay, Carl Franklin, Michael Uppendahl
- Cast: Cooper Koch, Nicholas Alexander Chavez, Javier Bardem, Chloe Sevigny
- Genre: Biographical Drama, Crime
- Length: 8 episodes
- IMDb: 8.3/10
- Author’s rating: 9.5/10
Short description: This series is something else. It’s based on real events, which makes it even more chilling. It’s the story of the Menendez brothers, who brutally murdered their parents in 1989. You’d think, “What’s so special about that? It’s just another crime story.” But the series shows that everything is not as simple as it seems at first glance. It delves deep into the characters’ psychology, showing what could have been the reason for such an act. It’s not just a story about a murder; it’s an investigation that reveals the dark side of the “American dream” and what happens behind closed doors in seemingly perfect families.
A mind-blowing scene: I can’t single out one scene because the entire series is a continuous drama. But the moments where they show the brothers’ testimony in court… they are simply mind-blowing. It’s so masterfully acted that you believe every word, every emotion. It’s not just acting; it’s living the part. Javier Bardem is especially impressive—he’s, as always, at his best.
Author’s comment: In my opinion, this is one of the best series of the year. It’s heavy, emotional, but very necessary. It makes you think about important things: family trauma, the consequences of violence, and the fact that sometimes behind a perfect picture, a horror story is hiding. The series doesn’t give a clear answer about who is “good” and who is “bad.” It just shows the story, and you draw your own conclusions. That’s really cool. It’s worth watching if you love deep, psychological stories.
4. Emily in Paris (Season 4) — 2024
- Director: Andrew Fleming, Peter Lauer, Katina Medina Mora
- Cast: Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat
- Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
- Length: 10 episodes
- IMDb: 6.9/10
- Author’s rating: 8/10
Short description: Well, girls, and guys who watch it too, of course! We’ve been waiting! Emily is back. And this time with even more problems, fashionable outfits, and, of course, love drama. I remember how everyone laughed at how Emily learned French in a couple of weeks, but it’s not a documentary, right? It’s a series for relaxation, for beauty, for dreams. In the fourth season, Emily seems to have finally started to grow up. She’s not as wildly surprised by everything she sees in Paris. Well, almost. And the relationship with Gabriel… it’s even more complicated. And with Alfie. And with Camille. In short, the love triangle has turned into something more confusing. And that makes the series more interesting. Plus, the locations… Paris is so beautiful that you just want to close your eyes and be transported there.
A mind-blowing scene: I really liked the scene where Emily makes breakfast for Gabriel, and they just, without words, understand each other. It’s such a… lively, genuine scene. Without pretense, without dialogue, just a moment. Such moments in the series are worth their weight in gold.
Author’s comment: I know many people hate this series for its “naivete” and “unrealisticness.” But let’s be honest, that’s not why we watch it. We watch it to disconnect, to see the beauty, the fashion, the light flirtation. It’s like a beautiful fairy tale about Paris. Sometimes it seems to me that it is precisely such series that we need to distract ourselves from the news. In Ukraine, unfortunately, you can’t walk the streets like that without thinking about something important. So “Emily in Paris” is a kind of virtual tour that will definitely lift your spirits.
5. Nobody Wants This
- Director: Erin Ehrlich
- Cast: Kristen Bell, Adam Brody, Justine Lupe
- Genre: Romantic Comedy
- Length: 8 episodes
- IMDb: 7.2/10
- Author’s rating: 8.5/10
Short description: Oh, this is a real find. A romantic comedy, but… not like we’re used to. Kristen Bell, whom I’ve adored since “Veronica Mars,” plays an atheist podcaster, and Adam Brody, who, by the way, is also great, plays a young rabbi. What could go wrong? Everything! Their worlds are so different that at first, it seems like it will be a flop. But such chemistry develops between them that sparks just fly. It’s a series about how people with completely different views on life can find common ground. It’s funny, sweet, sometimes sad, but always sincere.
A mind-blowing scene: I especially remember the scene where they first seriously talk about their religious differences. It wasn’t trivial, like “I don’t believe, but you do.” It was very deep, with respect for each other’s views. You rarely see that in rom-coms.
Author’s comment: This is a very modern series. It’s not afraid to talk about difficult things: faith, family, responsibility. And it does so with humor, without a preachy tone. I would even say it’s a kind of “smart” rom-com. Usually, you forget such series right after watching them, but I thought about this one for a long time. Especially if something like this happened in Ukrainian realities. Can you imagine? Well, of course, with our stars… it would be interesting to see. It’s perfect for an evening when you want something light but with meaning. I recommend it!
