Buzz
1. Narcos
Narcos is a biographical series about Pablo Escobar, the notorious Colombian drug kingpin, one of the wealthiest and most powerful drug lords in history. The series explores the tumultuous life of Escobar, featuring dramatic gang confrontations, high-stakes drug deals, and a glimpse into the personal life of a man who ruled with fear and wealth.
However, Netflix's production of Narcos was a risky venture, delving into the dangerous world of cartels. On September 11, 2017, Carlos Munoz Portal, a production executive for the show, was tragically shot by a cartel while scouting filming locations in Mexico City. This incident raised concerns about the safety of the crew and the legality of the project, but despite the risks, Narcos remains a highly successful Netflix series.
Details:
- Production years: 2015-2017
- Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Directors: Carlo Bernard, Chris Brancato, Doug Miro
- Seasons: 3
- IMDb rating: 8.8
2. Daredevil
Daredevil, based on the popular Marvel comic book series, is the first Netflix production in collaboration with Marvel Entertainment. The story follows Matt Murdock, a man who loses his sight as a child in a tragic accident but grows up to become a blind vigilante fighting crime on the streets.
Fans of superhero stories particularly appreciate Daredevil for its intense, bloody action scenes and the dark, gritty storyline that is more commonly found in DC films rather than Marvel ones. The success of Daredevil paved the way for other Marvel-based Netflix series such as The Punisher, Jessica Jones, and The Defenders.
Details:
- Production years: 2015-2018
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Director: Drew Goddard
- Seasons: 3
- IMDb rating: 8.7
3. The Punisher
Following the success of Daredevil, Netflix launched another Marvel project: The Punisher. Marvel's The Punisher is an American TV series created by Steve Lightfoot for Netflix, based on the Marvel Comics character Punisher. Set within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, the show acknowledges the continuity of other films and TV series from the franchise.
The show centers around The Punisher, an anti-hero known for using brutal violence to punish criminals. What sets The Punisher apart from other heroes is his uncompromising approach to justice, making the series both thrilling and unique.
Details:
- Production years: 2017-Present
- Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
- Creator: Steve Lightfoot
- Seasons: 2
- IMDb rating: 8.6
4. BoJack Horseman
BoJack Horseman is a satirical animated series on Netflix. Created by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the show features voices from Will Arnett, Amy Sedaris, Alison Brie, Paul F. Tompkins, and Aaron Paul.
Premiering on August 22, 2014, and concluding on January 31, 2020, the series ran for six seasons with a total of 77 episodes. The first five seasons consist of 12 episodes each, while the final sixth season includes 16 episodes split into two parts, each with 8 episodes. A special Christmas episode aired on December 19, 2014.
Despite mixed reviews upon its debut, the series garnered increasingly positive critical reception as it progressed, especially from the second half of the first season onward. The show is aimed at an adult audience, tackling sensitive and provocative issues such as politics, society, and the Hollywood industry.
Details:
- Production years: 2014-Present
- Genre: Animation, Comedy
- Creator: Raphael Bob-Waksberg
- Seasons: 6
- IMDb rating: 8.5
5. Sense8
Sense8 (translated: Super Senses) was once a highly discussed show and a key feature in Top 10 Netflix Shows of All Time. The series tells a supernatural story about eight strangers with unique abilities who live in different parts of the world, not knowing each other, but are connected through their powers.
Through their connection, the eight individuals face numerous challenges and explore controversial topics such as instinct, sexuality, gender, and religion. Recently, Sense8 ended after only two seasons, leaving fans feeling unsatisfied.
The show gained attention due to its LGBTQ+ characters and themes, winning the GLAAD Media Award for "Outstanding Drama Series." It also earned the Location Managers Guild Award for turning filming locations into integral parts of the show and was nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Original Main Title Theme Music.
Details:
- Years Aired: 2015-2018
- Genres: Mystery, Supernatural, Science Fiction
- Directors: J. Michael Straczynski, Lana Wachowski, Lilly Wachowski
- Seasons: 2
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
6. The End of the F***ing World
The End of the F***ing World (translated: The End of the World) is a Netflix original series that follows the adventure of two troubled teenagers. Both are isolated and rejected by their families and peers, but they find solace in each other and embark on a journey to the edge of the world.
With its bold, rebellious, and violent portrayal of youth, The End of the F***ing World resonated deeply with audiences, becoming a declaration of teenage defiance.
The End of the F***ing World earned critical acclaim for its writing, storytelling, and the performances of Alex Lawther and Jessica Barden. The series was nominated for Best Drama Series at the 2018 BAFTA TV Awards and won the Peabody Award in 2019.
