The 10 Best TV Shows on Netflix of All Time (With Reddit Reviews)
Discover the ultimate lineup of the 10 best TV shows on Netflix, celebrated for their gripping plots, memorable characters, and widespread acclaim. Based on insights from Reddit communities, these series have left a lasting impact on viewers worldwide. Here’s a detailed look at each show, including plot summaries, release details, main cast, and Reddit reviews.
1. Dark
- Plot Summary: This German sci-fi thriller follows the mysterious disappearance of two children in the small town of Winden, unraveling a complex web of time travel and family secrets across multiple generations. The series spans three seasons, blending suspense with intricate storytelling.
- On Air: Premiered on December 1, 2017.
- Main Characters/Cast: Louis Hofmann as Jonas Kahnwald, Oliver Masucci as Ulrich Nielsen, Jördis Triebel as Katharina Nielsen, and Andreas Pietschmann as The Stranger.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: "Dark is by far top 5 shows on Netflix! It’s a magnum opus that demands your full attention," praised u/Not_a_Robot786. Another user, u/imasuperherolover, added, "Dark is without a doubt the best Netflix show ever made," highlighting its unique time-travel narrative.
Further Reading:Dark: Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
2. Stranger Things
- Plot Summary: Set in the 1980s, this sci-fi horror series follows a group of kids in Hawkins, Indiana, as they encounter supernatural forces and government conspiracies after the disappearance of their friend Will Byers. The show blends nostalgia with thrilling adventures.
- On Air: Premiered on July 15, 2016.
- Main Characters/Cast: Millie Bobby Brown as Eleven, Finn Wolfhard as Mike Wheeler, Gaten Matarazzo as Dustin Henderson, and David Harbour as Jim Hopper.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/speedy117 noted, "Stranger Things is great," appreciating its nostalgic vibe, while u/19ghost89 mentioned it as a hugely popular show, though not a differentiator for Netflix.
Further Reading:Stranger Things : Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
3. Breaking Bad
- Plot Summary: This crime drama chronicles the transformation of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher, into a methamphetamine kingpin after a cancer diagnosis, alongside his former student Jesse Pinkman. It’s a tale of morality, family, and crime.
- On Air: Added to Netflix on February 24, 2009 (originally aired on AMC).
- Main Characters/Cast: Bryan Cranston as Walter White, Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman, Anna Gunn as Skyler White, and Dean Norris as Hank Schrader.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/malindu_06 listed it among all-time favorites, saying, "Breaking Bad is a must-watch," while u/Cursed__Kid called it "peak TV, fr," emphasizing its quality.
Further Reading:Breaking Bad : Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
4. Mindhunter
- Plot Summary: Set in the late 1970s, this psychological thriller follows FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they develop criminal profiling techniques by interviewing serial killers, delving into the minds of some of history’s most notorious criminals.
- On Air: Premiered on October 13, 2017.
- Main Characters/Cast: Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford, Holt McCallany as Bill Tench, and Anna Torv as Wendy Carr.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/ECO_FRIENDLY_BOT ranked it among top Netflix shows, with u/Lukeh0121h calling it "one of the best shows ever produced," praising its storytelling.
Further Reading:Mindhunter : Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
5. The Haunting of Hill House
- Plot Summary: This horror series explores the psychological and supernatural trauma of the Crain family after living in the haunted Hill House during a renovation project, weaving past and present narratives to uncover deep emotional scars.
- On Air: Premiered on October 12, 2018.
- Main Characters/Cast: Michiel Huisman as Steven Crain, Elizabeth Reaser as Shirley Crain, Oliver Jackson-Cohen as Luke Crain, and Carla Gugino as Olivia Crain.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/Illier1 shared, "The bowler hat dude was a traumatic experience," reflecting its scary impact, while u/Ok_Salt_9211 recommended it as a standout series.
Further Reading:The Haunting of Hill House: Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
6. BoJack Horseman
- Plot Summary: This animated comedy-drama follows BoJack, a washed-up sitcom star turned horse, as he navigates fame, addiction, and depression in a satirical take on Hollywood, blending humor with profound life lessons.
- On Air: Premiered on August 22, 2014.
- Main Characters/Cast: Will Arnett as BoJack Horseman, Amy Sedaris as Princess Carolyn, Alison Brie as Diane Nguyen, and Paul F. Tompkins as Mr. Peanutbutter.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/fatfrost explained, "So much thought went into it," praising its depth, while u/Conscious-Two4692 called it "a piece of art" for its emotional impact.
Further Reading:Bojack Horseman: Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
7. Narcos
- Plot Summary: This crime drama chronicles the rise and fall of drug lord Pablo Escobar and the DEA’s efforts to bring him down in Colombia, offering a gritty look at the drug trade and its global impact.
- On Air: Premiered on August 28, 2015.
- Main Characters/Cast: Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar, Boyd Holbrook as Steve Murphy, Pedro Pascal as Javier Peña, and Joanna Christie as Connie Murphy.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/malindu_06 included it in favorites, with u/Cursed__Kid noting, "So good," reflecting its gripping narrative.
Further Reading:Narcos: Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
8. Black Mirror
- Plot Summary: This anthology series explores the dark side of technology and society, with each episode presenting a standalone story about the unintended consequences of modern innovations, from social media to artificial intelligence.
- On Air: Added to Netflix on December 16, 2014 (originally aired on Channel 4).
- Main Characters/Cast: Varies per episode; notable actors include Bryce Dallas Howard, Jesse Plemons, and Daniel Lapaine.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/quidquid_ praised it as "frighteningly plausible yet utterly compelling," while u/speedy117 noted, "Some episodes are brilliant, some are stupid," reflecting its mixed reception.
Further Reading:Black Mirror: Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
9. The Queen’s Gambit
- Plot Summary: This drama follows Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy, as she rises to fame in the male-dominated world of competitive chess during the Cold War era, battling addiction and personal demons along the way.
- On Air: Premiered on October 23, 2020.
- Main Characters/Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, Bill Camp as Mr. Shaibel, Marielle Heller as Mrs. Wheatley, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster as Benny Watts.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/Conscious-Two4692 said, "It was beautifully done all around," while u/gotanygrapes88 added, "Loved it!" highlighting its appeal.
Further Reading:The Queen’s Gambit: Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
10. Arcane
- Plot Summary: This animated series, set in the League of Legends universe, follows sisters Vi and Jinx as they find themselves on opposite sides of a war between the cities of Piltover and Zaun, exploring themes of family, betrayal, and redemption.
- On Air: Premiered on November 6, 2021.
- Main Characters/Cast: Hailee Steinfeld as Vi, Ella Purnell as Jinx, Katie Leung as Caitlyn Kiramman, and Kevin Alejandro as Jayce.
- Reddit Reviews/Comments: u/Maluber called it "a visual masterpiece," with u/Cursed__Kid noting, "The storyline was very well written," praising its animation and depth.
Further Reading:Arcane: Story, Casts, Reviews and where to watch
These shows represent the pinnacle of Netflix’s offerings, as endorsed by Reddit’s passionate community, making them must-watch titles for any streaming enthusiast.