In the cut-throat video-streaming competition what counts more than anything else is the catalog of excellent original shows and movies. And that’s exactly what makes Netflix such a dominant player. The streamer reportedly spent a whopping 15 billion US dollars in 2019 – up 25% from 12 billion USD in 2018. Going by the winds, it’s set to go past that record number in 2020 as well with a boatload of exclusive shows lined up. Well, this unmatched spending speaks volumes of the video streamer’s passion to deliver top-notch TV series and movies. Speaking of great content, we have chosen 40 best Netflix originals including the most-loved television series and movies which you would like to keep in your watchlist for an exciting binge-watching.
Best Netflix Originals You Shouldn’t Miss Out (2020)
Whether you are fond of science fiction-horror TV series or always like to go after romantic-comedy flicks, this extensive roundup boasts a great variety of Netflix originals that are currently streaming. Moreover, we have also included IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes ratings so that you can easily find out their overall score and decide whether or not they deserve to be part of your showtime. Just in case, you wish to take a sneak peek at what a TV series or movie has to offer, you can also quickly check out the trailers. That said, let’s dive straight into the roundup of the best Netflix originals.
Note: While all the Netflix TV series and movies are streaming in the USA, some of them might not be available in other countries like India, Canada, UK, Australia, etc. Do note that the ratings from Rotten Tomatoes have been given as Tomatometer and Audience Score formats.
List of Best Netflix Originals in 2020
1. The Witcher
As a fantasy drama series, The Witcher excels in most aspects. Based on the book series of the same name by Polish writer Andrzej Sapkowski, it has a very interesting story that is set on a fictional, medieval-inspired landmass known as “the Continent”. The Witcher is about the legend of Geralt of Rivia and princess Ciri. Starring proven actors like Henry Cavill, Anya Chalotra, and Freya Allan, it never fails to amaze.
IMDb: 8.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%/92%
Check Out The Witcher
2. Stranger Things
If you like to unravel extraordinary mysteries, “Stranger Things” would surely light up your binge-watching. Directed by the Duffer Brothers, in this science fiction-horror web television series, a group of friends (in 1980 Indiana) comes across supernatural forces and government exploits. Led by the huge curiosity, when the children start hunting for the answers, they discover plenty of mysteries. With superb direction and impressive acting, Stranger Things can effortlessly get you hooked with hours of fun!
IMDb: 8.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 93%/90%
Check out Stranger Things on Netflix
3. Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened
One of my favorite Netflix movies is “Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened” as it’s got a variety of ingredients to make movie-watching absolute fun. Therefore, I would love to call it one of the best documentaries that are available on Netflix. This documentary film is about Billy McFarland and the failed Fyre Festival of 2017. It takes you through the history of Fyre Music Festival in a unique way and leaves a lasting impression. The immaculate acting coupled with fascinating plot makes Fyre a surefire for your free time.
IMDb: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%/86%
Check out Fyre on Netflix
4. Mindhunter
Should you think of indulging yourself with a gripping crime-thriller, “I would recommend you to give a shot to “Mindhunter” (season 2 coming on August 16). In this web television series, two FBI agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench are on a huge mission to catch notorious serial killers. To accomplish the herculean task, they use killer tactics to get inside villains mind and discover how their damaged psyches work and think. Go, unwind this crime thriller to give plenty of food to your thought!
IMDb: 8.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/95%
Check out Mindhunter on Netflix
5. Orange is the New Black
When it comes to offering tons of fun, “Orange is the New Black” comedy-drama web television series is second to none. The story follows a woman called piper who used to transport drug money to Alex. But when she is imprisoned for the crime, her life changes drastically. Watch out this fun-loving comedy-drama to discover the unthinkable acts of Piper.
IMDb: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/82%
Check out Orange is the New Black on Netflix
6. Always Be My Maybe
Are you looking for a romantic-comedy film to not only amp up your love life but also fill it with plenty of laughter? If your answer is yes, “Always Be My Maybe” (2019) would be a fantastic pick. Starring Ali Wong and Randall Park, the film is about childhood sweethearts (Sasha and Marcus) who have a sudden falling out. As a result, they get separated and don’t speak for 15 years. But one day they come across in San Francisco, will the old flames fall in love with each other again?
