Netflix Showdown: The Top Five Series That Have Viewers Divided
Viewers who love binge-worthy shows have differing opinions on which Netflix series reigns supreme, though a clear frontrunner has emerged.
When suggesting TV shows, we often recommend series we are currently enjoying, likely so we have something to discuss with friends, family, or colleagues.
For films, I often recommend my all-time favorites or anything by Quentin Tarantino, but with TV, the decision seems to be less complicated.
In the Facebook group Netflix Bangers, a member posed the question: “What is the best series to watch?”
It garnered over 80 responses, and to my surprise, Breaking Bad was not mentioned – even though it is considered the best series in television history by IMDb users, with a near-perfect rating of 9.5 out of 10.
Instead, Netflix users leaned towards newer series, and I have compiled the most recommended shows, ranking them based on IMDb ratings.
So, without further delay, let’s dive in.
5. Fool Me Once
For those unfamiliar, Netflix’s Fool Me Once is adapted from the mystery thriller of the same title by Harlan Coben, and it premiered on the platform on January 1, 2024.
Featuring Michelle Keegan, Adeel Akhtar, Joanna Lumley, and Richard Armitage, it revolves around the mystery that unfolds after the unexpected death of Joe Burkett (Armitage).
Burkett’s widow, Maya Stern (Keegan), is in mourning when she spots him on a nanny cam with their child.
What follows is a series of unexpected twists as Maya attempts to unravel the mystery of the situation.
It earned a respectable 6.8 out of 10 on IMDb.
4. Sirens
Similar to Fool Me Once, Sirens also received a rating of 6.8 out of 10 on the movie database.
This series follows Devon DeWitt (Meghann Fahy), a working-class woman who has just been released from prison, as she visits a lavish coastal estate to reconnect with her estranged sister, Simone (Milly Alcock).
Simone has taken on the role of personal assistant to Michaela Kell (Julianne Moore), a charming but manipulative billionaire.
This mini-series, which premiered on Netflix on May 22, unfolds over the Labor Day weekend as Devon strives to pull Simone away from Michaela’s grasp in a truly unpredictable story.
The dark comedy has sparked a lot of conversation online, particularly due to its controversial ending.
3. You
The acclaimed Netflix psychological thriller first appeared on our screens in 2018, with its fifth and final season released in April.
You captivated audiences with the story of serial killer Joe Goldberg, portrayed by Penn Badgley.
“Each season, they manage to discover new ways to keep it interesting and relevant,” Badgley stated to Tudum.
“In this season, I believe that returning to the series’ origins allowed it to be grounded in a way that leads to a truly spectacular conclusion.”
The series received a commendable rating of 7.7 on IMDb.
2. The Fall
The Fall features Fifty Shades of Grey star Jamie Dornan as the lead character, and The X Files‘ Gillian Anderson as a diligent detective from England.
Serial killer Paul Spector (Dornan) is on the loose in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson (Anderson) is tasked with capturing him.
This psychological thriller, characterized by its cat-and-mouse chase, received an impressive rating of 8.1 out of 10 on IMDb, and those who have watched it will understand its acclaim.
1. Dept. Q
At last, the most popular series on Netflix currently has to be Dept. Q, the latest project from Scott Frank, the creator of The Queen’s Gambit.
The series revolves around the establishment of a cold case unit in a Scottish police department.
This adaptation of a Danish book series features actors such as Matthew Goode, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne, and Kate Dickie.
It was released globally on Thursday (May 29) and has already received a remarkable rating of 8.3 on IMDb.