If your Netflix queue has been feeling a little repetitive lately, it might be time to revisit some of the platform’s most critically acclaimed original shows and refresh your watch list.
From emotionally devastating dramas to gripping psychological thrillers and heartfelt coming-of-age stories, Netflix has a strong catalog of shows that have scored high on review aggregator sites. Here are five Netflix Original shows that scored more than 90% on Rotten Tomatoes that you need to stream.
BoJack Horseman
Comedy meets woe in this animated program
This show is the perfect blend of tragedy and comedy, delivering some character writing and plot lines that make you want to binge-watch its multi-season run.
BoJack Horseman starts off looking like a ridiculous Hollywood comedy about a washed-up sitcom actor (who is also an anthropomorphic horse), but it peels back to reveal something bigger, as the show goes on. The story follows BoJack, who was once the star of a hugely popular 1990s sitcom and now spends most of his time drifting through self-destructive habits, failed relationships, and attempts to stay relevant. As he tries to rebuild his career with the help of his ghostwriter Diane, his agent Princess Carolyn, roommate Todd, and rival Mr. Peanutbutter, the show slowly digs into depression, addiction, and loneliness.
Throughout its run, BoJack Horseman received numerous accolades, including three Saturn Award nominations for Best Animated Series on Television, four Critics’ Choice Television Awards for Best Animated Series, and two Creative Arts Emmy Award nominations for Outstanding Animated Program.
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer) score: 93%
Mindhunter
The hunt begins on the road
One of the best and most highly rated Netflix Original shows to date, Mindhunter is a psychological crime thriller that will have you hooked on its plot and performances in the first episode. Directed by David Fincher, the show is based on the book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit.
The show follows two FBI agents, Holden Ford and Bill Tench, who teach “Road School,” where they hit the road and go to various precincts across the US to teach police officers about the psychology of killers. The two embark on a dangerous journey when they begin to have conversations with brutal killers to gain insights about their minds and behavior. The stakes increase once a third member joins in on their mission. How they lay the groundwork for modern-day serial killer profiling and how it affects their personal lives makes up the rest of the series.
Mindhunter has two seasons, and despite the potential for a third, it was unfortunately canceled after a spectacular run.
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer) score: 97%
Russian Doll
The layers peel back slowly
If you love the time loop trope with a generous serving of comedy, then Russian Doll is the perfect watch for your next Netflix streaming session. Created by Amy Poehler and Natasha Lyonne, Russian Doll stars Lyonne as Nadia, a woman who is stuck in a time loop on the night of her 36th birthday party. The loop is reset every time she dies, restarting in a washroom where she is looking into the mirror. As she navigates the time loop and dies in various, gruesome ways, she meets a man named Alan, who seems to be stuck in a similar time loop as Nadia.
Russian Doll won three Creative Arts Emmys, with Lyonne being nominated for her role as Nadia at the Emmys for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Comedy Series. The second season takes the audience through another eccentric adventure — Nadia time travels into her mother’s young body a few days away from her 40th birthday. A third season is speculated to be in the works.
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer) score: 97%
Heartstopper
A sweet, heartwarming high school love story
This has been one of my personal favorite romance dramas on Netflix since its very first season. Based on Alice Oseman’s graphic novel and web comic of the same name, Heartstopper is a British queer romance drama that dances between the coming-of-age and young adult romance genres. It takes you through the sweet love story between Charlie Spring (Agatha All Along’s Joe Locke) and his classmate Nick Nelson (Kit Connor) as they navigate the highs and lows of school and young love. The lives of Charlie’s and Nick’s friends, along with their sexualities and identities, are also explored.
Heartstopper became one of the most-watched Netflix series at the time of its release. With animation elements drawn from its source material and a soundtrack that fits its setting and story, Heartstopper is a feel-good romance that is a must-watch if you’re interested in LGBTQ+ media. While it has been confirmed that there will not be a fourth season of the series, a feature film is in the works and will be released on Netflix.
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer) score: 98%
Unbelievable
An incredible true story of human resilience
This might be a heavy watch, but Unbelievable is a true story that will stay with you long after you finish the show. The limited series is based on the Pulitzer-winning news article An Unbelievable Story of Rape by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong. The article explains the Washington and Colorado serial rape cases. Personally, it’s one of the best investigative journalism pieces I have ever read.
It follows Marie, a woman who was charged with a crime for reporting that she was raped, and two detectives who are tracking the case of serial attacks committed by Marie’s rapist. As the detectives slowly piece together evidence, the show shifts between Marie’s isolation and the methodical police work that finally begins uncovering the truth. The story heavily focuses on the emotional weight of the crime, removing any sensationalism, with strong performances led by Kaitlyn Dever (Apple Cider Vinegar), Toni Collette (Hereditary), and Merritt Wever (Godless).
Rotten Tomatoes (Tomatometer) score: 98%
Apart from these incredible shows, Netflix has a lot to offer in terms of award-winning titles, from Oscar-winning films to Emmy-winning shows and documentaries. You can browse the entire collection by searching for award names or browsing through categories like Oscars Spotlight.
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