10 Best Original Netflix Series According To Ranker

Netflix continues to be a dominant force in the streaming game, releasing a plethora of content for the masses to enjoy. From original movies like Red Notice to reality shows like The Circle, Netflix is known for having it all. But some of the most captivating entertainment comes from the streaming giant’s original TV shows. Series like Squid Game and 13 Reasons Why have become classic hits for Netflix and a driving force in pop culture.

With so many Netflix original television shows available, fans have taken to Ranker to place their votes on the series’ they think are the best. From action and adventure to suspenseful dramas, the range of these genres proves that these shows appeal to a variety of people because of the intense storylines and relatable characters.

10 Ozark (2017 – )

Ozark is a nail-biter. The drama series follows Marty Byrde and his family, who relocate from Chicago to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme from the Mexican drug cartel goes wrong. Throughout the series, Marty finds himself in grave situations with local criminals as he fights to survive and keep his family safe.

Ozark is the type of show that keeps viewers on their feet, because whenever something goes right for the main character, the unexpected happens and they are facing a new dilemma. A prime example is the first episode of season 1 when Marty leaves Chicago to escape his problems, only to be faced with new ones in Missouri.

9 Jessica Jones (2015 – 2019)

Based on the Marvel comics character, the series follows Jessica Jones who turns to private investigating after escaping her mind-controlling abuser, Kilgrave. Throughout the 3 seasons, Jessica faces new hurdles that define her character, as well as new villains, including Karl Malus and Gregory Sallinger.

Although Jessia Jones is part of the MCU, the series stands out from the films for many reasons, and that’s why fans gravitate towards this show. This is a unique story because while other characters in the MCU are proud to be heroes, Jessica has turned her back on being a superhero. Jessica Jones also tackles heavy topics that fans would never see while watching Iron Man or Captain America. 

8 The Defenders (2017)

The Defenders is a mini-series that follows Daredevil, Jessica Jones, Luke Cage, and Iron Fist, who join each other to create a kind of ragtag version of The Avengers. These four team up to fight Alexandra Reid, the leader of an evil organization called the Hand.

Fans love a good crossover, but what makes The Defenders stand out is its grittier but more realistic version of the Disney MCU (and that grit is largely what makes all of the Netflix Marvel shows so appealing).

7 The Witcher (2019 – )

Based on a preexisting novel and game franchise, The Witcher is an action-packed fantasy drama that follows the adventures of Geralt of Rivia who is destined to protect Princess Ciri from the fallen kingdom Cintra. Along the way, Geralt of Rivia meets his soulmate who is a sorceress named Yennefer of Vengerberg.

Fans love The Witcher because it is essentially a blockbuster movie on the small screen. There are so many detailed fight scenes that could make almost anyone forget that this is a TV show. During the first episode, an epic brawl scene takes place, known by many as the market fight. This scene set the tone and let viewers know what they were getting into.

6 Mindhunter (2017 – 2019)

Mindhunter is based on a true crime book titled Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit. The series follows two FBI agents and a psychologist who create a research project where they interview imprisoned serial killers. They do this to better understand what’s going on in their heads in hopes to solve cases.

There’s nothing more addicting than a dark and twisted true crime show. Mindhunter is not only a drama series, but many of the storylines that happen are based on real-life events and are shown through David Fincher’s masterful horror lens.

5 Narcos (2015 – 2017)

Narcos is a dark and gritty show that follows the story of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and how he rose to prominence distributing cocaine. After his defeat, the show focuses on the DEA as they try to stop the Cali Cartel.

Wagner Moura (who plays Pablo Escobar) does a phenomenal job portraying the “King Of Cocaine.” Viewers are drawn to his character because he is evil, but at the same time charismatic, and he has authoritative power over many people.

4 The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)

The Haunting Of Hill House is adapted from author Shirley Jackson’s novel of the same name. The series follows the Crain family, who reunites at their childhood home called The Hill House. They are forced to relive their past and the paranormal activities that happened in the house.

The Haunting Of Hill House is a standout show because it is not a typical horror story. While the genre is horror, a variety of serious topics are covered, including grief, mental illness, and how to overcome that trauma. The series is quite poetic with a lot of rich subtext. For example, each of the Crain siblings represents the five stages of grief.

3 Daredevil (2015 -2018)

Based on the Marvel comics, Daredevil follows Matt Murdock, a blind lawyer who uses his heightened other senses to fight crime. Throughout the series, he faces iconic villains such as Wilson Fisk, and later works with the Punisher and his ex-girlfriend Elektra.

Fans praise Daredevil as a must-watch series, especially during season 1, because the show closely follows the comics and is more realistic than other tv shows or films in the MCU. The series is simple and follows a basic structure, which is Matt Murdock is a lawyer by day and fights crime by night.

2 The Punisher (2017 – 2019)

The Punisher is a spinoff of Daredevil and follows Frank Castle as he seeks revenge on the people responsible for the death of his family. However, he soon finds out there is a larger conspiracy that goes far beyond what happened to him and his loved ones.

People are drawn to The Punisher because he’s introduced as a normal guy who doesn’t have to rely on powers to fight crime, but instead uses his military training and talents. He’s also depicted as an anti-hero who is slightly more relatable than the archetypical superhero. He is not Daredevil and he has demons that he must face, which sometimes causes him to make the wrong choices.

1 Stranger Things (2016 -)

One of Netflix’s most popular shows, Stranger Things follows a group of kids who befriend a girl with superpowers named Eleven. Throughout each season they face paranormal and supernatural all while trying to live a normal life as kids.

One reason Stranger Things is so popular for people of all ages is because of the 80s nostalgia. The show references a lot of 80s trends including fashion and hanging out in the mall with friends. The series is also terrifying yet hilarious, for example, when Dustin and Suzie break into song while the rest of the gang gets chased by a gigantic monster.