37 Best Netflix Series to Watch Right Now. Netflix, the reigning champion of streaming, is a veritable treasure trove of entertainment. But with such a vast library, choosing your next series can feel like navigating a labyrinth. Fear not, fellow binge-watcher! This comprehensive guide will cut through the noise and spotlight 37 of the absolute best Netflix series to watch right now, catering to a wide range of tastes and moods. So grab your snacks, settle in, and prepare to discover your next obsession.
We’ve broken down this list by genre to help you find exactly what you’re craving. From gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, and thrilling mysteries to captivating documentaries, there’s something here for everyone.
Dramas That Will Hook You From Episode One:
The Crown:
(Historical Drama) A lavish and meticulously researched historical drama chronicling the reign of Queen Elizabeth II. Beyond the pomp and circumstance, “The Crown” delves into the personal and political challenges faced by the Royal Family. Expect stunning visuals, brilliant performances, and a fascinating glimpse into modern history.
Why Watch? Impeccably crafted and deeply engaging, even if you’re not typically a fan of historical dramas.
Peaky Blinders:
(Crime Drama) Set in post-World War I Birmingham, England, this stylish and gritty series follows the Shelby family, a notorious gang known as the Peaky Blinders, led by the cunning and ambitious Thomas Shelby. Expect violence, political intrigue, and a killer soundtrack.
Why Watch? Cillian Murphy’s captivating performance as Thomas Shelby, coupled with the show’s unique atmosphere, makes it utterly addictive.
Ozark:
(Crime Drama) A financial advisor drags his family from Chicago to the Missouri Ozarks to launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. “Ozark” is a masterclass in suspense, with morally ambiguous characters and increasingly dangerous situations.
Why Watch? Gripping from start to finish, with outstanding performances from Jason Bateman and Laura Linney. Prepare for constant edge-of-your-seat moments.
Squid Game:
(Thriller/Survival Drama) In debt and desperate, hundreds of players accept a strange invitation to compete in children’s games. Inside, a tempting prize awaits — but with deadly high stakes.
Why Watch? A cultural phenomenon that tackles themes of inequality and desperation, “Squid Game” is a thrilling and thought-provoking watch.
Bridgerton:
(Romance/Period Drama) Based on Julia Quinn’s novels, “Bridgerton” follows the scandalous lives of eight siblings from the powerful Bridgerton family as they navigate London’s high society in search of love.
Why Watch? A visually stunning and utterly charming period drama with a modern sensibility. Perfect for those who enjoy romance, drama, and witty dialogue.
Queen’s Gambit:
(Coming-of-Age Drama) In a 1950s orphanage, a young Beth Harmon discovers an astonishing talent for chess while struggling with addiction. “Queen’s Gambit” is a beautifully crafted and inspiring story of perseverance and self-discovery.
Why Watch? Anya Taylor-Joy’s mesmerizing performance, combined with the show’s stunning visuals and compelling storyline, makes it a must-watch.
Bloodline:
(Thriller/Family Drama) The Rayburns are a respected family in the Florida Keys, but dark secrets lurk beneath the surface. When the eldest son, Danny, returns home, tensions rise and long-buried conflicts resurface.
Why Watch? A slow-burn thriller with complex characters and a haunting atmosphere. The ensemble cast, including Kyle Chandler and Ben Mendelsohn, delivers exceptional performances.
Mindhunter:
(Crime/Thriller) Two FBI agents delve into the minds of serial killers to understand their motivations and develop new profiling techniques. “Mindhunter” is a chilling and intellectually stimulating series that offers a fascinating glimpse into the psychology of criminal behavior.
Why Watch? Based on true events, “Mindhunter” is a meticulously researched and unsettling exploration of the darkest corners of the human mind.
Comedies to Lift Your Spirits:
The Good Place:
(Comedy/Fantasy) After dying, Eleanor Shellstrop finds herself in the “Good Place,” a utopian afterlife. However, she quickly realizes that she’s been mistakenly placed there and must hide her true, less-than-perfect nature.
Why Watch? A hilarious and surprisingly philosophical comedy that explores themes of morality, ethics, and the meaning of life.
Arrested Development:
(Comedy) The Bluth family, once wealthy and privileged, loses everything when the patriarch is arrested for fraud. “Arrested Development” is a brilliantly absurd and endlessly quotable comedy with a stellar ensemble cast.
Why Watch? It’s clever writing, quirky characters, and running gags make it a comedy classic.
Parks and Recreation:
(Comedy) A mockumentary-style sitcom following the lives and careers of the employees of the Parks and Recreation Department in the fictional town of Pawnee, Indiana.
