Netflix has truly changed the game! Nowadays, kids will never understand the struggle of waiting for a commercial break when watching their favourite show, take a quick visit to the loo, and your sister shouting 'it's on' while you're in the middle of your business.
While that’s no longer the case, a new struggle arises: finding a good show that’ll keep you hooked! With countless options on Netflix, we’re sure we’re not the only ones occasionally getting lost while searching for a series to watch. Too much time is often wasted in the process. Rest assured, we’re here to help you! Below, we’ve compiled a list of the best-rated shows on the streaming service that are worth checking out.
Spoiler alert: This article may contain spoilers for the series streaming on Netflix. Read with caution!
Arcane: League Of Legends (2021 - present)
(Image credit: Looper)
When Squid Game was released on Netflix in 2021, it quickly became the best-rated original series, without a close contender in sight! However, Riot Games said “hold up” and released an animated steampunk action-adventure television series called Arcane: League of Legends, and the rest was history!
It quickly became a phenomenon, gained a huge following, and became the highest-rated Netflix original series of all time. The series is based on a multiplayer online battle arena, or MOBA.
The series primarily focuses on sisters Vi and Jinx, and while it borrows a lot of the game’s lore to tell its story, you don’t need to be innately familiar with it to enjoy the show. And yes, a new season is coming!
Average Tomatometer: 100% | Average Audience Score: 96% | Rating: 18+
Blue Eye Samurai (2023 - present)
(Image credit: The Guardian)
Based on the beloved manga series Lady Snowblood, Blue Eye Samurai has been the talk of the town since it was released! The 8-episode series has captivated the fans and reviewers that they have lavished its captivating animation, compelling storyline and fleshed-out characters with praises.
Since its debut, the series has left fans (and non-fans, too!) breathless, and more importantly leaving them wondering about the potential second season. As season one ends on a cliff-hanger and while it’s still too early to speculate its renewal status, there’s plenty of reasons as to why Netflix shouldn’t renew the series.
Average Tomatometer: 100% | Average Audience Score: 96% | Rating: +16
Beef (2023)
(Image credit: TV Insider)
Entertaining, chaotic and extremely funny are what best describe Beef, and the beef in question is not even a wagyu steak you find in any fancy Japanese restaurant.
The beef is the kind that happens between Amy and Danny after a road-rage incident at a car park. It’s marinated into a prolonged yet strange life-affirming altercation, then tenderised by an unexpected plot twist that soon becomes a delicacy worth savouring (for 10 episodes)!
Average Tomatometer: 98% | Average Audience Score: 87% | Rating: +18
Hellbound (2021 - present)
(Image credit: Netflix)
Hellbound, a Netflix series brought to life by the visionary “Train to Busan” director Yeon Sang-ho, is based on the webtoon ‘The Hellbound’. The six-episode series imagines the divine retribution embodied by three beasts tasked with punishing people.
One of the most fascinating concepts in the series doesn’t revolve around the horrors inflicted by these creatures, but rather in the true terrors within humanity itself - the people, the cult leaders, the opportunists and the blind believers who, driven by fears, resort to shaming, hatred, and destruction. In essence, the series intertwines horror with profound reflections on the definition of sin and the deserving nature of divine retribution by exploring human behaviours.
Average Tomatometer: 97% | Average Audience Score: 70% | Rating: +18
Our Planet (2019- present)
(Image credit: Netflix)
It’s truly fascinating how, while sitting at home and savouring potato chips, we find ourselves earnestly rooting for a zebra running from a predator in a different continent. Yes, it may have nothing to do with us, but that's the captivating experience of watching “Our Planet”!
The docuseries spans two seasons, and is narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. The project took four years to complete, involving more than 600 crew members filming across 50 countries to showcase the incredible diversity from the remote Arctic to the jungles of South Africa.
Moreover, you’ll be treated to incredible 4K detail as the crews utilised a combination of gyro-stabilised vehicle-mounted camera, drones and other cutting-edge photographic technology to present the wilderness and its inhabitants at its finest.
Average Tomatometer: 96% | Average Audience Score: 92% | Rating: 10+
Squid Game (2021 - present)
(Image credit: Wallpapersden)
What if playing childhood games could make you rich? Well, that’s the premise of this immensely popular series “Squid Game”, currently one of the best-rated South Korean shows on Netflix.
The series revolves around debt-ridden players who signed up to compete in six games for a cash prize of 45.6 billion won, or approximately RM164 million. However, there’s a severe condition - if you lose, you get killed!
Described as ‘the hellish horrorshow’, Squid Game is a blood-splattered child’s play that reminds us of the Saw movies with compelling characters in stylish suits. With a second season and a reality show in the cards, you can expect it to make a splashy comeback soon!
Average Tomatometer: 95% | Average Audience Score: 84% | Rating: +18
Never Have I Ever (2020 - 2023)
(Image credit: Lara Solanski/Netflix)
The series introduces us to Devi, a sophomore outcast trying to get past the sudden death of her father and suffering from a psychological paralysis in its wake. This leaves her dealing with high-school dilemmas, sparring with her concerned mom, and navigating shifting dynamics with her best friends.
If you’re not sold yet - throw in a dreamy boy whose abs compensate for any deficiency in communication and a sharp-mouth nerd, and you’ll find yourself coming back for more (sooner, if not later)!
Although season 4 is supposed to be its last, the series’ finale has left fans wondering for any future renewal or spinoff. Thanks to two little words from the narrator who closes the show with a quick recap of Devi’s exploits over the years.
Average Tomatometer: 94% | Average Audience Score: 86% | Rating: +14
Love, Death + Robots (2019 - present)
(Image credit: Netflix)
Love, Death and Robots is truly one-of-a-kind! The animated anthology - comprising 35 episodes (so far!), ranges between 5 to 17 minutes in length - is the epitome of ambitious, cool and enigmatic.
Featuring animated short stories that span various genres, including science fiction, fantasy, horror and comedy, this series truly stands out. Neither of the shorts have a unified theme, nor do two shorts look or feel the same. Some are dark and despairing, others poetic and hopeful, while a few more are surreal or comedic.
Average Tomatometer: 85% | Average Audience Score: 81% | Rating: +18
Honourable mentions:
- The Fall Of The House Of Usher
- Peaky Blinders
- Kingdom
- The Queen’s Gambit
- Vikings: Valhalla
- Elite
Final thoughts
We understand that some of you may not agree with our suggestions, while others might find them a bit outdated. However, there’s no denying that some of these series truly left a lasting impression on us when they first streamed. Now that you have these amazing series to watch, one question arises: Is it still practical to binge-watch them on your old and small-screen device?
Take advantage of fantastic deals on high-quality second-hand devices from Apple, Samsung, Huawei, and more available at Shop.CompAsia. We’re confident that finding a device that suits your needs and style has never been easier! Don't miss out!