Popular Netflix shows come and go as the seasons change. Throughout the years, Netflix has improved their audience participation with ranking systems. Netflix collects data from what you watch and engage with, just like any other social media. Netflix is tailored to impress and keep you in the loop with what everyone else likes too.
One of the most popular features on Netflix is their TOP 10 list with the latest and most viewed releases at a current period. These programs are always subject to change and others stay for way longer than they should (I’m talking about you, Cocomelon). Here’s a list of shows that had little to no time in the spotlight for their amazing plots and cinematography. These are the shows that should have had a spot on the US Netflix Top 10:
The OA
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The OA is a Netflix hidden gem. This dystopian-like show has a cadence and story that differs from most other shows on Netflix. After being a missing person for seven years, a young woman returns home after undergoing a near death experience that changes her world forever. This was a beautifully crafted and filmed series that due to its lack of publicity, faced its cancellation in 2019. The limited cult following that arose from its early fans created a petition to bring the series back for another season. After watching this series and deciding to be apart of this movement too, you can sign the petition here: Petition · SAVE THE OA, RENEW THE OA FOR SEASON 3 · Change.org
AlRawabi School for Girls
AlRawabi School for Girls is a beautifully shot series that focuses on revenge. In this middle eastern (Jordan) drama, bullying has actions and consequences from both a personal and cultural standpoint. Mariam, a girl bullied at her school by a group of socially elite girls, strikes revenge on them in all aspects of their life. Mariam is a ruthless character whose arc goes in the opposite direction from a typical protagonist; she is a victim turned antagonist. This series also offers a UK dubbed version that is equally as engaging as the original language. I was on the edge of my seat the whole time I was watching this series.
My Name
My Name is a mystery at its finest; with beautiful cinematography that makes it feel like you’re watching a feature length film. After the murder of her father, Yoon Ji-woo joins the police force and works undercover in the drug gang that her father was affiliated with. Yoon Ji-woo is looking for revenge as she tries to discover who is responsible for her father’s murder.
The Get Down
The Get Down is a show that really represents and highlights the struggles and social normalcy of its time. A crew of teens from the south Bronx come together in a world of oppression, hate and disco to discover their love for the early rise of hip-pop in the 1970s. This show highlights economic and political injustice and how the evolution of hip pop in New York became a movement of change within the people.
Maniac
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Maniac, starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill plays like an aesthetic episode of Black Mirror. This film is about how two strangers meet at a pharmaceutical trial. This is a very beautifully shot and scripted miniseries that takes you on an unexpected adventure through the subconscious mind.
Brand New Cherry Flavor
This off-beat indie series is the weirdest on the list. Which is exactly one of the reasons it is featured. Brand New Cherry Flavor is a limited series following the psychological thriller of Lisa Nova, an aspiring film director. When Lisa’s story gets stolen, she embarks on a twisted revenge story made of nightmares (or just gothic fun).
End of the F***ing World
Based on a comic by Charles Foreman, End of the F***ing World is an incredible series that follows the lives of two English 17-year-old teens, James and Alyssa. Both are outsiders of their own realities and set out on a journey to discover Alyssa’s real father, but the journey isn’t a particularly easy one. This is also the original sister film to I’m Not Okay with This, which charted not long after its release in the US. However, End of the F***ing world was primarily released for UK audiences and never had a proper spotlight for the US top 10.
Lilyhammer
Lilyhammer is such a unique show. This series started in 2012 and became popular overseas. There are so many elements in this show that are put together to create a gritty and funny story. Frank Tagliano, a former Mobster from New York finds himself in Norway after testifying against his former associates. Tagliano thinks being relocated by the witness protection program to Norway is going to be a nice place to settle down but quickly realises that his mobster mentality is essential to his survival there.
How to Sell Drugs online (fast)
At the time of its release in Germany, How to Sell Drugs Online (fast), charted the European top 10 for days on end, even weeks in other countries. Moritz Zimmerman and his best friend Lenny are your typical Gen Z Nerds. Mortiz decides to launch Europe’s largest online drug supply chain online with the help of Lenny, all while trying to win back the love of his life. Moritz is in for a lot more than he originally thought.
Saturday Morning All Star Hits!
I included this show because it plays like an Adult Swim, Nickelodeon and Comedy Central Show skit. This show is a parody to the TV generation of the late 70s to 80s, following two TV hosts, Skip and Treybor. Created by Kyle Mooney, Saturday Morning All Star Hits! is packed full of cartoons, fake commercials and funny parodies. This show is tailored to a specific type of humour. While this show may not be everybody’s cup of tea, it nonetheless has its moments. If you were a fan of Tim and Eric’s Awesome show, this is up your alley.
