25 Best Popular Indian Web Series

25 Must-Watch Indian Web Series: A Deep Dive into Diverse Stories and Stellar Performances

India’s digital landscape has exploded with captivating content, and web series are at the forefront of this revolution. Gone are the days of solely relying on Bollywood for entertainment; now, viewers have access to a vast library of compelling narratives, groundbreaking performances, and genre-bending experimentation, all accessible at their fingertips.

From gripping crime thrillers to heartwarming coming-of-age stories, Indian web series have carved a niche for themselves, earning critical acclaim and a devoted fanbase. This blog post is a comprehensive guide to 25 of the best and most popular Indian web series that have defined the streaming era, offering a diverse selection catering to various tastes. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and get ready to explore the vibrant world of Indian web series!

Popular Indian Web Series

1. Sacred Games (Netflix):

Genre: Crime Thriller, Neo-Noir
Platform: Netflix
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Credited with kickstarting the Indian web series boom, Sacred Games, based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, is a gritty and atmospheric crime thriller that seamlessly blends mythology with modern-day Mumbai. Saif Ali Khan delivers a stellar performance as Sartaj Singh, a troubled police officer racing against time to prevent an impending apocalypse. Nawazuddin Siddiqui is equally captivating as Ganesh Gaitonde, a notorious gangster whose past holds the key to the present. The intricate plot, strong performances, and thought-provoking themes made it an instant classic.
What to Expect: Violence, profanity, complex characters, and a deep dive into the underbelly of Mumbai.

2. Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video):

Genre: Crime, Action, Drama
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Mirzapur is a raw and intense portrayal of power struggles and gang warfare in the lawless hinterlands of Uttar Pradesh. Pankaj Tripathi’s nuanced performance as Akhandanand Tripathi (Kaleen Bhaiya), the undisputed king of Mirzapur, is a major highlight. The series is known for its brutal violence, compelling characters, and a captivating narrative that explores themes of ambition, loyalty, and survival.
What to Expect: Intense violence, strong language, complex relationships, and a glimpse into the brutal realities of small-town India.

3. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (SonyLIV):

Genre: Biographical Drama, Financial Thriller
Platform: SonyLIV
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Scam 1992 tells the gripping story of Harshad Mehta, a stockbroker who orchestrated one of the biggest financial scams in Indian history. Pratik Gandhi’s breakout performance as Harshad Mehta is nothing short of phenomenal. The series is meticulously researched, well-paced, and provides a fascinating insight into the workings of the Indian stock market during the 1990s.
What to Expect: A complex but understandable explanation of financial concepts, strong performances, a compelling historical narrative, and a cautionary tale of ambition and greed.

4. Kota Factory (TVF):

Genre: Coming-of-Age, Drama
Platform: YouTube (TVF), Netflix
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Kota Factory, shot in black and white, is a heartwarming and realistic portrayal of the struggles and triumphs of students preparing for the IIT entrance exams in Kota, Rajasthan. Jitendra Kumar shines as Jeetu Bhaiya, a mentor figure who provides guidance and support to the students. The series is relatable, insightful, and offers a refreshing perspective on the pressures faced by young adults in India.
What to Expect: Relatable characters, realistic portrayal of student life, moments of humor and levity, and a hopeful message about pursuing your dreams.

5. The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video):

Genre: Action, Spy Thriller, Comedy
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Why it’s a Must-Watch: The Family Man seamlessly blends action, suspense, and humor to create a highly entertaining and thought-provoking series. Manoj Bajpayee delivers a brilliant performance as Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man secretly working as an intelligence officer for the fictional T.A.S.C. (Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell). The series balances Srikant’s high-stakes job with his everyday family life, creating a compelling and relatable protagonist.
What to Expect: Action-packed sequences, witty dialogue, relatable family dynamics, and a nuanced exploration of patriotism and duty.

6. Panchayat (Amazon Prime Video):

Genre: Comedy-Drama
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Panchayat is a charming and heartwarming series that follows Abhishek Tripathi, an engineering graduate who takes a job as a Panchayat Secretary in a remote village in Uttar Pradesh. Jitendra Kumar shines again in this series. The series is a lighthearted yet insightful look at rural life in India, exploring themes of bureaucracy, corruption, and the challenges faced by rural communities.
What to Expect: Humor, heartwarming moments, relatable characters, and a glimpse into the everyday lives of people in rural India.

