It seems forever since the birth of the Netflix Original in 2013, with the logo becoming commonplace for site users in recent years. It is also generally agreed that the quality of the shows they produce has dramatically increased over time, with countless of them now being big hits and household names.
With their new found respect has come a flurry of interest around previously modestly popular shows. This has been further helped by the current global situation, with way more people than normal having the time on their hands to binge an entire series in one day. With this in mind, we have broken down our favourite 20 Netflix Originals that we think you will love. To make it easier (for us and you) we have stuck to the true Originals, rather than shows that Netflix has bought the rights to mid-way through, and have steered clear of the extensive collection of foreign language shows that are available on the UK site. Let’s dive in!
20. Big Mouth
Bringing up the rear is the hilarious cartoon sitcom Big Mouth. Revolving around the lives of a group of teenage friends, the show explores the extensive horrors and wonders of puberty. The best part of the show are the kids’ sex obsessed ‘hormone monsters’, representations of their confusing and uncontrollable hormonal thoughts. The monsters are there to guide them through the difficult time, but are often the source of the humour with their questionable advice and opinions. It may seem silly and childish at first, but once you get into it you’ll be hooked.
19. Unorthodox
This miniseries came out earlier this year, and it made waves on Twitter when it did. The four-episode show revolves around nineteen year old Esty, who is living in Brooklyn in an unhappy and oppressive arranged marriage. She decides to run away on her own to Berlin, the home-place of her estranged mother, and attempts to start a new life. The show is a touching and alternative coming-of-age story highlighting the possibilities to find faith in new ways.
18. I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson
Up next is the American sketch show I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson. There are six different episodes, each of which is less than twenty minutes long. Each episode has different guest starts, including Andy Samberg, Sam Richardson and Fred Willard. The combination of so many comedic minds makes it impossible to watch without erupting into fits of laughter. It is a specific goofy kind of humour, but if you just need a little pick me up then this is perfect for you.
17. Unbelievable
This show is a bit more serious in tone, but it is definitely worth the watch. The show revolves around a series of rapes that have taken place in Washington State and Colorado. The hunt for the perpetrator is filled with frustrating, and seemingly obvious, mistakes by the police, that prolong the time period of the crimes. It deals with many real life issues, such as the effects of false reports, in a genuine and matter of fact way. It’s not an easy watch, but is equal parts interesting and thought provoking.
16. The Umbrella Academy
We have spoken about this one before at Trill, and we love it just as much now as we did then. Written by My Chemical Romance star Gerard Way, the show is an on-screen adaptation of the original comic book series. It follows a dysfunctional group of estranged superhero siblings who must come together to solve the mystery of their father’s death. It’s certainly a niche storyline, but once you get into it you’ll be hooked. The characters are likeable and funny, and there’s plenty of sibling drama along the way.
15. House of Cards
The original of all the Originals, House of Cards remains popular even this long after its 2013 debut. It is about American politics, and was adapted from the 1990 BBC series of the same name. The never ending twists and turns of the plot make it pretty wild, but they certainly add to the drama. It shows the dark-side to the American political structure, in a way that we can imagine isn’t too far from the truth. After the recent revelations, Kevin Spacey’s sinister character has taken on an unnerving real world comparison, but we can’t make an Original countdown without including the show that started the whole thing.
14. Orange is the New Black
Coming shortly after House of Cards in 2013 was Orange is the New Black. The show, dealing with the fractured nature of the American prison system explicitly, was one of the first of its kind. An adaptation of Piper Kerman’s memoir of the same name, it really shows the experience of women in the system from the perspective of a seemingly conforming citizen. It shows how the system can change a person, with Piper gradually becoming accustomed to the world behind bars. The show also tackles the corruption and privatisation of the system, and how this can affect the safety of the inmates. The final series was aired in 2019, but with a total of 91 episodes it it certainly binge-worthy.
13. Narcos
This epic crime thriller first aired in 2015, and has been a huge hit ever since. The first two seasons follow the life of legendary drug lord Pablo Escobar. They follow his corrupt business ventures and drug enterprises, whilst investigating there relationship between Escobar and other drug lords in America. The final series picks up after his fall and the police attempt the shut down the extensive Cali Cartel, this is where the show gets really gripping. The show’s use of archival video footage really adds dramatic effect and is a constant reminder that all the craziness really did happen.
12. The Crown
Up next is globally loved The Crown. The series is high-budget and was made to an extremely high standard, and it really shows. From videography to acting, it is hard to find fault with how the show was made. It covers the life of Queen Elizabeth II from a young age right up until the 21st century. Although it focusses largely on the personal life and relationships of the monarch, it does delve into some notable political issues. However, it received notable criticism for its lack of engagement with certain events, such as decolonisation and the breakdown of the British empire. This bodes well for the patriotic tone of the show, but does suggest a historical inaccuracy. But if you’re a royalist or a fan of a period drama, there is no question that this is the best Netflix show for you.
11. American Vandal
This series is a unique parody on the widely popular true crime documentaries, such as Making a Murderer. The mockumentary follows the events succeeding a school yard prank in which 27 vehicles, belonging to teachers, were spray painted with a variety of penises. Two sophomore students then take it upon themselves to conduct an investigation into the crime, with hilarious similarities drawn to techniques found in all of the popular true crime series. Aside from the investigation, the show become more of a satire of modern day high school and the criminal justice system that exists. It’s a unique combination of genres, but it works surprisingly well. The second series follows a similar storyline with a wildly different crime committed by “The Turd Burglar.”.
