Best Netflix Original Series: Our Top Drama Picks

Over the years, Netflix has established itself as a major player in the world of television, producing some of the most critically acclaimed and popular shows of the last decade. From comedies to dramas, the streaming service has created a wide range of original content that has kept audiences coming back for more. If you’re lost on where to start with Netflix’s huge back catalogue of shows, we wanted show share with you our picks for the best Netflix original drama series. 

We will take a deep dive into some of the most compelling and captivating shows that Netflix has to offer, exploring their themes, characters, and unique storytelling styles. Whether you're in the mood for a thrilling crime drama, a thought-provoking sci-fi series, or a gripping political thriller, our list of top Netflix original dramas is sure to have something that will keep you on the edge of your seat.

Here are our top picks for the best Netflix Original dramas to watch if you’re new to the platform:

Stranger Things

Stranger Things is the well-known science-fiction/horror series created by the Duffer Brothers and it premiered on Netflix in 2016. The show is set in the 1980s and follows a group of young nerdy friends as they investigate supernatural occurrences that take place in their small town Hawkins, including the disappearance of one of their friends.

The show's popularity is due to several factors. It was originally praised for its nostalgic 1980s setting and aesthetic, which appeals to both older viewers who remember that time period and younger viewers who are fascinated by its pop culture and fashion. Additionally, the show has a strong sense of mystery and suspense that keeps viewers hooked from episode to episode.

The show's strong ensemble cast, which includes breakout performances by young actors Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, and Gaten Matarazzo, has also contributed to its popularity as we see the young stars grow up and evolve in their roles. The characters are well-developed and endearing, and viewers become invested in their relationships and personal journeys as the series goes on.

Another rewarding feature for movie fans is that Stranger Things draws heavily from classic 1980s sci-fi and horror films, such as E.T., The Goonies, and The Thing, which gives it a familiar and comforting feeling connecting us with our childhoods while also introducing a fresh take on these genres. The show's blend of horror, humor, and heart has made it a hit with audiences of all ages and backgrounds and is why it is a must watch for new viewers on Netflix.

The Get Down

The Get Down is an unforgettable musical drama series that premiered on Netflix in 2016. It was a collaboration between Baz Luhrmann, Catherine Martin, legendary MC Nas, Grandmaster Flash, playwright Stephen Adly Guirgis, and hip-hop historian Nelson George

The show is set in the late 1970s in the South Bronx and explores the birth of hip-hop and the cultural and social changes that took place in the city during that time.

The Get Down has been quietly popular but well remembered by it’s fans. The show features a diverse range of music styles, including disco, funk, and soul, as well as hip-hop, and showcases the talented cast's singing, rapping, and dancing skills. The show's use of music and dance is both entertaining and informative, as it helps to explain the history and evolution of hip-hop and its impact on American culture.

The show's focus on characters from marginalized communities, particularly people of color and LGBTQ+ individuals, has also contributed to its popularity. The characters are well-developed and nuanced, and their struggles with poverty, racism, and other societal issues are portrayed with sensitivity and authenticity.

The Get Down’s production values are top-notch, with vibrant costumes and sets that transport viewers back to the 1970s. The show also features an impressive roster of talented actors, including breakout performances by Justice Smith, Shameik Moore, and Herizen F. Guardiola.

Ozark

Ozark is the crime drama series everyone is talking about that was created by Bill Dubuque and premiered on Netflix in 2017. The show follows Marty Byrde (played by Jason Bateman), a financial planner from Chicago who, after a drug deal goes wrong, moves his family to the Ozarks in Missouri to help launder money for a Mexican drug cartel. As Marty and his wife Wendy (Laura Linney) navigates their new life in the Ozarks, they faces a series of challenges and obstacles that stop them from completing their deal, including getting caught up with local criminal gangs, corrupt law enforcement officials, and their own strained family dynamics.

