Best Netflix series: 35 top TV shows to watch

These are the best Netflix series to watch. Get bingeing...

Best Netflix series: on TV in living room with family watching
(Image credit: Netflix)

We've rounded up 35 of the best Netflix series to watch. From hard-hitting shows to dramatic series and ones that'll make you laugh, there's something for everyone on this best streaming service

Don't have Netflix (yet)? You're missing out! This incredible streaming service starts from just £5.99 monthly. Bargain. Subscribe below – you won't regret it. Keep scrolling for our best Netflix series recommendations.

Netflix | From £5.99 per month

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Try Netflix now for just £5.99 per month to watch the best films, TV shows and documentaries around. Oh, and Netflix Originals such as Stranger Things, You, The Stranger, Don't F**ck With Cats, Sex Education and more.

Head over to our streaming page for more recommendations on what to watch, where. From Netflix to Disney+ and Amazon Prime.

35. The Order

With two seasons available to watch on Netflix now, The Order follows students at Belgrave University who are part of a fabled secret society. We're talking magic and monsters, and that's just the beginning. Campus murders, family secrets and an underground battle between werewolves and practitioners of dark magic. You'll be hooked after the first few episodes, trust us.

34. Eurovision Song Contest: The Story of Fire Saga

Starring Will Ferrel, Rachel McAdams and Pierce Brosnan among many other famous faces, this movie is all about Eurovision and focuses on two applicants from Iceland. It's hilarious, will definitely get you singing a long and honestly, it's not as bad as it sounds. Well worth a watch.

33. 100 Humans

This one-off series is a science experiment conducted on – you guessed it: 100 humans. All humans are American and come from diverse backgrounds. In eight episodes you'll have all of your budding questions answered as the series tries to answer questions on age, sex, happiness and more. What IS the correct way to hang toilet roll... over or under?

32. Black Mirror

Named after the way your phone, TV, tablet and laptop look when they're turned off, Black Mirror is an anthology of stand-alone episodes that explore technology and the potential threat it brings to all aspects of our lives. Immensely gripping and thought provoking, each twisted and imaginative story will have you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning the world as we know it. It's one that will stay on your mind for days, always the sign of a winner!

31. Snowpiercer

Snowpiercer is very new to Netflix. From the creators of Parasite, this series stars Chris Evans, Tilda Swinton, Kang-Ho Song, John Hurt, Jamie Bell and several other famous faces. It follows the survivors of Earth's second age Ice Age. These people live out their days on a luxury train, and over the years they've become segregated by class. The elite live in extravagant front cars, while the poor are forced to live in the squalid caboose. Unsurprisingly, the poor plan to improve their lives by taking over the engine room. As for the rest of the story, you'll have to watch and see...

30. Schitt's Creek

Suddenly broke, the formerly filthy rich Rose family is reduced to living in a ramshackle motel in a town they once bought as a joke: Schitt's Creek. After watching the first few episodes you may find yourself announcing "well I can't take to any of these characters", but hang in there as it's all about personal growth and character development - it's joyous and kind and really funny. Catch up while you can!

29. Workin' Moms

Workin' Moms is back for a fourth season. Episodes are around 20 minutes so binge-watching is easy. Workin' Moms is a Canadian sitcom that follows a group of – you guessed it: working mothers – who meet at a judgmental mommies' group. Four moms at the group realise they have a lot more in common than the others and become friends. This series follows the four moms as they try and balance work life, family life, their love lives and their social lives. It's funny, truthful and it's based on true experiences!

28. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)

A Spanish Netflix series that's come to UK screens by popular demand, Money Heist is a binge-worthy series with twists like you've never seen before. If you can look past the dubbing, you'll get into it in no time. Named Money Heist for a reason, the series follows a group of unique robbers as they commit the most perfect crime and take home 2.4 billion euros. The new series has just landed on Netflix, ready for you to binge.

