Welcome to our list of the best Netflix shows – and what a list it is, truly one with something for everyone. We're covering a lot of ground here, with everything from action-packed series to animated gems, by way of fantasy, horror, and sci-fi too.
Netflix is one of the best streaming services out there, with a vast array of shows on offer, including some of the biggest shows on the planet like Black Mirror, Squid Game, and Stranger Things. There are also many other great series that may have flown under your radar, like Midnight Mass, The Bodyguard, or Black Doves.
So if you're ready to find your new favorite show then let's get into it – starting with our pick of the week, The Sandman season 2. When you've finished looking through this list, don't forget to check out our list of the best Netflix movies, as well as our weekly guide to the best shows and movies across all the major streamers.
Streaming pick of the week
The Sandman season 2
Year: 2022
Seasons: 2
Available on: Netflix US/UK
The Sandman returns for a second and final season this week, and things aren't looking so good for Dream of the Endless (Tom Sturridge)... Having returned to his realm after more than 100 years away trapped in the waking world, he is planning for a more positive future. Some of the other Endless have different ideas, however. Meanwhile, Lucifer (Gwendoline Christie) and Mazikeen (Cassie Clare) are plotting revenge against the lord of dreams.
The first batch of The Sandman season 2 lands on Netflix on July 3, with six new episodes and an arc that pulls from different parts of the epic comic saga, notably the 'Seasons of Mist' and 'Brief Lives' storylines. The back half of the season follows on July 24. A bonus episode adapting the Death: The High Cost of Living graphic novel will also follow on July 31.
Best action shows on Netflix
Black Doves
Year: 2024
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
New British thriller Black Doves stars Keira Knightley and Ben Whishaw as spy besties taking on some seriously dangerous threats, all in time for Christmas.
The London-set show follows an undercover agent who has been posing as a politician's wife for a decade in order to feed government secrets to her employers. When the man she is secretly in love with is murdered, she will stop at nothing to find out the truth and exact revenge on those who killed him.
Black Doves is the kind of nail-biting thriller that you won't be able to stop watching. It is so good that it has already been greenlit for a second season, so make sure to join the party as soon as possible.
Bodyguard
Year: 2018
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Immerse yourself in this British political thriller starring The Eternals' Richard Madden as a former war veteran turned Police Sergeant who is assigned to protect the despised Home Secretary, Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes). These contrasting personalities are thrown together in close proximity to thwart domestic terrorist attacks, all while Sergeant Budd grapples with his ongoing PTSD and conflict about his evolving emotions toward his boss.
It dives into controversial issues of the government's access to private information and how corrupt our politics are to favor the people in positions of power. Think White House Down meets James Bond; this gripping six-part series is almost too good not to be watched in one sitting.
After streaming this one, you can also read our handy guide breaking down all the details on the potential for a Bodyguard season 2.
The Gentlemen
Year: 2024
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
As spin-off series go, The Gentlemen is one of the finest. Guy Ritchie recreates the world he established in his acclaimed 2019 film of the same name in this Netflix original with Divergent's Theo James at the helm alongside Maze Runner's Kaya Scodelario. In an unexpected turn of events, Edward inherits his father's 1500-acre estate and the title of Duke of Halstead instead of his elder brother, Freddie, and, in turn, his lucrative below-ground weed empire.
Now a partner in big business to a crime leader's daughter, Susie Glass, Eddie has to navigate the underworld he's been plunged into and try and make it out alive, all while protecting his image as a gentleman. With a second season on the way, there’s no better time to revisit this action comedy.
Read our The Gentlemen review for more insights!
Narcos
Year: 2015
Seasons: 3
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Prepare to sit at the edge of your seat, as you tune into the rise and fall of the infamous drug empire led by Pablo Escobar, leader of the Medellín Cartel. The Spanish-American crime drama immerses you in a dramatized version of this real-life figure who moved illegal goods (think cocaine, alcohol, and cigarettes) on the black market as two DEA agents, Murphy and Pena, attempt to finally win the war against drugs in Colombia.
All three seasons are packed with twists and turns. Each one does something different without straying too far from its main theme of 'catch the bad guy.' It's a binge-worthy drama that will keep you on your toes.
Love high-stakes? Check out our list of the best Netflix action movies streaming right now.
Cobra Kai
Year: 2018
Seasons: 6
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Calling all fans of The Karate Kid, the cherished sequel series Cobra Kai is all available to stream on Netflix. After its original release on YouTube Premium, the martial arts drama found a whole new audience when it joined the streaming platform for season three. Set three decades after the original films, the series picks up with Johnny Lawrence, who is suffering from alcoholism and depression after being defeated by his old nemesis, Daniel, as he tries to reform his ways and open the Cobra Kai dojo.