6. La Palma
- Director: Ingrid Bolsø Berdal
- Cast: Anders Baasmo, Alma Günther, Bernard Storm Lager
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Length: 6 episodes
- IMDb: 7.0/10
- Author’s rating: 8.5/10
Short description: When I saw the title, I thought it was something about a Spanish island. And I wasn’t wrong, but the plot… it just blew me away. It’s a story about a family that goes to the island of La Palma to relax, but then… a volcano erupts. And they find themselves trapped. The series is not so much about the volcano itself as it is about how people behave in extreme conditions. All their secrets, all their fears come to the surface. It’s very tense; I was on the edge of my seat and couldn’t tear myself away.
A mind-blowing scene: There’s one scene where the main character tries to save his family, and he has to make a decision that will change their lives forever. It was so emotional that I think I could feel the heat and ash falling from the sky.
Author’s comment: To be honest, I love these kinds of disaster movies. They make you think about what you would do in such a situation. It’s not just a thriller; it’s a drama about human nature, about survival, about family. And, what’s very important, it’s not drawn out. Short episodes, a dynamic plot, and you don’t get bored. If you want to get your nerves tingling and watch something that will make your heart beat faster, this is your choice.
7. Countdown: Paul vs. Tyson (Jake Paul vs. Mike Tyson)
- Director: Hailey Davis
- Cast: Jake Paul, Mike Tyson, Cedric “The Entertainer”, Rosie Perez
- Genre: Documentary, Sport
- Length: 9 episodes
- IMDb: 5.8/10
- Author’s rating: 7/10
Short description: So, guys and girls, who loves boxing? This series is something unusual. It’s a documentary series about the preparation for the fight between Jake Paul and the legendary Mike Tyson. I honestly didn’t expect it to be so interesting. Boxing, especially in this format, is not just a sport. It’s a show, it’s a business, it’s big money. The series shows both camps: the young, cocky Jake Paul, who is afraid of no one, and the wise, but still formidable Mike Tyson. You see their training, their conversations, their doubts. It’s a very personal story that reveals them as people, not just as boxers. And, of course, the final match. You just have to see it!
A mind-blowing scene: I really liked the scene where Mike Tyson gives an interview. He speaks so calmly, so wisely, and you understand that this is a living legend. And he, it seems, is afraid of nothing but his own past. It was very powerful.
Author’s comment: I’m generally more of a movie fan than a sports fan, but this series captivated me. It’s a story about two people from different generations who meet in the ring. It’s a story about respect, ambition, and the fact that it’s never too late to start. If you love sports, or just want to watch something unusual, this is your choice. It seems to me that such a match is like our Ukrainian reality, where the old and the new are constantly fighting.
8. The Accident
- Director: Klich Lopez, Gracia Querejeta
- Cast: Regina Blandon, Eréndira Ibarra, Luis Ernesto Franco
- Genre: Drama, Thriller
- Length: 10 episodes
- IMDb: 6.5/10
- Author’s rating: 7.5/10
Short description: This Mexican thriller is in this selection for a reason. I love it when cinema opens up new countries. This series is a story about a family that gets into a terrible car accident. And it seems like it’s just an “accident,” but the more you watch, the more you realize that’s not the case. It’s full of secrets, lies, and betrayals. And every character seems to be hiding something. The tension builds with each episode, and you just can’t stop until you find out the truth.
A mind-blowing scene: There’s one scene where the heroine learns a shocking truth about her husband, and her face… you just have to see it. That expression on her face, which changes from surprise to horror, and then to anger… it was so powerful that I even said “wow” out loud.
Author’s comment: “The Accident” is a kind of Latin American noir. It’s not about special effects but about psychology, about human relationships, about how one small secret can ruin an entire life. I love such series. They don’t let you just “consume” content; they make you solve riddles. If you love mysteries and thrillers, this series is your perfect evening companion. In Ukraine, by the way, there are also many such stories, they just don’t make series about them.