27. Unbelievable 

The most accurate title for any series EVER. Based on a true story, this harrowing series follows a rape accusation made by a young girl, and the highs and lows of the police dealing with this. You'll be screaming at the TV at how badly things are handled, and gasping in shock at the turn of events. Not for the faint hearted, if you're self isolating on your own, do not watch this in the dark!

26. Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt

If a light-hearted comedy is what you're after, this is the one for you. After 15 years of being imprisoned in a bunker, Kimmy builds up her new life in New York City. Crazy plotlines, lovable characters and joke after joke make it a series you can watch over and over again. 

25. You

A story about a book keeper with devilish good looks and a charming nature who will do anything for the girl he loves. Sounds adorable? It's not. This psycho stalker becomes dangerously obsessed. Take it with a pinch of salt and you'll be addicted from episode one. 

24. Dark

A German town is turned upside down when two local boys go missing. As their families are torn apart in a bid to find their missing sons, one young man finds himself at the centre of the mystery, tangled in a web of secrets that spans generations. We can't say much more without ruining the plot and unveiling one of its many twists, but what we can say is that it has one of the most haunting pieces of intro music and has us hoping that the first German original series for Netflix is definitely not the last. Oh, and watch it in German audio with English subtitles – the American dubbed version doesn't quite match it for atmosphere.

23. New Girl

A new addition to Netflix but an already finished series is New Girl. This series follows an eccentric young Jess as she moves into an apartment with three men after a breakup. It's funny, episodes are around 25 minutes long and it stars Zooey Deschanel, Jake Johnson, Max Greenfield, Hannah Simone and Lamorne Morris as the main characters. You'll be hooked after just a few episodes, trust us.

22. Orange is the New Black

There's always something so intriguing about prison dramas, and this one is more relatable than most. An upper class, law abiding 30-something is sentenced to prison for a bad decision she made 10 years ago. Seeing prison though her eyes is fascinating, and the relationships she makes inside are even more so.  

21. Dead to Me

Season 2 of Dead to Me is now on Netflix. This series follows Jen (Christina Applegate) and Judy (Linda Cardellini) who have both recently lost someone they love. The pair meet and bond at counselling, although certain secrets are kept. This dark comedy series explores the weirdly funny sides of grief, loss and forgiveness. It's binge-worthy at 30 minutes an episode and Will Ferrell is an executive producer.

20. Jane the Virgin

Want an easy watch? This hilarious comedy explores a very unlikely situation – a young and innocent Latino girl gets pregnant, without ever having had sex. An artificial insemination mistake changes her (and her boyfriend's!) lives forever. You'll be wincing behind a cushion and laughing your head off. Get your girl friends to watch it too so you'll have more to talk about than just what you had for dinner!

19. Dynasty

The third season of Dynasty is now on Netflix. Following America's wealthiest families – the Carringtons and the Colbys – this show stars Elizabeth Gillies, Nathalie Kelley, Grant Show, Ana Brenda Contreras and Adam Huber. 

18. Narcos

In this dramatic telling of the life of Colombia's (and maybe the world's) most infamous drug lord, we see just how Pablo Escobar rose – and ultimately fell – from power through the eyes of an American DEA officer. While some fact may have been elaborated on for the screen, the show is interweaved with authentic footage documenting the war on drugs in Bogotá in the late 80s. Gripping and incredibly eye-opening, this is one for true crime fans – oh and it helps you brush up on your Spanish.

17. The Good Place

Oh, fork! Starring Kristen Bell, Jameela Jamil and Ted Danson to name a few famous faces, this NBC series sees four people who have recently died, arrive in the afterlife known as The Good Place. We don't want to give too much away, but as Eleanor Shellstrap – Kristen Bell – soon realises she doesn't belong in The Good Place, she tries her hardest to fit in and better herself – behaviour and ethics-wise. As the neighbourhood and its other residents start to notice something is wrong, will she admit she doesn't fit in?

Also, It has officially finished filming so all four series are on Netflix, ready to be binge-watched. 

