10 Best Netflix Shows of All Time: Must-Watch Series Ranked
Have you ever wondered how Netflix has changed the way we enjoy our free time? Launched in 1997, Netflix began as a DVD rental service and has now become a giant in the streaming world, offering a vast library of movies and TV shows. With just a few clicks, you can dive into an endless sea of entertainment, from gripping dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies.
Whether you are unwinding after a long day or looking for something to binge on a lazy weekend, Netflix has something for everyone. Let’s explore the best Netflix shows of all time that have captured the hearts of viewers around the globe.
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List of Best Netflix Shows Of All Time
1: BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
Date of Release: August 22, 2014 – January 31, 2020
Genre: Adult animation, Tragicomedy, Black comedy, Satire
Number of Seasons: 6
Number of Episodes: 77
Cast: Will Arnett, Alison Brie, Aaron Paul, Amy Sedaris, Paul F. Tompkins
BoJack Horseman’s storyline revolves around the life of a washed-up 1990s sitcom star, BoJack Horseman, an anthropomorphic horse trying to regain fame while struggling with addiction and mental health. The show explores deep themes such as depression and trauma, receiving critical acclaim for its voice acting, emotional depth, and mature themes. Over six seasons, its complex character arcs and satirical look at Hollywood earned multiple awards, including Critics’ Choice Television Awards.
2: Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)
Date of Release: July 11, 2013 – July 26, 2019
Genre: Comedy-drama
Number of Seasons: 7
Number of Episodes: 91
Cast: Taylor Schilling, Laura Prepon, Uzo Aduba, Natasha Lyonne, Danielle Brooks
Orange Is the New Black is a seventh-season Netflix comedy-drama based on Piper Kerman’s memoir. It follows Piper Chapman, who is sentenced to 15 months in a women’s prison for a past drug-related crime. The show explores complex relationships, social dynamics, and personal transformation behind bars while featuring flashbacks to reveal each inmate’s backstory.
With 91 episodes, the series became Netflix’s longest-running original, earning praise for its storytelling and strong performances. It won multiple Emmy Awards and garnered nominations in comedy and drama categories, becoming one of the best Netflix shows of all time.
3: Russian Doll (2019-2022)
Date of Release: February 1, 2019 – April 20, 2022
Genre: Comedy-drama, Mystery
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 15
Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Greta Lee, Yul Vazquez, Elizabeth Ashley, Charlie Barnett, Chloë Sevigny
Russian Doll is an acclaimed comedy-drama that follows Nadia Vulvokov (Natasha Lyonne), a game developer entrapped in a time loop on her 36th birthday in New York City. She dies repeatedly, trying to unravel the mystery of her situation, ultimately meeting Alan Zaveri (Charlie Barnett), who shares her fate.
The series blends humor with existential themes, receiving critical acclaim, including 14 Primetime Emmy nominations, and is praised for its unique narrative structure. The show’s rich storytelling and depth have solidified its status among Netflix’s best, contributing significantly to its cultural footprint.
4: American Vandal (2017-2018)
Date of Release: September 15, 2017
Genre: Comedy-drama, mockumentary, satire, teen drama
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 16
Cast: Tyler Alvarez, Griffin Gluck, Jimmy Tatro
American Vandal is a clever mockumentary series that parodies true crime documentaries. It follows high school students investigating outrageous pranks. In its first season, it examines the fallout from a prank involving phallic vandalism, centering on the accused Dylan Maxwell, while the second season shifts focus to a lemonade contamination mystery at a Catholic school. The show highlighted its unique storytelling and character depth, appealing to audiences and critics alike. Despite its comedic premise, the show earned critical acclaim, a Primetime Emmy nomination, and a Peabody Award.
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5: Big Mouth (2017-Present)
Date of Release: September 29, 2017 – Present
Genre: Animated sitcom, blue comedy, coming-of-age
Number of Seasons: 7
Number of Episodes: 71
Cast: Nick Kroll, Jason Mantzoukas, John Mulaney, Jessi Klein, Jenny Slate
Big Mouth is a popular animated coming-of-age sitcom that explores the complexities of puberty. Set in the suburbs of New York, the show humorously tackles issues like sexual arousal, mental challenges, and awkwardness faced by teens. Known for its candid approach to taboo topics, the series has been critically acclaimed for its unique narrative and humor.
Spanning seven seasons, with an eighth and final season in 2025, it remains one of Netflix’s longest-running original series, garnering a strong fanbase and positive reviews for its bold storytelling.