7. Delhi Crime (Netflix):

Genre: Crime, Drama
Platform: Netflix
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Delhi Crime is a gripping and unflinching depiction of the aftermath of the 2012 Delhi gang rape. Shefali Shah delivers a powerful performance as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, the officer tasked with solving the case. The series is based on real events and provides a raw and realistic portrayal of the investigation, the challenges faced by the police, and the impact of the crime on society.
What to Expect: Intense drama, realistic portrayal of police procedures, and a powerful exploration of the themes of justice, gender violence, and societal responsibility.

8. Aspirants (YouTube):

Genre: Drama, Coming-of-Age
Platform: YouTube
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Aspirants follows the lives of three friends preparing for the UPSC civil services exam, showcasing their struggles, sacrifices, and the immense pressure they face. The series is relatable, insightful, and offers a poignant reflection on the dreams and aspirations of young Indians.
What to Expect: Relatable characters, a realistic portrayal of the UPSC exam preparation process, and a touching exploration of friendship, ambition, and self-discovery.

9. Gullak (SonyLIV):

Genre: Comedy-Drama, Family
Platform: SonyLIV
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Gullak is a heartwarming and nostalgic series that revolves around the Mishra family, a middle-class family living in a small town in North India. The series captures the simple joys and everyday struggles of family life with humor and affection.
What to Expect: Lighthearted humor, relatable family dynamics, heartwarming moments, and a nostalgic glimpse into small-town India.

10. Rocket Boys (SonyLIV):

Genre: Historical Drama, Biographical
Platform: SonyLIV
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Rocket Boys chronicles the lives and contributions of two pioneering scientists, Homi J. Bhabha and Vikram Sarabhai, who played pivotal roles in shaping India’s nuclear and space programs. The series is meticulously researched, visually stunning, and offers a fascinating insight into a crucial period in Indian history.
What to Expect: Historical accuracy, strong performances, visually appealing cinematography, and an inspiring story of scientific innovation and national pride.

11. Yeh Meri Family (TVF):

Genre: Comedy-Drama, Family
Platform: TVFPlay, YouTube
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Yeh Meri Family is a nostalgic trip back to the 1990s, seen through the eyes of a 12-year-old boy. The series beautifully captures the joys and challenges of growing up in a middle-class Indian family during that era.
What to Expect: Nostalgia, relatable characters, heartwarming family dynamics, and a charming portrayal of childhood memories.

12. Little Things (Netflix):

Genre: Romantic Comedy-Drama
Platform: Netflix
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Little Things is a slice-of-life series that follows the lives of a young couple, Dhruv and Kavya, as they navigate the ups and downs of modern relationships. The series is relatable, heartwarming, and offers a refreshing perspective on love, commitment, and personal growth.
What to Expect: Relatable characters, realistic portrayal of relationships, heartwarming moments, and a lighthearted and optimistic tone.

13. Permanent Roommates (TVF):

Genre: Romantic Comedy
Platform: TVFPlay, YouTube
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Permanent Roommates is considered one of the pioneers of Indian web series. It follows the story of Tanya and Mikesh, a long-distance couple who decide to live together. The series is funny, relatable, and offers a fresh take on modern relationships.
What to Expect: Lighthearted humor, relatable characters, realistic portrayal of relationships, and a feel-good atmosphere.

14. Made in Heaven (Amazon Prime Video):

Genre: Drama, Romance
Platform: Amazon Prime Video
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Made in Heaven offers a glimpse into the world of lavish Indian weddings while simultaneously exploring the complex lives of two wedding planners, Tara and Karan. The series is visually stunning, features strong performances, and tackles relevant social issues.
What to Expect: Visual spectacle, complex characters, social commentary, and a behind-the-scenes look at extravagant Indian weddings.

15. Special Ops (Disney+ Hotstar):

Genre: Action, Spy Thriller
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Special Ops is a gripping spy thriller that follows Himmat Singh, a RAW agent, as he investigates a series of terrorist attacks. Kay Kay Menon delivers a compelling performance as Himmat Singh. The series is action-packed, suspenseful, and offers a thrilling ride.
What to Expect: Action-packed sequences, suspenseful plot, international intrigue, and a focus on counter-terrorism operations.

16. Flames (MX Player):

Genre: Teen Romance, Drama
Platform: MX Player
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Flames is a sweet and innocent teen romance that follows the budding relationship between Rajat and Ishita. The series is relatable, heartwarming, and captures the excitement and awkwardness of first love.
What to Expect: Innocent romance, relatable characters, lighthearted humor, and a nostalgic trip back to high school days.

