25 Best Netflix Original Series of All Time, Ranked According to IMDb (2024)

Since 2013, Netflix has churned out a whopping amount of original content. They deliver quality as well as quantity: in 2021 alone, Netflix's original programming won 44 Emmy Awards; more than any other production company. Netflix has had its fair share of duds, of course. (See Real Rob and Emily in Paris). But a handful of its shows, like BoJack Horseman and Black Mirror, have rightly earned their place in the pantheon of great TV.

Netflix's deep pockets mean they have been able to produce several large-scale shows starring big names that can more than compete with anything made by HBO or AMC. Netflix's most acclaimed shows span a range of genres, from sci-fi and comedy to historical drama and crime – IMDb users have made it easy to determine the top 10 Netflix series of all time.

25 'Money Heist' (2017 - 2021)

IMDb Rating: 8.2/10

Money Heist is a Netflix series that needs no introduction at this point. The Spanish heist drama was almost canceled before it became one of Netflix's most popular shows ever. It revolves around a group of criminals recruited by a mastermind known simply as "The Professor" (played by Álvaro Morte), with the first season showcasing their planning and successful robbery of the Royal Mint of Spain, as well as the printing of billions of euros before the thrilling getaway.

Watch for the action, stay for the drama. As Money Heist progresses, it becomes less about the intense robbery, shootouts, and high stakes – though these are all well-executed throughout the show – and more about the characters' evolving relationships and intriguing arcs. With a dynamic ensemble cast that includes Úrsula Corberó (Tokyo), Itziar Ituño (Lisbon), and Pedro Alonso (Berlin), it's impossible not to get invested in the storylines that have inspired spin-offs and enjoy a massive fanbase today.

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24 'The Dragon Prince' (2018 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Anyone who was disappointed by the recent live-action Avatar: The Last Airbender may want to check out The Dragon Prince, which can scratch the same itch. Set in the magical world of Xadia, the animated fantasy series depicts a reality where humans and magical creatures coexist. A war begins when human mages create dark magic, which leads to the creation of a group of unlikely allies – Prince Callum (Jack De Sena), his younger brother Prince Ezran (Sasha Rojen), and the elf assassin Rayla (Paula Burrows). Their quest to return a stolen dragon egg could change the fate of both worlds.

With nostalgic animation to go with its classic storyline, The Dragon Prince doesn't stray too far from the formula, which is a good thing in this case. It has strong character development alongside strong world-building, not to mention a diverse and relatable cast that balances out its darker narrative elements.

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23 'Kingdom' (2019 - 2020)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Set in the 16th century in a medieval-inspired Joseon, Kingdom is a South Korean period horror series that depicts the unraveling of a conspiracy that endangers the nation. It follows Crown Prince Lee Chang (Ju Ji-hoon) as he investigates the lies within the royal court before finding himself in the middle of the spread of a mysterious epidemic. As the dead rise and wreak havoc, the protagonist finds allies in physician Seo-bi (Bae Doona) and the mysterious warrior Yeong-shin (Kim Sang-ho).

It may not be the first to combine the period drama and zombie genres, but Kingdom certainly does it right. The show is exhilarating on all fronts, whether it's the Crown Prince's grappling with his role and the throne's future or the numerous discoveries and twists about the nature of the "resurrection plant" and the undead.

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22 'Castlevania' (2017 - 2021)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Based on the beloved video game series of the same name, Netflix's Castlevania had a lot to live up to thanks to many skeptical fans. The series did not disappoint, portraying the dark and gothic world in an exciting and visually striking way. The show follows Trevor Belmont (Richard Armitage), the last surviving member of the disgraced Belmont clan, as he battles against the powerful vampire Count Dracula (Graham McTavish). He must work alongside the mage Sypha Belnades (Alejandra Reynoso) and the dhampir Alucard (James Callis) to take down Dracula and save humanity from extinction.

Blending horror, action, and fantasy, Castlevania is deliciously dark but surprisingly accessible for beginners. The modern animated TV series delivers just the right amount of intensity for both original fans of the franchise and total newcomers. Its sequel, Castlevania: Nocturne, may not live up to the high standards set by the original, but is still worth watching for anyone who enjoyed the series.

