RANKED: The Best Netflix Original Series Out Right Now
Are you looking to relax? Do you have some spare time? Or, are you looking for your next favorite Netflix movie or original series to discover? If you answered ‘yes’ to any of those questions, you’ve come to the right place. It’s been two decades since Netflix was established in 1997 and since that time, it has created and produced countless films and original series. We put together a list of the 14 best Netflix movies and original serie. So, whether or not you’re a Netflix OG or a newbie, we have something for everyone.
Trending Netflix Movies and Original Series
I. Black Mirror: Bandersnatch
Bandersnatch is a 7-year old thriller and anthology science fiction series, about a video game that a young programmer explores. Afterward, his viewpoints about life began to change. The latest installment of the series takes place during 1984. Habitual users of the internet, as known as Netizens, explore possible endings and various life lessons that are to be learned. Possible endings? You read that correctly, this series has five different endings to choose from. There is no
end-all, be-all, as Black Mirror: Bandersnatch has always been about blurring lines between reality and fiction.
II. Stranger Things
Stranger Things, is a sci-fi, horror fiction that’s up for its third season. The plot thickens in a place called Hawkins, where a young child went missing in the 1980’s. It has a mysterious, dramatic and classical essence to it that’s brilliantly merged with parallel universes. This particular story line may be a reminder of childhood imaginations. As some characters discover their supernatural powers, the series transitions to another level after its main character(s) recognize the entire town of Hawkins is involved in the case of a missing child. Soon after, an unusual girl shows up and the mystery begins to unfold. Stranger Things is sure to evoke an emotional response but is a production the whole family might enjoy. It proves the power of friendships and covers social and moral issues that are 21st century relatable.
III. The Haunting of Hill House
Centered around America’s most famous haunted house, this horror series, although fictional, may or may not reopen personal wounds. The trigger factor is something to consider. As the story line progresses, you quickly become acquainted with its main characters and reach the realization that ghosts from unhealed past traumatic experiences may lurk in the background. Some of these ghost may even be yourself. One piece of advice, don’t watch this series alone. Find a significant other, friend or family member and comfort each other during suspenseful scenes.
IV. 13 Reasons Why
13 Reasons Why received raving critics, both good and bad. It’s a story about a high school girl, who commited suicide and left behind thirteen tapes explaining why – hence the title. It serves as an eye-opener, touching on the presence of suicide and mental illness, both of which are inevitable effects of belittling someone’s feelings. Mental health and suicide are still taboo subjects but hopefully this series sheds a necessary light to provoke intelligent conversations and a deeper understanding of complex social issues.
V. The Crown
Based on a true story, The Crown, depicts British Monarch, Queen Elizabeth’s II, ascension to the throne. It’s an offering of insight and enlightenment into the life, struggles, joys and challenges Queen Elizabeth faced after assuming her royal position. Another uncommon aspect viewers can accept, is a chance to see inside the Queen’s relationship with her husband, Prince Philip, Duke of Edinburgh and the ways in which solid foundations are built despite grueling odds. History buffs will definitely fall in love with The Crown, because of it’s exploration into the post World War II time period. What’s more, its obvious marvelous effort was put into re-creating a pivotal time in history.
VI. Bird Box
Bird Box, is a drama/thriller film about a mother who found herself and others, trapped in apocalyptic-like circumstances with unknown creatures. These creatures caused people to commit suicide at first sight. For that reason, blindfolds were used to escape the throes of death while in search of the protection of a safe place. This film has been compared to the likeness of the drama/thriller, “A Quiet Place,” directed by John Krasinski; however, Bird Box’s storyline is slightly different and has a charm of its own. Please air on the side of caution and refrain from Bird Box challenges.
VII. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
Created from the New York Times bestselling romance trilogy, To All the Boys I’ve Loved Before, is a teen romance film about a girl named Lara who wrote letters to all the boys she ever had a crush on. Sooner or later, someone found the letters and revealed Lara’s secrets to her crushes. If you’re looking for a light-hearted, warm and inspiring film that’s sure to give your heart a case of the flutters, this one’s for you.
VIII. Okja
Okja tackled sensitive issues on animal rights and conveyed how corporations and capitalist use exploitation tactics against animals for monetary gain. It’s a praiseworthy production centered around a genetically-engineered giant pig, Okja and a young Korean girl, who made it her mission to save Okja from apparent danger. Okja made its first premier at Cannes Film Festival and received a 4-minute long standing ovation. If you’re an animal-lover at heart, get your tissues ready for a tear-jerking story about friendship and bravery.
IX. Roma
This oscar nominated film tells the story of two women residing in Mexico City during the 1970’s. The main character, Cleo, a domestic worker is expecting a child and while she prepares, the Corpus Christi Massacre arose in the background. Cleo does what all women and grandmothers do who are the cornerstones of a family, she faced tribulations with strength and wisdom. There is a distinct calmness about this film that diminished over time as the unsettling truth sets in.
X. Set It Up
Let’s take a break from the depth and intensity of all the other films and series that made this list with a romantic comedy, Set It Up. It’s about two assistants, Harper and Charlie, who set-up their workaholic bosses on a date with each other out of high hopes they’d be granted freedom and work-life balance. However, the plan backfires and the workaholic bosses aren’t the ones who end up falling in love. Ultimately, Set It Up is a wake-up call for all workaholics and high achievers to reflect on what’s most important in life, aside from chasing the benefits of a successful, professional career.
XI. Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour
If you’re a Swiftie, we’re thrilled (no pun intended) to inform you about the Taylor Swift Reputation Stadium Tour. Taylor Swift is known for writing hits about guys who broke her heart and in this documentary, she puts on a stunning performance that will not disappoint. To back that claim up, the Reputation Tour is one of the highest-grossing tours in U.S. history earning $266 million off over 2 million ticket sales. Insane, right? Some of the hits featured are “Shoulda Said No” from Taylor Swift, “We Are Never Getting Back Together” from Red, and “You Belong with Me” from Fearless.2
XII. The World’s Most Extraordinary Homes
Based in the United Kingdom, this documentary presented by Caroline Quentin (actress) and Piers Taylor (architect) explores “unconventional” residential property all over the world.3 Some of the uniquely designed houses were built in extreme locations. For example, one home was built hidden under the earth, another on the side of a cliff and another in the deep forest. The narrators did a magnificent job bringing this project to life by actually spending time in the homes, eating meals and staying overnight.
XIII. Roman Empire
Roman Empire is yet another docu series created to reenact the actual story of a historical event, the Roman Empire. Commodus, Julius Caesar and the fall of the Roman Republic are the main focal points. It’s more of an educational history lesson but we contend it might be slightly more entertaining than sitting through college history lectures. It should be noted, some historical events have been omitted, so this is not a substitute for attending class and studying.
XIV. Explained
Not looking for a thriller, comedy, historical reenactment or a sappy love story? We have you covered. Explained, is a docuseries whose development is the result of a YouTube web-series that was produced by Vox Media. The documentary tackles societal issues, ideals, thought processes and mysteries such as racial equality, the wealth gap, monogamy, K-pop music, reasons why diets fail, astrology, understanding female orgasms and politically correctness amongst various other topics. Explained certainly has something for the uncanny documentary seeker.
There you have it! We’ve practically done the work for you, aside from paying your Netflix bill, by compiling a list of trending Netflix movies and original series. Now, all that’s left to do is choose a Netflix movie or original series from this list, grab a snack, the remote, relax, start watching and get ready to be blown away by emotional, thought provoking and compelling Netflix originals. Binge watch if you must, but at your own discretion.