IMDb: 6.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/83%
Check out Orange is the New Black on Netflix
7. BoJack Horseman
If your showtime is calling for some out-of-the-box story, “BoJack Horseman” would be worth giving serious consideration. This adult animated comedy-drama is about an anthropomorphic horse who used to star in a very popular fictional TV sitcom. But after 18 years, his popularity takes a huge hit. Unwrap this extremely fun-filled comedy-drama to find out how BoJack deals with his life and what are the unexpected things he has to encounter.
IMDb: 8.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/95%
Check out BoJack Horseman on Netflix
8. American Vandal
If it’s time to watch something more intriguing, “American Vandal” would be a nice way to go. Following the huge success of their first documentary, Peter and Sam now desperately want to engage with a new case. But they come across heart-wrenching mysteries at Washington high school. Will they ever be able to get the answer of those mysteries which seem to be too complex? Kickstart this mockumentary web television series to find out the entire story.
IMDb: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 98%/91%
Check out American Vandal on Netflix
9. Russian Doll
As someone who has a huge penchant for comedy, I have really enjoyed watching “Russian Doll”. In this comedy-drama, you would watch a woman (Emmy-nominated actress Natasha Lyonne) who is on her way to be the guest of honor of a party in New York. But she is suddenly caught in a mysterious loop that brings her life to a standstill. What is this loop all about? Simply hit the play button to discover this funny tale!
IMDb: 8
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/87%
Check out Russian Doll on Netflix
10. Wine Country
“Wine Country” (2019) may not have won plenty of praise and even grabbed high-ratings but if you are in the mood to watch a fun-loving comedy film, it won’t disappoint you. Ditto! The movie is about a group of six longtime girlfriends who go to Napa for the 50th birthday celebration of their friend. But their fun-filled time suddenly turns into huge tension when the troubled past creeps into their conversations. Discover the chaotic tales wrapped with funny dialogues!
IMDb: 5.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 67%/29%
Check out Russian Doll on Netflix
11. Glow
Due mainly to the hilarious plot and excellent acting, “Glow” has comfortably walked into this extensive roundup of the best Netflix originals. In this comedy web television series, you would relish watching the fictionalization of the characters and side-splitting comedies of the 1980s syndicated women’s professional wrestling circuit. Featuring Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and Sydelle Noel in the lead roles, the TV series deserves to find a safe slot in your watchlist.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xQaCxIJX0J0&feature=youtu.be
IMDb: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/90%
Check out Russian Doll on Netflix
12. The Perfect Date
Though I’m not a big fan of teen romantic-comedy film, “The Perfect Date” has impressed me a lot. Based on the novel “The Stand-In” by Steve Bloom, the movie is backed by a good story. Noah Centineo and Laura Marano have played their parts pretty well. Moreover, their chemistry looks adorable and I’m sure you would also like watching them.
IMDb: 5.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 69%/39%
Check out The Perfect Date on Netflix
13. The Umbrella Academy
Time to set the stage for a scintillating superhero television series – an adaptation of the comic book series of the same name! The entire plot of this television series revolves around a family of adopted sibling superheroes who all get together to finally solve the mysterious death of their father. Moreover, they also have to encounter the looming threat of apocalypse. Can they finally solve the mystery?
IMDb: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 77%/86%
Check out The Umbrella Academy on Netflix
14. Knock Down the House
There are very few documentary films that are as impactful as “Knock Down the House”. The movie is about four female democrats who decide to run for Congress in the heatly-contested 2018 United States elections. What happens to their fate and who succeeds in eventually winning the election is something that you might already know if you follow even a sliver of politics. However, what you don’t know is all the behind-the-scene stuff which is what makes this documentary extremely entertaining and educational at the same time.
IMDb: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/34%
Check out Kock Down the House on Netflix
15. Sex Education
“Sex Education” is a top-notch comedy-drama television series which anyone would like to watch for fun – due mainly to its interesting plot. The story is about a teenager called Otis Milburn who sets up a “sex advice business” to educate fellow students on how to deal with sexual problems. Watch out whether his education succeeds in helping students or actually it starts creating problems for them.
IMDb: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%/95%
Check out Sex Education on Netflix
16. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile
A pretty good biographical crime thriller like “Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile” deserves to be given chance. The movie is about the life of a serial killer called ” Ted Bundy”. Based on serial killer’s former girlfriend Elizabeth Kendall’s memoir, “The Phantom Prince: My Life with Ted Bundy”, it has a very good story which will keep you engrossed throughout. To me, the biggest highlight of this crime thriller is Zac Efron’s ( as Bundy) acting as he has done a great job.