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21 'Young Royals' (2021 - 2024)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Is it surprising that a teen drama about royalty would receive such high praise? Young Royals is set in the fictional elite boarding school Hillerska and focuses on the life of Prince Wilhelm (Edvin Ryding) as he deals with the pressures of his royal duties and conflicting personal desires. Wilhelm soon finds himself torn between his obligations and his undeniable feelings for a fellow student, Simon (Omar Rudberg).

Full of the tropes that make teen dramas so fun to watch, Young Royals succeeds without reinventing the genre. It's full of relatable characters who also refreshingly look like real people, with appropriate ages, blemishes, and all. The Netflix series may be somewhat predictable, but most who watch it likely aren't there for a groundbreaking plot, but rather heartfelt stories that capture the highs and lows of youth.

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20 'One Piece' (2023 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

Already being called one of the best live-action adaptations of a manga series, 2023's One Piece burst onto the scene and entertained both established and new fans. The fantasy adventure series follows Monkey D. Luffy (Iñaki Godoy) and his pirate crew as they sail across the sea in search of the ultimate treasure. They come across several obstacles during their quest for the title of Pirate King.

Starring a talented ensemble cast to portray the Straw Hat Pirates, One Piece has been praised for its fantastic performances, gorgeous visuals, and high production value that shows in the outcome. Most importantly, it has been incredibly loyal to the source material, which had numerous fans to begin with and are eagerly awaiting a new season.

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19 'Sex Education' (2019 - 2023)

IMDb Rating: 8.3/10

A fan-favorite sex comedy-drama hit from Netflix, Sex Education is centered on the lives of teens in the fictional town of Moordale. There, the socially awkward Otis Milburn (Asa Butterfield), whose unexpected knowledge about all things sex (thanks to living with his mom, a sex therapist) suddenly becomes useful in high school. Alongside Maeve Wiley (Emma Mackey), he starts an underground sex clinic and begins to advise fellow students.

Sex Education brings teen comedy dramas to the modern age with its portrayal of what school might be like for teens today. It's all fun and games until the drama kicks in and Otis begins falling for Maeve, which sets off a complicated chain of events and a will-they-won't-they dynamic. There's also no shortage of fascinating and well-written characters on Sex Education that fans can root for along the way.

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18 'The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance' (2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

1982's The Dark Crystal is a beloved classic and a groundbreaking fantasy film that made excellent use of animatronics to bring its magical world to life. Many fans were likely hoping that Netflix's prequel series, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, would be a chance to dive back into the world of the Gelflings. The show follows three Gelflings: Rian, Deet, and Brea, and their quest to bring the clans together to save their planet Thra.

The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance certainly succeeds at worldbuilding, creating a visually striking fictional landscape where anything seems possible. However, its attempt at being family-friendly takes away from the gravitas of its plot. It's not surprising it was canceled after just one season considering its high cost, dashing any hope of The Dark Crystal's return.

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17 'After Life' (2019 - 2022)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

After Life is a remarkable comedy series that will break viewers' hearts before they know what hit them. Created by and starring Ricky Gervais in one of his best roles as Tony Johnson, the series focuses on the protagonist's journey through grief after the death of his beloved wife. To cope with his pain, Tony ignores societal norms and decides to be as brutally honest as possible to everyone and anyone, even if it hurts them. Over time, however, Tony's attitude and approach to grief slowly changes.

The series manages to use dark humor to delve into heavy topics with a light touch, with Ricky Gervais' impeccable writing and tour-de-force performance making the show worth watching. Viewers can expect to both laugh and cry as they watch Tony's winding journey to healing. After Life is a profound exploration of grief and the human experience, oscillating between comedy and heartbreak to deliver a truly unique viewing experience.

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16 'Narcos: Mexico' (2018 - 2021)

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Following the success of Narcos, what was supposed to be its fourth season turned into a companion series, with Narcos: Mexico exploring the origins of the drug war. Set during a time when there was almost no organization in the trafficking world, the Netflix prequel follows Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo (Diego Luna) and his attempts at building a new empire. Amidst their success, the murder of Drug Enforcement Administration agent Kiki Camarena (Michael Peña) catches the attention of the authorities.

