Summer streaming can feel endless—until you find that perfect show that hooks you for days. To help you pick your next binge, here are the 20 most beloved Netflix Originals, ranked by fan acclaim. From sci-fi adventures to heartwarming dramas, these series have won over audiences worldwide.
1. Stranger Things
A nostalgic sci-fi thriller where kids in 1980s Hawkins battle supernatural forces—with more than 1 billion hours watched, it’s Netflix’s crown jewel.
2. Squid Game
The Korean survival drama that exploded globally, turning childhood games into deadly contests and sparking conversations on social inequality.
3. Wednesday
Tim Burton’s darkly comic take on the Addams Family’s teen daughter, blending murder mysteries with gothic charm and Jenna Ortega’s breakout star turn.
4. The Crown
This regal epic chronicles Queen Elizabeth II’s reign with sumptuous production values, offering both historical immersion and superb performances.
5. Black Mirror
An anthology of chilling tech tales, each standalone episode holds up a mirror to our digital age—guaranteed to leave you shaken and reflecting.
6. Arcane
A dazzling adult animation set in the League of Legends universe, lauded for its stunning visuals and compelling character arcs.
7. Ozark
A tense crime drama following a financial advisor’s descent into money laundering for a drug cartel—dark, gripping and full of moral complexity.
8. Bridgerton
Shonda Rhimes’s Regency romance dazzles with opulent costumes, forbidden love and a modern twist on classic period drama.
9. Heartstopper
A feel-good queer coming-of-age story about two teens bonding over rugby—warm, optimistic and refreshing in its inclusivity.
10. Sex Education
A bold, witty comedy-drama following a misfit teenager turned amateur therapist, tackling sexuality and relationships with heart and humour.
11. The Umbrella Academy
A dysfunctional family of superpowered siblings reunites to prevent apocalypse—with eccentric storytelling and stylised action.
12. You
A dark psychological thriller where love becomes obsession, proving modern dating can be downright creepy.
13. Mindhunter
Delve into the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI in this meticulously crafted, chilling true-crime drama.
14. The Witcher
Monster-hunting and magic collide in this fantasy saga led by Henry Cavill, offering lavish world-building and gory action.
15. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Spain’s biggest hit turns bank robbery into high-tension theatre, thanks to clever plots and charismatic masked robbers.
16. All of Us Are Dead
A Korean zombie thriller set in a high school, blending horror and teen drama to electrifying effect.
17. Elite
A Spanish teen drama where privilege collides with murder mystery, delivering scandalous twists every season.
18. Dark
Germany’s time-travel masterpiece weaves an intricate, mind-bending puzzle that rewards dedicated watchers with its intricate payoff.
19. The Haunting of Hill House
A masterclass in atmospheric horror and family drama, this series redefines what a haunted-house story can be.
20. Lupin
Omar Sy stars as a charming gentleman thief inspired by Arsène Lupin, blending clever heists with social commentary.
Whether you’re in the mood for thrills, romance or unmissable drama, this list offers the very best of Netflix’s original creations. Happy streaming!