16. After Life

Everyone whose anyone is talking about After Life. Season 2 has just landed on Netflix, ready to be binged immediately. This Netflix Original series will have you crying happy and sad tears, and it features famous faces such as Ricky Gervais, Paul Kaye, Kerry Godliman and David Bradley. It follows a man called Tony (Ricky Gervais) who has a seemingly perfect life until his wife suddenly dies. His new outlook on life is to say whatever and do whatever he likes, without caring about the consequences. And if we haven't said his name enough already, Ricky Gervais also created, produced and directed After Life.

15. Breaking Bad

No list of Netflix series would be complete without Breaking Bad – the Netflix original that many of us would say got our commitment to subscribe to the streaming service. Incase you don't know, it tells the tale of a chemistry teacher who has been diagnosed with terminal cancer. What starts out as a quest to ensure his family are looked after financially on his death, becomes an battle between him and cartels, the DEA and – ironically – his own relatives. So good it has spawned a spin off series (Better Call Saul) and a feature length film (El Camino), its a modern-day tragedy with great character development and some of the most memorable scenes of recent TV history.

14. White Lines

White Lines is a brand new Netflix series from the creator of the popular Money Heist. It follows Zoe Walker, a woman who desperately wants to discover how her brother died 20 years ago. He was a DJ in Ibiza and mysteriously went missing. She heads to Ibiza and isn't planning on leaving until she got what she came for. No matter who's in her path. Laura Haddock has the starring role...

13. Atypical 

A coming-of-age story following 18 year old Sam, who's on the autistic spectrum. As he decides he wants to start dating, his family are coming to terms with the fact that their son may no longer need them 24/7. Romance can be hard enough, but when you see the world differently, it's a whole different ball game. A sensitive insight into autism, and a funny, heart-warming series. 

12. Good Girls

Top of our list for good reason, this TV series follows three American Mums who are struggling to balance work life, social life and their finances. So, they rob a bank! This isn't the only crazy thing they get up to, but we don't want to ruin it, of course. Starring Christina Hendricks, Retta and Mae Whitman as the three Mums, this show will have you laughing until your belly hurts and itching to watch the next episode. The things you do for your kids... apparently? The third series comes out soon – better catch up before!

11. Modern Family

Yessss, Modern Family seasons one to seven are now on Netflix! This extremely binge-worthy series follows three very different families. Dad Jay is at the heart of the families with his new wife Gloria and her son Manny. Then comes Jay's daughter, Claire, with her husband Phil and three children Hayley, Alex and Luke. And lastly, Jay's son Mitchel and his husband Cameron with their daughter Lily. It'll make you laugh, cry and everything in between. There are 11 seasons all in all and the last ever episode was only recently aired. Get watching!

10. The Crown

If you haven't watched this yet, eerm where have you been? Right now is the perfect time to get stuck into the historical drama. The show traces the life of Queen Elizabeth II, from her marriage to the Duke of Edinburgh in 1947, right up to present day. Discover the human story behind royal decisions, all brought to life by a delicate sound track, outstanding acting and beautiful outfits. Just the escapism we need right now.

9. Peaky Blinders

This one gets a 'whoop whoop' from the members of the Real Homes team that are based near Birmingham! Incase you didn't know, the Peaky Blinders were a notorious gangster family in 1920s, post war Birmingham, and the series delves into the criminal acts they got up to. Sex, drugs and not so much rock and roll, but bar brawls and gun fights aplenty – one for anyone who loves a period drama with an edge. 

8. Sex Education

Teenage years are awkward enough, but when your mum is a sex therapist, that's just a whole new level. Cashing in by giving underground sex therapy of his own alongside misunderstood Maeve, the protagonist Otis juggles his teen dilemmas with patience and wisdom beyond his years. The series follows the trials and tribulations of relationships of all ages, discovering your sexual identity, testing friendships and so much more. Definitely not one to watch with your parents/ children – as the name suggests, it gets rather raunchy!