Why Watch? A heartwarming and hilarious show that celebrates the power of public service and the importance of friendship.
Schitt’s Creek:
(Comedy) A wealthy family loses their fortune and is forced to relocate to Schitt’s Creek, a small town they once bought as a joke. “Schitt’s Creek” is a heartwarming and hilarious story of personal growth and finding family in unexpected places.
Why Watch? Its sharp writing, endearing characters, and heartwarming storylines have made it a beloved comedy.
Sex Education:
(Comedy/Drama) A socially awkward high school student provides sex advice to his classmates, despite being a virgin himself. “Sex Education” is a funny, insightful, and sex-positive series that tackles important issues related to adolescence, relationships, and identity.
Why Watch? Its relatable characters, witty writing, and honest portrayal of teenage life make it a must-watch for young adults and anyone who remembers the awkwardness of adolescence.
Master of None:
(Comedy/Drama) Follows the personal and professional life of Dev Shah, a 30-year-old actor in New York City. “Master of None” is a funny, insightful, and often poignant exploration of modern relationships, cultural identity, and the challenges of adulthood.
Why Watch? Aziz Ansari’s unique comedic voice, combined with the show’s realistic portrayal of urban life, makes it a refreshing and engaging watch.
GLOW:
(Comedy/Drama) In the 1980s, in Los Angeles, a group of women with diverse backgrounds came together to form the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling (GLOW). “GLOW” is a funny, empowering, and heartwarming series that celebrates female friendship and self-discovery.
Why Watch? Its vibrant characters, nostalgic setting, and inspiring storylines make it a truly enjoyable watch.
Mysteries and Thrillers to Keep You Guessing:
Dark:
(Sci-Fi/Thriller) The disappearance of two young children in a small German town unravels a web of secrets that span generations. “Dark” is a complex and mind-bending series that explores themes of time travel, destiny, and free will.
Why Watch? Its intricate plot, atmospheric visuals, and philosophical depth make it a truly unforgettable viewing experience. Be prepared to take notes!
Stranger Things:
(Sci-Fi/Horror) Set in the 1980s, “Stranger Things” follows a group of young friends as they investigate the disappearance of one of their own and encounter supernatural forces.
Why Watch? A nostalgic and thrilling series with a captivating storyline, memorable characters, and plenty of 80s pop culture references.
The Haunting of Hill House:
(Horror) A family haunted by traumatic memories of their time living in Hill House returns to confront the ghosts of their past. “The Haunting of Hill House” is a chilling and emotionally resonant series that explores themes of grief, family, and the lingering effects of trauma.
Why Watch? Its atmospheric setting, compelling characters, and genuinely frightening moments make it a must-watch for horror fans.
You:
(Thriller) A charming bookstore manager develops a dangerous obsession with a young woman he meets. “You” is a suspenseful and darkly comedic thriller that explores themes of stalking, obsession, and the dark side of social media.
Why Watch? Penn Badgley’s chilling portrayal of Joe Goldberg, combined with the show’s suspenseful plot, makes it a captivating and disturbing watch.
The Sinner:
(Crime/Mystery) Each season of “The Sinner” follows Detective Harry Ambrose as he investigates a different, seemingly inexplicable crime. Why Watch? A character-driven mystery with a compelling lead in Bill Pullman. Each season offers a fresh and intriguing case that will keep you guessing until the very end.
Unbelievable:
(Crime/Drama) Based on a true story, “Unbelievable” follows a young woman who is accused of fabricating a rape report and the two female detectives who investigate a series of similar assaults.
Why Watch? A powerful and important series that explores themes of victim-blaming, police misconduct, and the importance of believing survivors of sexual assault.
Bodyguard:
(Political Thriller) A troubled war veteran is assigned to protect a controversial politician. “Bodyguard” is a gripping and suspenseful political thriller that explores themes of terrorism, political corruption, and the psychological toll of war.
Why Watch? Richard Madden’s captivating performance, combined with the show’s intense plot twists, makes it a thrilling and addictive watch.
Sci-Fi and Fantasy to Transport You to Other Worlds:
The Witcher:
(Fantasy) Geralt of Rivia, a mutated monster hunter, struggles to find his place in a world where people often prove more wicked than beasts. “The Witcher” is a dark and action-packed fantasy series with a compelling storyline and memorable characters.
Why Watch? Henry Cavill’s charismatic performance as Geralt, combined with the show’s stunning visuals and epic scope, makes it a must-watch for fantasy fans.
Black Mirror:
(Sci-Fi Anthology) Each episode of “Black Mirror” presents a different standalone story exploring the dark side of technology and its impact on society.