Details:
- Year Released: 2017
- Genres: Adventure, Drama, Humanitarian
- Directors: Jonathan Entwistle, Lucy Tcherniak
- Seasons: 2
- IMDb Rating: 8.2
7. 13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why is an American drama-mystery series based on the 2007 novel 'Thirteen Reasons Why' by Jay Asher, adapted for Netflix by Brian Yorkey.
With a focus on teenagers, 13 Reasons Why explores a darker, more sensitive subject matter. The show, which stirred widespread controversy, centers on the suicides of several adolescents. 13 Reasons Why reveals the hypocrisy of society, the cruelty of crowds, the seemingly harmless pranks, and the indifference of parents, schools, and teachers. All these factors push the troubled teens to the edge, leaving them with only one option: suicide.
From its debut, 13 Reasons Why sparked heated debates and quickly became a cultural phenomenon. Perhaps this is why 13 Reasons Why is considered one of the Top 10 Netflix Original Series of all time.
Details:
- Year Released: 2017-Present
- Genres: Psychological, Humanitarian, Mystery
- Director: Brian Yorkey
- Seasons: 3
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
8. Black Mirror
At the top of the Top 10 Netflix Original Series list is Black Mirror. First released in 2011 and still ongoing, Black Mirror features a collection of standalone episodes, each exploring a different narrative but all focused on the theme of technology.
The first episode introduces a plot where the UK Prime Minister is blackmailed by a terrorist, who demands he live-stream a sexual act with a pig. The event spreads on social media, and the public reacts in two ways: one side supports the Prime Minister, while the other sides with the terrorist, driven by curiosity and a desire for entertainment. The government's attempt to fake the event only backfires, as public support shifts towards the terrorist, highlighting the power of social media.
Other episodes explore futuristic technologies such as VR simulations, AR with intricate detail, eye cameras that record everything you see, and even citizen rating systems. These futuristic concepts are rooted in present-day technologies and may one day become a reality. Each story reminds us that technology can be both beneficial and dangerous.
The title 'Black Mirror' is inspired by the black screens of electronic devices (like smartphones or laptops) when they are not in use, subtly watching us. This reflects a core theme of the show. The official Black Mirror Facebook page even featured a marketing campaign with the message: 'Artificial Intelligence (AI) wrote the script for this show.' Though this is a marketing tactic, the message leaves us uneasy.
Details:
- Year Released: 2011-Present
- Genres: Sci-Fi, Thriller
- Creator: Charlie Brooker
- Seasons: 5
- IMDb Rating: 8.9
9. Stranger Things
Stranger Things (translated: The Vanishing Boy) is another amazing Netflix series. This sci-fi horror show, created by the Duffer Brothers, premiered on Netflix on July 15, 2016. The twin brothers also serve as executive producers alongside Shawn Levy and Dan Cohen.
Inspired by the works of Stephen King, Stranger Things tells a mysterious and chilling story surrounding the disappearance of a young boy. His friends, along with the town's residents, find themselves caught in a web of supernatural events that are beyond explanation.
What sets Stranger Things apart is its eerie atmosphere and its clever storytelling that unfolds episode by episode. The show embodies the essence of 80s mystery and horror films, with a nod to the iconic pop music of the era.
Details:
- Year Released: 2016-Present
- Genres: Mystery, Horror, Fantasy
- Directors: Matt Duffer, Ross Duffer
- Seasons: 3
- IMDb Rating: 8.9
10. The Haunting of Hill House
The Haunting of Hill House (translated: The Haunting at Hill House) recently sparked widespread discussion due to its eerie atmosphere, unique style, and emotional depth. The story revolves around the Crain family, who live in the haunted Hill House. The Crain children experience strange, unexplainable events, leading up to a fateful night when their mother takes her own life in the house, prompting their father to flee with them. Years later, each family member has moved on with their own lives, yet they are still haunted by the events at Hill House. One day, the youngest daughter, Nellie, unexpectedly returns to the house and ends her own life.
Unlike typical horror films that rely heavily on "jump scares", The Haunting of Hill House creates its terror through atmosphere, mystery, and uniquely chilling scenes. The ghosts in the house are subtle, hidden in plain sight, and only those who truly pay attention will notice them. Imagine being watched by these spirits in the darkness of the house, but never realizing they are there—this psychological terror is more unsettling than any overt haunting. Despite its eerie nature, The Haunting of Hill House is highly regarded for its deep emotional resonance and is included in the Top 10 Netflix TV Series of All Time because of the profound human story behind the haunting.
Details:
- Year Released: 2018
- Genres: Horror, Mystery, Family
- Director: Mike Flanagan
- Seasons: 1
- IMDb Rating: 8.8
