Top 20 Netflix TV Series of All Time

Streaming has revolutionized television, and Netflix stands as a pioneering force in that transformation. Since its venture into original programming, the platform has delivered some of the most critically acclaimed and globally beloved television series. Whether you're looking for gripping thrillers, award-winning dramas, or innovative sci-fi adventures, Netflix's library includes shows that have captivated audiences worldwide and earned their place in television history.​

1. Squid Game

Squid Game sits atop Netflix's most-watched content with 1.65 billion hours viewed in its first 28 days, making it the largest TV show in Netflix history by a significant margin. This South Korean phenomenon follows hundreds of cash-strapped players competing in deadly children's games for a life-changing prize. Created by Hwang Dong-hyuk, the series combines visceral entertainment with sharp social commentary on inequality and capitalism. The show's sequel season has already become the third most successful Netflix series, proving the franchise's enduring global appeal.​

2. Wednesday

This Addams Family spinoff became an instant phenomenon when it debuted on Netflix. Wednesday Addams investigates a murder spree while navigating high school life at Nevermore Academy, bringing a fresh, sarcastic energy to a beloved property. Season one accumulated 1.196 billion viewing hours in its first 28 days, making it one of Netflix's most successful series ever.​

3. Stranger Things

Stranger Things has become a cultural juggernaut since its 2016 debut, particularly with season four, which garnered 1.352 billion viewing hours. This sci-fi horror series set in 1980s Indiana follows a group of young friends uncovering extraordinary mysteries involving supernatural forces and government conspiracies. With eight million IMDb ratings and an impressive 8.6 score, the show remains a fan favorite heading into its fifth and final season.​

4. Bridgerton

Netflix's period romance powerhouse has captivated millions of viewers worldwide. The original Bridgerton accumulated 2.279 billion viewing hours and spawned the successful spinoff Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story. The series blends Regency-era elegance with contemporary themes, creating engaging character-driven narratives that resonate across demographics.​

5. The Crown

The Crown achieved an impressive 8.6 IMDb rating across its five seasons. This epic historical drama chronicles the reign of Queen Elizabeth II and her family's personal and political struggles, featuring standout performances from Claire Foy and Olivia Colman.​

6. Breaking Bad

While originally an AMC production, Breaking Bad has found a massive audience on Netflix and stands as one of the platform's most celebrated shows. The series follows chemistry teacher Walter White's transformation into a methamphetamine manufacturer, delivering one of television's greatest character arcs.​

7. Dark

This German science fiction thriller achieved an exceptional 8.7 IMDb rating and offers a mind-bending exploration of time travel, family dynamics, and the consequences of altering the past. Dark captivated viewers with its intricate plotting and unique storytelling approach.​

8. Narcos

Narcos maintains an impressive 8.7 IMDb rating and chronicles the rise and fall of Colombian drug lord Pablo Escobar. Pedro Pascal's performance as DEA agent Javier Peña drives this gripping narrative about ambition, corruption, and justice. The series spawned the equally acclaimed Narcos: Mexico, continuing the story with the Cali Cartel.​

9. Black Mirror

Reaching an 8.7 IMDb rating with over 712,000 reviews, Black Mirror stands as Netflix's most iconic anthology series. This dark exploration of technology's impact on humanity has earned critical acclaim and numerous Emmy nominations throughout its seven seasons.​

10. House of Cards

House of Cards helped launch Netflix's original programming era with an impressive 8.6 IMDb rating across six seasons. Kevin Spacey's Frank Underwood remains one of television's most memorable anti-heroes as he navigates Washington's political landscape through ruthless ambition and manipulation.​

11. The Queen's Gambit

This limited series about chess prodigy Beth Harmon achieved an exceptional 8.5 IMDb rating with over 635,000 reviews. The show beautifully captures the 1960s while exploring themes of addiction, identity, and the pressures facing gifted individuals. It accumulated 746.4 million viewing hours, demonstrating its broad appeal beyond chess enthusiasts.​

12. Ozark

Ozark scored an 8.4 IMDb rating across four intense seasons, following financial planner Marty Byrde's involvement with drug cartels in the Missouri Ozarks. The series delivered acclaimed performances and complex character development that kept audiences engaged throughout its run.​

13. Mindhunter

With an 8.6 IMDb rating, Mindhunter explores the formation of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit in the late 1970s. Jonathan Groff leads a stellar cast in this psychological crime thriller that delves into the minds of serial killers. Despite its critical success, Netflix cancelled the series after two seasons, leaving fans wanting more.​

14. The Last Kingdom

Achieving an 8.5 IMDb rating, The Last Kingdom chronicles Vikings, Saxon warfare, and the birth of England. This historical epic garnered 182,000 reviews on IMDb and maintained strong viewership across five seasons.​

15. Peaky Blinders

Set in post-World War I Birmingham, Peaky Blinders follows the criminal exploits of the titular gang with an 8.4 IMDb rating. Cillian Murphy's portrayal of Tommy Shelby became iconic, and the series consistently appeared on critics' best-of lists throughout its five-season run.​

16. Daredevil

Daredevil achieved an impressive 8.6 IMDb rating with over 515,000 reviews, standing as one of Netflix's earliest Marvel successes. Charlie Cox's nuanced portrayal of Matt Murdock and the show's innovative action choreography set the standard for superhero television.​

17. Arcane

This League of Legends adaptation earned a remarkable 9.0 IMDb rating with over 419,000 reviews, proving that video game adaptations can achieve critical acclaim. The animated series visually dazzles while delivering compelling storytelling about sisters on opposite sides of a conflict.​

18. The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House combines horror, drama, and family trauma with exceptional cinematography and performances. Episode six particularly stands out as a technical achievement in television, told entirely as a single continuous shot. The series launched creator Mike Flanagan's successful partnership with Netflix.​

19. Dahmer: Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story

This limited series accumulated 1.031 billion viewing hours, becoming one of Netflix's most-watched limited series ever. The show explored the life of serial killer Jeffrey Dahmer while examining systemic failures that allowed his crimes to continue.​

20. The Witcher

The Witcher achieved an 8.3 IMDb rating and brought Henry Cavill's Geralt of Rivia to life with fantasy world-building and compelling monster-hunting narratives. The series adapted the beloved book series and video game franchise for a new audience.​

Honorable Mentions

Several other exceptional series deserve recognition. Unbelievable (8.3 IMDb rating) tackled sexual assault with sensitivity and power. Our Planet achieved a stunning 9.2 IMDb rating as a nature documentary hosted by David Attenborough. When They See Us earned an 8.8 IMDb rating for its powerful examination of the Central Park Five case. Money Heist and Lupin became global phenomena with their heist narratives. The Queen's Gambit delivered an exceptional limited series experience. Sacred Games achieved an 8.5 rating as a critically acclaimed Indian thriller.​

Conclusion

Netflix's greatest television series represent the streaming platform's evolution from a content distributor to a content creator rivaling traditional studios. From international phenomena like Squid Game to award-winning dramas like The Crown and The Queen's Gambit, these shows demonstrate Netflix's commitment to diverse storytelling across genres and cultures. Whether you're revisiting classics or discovering series for the first time, these top 20 shows offer something for every viewer.