There are nods that Karate Kid fans will enjoy, including old cast members, as well as plenty of new material for anyone unfamiliar with the original. It's a story of contrast, resilience, and making peace with old feuds. The show ended in February, so all episodes are now available. Did someone say Cobra Kai marathon?
Read our Cobra Kai season 6 ending explained to know how the story wrapped, and learn everything about the upcoming Karate Kid: Legends.
Best Animated shows on Netflix
Arcane
Year: 2021
Seasons: 2
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Set in the Riot Games' League of Legends universe, Arcane is an action-adventure that follows sisters Vi and Jinx (voiced by Hailee Steinfeld and Ella Purnell) as they navigate the unrest between the contrasting worlds of the utopian city, Piltover and the seedy, oppressed side of Zaun. The animation has been widely praised for its world-building, action sequences, and storylines.
Invested fans will love the homage to the original game, but this is still an accessible and exciting watch for anyone unfamiliar with the source material, too, which led to it becoming the first streaming series to win a Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program. If you needed any more convincing, it's regarded as one of the best video game adaptations ever made, which is an accolade that shouldn't be taken lightly.
To keep up-to-date with this gem, head over to our Arcane season 2 release schedule guide. Or read our four-star Arcane season 2 review.
Castlevania
Year: 2017
Seasons: 4
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Based on the acclaimed Japanese video game series of the same name, this dark action fantasy animation follows Trevor, the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont clan, a formerly legendary family of monster hunters, as he sets out to take down the revered vampire Dracula and his expansive forces.
Across the four seasons there's a host of twists and turns, but also top-notch storytelling and animation throughout the 32 episodes. Starting with 20-minute episodes in the first season, it’s an adaptation that is easy to binge and effortless in style. Castlevania is not one to miss. In fact, it's easily one of the best anime series on Netflix right now.
Love, Death, and Robots
Year: 2019
Seasons: 4
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Brought to you by David Fincher and Joshua Donner, this unique animated series actually consists of a series of short films that aren't in any way interconnected. Set across various genres, the episodes sometimes relate to a similar theme, but feature different cast, crew, and stories.
Fincher and Donner originally planned this reboot of Heavy Metal to become a film, which is noticeable in the epic storytelling of each episode and makes for a rich feast for audiences across the four seasons. If you love robots, fantasy, romance, and science-fiction, then give this innovative world a whirl.
Vinland Saga
Year: 2019
Seasons: 2
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Based on Makoto Yukimura's manga of the same name, this Japanese anime series follows the life of Thorfinn, a man who is initially bloodthirsty for revenge after his father’s death at the hands of Askeladd. He joins the formidable Vikings and sets out to unleash his rage on the world before ultimately losing all hope in the second season.
The acclaimed series has been praised for its animation, writing, and action sequences and the emotive exploration of Thorfinn's grief, psychological damage, and the trauma that haunts him, which develops the existing source material. Whether you're new to these stories or an avid manga reader, it's a breathtaking animation that deserves recognition.
For more 2D gems, you can head over to our guide on all the new anime heading our way.
Best fantasy shows on Netflix
The Witcher
Year: 2019
Seasons: 3
Available on: Netflix US/UK
The Witcher is the ultimate place to start if you're looking for high-fantasy escapism. Based on the novels by Andrzej Sapkowski, the series follows Geralt of Riviera as he goes across the Continent, slaying beasts and saving cities from destruction. Woven into this epic is the tale of crowned princess Ciri and the sorceress Yennefer of Vengerberg.
The success of the first three seasons has even led to a spin-off animated series and a live-action prequel, not to mention The Witcher season 4, which will see Liam Hemsworth take over from Henry Cavill in the titular role. It's an ever-expanding franchise, and for good reason: it's visually stunning, with intricate storylines woven across various timelines and bloody, brutal fight sequences. It's one of Netflix’s greatest series.
Need more Geralt in your life? Read our list of the best games like The Witcher 3 to play today.
Shadow and Bone
Year: 2021
Seasons: 2
Available on: Netflix US/UK
If you’ve scrolled through Booktok, then you'll have heard of the Grishaverse, the fantasy universe where Shadow and Bone and the Six of Crows books are set. This adaptation of Leigh Bardugo's fantasy book follows Li, a young orphan who is the long-awaited Sun Summoner and has to step into her destiny and new identity as a Grisha, a person with magical abilities.
Think The Witcher meets Harry Potter, if that's your vibe, then add this adaptation to your watch list. The second season covers more of this extensive universe, touching on epic storylines from several books in the series, including Siege and Storm and Crooked Kingdom. Ready to escape into an entirely new world? Look no further.
Read our ranking of the best fantasy movies on Netflix for more epics.
Sweet Tooth
Year: 2021
Seasons: 3
Available on: Netflix US/UK
In a post-apocalyptic world, Gus, a boy who is half-human and half-deer, sets out on an epic adventure to find his mother after the death of his father, with a gruff protector. Based on the comic book series, it's an eccentric, heart-warming, and whimsical tale that merges together the best of fantasy adventures and science fiction.
