Picking a show to watch can feel impossible—endless scrolling, hopping between genres, and second-guessing every recommendation. That’s where this list comes in. I’ve sifted through the crowd-pleasers, hidden gems, and the shows everyone’s talking about to bring you the best of the best. These 10 Netflix series are absolutely worth your time, whether you want to laugh, cry, be blown away, or just lose yourself in a few hours of fantastic storytelling.
10. From Scratch
Prepare for this one; tissues may be necessary. The heartfelt narrative of a love blossoming and surviving against all odds, from the memory of Tembi Locke, is the core of the story about an artist, Amy, and a chef, Lino, from Sicily, whose meeting by chance leads to a passionate romance. When their love is tested by the tragic occurrence of heartbreak, the couple’s story becomes moving beyond measure. To blame it on the heartbreak alone would be unjust to the quiet strength that Zoe Saldana’s performance embodies. She brings to the story a touch of humanity, a lot of warmth, and a surprising amount of power, given the nature of the story.
9. Boy Swallows Universe
A gritty, heartfelt coming-of-age drama set against a hard-as-nails 1980s Brisbane backdrop. Teenager Eli Bell deals with a dysfunctional family life of drugs and crime—yet manages to cling to hope and empathy. It’s gritty, dark, and very touching.
8. Maid
Raw, intense, and raw, Maid traces the life of Alex as she runs away from an abusive relationship and cleans houses for a living to take care of her daughter. Margaret Qualley gives a stellar performance, and the emotional connection with her mother (played by Andie MacDowell) is truly unforgettable.
7. The Fall of the House of Usher
Mike Flanagan has a talent for blending gothic horror with dark drama in this Edgar Allan Poe-inspired show. Secrets and wealth of the Usher family disintegrate through strange accidents and manoeuvring. Gothic, savage, and darkly intriguing.
6. Bodies
Four periods, four detectives, one repeating dead body. This future-set time-travel mystery takes us from the 1800s to the future, intertwining crime, sci-fi, and supernatural turns. It’s smart, unforeseen, and the kind of programme that keeps you hooked.
5. Baby Reindeer
Stalking the grounds of Richard Gadd’s own experience, this disturbing drama tracks Donny Dunn, a stand-up comedian facing an unhinged stalker in Martha. It’s darkly comedic and uncomfortably raw. Prepare yourself—the suspense never relents.
4. Beef
A minor skirmish escalates into a full-blown fixation in this black comedy. Steven Yeun and Ali Wong engage in a battle that takes over their lives. Beef is tightly written, over-the-top dramatic, and strangely sympathetic—ideal for late-night binges.
3. The Queen’s Gambit
Chess has never been so chic—or charged. See Beth Harmon’s ascent from orphaned prodigy to global chess sensation, as she struggles with addiction and loss. Anya Taylor-Joy shines in this engrossing, intelligent, and immensely binge-worthy show.
2. Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End
This is not your average fantasy anime—it goes very deep into issues of time, loss, and the things that give our lives value. Having defeated the Demon King, mage Frieren has to deal with the slow passage of life and the friends she has outlived. Stunning visuals, lovely storytelling, and emotionally gripping throughout.
1. Adolescence
No finale can beat this one—Adolescence tracks 13-year-old Jamie, who has been accused of murder after a classmate is killed. But it’s not a whodunit—it’s a why. Every episode is shot in a single continuous take, giving it a gritty, immersive feel. Stephen Graham co-created and plays Jamie’s father. Not a comfortable watch—but one you won’t soon forget.