Though not as popular as its parent series, Narcos: Mexico is almost certain to scratch the same itch that Narcos did for its thousands of fans. It benefits from the same dramatic, tense, and dynamic environment while telling a completely new story that helps paint a more complete portrait of the history of the drug trade.

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15 'Love, Death & Robots' (2019 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.4/10

Now rightly considered among the best anthology series ever made, depicts numerous incredible stories that weave sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and more. Created by Tim Miller, the Netflix original series delivers bite-sized tales that explore the darker aspects of humanity. From dystopian worlds where robots examine the remnants of society to utopias ruled by sentient yogurt, the series covers a wide array of fascinating stories.

Of course, the scene-stealer in the Netflix show is often the novel animation techniques and mesmerizing visual styles displayed with delicious variety across its episodes. Every episode is different, with different animation studios and artists getting a chance to show off their talents. Everyone has their own favorites, with – from "Bad Travelling" to "Beyond the Aquila Rift" – earning their place in TV history.

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14 'Ozark' (2017 - 2022)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Ozark thrusts viewers into a world full of crime and deceit, in the midst of which are the Byrdes, a dysfunctional family that moves away from their comfortable urban home to launder money for a drug cartel. Led by the unassuming but brilliant Marty Byrde (masterfully played by Jason Bateman), the family is forced to stay one step ahead to ensure their own survival. In the process of evading the dangerous criminals that begin to surround them, the Byrdes start to change and their transformative character arcs become the true stars of the series.

With its shocking twists to go alongside this impressive character development, Ozark goes to some truly dark places. It blurs the line between right and wrong as it becomes painfully obvious that the Byrdes are not the victim in all of this. The morally ambiguous journey is something fans of the crime and drama genres should experience at least once.

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13 'The Last Kingdom' (2015 - 2022)

IMDb Rating: 8.5/10

Thrusting audiences into the tumultuous world of 9th-century England, The Last Kingdom is centered on the riveting story of a Saxon nobleman who's captured and raised by Vikings, Uhtred of Bebbanburg (Alexander Dreymon). When he grows up, he wishes to seek revenge for his father figure's untimely death, but finds himself in a strange position where he has to make a tough choice. His narrative is set against the historical events, political intrigue, and clashing and shifting of alliances in the Viking Age.

A stunning picture of medieval life – complete with brutal battles and drama within the royal courts – The Last Kingdom depicts a vibrant and engaging portrait of the historical period embellished with drama and well-choreographed violence. The British historical fiction series became so popular and had such a dedicated fanbase that following its ending, a feature-length sequel that extended its storyline soon followed on Netflix.

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12 'Heartstopper' (2022 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Heartstopper rightly premiered to critical acclaim and quickly became one of the most popular Netflix original series when it was first released. Based on Alice Oseman's eponymous webcomic and graphic novel, the coming-of-age romcom follows Charlie Spring (Joe Locke), a schoolboy who falls for his classmate Nick Nelson (Kit Connor).

From its heartwarming story and well-written characters to its gorgeous comics-inspired visuals and effortlessly sweet twists, there's more than one reason to love Heartstopper. The series has expanded since then to include other likable characters like Tao Xu (William Gao) and Darcy Olsson (Kizzy Edgell), with viewers eagerly waiting to see where the teen series will take their stories. Anyone who enjoys lighthearted teen romance series should consider giving this show a shot.

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11 'House of Cards' (2013 - 2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

House of Cards was the first show Netflix produced. It stars Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright as Frank and Claire Underwood, two amoral politicians seeking ultimate power in Washington, D.C. It's based on a British TV series from the 1990s, but the Netflix version doubles down on the Machiavellianism. Frank and Claire are mesmerizing to watch as they scheme and take down their rivals from the inside, playing the political game fashionably.

House of Cards has been acclaimed for its gritty take on politics and for its well-drawn characters. As most fans know, however, following allegations of sexual misconduct against Spacey in 2017, Netflix cut ties with the actor. As a result, the final season was made without him, but Wright more than carries the show on her own. Season 6 follows Claire as she assumes the presidency and sets out to destroy her enemies once and for all.