Why Watch? Thought-provoking and often unsettling, “Black Mirror” is a series that will stay with you long after you’ve finished watching.
Sweet Tooth:
(Fantasy/Adventure) In a post-apocalyptic world, a young boy who is part human and part deer embarks on a dangerous journey to find others like him. “Sweet Tooth” is a heartwarming and visually stunning series that explores themes of hope, resilience, and the importance of family.
Why Watch? Its charming characters, imaginative world-building, and uplifting storyline make it a delightful and engaging watch.
Anime Series to Dive Into:
Attack on Titan:
(Action/Fantasy) Humanity is on the brink of extinction as monstrous humanoids called Titans roam the land. Eren Yeager and his friends join the Scout Regiment to fight back and uncover the secrets of the Titans’ origins.
Why Watch? A thrilling and action-packed anime with a complex storyline, memorable characters, and stunning animation.
Death Note:
(Thriller/Mystery) A brilliant high school student discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. He sets out to create a world free of crime, but his actions are challenged by a genius detective known as L.
Why Watch? A psychological thriller with a compelling storyline, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes about justice and morality.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba:
(Action/Fantasy) A young boy’s family is slaughtered by demons, and his sister is turned into one. He becomes a demon slayer to avenge his family and find a way to turn his sister back into a human.
Why Watch? Stunning animation, compelling characters, and exciting action sequences make this a must-watch for anime fans.
Documentaries to Expand Your Mind:
Our Planet:
(Nature Documentary) A breathtaking exploration of the natural world, showcasing the beauty and fragility of our planet and the impact of climate change.
Why Watch? Stunning visuals, captivating narration by David Attenborough, and a powerful message about conservation.
Tiger King: Murder, Mayhem and Madness:
(True Crime Documentary) A look into the bizarre and dangerous world of big cat breeding, focusing on the eccentric Joe Exotic and his feud with animal rights activist Carole Baskin.
Why Watch? A wild and unforgettable documentary that explores the dark underbelly of the exotic animal industry.
The Last Dance:
(Sports Documentary) A behind-the-scenes look at Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls’ legendary 1990s dynasty.
Why Watch? A compelling and insightful documentary that explores the pressures, triumphs, and controversies surrounding one of the greatest athletes of all time.
Making a Murderer:
(True Crime Documentary) A controversial documentary series that follows the case of Steven Avery, who was wrongly convicted of a crime and later accused of murder. Why Watch? A gripping and thought-provoking series that raises questions about the American justice system.
Reality TV (Because Sometimes You Just Need Some Lighthearted Drama):
Queer Eye:
(Reality TV) The Fab Five travel the country transforming the lives of everyday people through fashion, grooming, interior design, and culture.
Why Watch? A heartwarming and uplifting show that celebrates self-acceptance, inclusivity, and the power of human connection.
Selling Sunset:
(Reality TV) Follows the lives of a group of glamorous real estate agents as they navigate the cutthroat world of luxury real estate in Los Angeles. Why Watch? A guilty pleasure reality show filled with drama, beautiful homes, and stunning scenery.
Limited Series for a Quick and Satisfying Binge:
Maniac:
(Comedy/Drama/Sci-Fi) Two strangers connect during a pharmaceutical trial involving a series of mind-bending simulations. “Maniac” is a visually stunning and thought-provoking series that explores themes of mental illness, trauma, and the power of human connection.
Why Watch? Its surreal atmosphere, captivating performances from Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, and complex storyline make it a unique and unforgettable watch.
When They See Us:
(Drama/True Story) Based on the true story of the Central Park Five, a group of young black and Latino men who were wrongly accused and convicted of assaulting a woman in Central Park in 1989.
Why Watch? A powerful and important series that explores themes of racial injustice, police brutality, and the flaws in the American legal system.
Unorthodox:
(Drama) A young woman flees her arranged marriage in an ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin. “Unorthodox” is a moving and insightful series that explores themes of freedom, identity, and the challenges of breaking free from tradition. Why Watch? Shira Haas’s captivating performance, combined with the show’s intimate portrayal of a unique community, makes it a truly compelling watch.
Conclusion:
With such a diverse and expansive library, Netflix truly has something for everyone. This list is just a starting point, but hopefully, it’s given you some inspiration for your next binge-watching adventure. So, get comfortable, grab your remote, and prepare to be entertained! Happy watching! Remember to check back periodically as we’ll update this list with new and noteworthy series as they become available. And feel free to share your own Netflix recommendations in the comments below! We’re always looking for our next obsession.