Ozark has been praised for its strong writing, with complex characters and a compelling plot that keeps viewers engaged from episode to episode. The show also features strong performances from its cast, including Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, and Julia Garner, who won an Emmy for her role as Ruth Langmore. Many people have praised Jason Bateman for excelling in such a dark and compelling role away from his usual comedic characters. Critics have also highly praised Julia Garner’s (who has previously starred in The Americans) performance as the fiery Ruth Langmore.

Ozark has memorable cinematography and production design with an atmospheric blue hue. It has been widely praised for it’s moody setting that contributes to tension and suspense. The popular holiday spot the Ozarks themselves are portrayed as a rugged and dangerous place, where criminal activities and violence are never far away.

The Crown

The Crown is a fictitious yet historical drama series created by Peter Morgan that premiered on Netflix in 2016. The show follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II (played by Claire Foy in the first two seasons, and Olivia Colman in the third and fourth and Imelda Staunton in the fifth and sixth) from her early years on the throne to the modern era. The show explores the personal and political challenges faced by the Queen and the British Royal Family, as well as the changing times in which they live.

The Crown has a big budget and lavish production values and an attention to detail that brings the world of the British Royal Family to life. The series has created controversy in the press from appearing indistinguishable to audiences from real life. While many of the storylines and set design are true to life, the conversations, feelings and decisions made by the characters are entirely fabricated. The costumes and the locations create a rich and immersive experience that appeals to audiences who are fascinated by history, royalty, and putting truth to rumours heard in the press.

The Crown has also been praised for its strong performances, particularly by its lead actors. Claire Foy won critical acclaim for her portrayal of the young Elizabeth, and Olivia Colman has received similar praise for her work in later seasons. The show's supporting cast, which includes actors such as Matt Smith and Helena Bonham Carter, has also been widely praised for their work as the Duke of Edinburgh and Princess Margaret respectively.

The Crown’s themes, which include duty, sacrifice, and the intersection of personal and political life, resonate with audiences across the globe. It has been a hit with audiences since it’s release but has gained further attention during the 2020s due to the time of change in the Royal Family, including Prince Harry’s relocation to the USA, the passing of Queen Elizabeth II and the coronation of King Charles III.

By exploring the inner workings of the royal family, the show offers a glimpse into a world that is both fascinating and familiar for British Audiences, and its popularity can be attributed to its ability to connect with viewers on a deep and emotional level.

Heartstopper

Heartstopper is the hugely popular Netflix original series based on the graphic novel by Alice Oseman. The show follows the story of two boys, Charlie (played by Kit Connor) and Nick (played by Joe Locke), who attend an all-boys grammar school in Kent, UK. When Charlie, who is openly gay, starts to develop feelings for Nick, who is popular and initially unaware of his own sexuality, the two begin a journey of self-discovery and navigating their feelings for each other.

The show's popularity can be mostly attributed to its heartwarming portrayal of young love, friendship, and self-discovery. The characters are very relatable to teen audiences, and the show tackles important issues such as bullying, homophobia, and mental health in a sensitive and realistic way. Heartstopper has also been praised for its diverse and inclusive cast and for its positive representation of LGBTQ+ characters finally in storylines that heterosexual audiences have been able to enjoy for years.

Heartstopper has been praised for its authentic and nuanced portrayal of young love, and it has resonated with audiences of all ages. The show's popularity has led to renewed interest in the graphic novel on which it is based, and it has helped to spark important conversations about representation and inclusivity in media. We can expect many more adaptations of Alice Oseman’s graphic novels after the success of Heartstopper.

Netflix has made a significant impact on the world of television with its original drama series. With ground-breaking storytelling, top-tier acting, and a diverse range of subjects and themes, the streaming platform has captivated audiences worldwide. These top drama picks are just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the high-quality content available on the platform, and they offer a great starting point for anyone looking to dive into the world of Netflix originals.

Thanks for reading "Best Netflix Original Series: Our Top Drama Picks" on January Media.