7. Russian Doll

On the surface, a comedy about a woman who keeps dying and coming back to life. Look deeper and you'll see it's much more than that. The co-creater and main actor is a recovering drug addict, whose real life story reflects that of the character's. The repetition, over use of bathroom scenes and frustrating monotony becomes a reflection on the overwhelming, all-consuming nature of being an addict. A true work of art.

6. Our Planet

One silver lining of the crazy situation we're living through at the moment is that our our environment is getting a breather. If you want to tap into these positive vibes, there's no better way than by watching Our Planet. Marvel at the wonder of wildlife that you didn't even know existed, and get lost in the voice of the story-telling icon that is David Attenborough. We could listen to him all day long... A kaleidoscope of colour and a visual delight, the perfect escape from our current human problems!

5. Maniac

What if science could solve mental health problems? Maniac explores exactly that. Two troubled characters turn to a pharmaceutical trial, which promises to alter their mind for the better without any consequences. Things, however, don't quite go according to plan... 

4. Ozark

This crime/drama series follows the Byrde family as they relocate from Chicago to a summer resort community in the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. We're yet to hear a bad word about this gripping series and Jason Bateman stars as the main character. As does Laura Linney, Julia Garner, Lisa Emery and more. Catch up now!

3. Queer Eye

A spin-off of the TV series, Queer Eye for the Straight Guy, gay professionals and style gurus lend their knowledge to people of varying backgrounds to transform their lives in ways they never even knew they needed transforming.  Whether it's fashion, beauty or interiors, it's a hilarious, heart warming watch as various cultures collide. Obviously we are big Bobby Berk fans and can't wait to see his next home makeover reveal, but the whole team have us laughing/crying/swooning on repeat. The perfect show to watch with a glass of wine on Netflix Party with your pals. 

2. Brooklyn Nine-Nine

An oldie but a goodie, Brooklyn Nine-Nine has returned to our screens for a SEVENTH season! If you're looking for something that's easy to watch and to make you laugh, this series is it. We started it ourselves just before lockdown and have already caught up. You may actually consider a career change after watching...

1. Stranger Things

Be transported to 1980s Indiana (and beyond...) as a group of friends battle against supernatural forces. Set against a rocking soundtrack, awks fashion choices and some adorably cringe tween romances, Stranger Things is best described as a sci-fi take on the Goonies. It is seriously scary in places, but equally feel good at other times – if you have older teens it could be a great family watch.

How to get Netflix:

Netflix | From £5.99 per month

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Try Netflix now for just £5.99 per month to watch the best films, TV shows and documentaries around. Oh, and Netflix Originals such as Stranger Things, You, The Stranger, Don't F**ck With Cats, Sex Education and more.

Netflix is available as an app on most Smart TVs, tablets and your can access the Netflix site on your computer. You can also get the app on a number of streaming devices which you plug into your TV – see the best deals on these below.

One you have accessed Netflix, you will need to subscribe. Plans start from £5.99 and you can have family accounts for multiple users.

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Annie Collyer
Head Ecommerce Editor

Hi! I'm Annie, and I'm the Head Ecommerce Editor at Real Homes. I've been part of the Real Homes team since 2018, when I joined as Deals Editor. Along with covering major sales events — from Black Friday to Amazon Prime Day — I review home must-haves so that you can buy with peace of mind. Mostly focusing on home fragrance and sleep, as well as a few vacuum cleaners, I've tested pretty much every item you can think of that you need in your home. I live on the outskirts of the city in a two-bed apartment with my husband and my pug, Doug. So I am always searching for compact alternatives and ways to save floor space. What about when I am not typing away? Well, you'll find me enjoying an iced coffee (no matter the season) and trying out the latest brunch spots the city has to offer, or booking my next holiday. Where else can you find my words? Livingetc, Homes & Gardens, Ideal Home, Gardeningetc, and Woman & Home.

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