17. Tripling (TVF):

Genre: Comedy-Drama
Platform: TVFPlay, YouTube
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Tripling follows the story of three siblings, Chandan, Chanchal, and Chitvan, as they embark on a road trip. The series is funny, heartwarming, and explores the complexities of sibling relationships.
What to Expect: Lighthearted humor, relatable characters, sibling rivalry and bonding, and a road trip adventure.

18. Criminal Justice (Disney+ Hotstar):

Genre: Crime, Legal Drama
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Criminal Justice is an anthology series that explores the Indian legal system through different criminal cases. Each season features a new case and a new set of characters. The series is gripping, thought-provoking, and offers a realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system.
What to Expect: Intense drama, complex legal proceedings, realistic portrayal of the justice system, and exploration of moral dilemmas.

19. Asur (Voot):

Genre: Crime Thriller, Psychological Thriller
Platform: Voot
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Asur is a dark and gripping psychological thriller that blends mythology with forensic science. The series follows Nikhil Nair, a former forensic expert, as he returns to the CBI to hunt down a serial killer who uses ancient Indian mythology as inspiration for his crimes.
What to Expect: Dark and disturbing themes, intricate plot twists, strong performances, and a blend of mythology and modern crime investigation.

20. Cheesecake (TVF):

Genre: Comedy-Drama
Platform: TVFPlay, YouTube
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Cheesecake is a heartwarming and feel-good series about a couple whose lives are transformed by a stray dog named Cheesecake. The series is lighthearted, relatable, and offers a positive message about kindness and compassion.
What to Expect: Heartwarming moments, relatable characters, a focus on animal welfare, and a feel-good atmosphere.

21. Engineering Girls (The Timeliners):

Genre: Comedy-Drama
Platform: YouTube (The Timeliners)
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Engineering Girls follows the lives of three female engineering students as they navigate college life, friendships, and personal challenges. The series is funny, relatable, and offers a refreshing perspective on the experiences of women in STEM fields.
What to Expect: Relatable characters, realistic portrayal of college life, humorous situations, and a focus on female empowerment.

22. TVF Pitchers (TVF):

Genre: Comedy-Drama
Platform: TVFPlay, YouTube
Why it’s a Must-Watch: TVF Pitchers follows the story of four friends who quit their jobs to start their own company. The series is funny, insightful, and offers a realistic portrayal of the challenges and rewards of entrepreneurship.
What to Expect: Lighthearted humor, relatable characters, a realistic portrayal of startup culture, and a focus on friendship and ambition.

23. Immature (MX Player):

Genre: Teen Comedy-Drama
Platform: MX Player
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Immature is a coming-of-age story that follows Dhruv, a teenager, as he navigates the challenges of adolescence, friendship, and first love. The series is funny, relatable, and offers a nostalgic look back at teenage years.
What to Expect: Relatable characters, humorous situations, a realistic portrayal of teenage life, and a nostalgic atmosphere.

24. Hundred (Disney+ Hotstar):

Genre: Action Comedy
Platform: Disney+ Hotstar
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Hundred is an action-comedy series that follows Netra Patil, a terminally ill woman, as she becomes an undercover agent alongside ACP Saumya Shukla. The series is funny, action-packed, and offers a unique take on the crime-fighting genre.
What to Expect: Action-packed sequences, humorous situations, strong female leads, and a unique premise.

25. Bard of Blood (Netflix):

Genre: Spy Thriller
Platform: Netflix
Why it’s a Must-Watch: Bard of Blood, produced by Shah Rukh Khan, is a spy thriller that follows Kabir Anand, a former intelligence officer, as he embarks on a dangerous mission to rescue captured Indian spies. Emraan Hashmi delivers a compelling performance as Kabir Anand. The series is action-packed, suspenseful, and offers a thrilling ride.
What to Expect: Action-packed sequences, suspenseful plot, international intrigue, and a focus on espionage and counter-terrorism.

Conclusion:

This list provides a glimpse into the rich and diverse world of Indian web series. The sheer variety of genres, narratives, and characters showcased in these shows is a testament to the growing talent and creativity within the Indian entertainment industry. Whether you’re looking for a gripping crime thriller, a heartwarming coming-of-age story, or a lighthearted comedy, there’s an Indian web series out there for you. So, explore this list, discover your new favorite show, and join the millions of viewers who are captivated by the ever-evolving landscape of Indian digital entertainment. Happy watching!

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