We all know Netflix’s biggest hits. The streamer has produced countless critically acclaimed miniseries, like The Queen’s Gambit, Beef, Adolesence, and Baby Reindeer, which each continue to dominate conversations. However, while they’ve taken a lot of the spotlight, there are plenty of exceptional limited series which have quietly faded from public memory. And it just so happens that a few of them are among my favorite shows on the platform, with great performances and top-tier writing.
From sci-fi to historical dramas and suspenseful thrillers, here are 8 of the greatest Netflix miniseries which showcase the brand of ambitious storytelling the streamer is known for, with actors you normally expect to see in movies. If you’re looking for something new to watch, there’s a good chance you may have missed these shows when they originally came out, whether because they were overshadowed by bigger releases or simply got lost in the shuffle of Netflix’s massive library.
‘The English Game’ (2020)
As the creator of Downton Abbey and The Gilded Age, Julian Fellowes has a reputation as a master of historical dramas and The English Game further proves that. The limited series explores the origins of soccer, known as “football,” with a surprisingly compelling story that gets into issues of class divide and social change. Set in Victorian England in the 1870s, the show reveals how the sport evolved from being a pastime for the wealthy into an activity celebrated by the working class.
Watch This One If: Whether you’ve enjoyed Fellowes’ other shows, or you’re just interested in the real-life origins of soccer, The English Game is likely to satisfy as a dramatic retelling of a story you’ve never heard before.
Skip This One If: If historical dramas or sports are two genres that bore you, The English Game probably isn’t going to change your mind.
‘Collateral’ (2018)
If you were scrolling through Netflix blindfolded and clicked on something at random, chances are you would stumble upon a crime drama. Although Collateral is yet another genre entry, it’s among the streamer’s best offerings as a four-part British thriller centered on the murder of a pizza delivery guy in London. And with Carey Mulligan leading the series as Detective Inspector Kip Glaspie, it feels like much more than the average crime drama, weaving in commentary on various social topics. Instead of just focusing on the mystery itself, Collateral looks at the systems that shape lives.
Watch This One If: Even if you’re well-versed in the crime drama genre, Collateral might surprise you with its approach to the formula. Mulligan adds a sense of warmth you don’t typically see in this kind of thriller.
Skip This One If: If you’re looking for a show to watch that isn’t too serious in its subject matter, Collateral probably isn’t the best option, as it involves commentary on some heavy social issues.
‘Dracula’ (2020)
When Sherlock creators Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss announced they were working on Dracula, there was clear potential for a fresh take on a classic story. However, their three-part miniseries largely went under the radar, and when it was in the headlines, it was usually because it divided audiences. Regardless, actor Claes Bang delivered a perfectly cold yet charismatic performance as Count Dracula, balancing charm and menace throughout each episode, and his iteration of the iconic vampire deserves more credit.
Watch This One If: If you’re a fan of Hannibal or Interview With A Vampire, Dracula is the perfect mashup, combining psychological horror with ambitiously reimagined vampire lore.
Skip This One If: If you aren’t a big proponent of the genre or gore, you should probably avoid Dracula as it contains numerous graphic sequences and never holds back from its horror roots.
‘Maniac’ (2018)
Maniac remains one of Netflix’s most inventive series, with Emma Stone and Jonah Hill playing two strangers who undergo a pharmaceutical trial. Together, they go on a mind-bending journey through dream worlds and alternate universes, allowing the series to play with other genres like science fiction, fantasy, comedy, and drama. They deliver some of the strongest performances of their careers, effortlessly shifting between multiple identities.
Watch This One If: Emma Stone has been on an undeniable acting streak in recent years, choosing ambitious projects like The Curse and Bugonia, but you could argue her knack for unconventional roles started with Maniac. If you enjoy her work, you need to check out Maniac.
Skip This One If: Maniac wasn’t just an experimental project for Stone and Hill’s careers— it was also a uniquely bold show for Netflix, so it was never going to resonate with everyone. If you’re looking for a show with a more conventional narrative, this might be one to skip.
‘Ripley’ (2024)
Few recent Netflix miniseries have matched the artistic achievement of Ripley. If you’ve seen The Talented Mr. Ripley, you already know the basic gist of the story involving con artist Tom Ripley, who is entangled in a world of luxury while in Italy. As the titular character, Andrew Scott delivers a mesmerizing performance, making Ripley feel equally unsettling and sympathetic. That psychological complexity elevates Ripley as one of the streamer’s strongest adaptations ever. And its stunning black-and-white cinematography makes every frame feel meticulously composed, as if you could pause it at any point and hang the image on your wall.
Watch This One If: Critics loved Ripley, but it never received the praise from the public it rightfully deserved. If you’re passionate about film-making, this is the perfect miniseries to add to your queue.
Skip This One If: Ripley likely didn’t resonate with everyone as a result of its slow pacing, so if you’re looking for something with more action and a higher energy, it might not be the show for you.
‘The Spy’ (2019)
You probably know Sacha Baron Cohen as one of his characters, whether it’s Borat or Ali G. But sometimes, he transforms into a serious dramatic role, and that makes his part in The Spy feel even more impressive. Based on the true story of Israeli intelligence operative Eli Cohen, the six-part series tells the tale of one of the most successful espionage missions in history. Playing a Syrian businessman during the 1960s, Baron Cohen gains access to increasingly sensitive information, leading to intense situations.
Watch This One If: The Spy is more than just a thriller— it’s a compelling true-story drama. Whether you enjoy movies like Argo for their history or their espionage, The Spy is likely to be your next favorite miniseries.
Skip This One If: Baron Cohen made his career through comedy, and his switch to drama can be jarring at times, so if you think that’s likely to detour your viewing experience, it might be best to pass on The Spy.
‘The Innocent’ (2021)
In recent years, Spanish thrillers have been at the top of streaming, and The Innocent ranks among the strongest entries in the genre on Netflix. Adapted from Harlan Coben’s novel, the miniseries follows a man who attempts to break up a fight, only to lead to a tragic accidental death and a prison sentence. After finally rebuilding his life, he’s pulled back into a high-stakes situation, leading to numerous revelations you never saw coming. It may be one of the easiest binge-watches in Netflix’s library.
Watch This One If: If you’ve enjoyed Harlan Coben’s other adaptations, you’re bound to dig The Innocent, as many even consider it to be the best of the shows based on his work.
Skip This One If: If media with subtitles or dubs are hard for you to connect with, it’s possible The Innocent isn’t the show you’re looking for.
‘Bodyguard’ (2018)
Bodyguard is among Netflix’s best political thrillers, and although it was briefly a major success when it came out, it’s been long forgotten since then. The miniseries follows war veteran David Budd, played by Richard Madden, who is assigned to guard a controversial politician. But the thing that makes Bodyguard so effective is the way it combines high-stakes suspense with emotion.
Watch This One If: Before there was Reacher, Bodyguard ticked a lot of those action thriller boxes, so it’s a good bet if you enjoy one, you’ll like the other.
Skip This One If: If political thrillers aren’t your thing, Bodyguard may not be the right fit as it centers on conspiracies from government intrigue to security threats. If you prefer lighter entertainment, you might want to check out another miniseries on this list.