IMDb: 6.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 55%/59%
Check out Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile on Netflix
17. Dear White People
“Dear White People” should win you over if you like watching comedy-drama with a twist. The TV series is based on the acclaimed movie of the same name and about a group of students who have to encounter cultural bias, social injustice, and misguided activism. Though this Netflix original television series may not appeal to you much in the first half, it gathers momentum in the second half.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UbCQsA1g3K0
IMDb: 6.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 99%/62%
Check out Dear White People on Netflix
18. Murder Mystery
Frankly speaking, I have specifically chosen this movie for the folks who admire Jennifer Aniston and Adam Sandler. Their chemistry in this film is hilarious. In this Netflix original movie, you will enjoy watching Adam Sandler, Jennifer Aniston, and Luke Evans in the lead roles. The film follows a couple who get entangled in the murder investigation on a billionaire’s yacht.
IMDb: 6
Rotten Tomatoes: 45%/38%
Check out Murder Mystery on Netflix
19. Godless
Are you fond of American western drama? If yes, you shouldn’t miss out on this one as it’s easily one of the best Netflix original TV series of all time. The plot revolves around Roy Goode (Jack O’Connell) who is seen as an injured outlaw on the run from his cruel boss. He is planning for a massive robbery so that he can enjoy his life to the fullest. But, will his desire ever be fulfilled?
IMDb: 8.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 86%/85%
Check out Godless on Netflix
20. The Dirt
“The Dirt” is the sort of biographical drama that can either impress you a lot or fail magnificently. Personally, I have relished watching it thanks to the interesting storyline. In a nutshell, it’s about the misfits of Mötley Crüe whose lives see the meteoric rise and achieve massive international fame in the 1980s. With an unconventional story and more than decent acting of all the stars including Douglas Booth, Colson Baker, Daniel Webber, and Iwan Rheon, it should pass your acid test.
IMDb: 7
Rotten Tomatoes: 39%/95%
Check out The Dirt on Netflix
21. Everything Sucks!
Simply put, “Everything Sucks” is one of the best comedy TV series on Netflix. What makes this comedy-drama so interesting is the way it parodies the teen culture of the mid-1990s. So, whether you are a young kid working pretty hard to score big numbers or a grown-up adult who wants to have a sneak peek at the fun-loving teen culture, it should live up to your billing.
IMDb: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%/92%
Check out Everything Sucks! on Netflix
22. Someone Great
Courtesy a good story backed by some fine dose of comedies, “Someone Great” is one of the finest romantic comedy movies on Netflix. The plot follows a music journalist “Jenny” who is dumped by her long term boyfriend “Nate”. After a sudden heartbreak, she becomes extremely depressed. Will the enormous heartbreak destroy her life or will she be able to find a way to move on?
IMDb: 6.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 82%/66%
Check out Someone Great on Netflix
23. MARVEL’S Daredevil
Should you decide to get into the thick and thin of action, “Daredevil” would be a smart pick. In this TV series, Matt Murdock plays the role of a daredevil who makes the most of this incredible senses to fight crime on the streets of New York when the darkness takes centerstage. Go for this one, if you have a liking for superhero action.
IMDb: 8.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/92%
Check out Daredevil on Netflix
24. Homecoming
If you claim to be a massive fan of Beyoncé, “Homecoming” must have a permanent place in your watchlist. This concert movie is all about American singer Beyoncé and her memorable performance at the 2018 Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival. Beyoncé, as always, has looked gorgeous and so has her elegant style.
IMDb: 7.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/92%
Check out Homecoming on Netflix
25. Dark
As a science fiction thriller, “Dark” excels in all aspects. The best part about this TV series is the plot wherein four families are on a frantic hunt to find out a missing child. During their hunt, they discover a sensational mystery that spans three generations. Discover if they succeed in getting the child back or get completely entangled into dangers.
IMDb: 8.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/93%
Check out Dark on Netflix
26. I Am Mother
If you want your catalog of science fiction films to have both variety and impressive quality, do not forget to pick out “I Am Mother”. This flick is about a teenage girl who is raised underground by a robot mother. Later, the “Daughter” becomes extremely curious about the outside world and wants to know more about it. But her mother is completely against it. Will she ever be able to see how the outside world looks and feels?