6: Master of None (2015-2021)
Date of Release: November 6, 2015
Genre: Comedy-drama, romantic comedy
Number of Seasons: 3
Number of Episodes: 25
Cast: Aziz Ansari, Eric Wareheim, Kelvin Yu, Noël Wells, Lena Waithe, Naomi Ackie, Alessandra Mastronardi
Master of None is a critically acclaimed series and one of the best Netflix Shows of All Time that follows the romantic and personal journeys of Dev Shah, a young actor in New York City. Across three seasons, the show delves into themes of love, friendship, and cultural identity, transitioning from the vibrant streets of New York to the scenic landscapes of Italy.
The series’ rich storytelling and character development have earned it three Emmy Awards and a Golden Globe, underscoring its significance in contemporary television. With its relatable humor and emotional depth, Master of None has captivated both audiences and critics alike.
7: Unbelievable (2019)
Date of Release: September 13, 2019
Genre: Crime Drama
Number of Seasons: 1
Number of Episodes: 8
Cast: Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever
Unbelievable (2019) is a gripping American miniseries that tells the harrowing true story of Marie Adler, a young woman accused of lying about her rape. As she endures widespread disbelief, two determined detectives, Grace Rasmussen and Karen Duvall, uncover a pattern of similar assaults while investigating a serial rapist.
Based on true events and acclaimed articles, the series received widespread critical acclaim, earning a Peabody Award and multiple nominations, including Best Limited Series at prestigious award ceremonies. With its poignant storytelling and powerful performances, Unbelievable sheds light on the complexities of trauma and the pursuit of justice.
8: One Day at a Time (2017-2020)
Date of Release: January 6, 2017 – June 16, 2020
Genre: Sitcom
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 46
Cast: Justina Machado, Marcel Ruiz, Todd Grinnell, Isabella Gomez, Rita Moreno, Stephen Tobolowsky
One Day at a Time is a modern reimagining of the 1975 series, focusing on Penelope Alvarez, a Cuban-American Army veteran balancing life with her two children and her vibrant, opinionated mother. The show addresses important themes such as PTSD, immigration, and cultural identity, resonating deeply with diverse audiences.
The series received critical acclaim for its authentic representation and standout performances, especially from Justina Machado and Rita Moreno. Although Netflix canceled it after three seasons, its revival on Pop TV demonstrated its lasting impact and popularity, highlighting the richness of its storytelling and cultural relevance.
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9: Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt (2015-2019)
Date of Release: March 6, 2015 – January 25, 2019
Genre: Sitcom, Absurdist Comedy
Number of Seasons: 4
Number of Episodes: 52
Cast: Ellie Kemper, Tituss Burgess, Jane Krakowski, Carol Kane
Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt is a celebrated sitcom that follows 29-year-old Kimmy Schmidt as she escapes from a doomsday cult and focuses on starting a new life in New York City. The show ran for four seasons and garnered critical acclaim, receiving 20 Primetime Emmy Award nominations.
With its distinctive blend of absurdist humor and poignant storytelling, the series chronicles Kimmy’s journey of self-discovery and resilience. It has been praised for breaking new ground in the streaming comedy genre, marking a significant achievement in contemporary television.
10: Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Date of Release: October 13, 2017 – August 16, 2019
Genre: Crime drama, psychological thriller
Number of Seasons: 2
Number of Episodes: 19
Cast: Jonathan, Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Cameron Britton
One of the best Netflix shows of all time, Mindhunter (2017–2019) is a gripping psychological crime thriller centered on the FBI’s early criminal profiling unit. The series follows agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they study notorious serial killers to better understand their minds and solve ongoing cases. Set in the late 1970s and early 1980s, the show delves into real-life investigations, including the Atlanta child murders, sparking intense intrigue.
Though it lasted only two seasons, Mindhunter received widespread critical acclaim for David Fincher’s masterful direction and compelling performances. Fans eagerly anticipated a third season, but it was ultimately canceled in 2023.
FAQs
What are the top 10 Netflix shows of all time?
The top 10 Netflix shows of all time include:
- BoJack Horseman’ (2014-2020)
- Orange Is the New Black (2013-2019)
- Russian Doll’ (2019-Present)
- American Vandal’ (2017-2018)
- Big Mouth’ (2017-Present)
- Master of None (2015-Present)
- Unbelievable’ (2019)
- One Day at a Time (2017-2019)
- Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt’ (2015-2019)
- Mindhunter’ (2017-2019)
What is the #1 watched show on Netflix?
The #1 watched show on Netflix is Squid Game, with 1,650.45 million hours watched.
What's Netflix's most-watched show ever?
The most-watched show on Netflix ever is Squid Game, with the highest number of viewing hours.
Which Netflix show has the most awards?
The Crown and Stranger Things hold the record for the most awards won on Netflix.
Which Netflix shows have the highest viewership?
Squid Game holds the record with an astounding 1.65 billion hours watched.