10. The Haunting of Hill House
This is one of the only proper horror series that Netflix have attempted, and they did a great job. It is loosely based on Shirley Jackson’s classic novel, but has a lot of plot adaptations. The show constantly switches between two time periods of the Crain family’s lives. It is emotionally charged as it shows the harsh realities of life that the children have had to face as they grew up, and delves into the idea of an unresolved problem from their childhood. It soon becomes clear that this issue is paranormal, and the siblings come together to finally confront their childhood house from which the loss stems. It is much more than a jumpy horror trying to startle audiences, with the disturbing events and psychological storylines sticking in your mind much longer than any of the violent imagery.
9. Dead to Me
Moving on from unique genres, I think this one takes the prize for the craziest storyline. Following the dysfunctional friendship of a recent widow who is grieving the death of her husband, and the woman who killed him, this show is anything but predictable. The two women are equally wild, and you can’t help but learn to love their crazy friendship. It is constantly flipping between light hearted comedy and dark rooted disasters, but does so in a seamless way with never ending plot twists. If you want some escape from striving to do everything right all of the time, then this one is definitely for you.
8. Master of None
This comedy drama sees the Parks and Recreation star Aziz Ansari team up with one of the show’s writers, Alan Yang. The pair have created a unique comedy which essentially examines the idea of unlimited choice, a concept that is definitely prevalent in today’s age. It manages to find humour in the largely dull first-world problems of middle class NYC citizens. The following season follows a similar concept but with Italy as its setting for a different angle. There are definitely certain episodes that stand out in comparison to others, but if you find the right ones it can be one of the most thought provoking comedies that Netflix has to offer.
7. The Witcher
By far the most solid fantasy series in the list, The Witcher made waves when it was released in late 2019. Based on the books, which later inspired the popular video game series, the show explores the medieval tale of the magical Geralt of Rivia. The first season is made up of eight episodes and follows the solitary monster hunter as he tries to navigate through a world saturated with evil. A huge focus of the plot is his intertwining destiny between the Witcher and Princess Ciri. It definitely isn’t the easiest show to follow out of the list, but if fantasy is your thing then this is a definite must-see.
6. When They See Us
Coming in at number six is the hugely discussed miniseries When They See Us. Based on the 1989 events surrounding the rape and assault of a woman in Central Park, the show emotionally explores the lives and experiences of the five boys who were falsely accused of the crime. It does so in a sensitive way, with numerous emotional performances. It is not an easy watch, but is a story that everybody should be aware of.
5. Stranger Things
It’s hard to believe that there are people out there who still haven’t watched Stranger Things, but if you haven’t, you really should. The sci-fi/horror/comedy/drama series is set in the 1980s and is full to the brim with aspects of beloved 80s cinema, think E.T. or The Goonies vibes. On top of this nostalgia, the creators managed to include some wild sci-fi concepts, like the Upside Down, but still make them engaging for the everyday viewer. The wild plot is impossible to break down in a few sentences, but we challenge anyone to watch the show without developing a sense of attachment to the entire cast. Either way, Stranger Things has been a cinematic phenomenon, and if you still haven’t watched it at this point you only have yourself to blame for missing out.
4. Sex Education
Another one you will have struggled to not hear about in recent months is British teen dramedy Sex Education. The show follows Otis, a self conscious and wise-beyond-his-years teenage boy, as he navigates his way through teenage life. As the son of a successful sex therapist, Otis is able to use his second-hand knowledge to aid his school mates through their sexual dilemmas. Along with his mother, best friend Eric, and on-again off-again (but emotionally unavailable) romantic interest Maeve, there is an unmatched chemistry between the characters. It is hard to place the show in a time period or setting, but this just adds to its effectiveness. These things could be happening anywhere and at any time. It is a truly timeless storyline.
3. BoJack Horseman
This weird and wonderful adult animation is the ultimate form of escapism. It literally revolves around a talking horse and his quest for personal and career-related redemption. The humour is a combination of slapstick gags, complex characters, and genuine relatable emotional content. If you don’t think you could ever relate to a talking cartoon horse, we challenge you to give this one a go. The show deals with everything from addiction, mental health, relationships, and life after a professional down-turn. It had mixed critical reviews, but is generally seen as one of the best animations aimed at adults.
2. Mindhunter
Coming from the director of Seven, Zodiac, and The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo, this series was always going to be impressive. It tells the story of the birth of the Behavioural Science Unit of the FBI in the late 1970s. Holden, Bill and Wendy begin interviewing serial killers with a hope of learning more about how they think and the similarities between them. Although this makes sense to us today as an early version of the FBI profiling department, at the time they struggled to gain respect and recognition from the rest of the industry. The show includes on screen portrayals of notorious serial killers, such as Edmund Kemper and Wayne Williams, in gripping interviews that will have you on the edge of your seat. It is the perfect combination of drama and crime to show the constant struggles that were felt in attempts to create a psychological division of the FBI.
1. Ozark
Taking the number one position is Ozark, a show that really has everything. Drugs, murder, infidelity, strained family relationships, corruption, and much more. The series follows the fall of financial advisor Marty Byrde as he becomes involved with the second largest Mexican drug cartel. After a rushed move to a remote area of Missouri with his family, Byrde is faced with the task of washing truck loads of cash for the cartel. The character is impossibly likeable, with a desire to protect his family underpinning every questionable decision he makes. It is definitely more of a slow burner to the likes of Breaking Bad, but the character development and plot twists are truly second to none.
And there you have it, our breakdown of the world of Netflix Originals. There is certainly plenty to get your teeth stuck into here, but if you do find yourself running out of things to watch, check out our top picks of the 2020 new additions to the site here….