IMDb: 6.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/74%
Check out I Am Mother Netflix
27. Triple Frontier
Thanks largely to the solid action backed by a scintillating story, “Triple Frontier” is one of the best action movies on Netflix. In this action-adventure film, you would love to watch Ben Affleck, Oscar Isaac, Charlie Hunnam, Garrett Hedlund, and Pedro Pascal as former Special Operations soldiers. One day, all the soldiers reunite and plan a heist job. With plenty of jaw-dropping battle sequences and suspenseful moments, “Triple Frontier” has got the goods to keep you on the edge.
IMDb: 6.5
Rotten Tomatoes: 72%/55%
Check out Triple Frontier Netflix
28. Roma
Set in the early 1970s, “Roma” can touch your heart core with its emotional story. This drama film portraits an extremely turbulent year in the life of a middle-class family in Mexico City. It shows both the struggle and courage of a live-in housekeeper who goes against all odds to take care of her family. But the only thing that doesn’t let her move on is a range of setbacks that keep coming.
IMDb: 7.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/71%
Check out Roma Netflix
29. Beasts of No Nation
“Beasts of No Nation” is one of the most appreciable war drama films and therefore it would be nice to include it in this collection. This film is about a child soldier who is given the responsibility to defend his country. It showcases both the enormous patriotism and huge courage of a child. Well, if you are willing to watch something that can fill your heart with plenty of inspiration and emotion, this movie could turn out to be a big winner for you.
IMDb: 7.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/91%
Check out Beasts of No Nation Netflix
30. Bird Box
If you are ready to set the stage for a scary flick, Bird Box, which is undoubtedly one of the best horror movies on Netflix, would be a magnificent pick. This post-apocalyptic thriller is based on a novel (by Josh Malerman) of the same name. It’s about a woman (Sandra Bullock) who has to fight against malevolent supernatural entities to not only protect herself but also her two children. Thanks to Sandra’s superb acting and a riveting plot, the movie proved to be a massive hit on Netflix as more than 45 million accounts reportedly watched it.
IMDb: 6.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 63%/58%
Check out Bird Box Netflix
31. Big Mouth
Even if you aren’t a big fan of the adult animated sitcom, you would like to watch “Big Mouth”. In this fun-filled sitcom, you would watch a group of teenage friends who are dealing with tons of wonders and horrors of puberty. Backed by a solid cast including Nick Kroll, John Mulaney, Jordan Peele, Jenny Slate, and Maya Rudolph, it would fill your binge-watching with plenty of side-splitting laughter. Gear up, the new episodes of the third season is coming soon!
IMDb: 8
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%/81%
Check out Big Mouth Netflix
32. To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before
What better way to wrap up this amazing lineup of the best Netflix originals than including a fantastic teen romance film “To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before” that has won a lot of accolades. This flix is about a teenage girl called Lara Jean and her roller-coaster romance. If you relish all the ups and downs of romance, chances are pretty high that this romantic film would easily find a safe place in your special catalog of movies.
IMDb: 7.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/87%
Check out To All The Boys I’ve Loved Before on Netflix
33. Altered Carbon
Based on the 2002 novel of the same title by English author Richard K. Morgan, Altered Carbon is one of the best American cyberpunk web television series created by Laeta Kalogridis. The story is about a world where consciousness can be transferred to different bodies and it’s upon Takeshi Kovacs, a former soldier turned investigator, to sort out the mystery of the murder. Starring Joel Kinnaman, James Purefoy, Martha Higareda, and Chris Conner, the show has received rave reviews from both fans and critics.
IMDb: 8.1
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%/64%
Check out Altered Carbon
34. Narcos
For those in love with crime thriller drama web television series, Narcos seems to be a runaway choice. Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, the TV series is about a notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar, who amassed billions through the production and distribution of cocaine. It features Wagner Moura as Pablo Escobar; a powerful Colombian drug lord and the leader of the Medellín Cartel. But will his unparalleled domination continue to reign supreme?