Gus is one of many hybrid animal-human babies who were born after a virus wiped out the majority of the world's population. If you needed any further convincing, the first two seasons received over twenty nominations for Children and Family Emmy awards, those accolades speak for themselves.
For more award winners, check out our list of the best shows on Apple TV to watch right now.
One Piece
Year: 2023
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
This beloved manga and one of the best anime series of all time moved into live-action in 2023, and it's safe to say it had big shoes to fill. Yet, the fantasy adaptation created by Matt Owens and Steven Maeda exceeded our expectations. It captured the heart of Eiichiro Oda's magnificent world, as the series followed Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his crew of Straw Hat Pirates on the hunt for a fabled treasure.
It features an excellent cast with Emily Rudd as Nami, Mackenyu as Roronoa Zoro, and Taz Skylar as Sanji, who should be credited with bringing this well-loved story to life in a delightful new way for existing fans and new ones, too. With One Piece season 2 in the works, it's time to revisit this recent success.
Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
Year: 2019
Seasons: 2
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Far from the cozy, quaint comedy found in Sabrina the Teenage Witch, this Sabrina Spellman, taken from the Archie Comics, has a much darker edge. The series still follows Sabrina, a teen girl who struggles with her witch ancestry and longs to be normal, all while living with her two squabbling Aunts and her cat, Salem.
Things generally turn from bad to worse for Sabrina as the series dabbles in everything dark, foul, and devilish in the witch world and its colossal repercussions. There's stand-out performances from Kiernan Shipka as Sabrina, as well as appearances from Doctor Who’s Michelle Gomez, Lucy Davis, and Miranda Otto. There's only two seasons, told across four parts, but it's a spellbinding watch for anyone who loves witch lore, magic, and mayhem.
Read our Chilling Adventures of Sabrina season 2 review for more witchy information.
Best sci-fi shows on Netflix
The Eternaut
Year: 2025
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
This six-episode sci-fi thriller has proven to be one of the year's most unexpected and exciting sci-fi surprises. One night snow falls on Buenos Aires, killing everyone it touches. The show follow a group of everyday people, led by Ricardo Darín's Juan Salvo, as they struggle to survive in what is eventually revealed to be the first stages of an alien invasion...
Based on the famous Argentine comic series of the same name by Héctor Germán Oesterheld and Francisco Solano López, The Eternaut is immediately gripping from its surreal opening scene as a group of girls party on a boat only to see the lights of Buenos Aires go suddenly blink out. But despite its bleak subject matter, the show has a warmth and a pleasing sense of humor that keeps you rooting for the characters.
Black Mirror season 7
Year: 2011
Seasons: 7
Available on: Netflix US/UK
You can always rely on this dystopian anthology show, from British satirist Charlie Brooker, to put a menacing spin on the modern world. Every episode of Black Mirror is a standalone story and the show straddles many different genres, from action and horror to the sweet, gorgeous love story that is season 3's 'San Junipero.' What they all have in common, however, is that they will leave you questioning your relationship with technology.
Black Mirror season 7 has just landed on Netflix, blessing us with six more episodes including stories about AI, sinister subscription services, and a long-awaited sequel to the fan favorite Star Trek parody 'USS Callister.' New seasons of Black Mirror are an irregular occurrence, so cherish this terrifying, thoughtful, and highly inventive series while you can.
Check out our handy guide to the best Black Mirror episodes.
Lost
Year: 2010
Seasons: 6
Available on: Netflix US/UK
It's easy to forget just how exciting, radical, and straight up game-changing Lost was at the start of the 2010s. Ostensibly a survival thriller about a group of people who survive a plane crash and wind up on a mysterious island, it grew over six seasons to incorporate everything from strange science experiments to a mythic battle between the forces of good and evil by way of time travel and polar bears. And that's not even scratching the surface of a show that rewards fan loyalty like few others.
Folk will tell you that Lost never explains its mysteries (it does) or that the ending is bad (it's not), but this really is a show where it's best to ditch any of your preconceived notions and discover the show for yourself. And no, they weren't dead all along.
Lost showrunner Damon Lindelof's next series was The Leftovers – hands down one of the best Max shows.
Bodies
Year: 2023
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Venom's Stephen Graham fronts this British science fiction mystery thriller that sees the same dead body found in four locations in East London across four different time periods. The crime drama sees four police officers inspecting the same body, who become embroiled in a conspiracy far bigger than any of them could imagine.
It's a gripping twist on your standard murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the very end. Alongside Graham, the cast features Shira Haas, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd, Kyle Soller, and Amaka Okafor. With only eight episodes to get through, what are you waiting for?