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10 'Daredevil' (2015 - 2018)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

Daredevil features one of the most iconic blind characters on television, Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox), a lawyer by day and the titular masked vigilante by night. After being blinded as a kid, the protagonist has developed and learned to use his senses as a kind of superpower, keeping the streets safe at night. In the Netflix series, audiences follow along as he dives deep into the seedy criminal underbelly full of powerful enemies like Wilson Fisk (Vincent D'Onofrio).

Alongside flawlessly choreographed fight scenes, Daredevil features a well-written narrative centered on Matt’s journey as the vigilante. His pursuit of justice is complicated by his troubling past and struggles that audiences learn more about along the way, not to mention the badass fights he always seems to win. Fans can only hope his story is continued in a satisfying way in the upcoming Daredevil series on Disney+.

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9 'Mindhunter' (2017 - 2019)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

An essential watch for fans of psychological crime thrillers, Mindhunter delves deep into the earliest days of criminal profiling by following two FBI agents, Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany). The duo interviews serial killers behind bars in an effort to understand their motives, experiences, and general psychology, which could inform current open cases. Alongside them is the talented but underestimated psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), who helps them build necessary resources that future agents can use.

With its intense atmosphere and intriguing concepts, it's easy to get lost in Mindhunter's engrossing world. The tense atmosphere perfectly complements the chilling stories told as the two profilers interview one twisted criminal after another. The highlight of the series is undoubtedly the fictionalized versions of infamous serial killers that the agents interview, which include David Berkowitz (also known as Son of Sam) and Charles Manson.

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8 'The Crown' (2016 - 2023)

IMDb Rating: 8.6/10

The Crown is a historical series about the life of Queen Elizabeth II. The show follows the monarch from her early years on the throne in the 1950s up to the 21st century. Over its four seasons, three actresses have played Queen Elizabeth at different points in her life: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, and Imelda Staunton. All of them put in excellent performances, each offering a unique interpretation of the Queen.

While it has sometimes been criticized for inaccuracies and for straying into hagiography, The Crown remains a well-crafted drama. The plot becomes surprisingly gripping at times, as the show about the royal family covers political scandals, attempted coups, and terror plots. The cinematography is gorgeous too, and the set designers lovingly create the period settings, especially the manors and palaces. It is an engrossing peak into a remarkable life, and also succeeds as a dramatization of recent UK history.

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7 'Dark' (2017 - 2020)

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

Dark is a German sci-fi series that follows several characters in a small town after two local children goes missing. It begins as a murder mystery, but the plot eventually evolves into a vast, interconnected time-travel story that spans multiple generations. The show explores the perplexing puzzle that reveals its hidden parts when as the four families look for their children. The town itself becomes a mysterious character full of secrets that are inextricably linked with the cases.

On the surface, it bears some similarities to Stranger Things, but it's ultimately grittier and more violent. A better comparison would be to David Lynch's Twin Peaks, what with the Netflix series' gloomy atmosphere and seriously unsettling moments. Dark is an ambitious show that deserves kudos for its commitment to an outlandish premise that it manages to pull off without alienating viewers. The story gets a little convoluted in Seasons 2 and 3, but the acting, score, and cinematography are solid throughout.

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6 'Black Mirror' (2011 - )

IMDb Rating: 8.7/10

One of the long-time top Netflix originals, Black Mirror is a dark anthology series that explores the pitfalls of the digital age. Most of Black Mirror's best episodes are set in dystopian near-futures where technology causes problems for humanity. The Twilight Zone was rebooted in 2019, but Black Mirror remains the true heir to that classic show.

In addition to its high-concept premises, Black Mirror also has an impressive range. A few of the best episodes are bleak and violent, while others are comedies, satires, or even love stories. Whether it's killer robot bees or a social points-based society, the Netflix show has become known for its terrifyingly familiar settings and premises. Some highlights include "Nosedive," a parable about the dangers of seeking approval on social media starring Bryce Dallas Howard; and "San Junipero," a romance about two people who meet in a virtual reality space for the elderly.

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