IMDb: 8.8
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/94%
Check Out Narcos
35. On My Block
Even though I’m not a big fan of teen comedy-drama web television series, “On My Block” hasn’t failed to impress me. Created by Lauren Iungerich, Eddie Gonzalez, and Jeremy Haft, the series boasts a diverse cast and fascinating storylines. The story follows four teens and their lifelong friendship in inner-city Los Angeles neighborhood. Featuring stars like Sierra Capri, Jason Genao, Brett Gray, Diego Tinoco, and Jessica Marie Garcia, it’s more than good enough to bring a lot of laughter to your show.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q1OXsW-1XoY
IMDb: 6.4
Rotten Tomatoes: 94%/92%
Check Out On My Block
36. Ozark
Ozark is the sort of crime drama web television series that you would enjoy watching time and time again. Produced by Media Rights Capital, the TV show stars Jason Bateman as the lead character. While Bateman is playing the role of a financial planner Marty Byrde, Laura Linney has donned the role of his wife Wendy who is a public relations consultant. Besides, Sofia Hublitz as Charlotte Byrde and Skylar Gaertner as Jonah Byrde have also performed admirably.
IMDb: 8.3
Rotten Tomatoes: 76%/92%
Check Out Ozark
37. Love is Blind
If a fun-loving show is what you are after, I would recommend you to stream “Love is Blind”. In this dating reality TV series, Nick and Vanessa Lachey are playing the role of dashing admirable hosts. Produced by Kinetic Content, the show premiered on February 13, 2020, it features a total of ten episodes along with a reunion special. The series is about thirty men and women who are hunting for true love. The men and women are asked to date each other in different pods, where they can talk to their partners, but without being able to see each other.
IMDb: 6
Rotten Tomatoes: 73%/64%
Check Out Love is Blind
38. Better Call Saul
Yet another crime drama series on the show! Better Call Saul is inspired by Gilligan’s prior series Breaking Bad and is set in the early 2000s. The series is about the con-man turned small-time lawyer Jimmy McGill (Bob Odenkirk), revealing his transformation into the persona of criminal for hire Saul Goodman. As for the star cast, it features hit actors like Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn, and Patrick Fabian.
IMDb: 8.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%/96%
Check Out Better Call Saul
39. Queer Eye
Queer Eye is a reboot of the Bravo series of the same name. What makes this American Netflix original series so exciting is a fascinating story backed by a new fab five: Karamo Brown – culture expert, Bobby Berk – design expert, Jonathan Van Ness – grooming expert, Antoni Porowski – food and wine expert, Tan France – fashion expert. Thanks to the huge popularity, this TV show has been renewed for the sixth season and is performing exceedingly well.
IMDb: 8.6
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%/89%
Check Out Queer Eye
40. The Crown
If you have a liking for classic political drama wrapped in an epic love story, The Crown would bowl you over straight away. The TV series showcases the romantic life of Queen Elizabeth II. As for the political rivalry, it’s full of several game-changing twists and turns as the rivals are no less proficient than the protagonists at playing masterstrokes. Written by Peter Morgan, and produced by Left Bank Pictures and Sony Pictures Television, the series also has big names topping the cast including Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter, and Tobias Menzies.
IMDb: 8.7
Rotten Tomatoes: 89%/90%
Check out The Crown
Bonus:
1. Cheer
As someone who loves to watch gripping docuseries, I have enjoyed streaming Cheer. This is a six-part series is about the nationally ranked 40-member Navarro College Bulldogs Cheer Team from Corsicana, Texas. It follows five individual Cheer Team members and showcases the elements of the history of cheerleading. Monica Aldama has performed really well as a coach, while Gabi Butler, Jerry Harris, and Morgan Simianer have lived up to the expectations.
IMDb: 8.2
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%/94%
Check out Cheer
2. Sacred Games
“Sacred Games” is the first Netflix original series in India. So, I thought it would be really cool to mention it for Indian Netflix users. Talking about the plot, this thriller is based on Vikram Chandra’s 2006 novel of the same name and follows a police officer called Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan) who gets a phone call from a notorious gangster named Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) to save Mumbai within 25 days. Both Saif and Nawazuddin have given their best performance. And, if you relish watching a good nail-biting thriller Sacred Games would easily become one of your favorite Netflix originals. What’s more, season two is all set to kickstart from August 15.
IMDb: 8.9
Rotten Tomatoes: 92%/95%
Check out Sacred Games on Netflix
Time to Get the Most Out of the Best Netflix Originals
When it comes to keeping fans engrossed with great flicks and TV series, Netflix surely knows the best. Though there are many video-streaming services like Amazon Prime Video, HBO, Hulu and soon to be released Apple TV+ as well as Disney+ that are threatening to take the crown away from Netflix, it remains a firm favorite for those who are passionate for top-notch originals. By the way, what’s your take on Netflix and which are its original TV series and movies that you have loved to watch? Feel free to shoot your thoughts in the comments below.