The Umbrella Academy
Year: 2019
Seasons: 4
Available on: Netflix US/UK
One of Netflix's best superhero series is The Umbrella Academy, which started with a strong first season and the second season even became the most-watched series on the platform in 2020. The series centers around a group of superhero siblings who are all miraculously born at the same time on the same day by women who were not actually pregnant.
It's stuffed with twists and each season seems to become even more energetic and ambitious than the last. If you're looking for a fresh spin on a comic book adaptation that features a standout cast, then The Umbrella Academy is for you.
Read our The Umbrella Academy season 4 review for more information on the latest season.
Best horror shows on Netflix
Midnight Mass
Year: 2021
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
As we alluded to above, Mike Flanagan is the master of horror on Netflix. While The Haunting of Hill House is arguably his scariest series, Midnight Mass is both his most personal and his overall best. It's also a series that benefits from knowing as little as possible about before watching. All you need to know is that it follows Riley Flynn (Zach Gilford) as he returns to his home town, Crockett Island, having served time in jail for a drunk-driving incident where he killed a young woman. Also in town is Father Paul Hill (Hamish Linklater, in a role that brought him major acclaim), a priest who harbors dark secrets.
That's all we're gonna say, but trust us on this one. Midnight Mass takes tired genre tropes and breathes new life into them, ironically, by delivering a thoughtful, moving, and utterly chilling meditation on mortality and redemption.
Back in 2021 we crowned Midnight Mass our TV show of the year. Find out why in our full Midnight Mass review – but watch out for spoilers.
Squid Game
Year: 2021
Seasons: 2
Available on: Netflix US/UK
We're just weeks away from the launch of Squid Game 3 – the final season of the world-conquering Korean survival thriller. That means it's the perfect time to either start your big rewatch or, if you've somehow not seen the show yet, get fully caught up. The first season fully lives up to hype as Lee Jung-jae's cash-strapped Gi-hun finds himself in a series of games to win a huge cash prize. There's only one problem: these games are deadly. It's an old concept, but Squid Game's empathetic characters, terrifying set pieces, and a couple of smart twists make this a show for the ages.
Season 2 launched late last year and was less surefooted in its early episodes. By the time it had reached its almighty cliffhanger ending, however, the buzz was well and truly back. With just a few more episodes to go before the final end of the series, there's everything to play for.
Read our guide on Squid Game season 3 to know what's next for the show.
The Haunting of Hill House
Year: 2018
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Chances are, if Mike Flanagan has written a horror series, it will be on our watch list. This adaptation of Shirley Jackson's terrifying novel lives up to its name. The Haunting of Hill House follows the Crain family, who move into the grand and remote 'Hill House' to flip it before moving on to their 'dream home.' But the house has other plans. Switching between the past and the present, the story picks up decades later as the now scattered family is reunited by the events of their childhood in that house.
Hill House is not for the faint-hearted. Both equal parts terrifying and mesmerizing. Its follow-up, The Haunting of Bly Manor, strikes a different tone but sees the return of the same actors in new roles, many of which are frequent collaborators with Flanagan, especially in his Netflix series. Final warning, though: you will be scared of turning the lights off at night after finishing this one.
More nightmares await in our list of the best Netflix horror movies.
Stranger Things
Year: 2016
Seasons: 4
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Now, there is nothing quite like Stranger Things. The Duffer Brothers' nostalgic coming-of-age series is rooted in the 1980s and references a host of iconic tropes in horror, science-fiction, and mystery. Set in a small town in Indiana, the first season begins with the disappearance of a young boy, Will Byers. As his mother, Joyce, the sheriff, and his friends start to investigate what happens, it seems that there’s something much more sinister than any of them expected.
A parallel world, packed with demonic monsters, sits right next to their own, and they have to venture into the Upside Down to set things straight again and save Will. With a phenomenal ensemble cast, it's one of the most outstanding series of the past decade. Make sure you catch up before Stranger Things season 5 is released.
Wednesday
Year: 2022
Seasons: 1
Available on: Netflix US/UK
Tim Burton's coming-of-age horror-comedy is the most streamed series on Netflix for good reason. The Addams Family spin-off follows Jenna Ortega as a Wednesday Addams as she's enrolled in a centuries-old boarding school called Nevermore Academy. Unlike most teens her age, the gothic icon must learn to control her emerging psychic powers, stop a monster from destroying the town, and solve a murder that stems from generations of supernatural trauma from her family's history.
All the while, she reluctantly tries to find her place in the world outside of her mother's family. It swooped up awards of every kind and has been renewed - meaning that Wednesday season 2 will be released in 2025. This is a must-watch, and we aren't just saying that because we're excited by the recent casting news of Lady Gaga joining the next season either.
For more streaming picks, check out our lists of the best shows on HBO Max, the best shows on Disney Plus, and finally, the best Amazon Prime series.
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