9. Black Doves
- Director: Alex Gabassi, Lisa Gunning
- Cast: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire
- Genre: Spy Thriller, Drama
- Length: 6 episodes
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Author’s rating: 9/10
Short description: Oh, here’s my favorite Keira Knightley! And she’s in a spy thriller. This is a story about a woman who leads a double life: by day, she’s a loving wife and mother, and by night… she’s a secret agent. And when her life begins to fall apart, she’s forced to dive back into the world of espionage. Of course, there are a lot of mysteries, a lot of unexpected twists, and you don’t know who to trust. The cast is simply wonderful. Keira Knightley is, as always, unsurpassed, and Ben Whishaw… he just steals all the attention.
A mind-blowing scene: There’s one scene where the main character confronts her past, and it’s so emotional that I even felt uneasy. You see her perfect world crumble, and she’s left alone with her problems. It’s very powerful.
Author’s comment: “Black Doves” is not just a spy action movie. It’s a drama about a woman who is looking for her place in this world. She is strong but vulnerable. This is a really cool series that shows that women in movies can be not just “damsels in distress” but real heroines. And it’s very dynamic, it doesn’t let you get bored. An excellent choice for lovers of thrillers and spy stories.
10. Cobra Kai — 2024
- Director: Jon Hurwitz, Hayden Schlossberg, Josh Heald
- Cast: Ralph Macchio, William Zabka, Courtney Henggeler, Xolo Maridueña
- Genre: Martial Arts, Drama, Comedy
- Length: 10 episodes
- IMDb: 8.5/10
- Author’s rating: 9.5/10
Short description: And here’s the final chord! “Cobra Kai.” Who would have thought that a sequel to the old movie “The Karate Kid” would be so cool? I thought it would be some kind of trash, but I was wrong. “Cobra Kai” is not just about karate. It’s about growing up, about mistakes, about forgiveness, about the fact that sometimes the past doesn’t let go. The final season, and they say it will be just that, promises a resolution to all the conflicts. Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence… their rivalry continues, but now they are fighting not just for their dojo, but for something more. And the young actors… they are simply wonderful. Especially Hawk! He just amazes me. His evolution is something incredible.
A mind-blowing scene: Without spoilers, but… there’s one scene where Daniel and Johnny, two eternal rivals, finally sit down and talk. Not about karate, but about life. And you realize that they are not really enemies. It was very touching.
Author’s comment: I generally love movies and series that show that people can change. And “Cobra Kai” is exactly that kind of story. It’s not just about fights; it’s about friendship, about family, about honor. It seems to me that this is the perfect series to watch with the whole family. And you know, after it, you just want to go to the gym and work out. It’s a kind of motivational series that shows that it’s never too late to change your life.
Conclusion
So, friends, here’s the selection. All these series are united, in my opinion, by one thing: they don’t leave you indifferent. Some make you think about complex things, like “Squid Game” or “Monsters.” Some give you lightness and laughter, like “Emily in Paris.” And some just pull you into their world, like “Cobra Kai” or “La Palma.” And it’s really cool that Netflix can offer us such a wide choice. You know, it’s like our life here, where every day is different. The same goes for these series—they are all different, but each one gives a unique emotion. I hope you find something new to watch and get real enjoyment from it! Because cinema is not just a picture; it’s an emotion, it’s an experience, it’s… life.
“Cinema is life with the boring parts cut out.” This is a quote by Alfred Hitchcock, and in my opinion, it perfectly describes this selection. Because there is nothing boring here. Only emotions, only action, only drama. Everything we love.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about popular Netflix series
Q: Why isn’t “The Witcher” or “Stranger Things” in the selection?
A: In fact, “The Witcher” and “Stranger Things” are already Netflix classics. I wanted to focus specifically on new, fresh releases from 2024 that maybe not everyone has seen yet but are definitely worth paying attention to. The good old classics, of course, are also cool, but I wanted to share something new.
Q: Where can I find more information about these series?
A: All the IMDb links and other information here are from official sources. And, of course, you can go to the official Netflix website or Wikipedia. There’s always a lot of interesting stuff there. The main thing is to check, because there’s all sorts of things on the Internet.
Q: Is it worth watching the series if I haven’t seen the previous seasons?
A: Usually, I don’t recommend starting in the middle. But, for example, “Emily in Paris” or “Cobra Kai” can, in principle, be watched without knowing all the details of the previous seasons. Although, to fully enjoy it, it’s better to start from the very beginning. It’s like reading a book starting from the third chapter. In general, I always prefer consistency.
If you liked this selection, share it with your friends. Maybe they’re also looking for something to watch! And, of course, write in the comments which of these series you’ve already watched and which one you liked the most. Let’s chat!
Author — ReelPoint
Think… Watch… Feel.
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