10 Brilliant Netflix Shows You Probably Haven’t Watched Yet—but Absolutely Should

10 Brilliant Netflix Shows You Probably Haven’t Watched Yet—but Absolutely Should

Netflix may be overflowing with popular hits, but some of its most creative and entertaining shows remain hidden in plain sight. Beyond the trending titles, there are brilliant series that blend stunning animation, heartfelt comedy, gripping true crime, and even sweet culinary competition. From international thrillers to feel-good favorites, these 10 underrated gems prove the best stories aren’t always the ones topping the charts.

1. Arcane (2021–2024)

Set in the League of Legends universe, this animated masterpiece proves that video game adaptations can be truly exceptional. The show follows two sisters, Vi and Jinx, whose relationship fractures amid a brewing war between two cities.

What makes this series extraordinary is its breathtaking hand-painted art style combined with cutting-edge animation. Each frame looks like a moving painting, bursting with color and emotion.

You don’t need any gaming knowledge to fall in love with Arcane. The character development runs incredibly deep, exploring themes of family, class struggle, and moral ambiguity. It’s a stunning achievement in storytelling that transcends its source material completely.

2. Kim’s Convenience (2016–2021)

Welcome to the charming world of the Kim family and their little store in Toronto. This Canadian sitcom captures the everyday adventures of Korean-Canadian immigrants navigating cultural identity, generational gaps, and small business life with warmth and authenticity.

Mr. and Mrs. Kim, along with their kids Janet and Jung, create comedy gold through their genuine family dynamics. The humor never feels forced or relies on cheap stereotypes.

What sets this show apart is its tender heart beneath the laughs. Episodes tackle real issues like prejudice, tradition versus modernity, and finding your place in the world, all while keeping you smiling throughout.

3. The Staircase (2004–2018)

Did Michael Peterson murder his wife, or did she really fall down the stairs? This docuseries became a true-crime phenomenon long before the genre exploded on streaming platforms.

Filmmaker Jean-Xavier de Lestrade gained unprecedented access to Peterson’s defense team, creating an intimate portrait of the American justice system. The cameras capture everything from courtroom battles to private family moments, blurring the line between documentary and drama.

Just when you think you’ve figured out what happened, new evidence emerges that flips everything upside down. The case contains more twists than most fictional thrillers, keeping viewers guessing until the very end.

4. Russian Doll (2019–2022)

Imagine dying over and over again on your birthday, only to wake up at the same party each time. Natasha Lyonne plays Nadia, a cynical New Yorker trapped in this nightmarish time loop, searching desperately for answers.

This isn’t your typical time-travel comedy. Russian Doll explores trauma, regret, and the connections that define us with surprising philosophical depth. The show gets darker and more complex as layers peel away, revealing emotional truths beneath the quirky premise.

Lyonne’s performance anchors everything with her raspy voice and world-weary charm. The writing balances existential dread with sharp humor perfectly, creating something that feels both hilariously absurd and painfully real.

5. I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

High school is tough enough without suddenly developing telekinetic powers during emotional outbursts. Sydney navigates crushes, bullies, her father’s death, and the terrifying realization that her anger can literally make things explode.

This coming-of-age gem blends supernatural elements with genuine teenage angst in refreshing ways. The show captures that specific feeling of not fitting in anywhere, of being too much and not enough simultaneously.

With a moody 1980s aesthetic and a killer soundtrack, the series creates an atmosphere that’s both nostalgic and contemporary. Unfortunately, it was cancelled after just one season, making it a beautiful but frustratingly incomplete gem.

6. Terminator Zero (2024– )

Who knew the Terminator franchise needed an anime makeover? This 2024 series transports the human-versus-machine war to Japan, following a scientist racing to complete an AI system that might save humanity before Judgment Day arrives.

The animation style brings a fresh visual language to the familiar apocalyptic landscape. Sleek character designs and fluid action sequences make every chase and battle feel visceral and immediate.

Beyond the explosive robot fights, the series explores weighty questions about artificial intelligence, fate, and sacrifice. It respects the franchise’s mythology while carving out its own identity with strong characters and genuinely surprising plot developments throughout.

7. Sugar Rush (2018–2020)

Bakers race against the clock in this high-energy competition where speed matters just as much as skill. Teams have limited time to create elaborate desserts, turning the kitchen into a whirlwind of flying flour and frantic frosting.

Unlike slower-paced baking shows, Sugar Rush keeps adrenaline pumping with its rapid-fire format. Watching contestants make three desserts in record time creates genuine tension and excitement.

The creativity on display is absolutely incredible. From gravity-defying cakes to intricate sugar sculptures, these bakers produce restaurant-quality masterpieces under impossible pressure. It’s the perfect show for anyone who loves watching talented people work magic with limited resources and even less time.

8. Kleo (2022– )

After the Berlin Wall falls, former East German assassin Kleo gets released from prison with one burning question: why did her own people betray her? Her quest for revenge takes her across Europe, leaving bodies and mystery in her wake.

The show perfectly captures 1980s Cold War atmosphere with period-perfect costumes, music, and political tension. Neon-lit nightclubs and shadowy government offices create a stylish backdrop for the action.

What elevates Kleo beyond typical spy thrillers is its dark sense of humor and complex protagonist. She’s deadly and damaged, funny and fierce—a character you root for even when she’s doing terrible things.

9. Snabba Cash (2021–2022)

Stockholm’s glittering surface hides a ruthless criminal underworld where ambition costs everything. Leya, a single mother with business school dreams, gets pulled into dangerous schemes involving tech startups, drug money, and violent power struggles.

This Swedish thriller doesn’t romanticize crime—it shows the brutal reality of choosing illegal shortcuts to success. The tension builds steadily as Leya sinks deeper, unable to escape the consequences of her choices.

Sleek cinematography contrasts modern Nordic design with gritty street violence, creating visual tension that mirrors the story. The show offers sharp social commentary about inequality, immigration, and the dark side of entrepreneurial culture.

10. The Bastard Son & The Devil Himself (2022)

Born to a notorious villain father and raised by the good witches who fear him, sixteen-year-old Nathan doesn’t belong anywhere. This British fantasy follows his journey to claim his magical powers while both sides of an ancient witch war want him dead or controlled.

Based on Sally Green’s beloved novels, the adaptation brings dark fairy tale vibes with genuine emotional stakes. The romance, action, and moral complexity all feel earned rather than manufactured.

Moody cinematography and practical effects create a grounded magical world that feels tactile and real. Sadly, Netflix cancelled it after one season, but that single season tells a complete, haunting story worth experiencing.