Best Netflix Series You Can Finish in a Day

Got a free day and want something you can actually finish? These Netflix series are short, tightly built, and easy to binge from opening scene to final credits in a single sitting—thanks to limited episode counts, brisk runtimes, or both. Below you’ll find quick-hit essentials across drama, comedy, crime, animation, and more, each with useful details like episode count, average runtime, creators, and key cast so you can pick fast and press play even faster.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

This limited series follows chess prodigy Beth Harmon from orphanage lessons to world-stage tournaments, adapted from Walter Tevis’s novel. It runs seven episodes with an average of about an hour per episode. Created by Scott Frank and Allan Scott, it stars Anya Taylor-Joy, Marielle Heller, and Thomas Brodie-Sangster. Expect a self-contained story arc with period detail, competitive chess sequences, and character-driven drama.

‘The End of the F***ing World’ (2017–2019)

Based on Charles Forsman’s graphic novel, this dark coming-of-age story spans two seasons totaling 16 episodes. Episodes typically run around 20 minutes, making the full series marathon-friendly. The show features Alex Lawther and Jessica Barden as teen outsiders on an ill-fated road trip that spirals into bigger consequences. Its compact runtime and two-part structure allow a full watch in one day.

‘Russian Doll’ (2019–2022)

Co-created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler, this time-loop dramedy unfolds across 15 episodes. Episodes generally run under 30 minutes, keeping momentum high. The series stars Natasha Lyonne and Charlie Barnett, blending puzzle-box plotting with New York City nightlife. Season arcs are self-contained, letting you complete both runs within a single day.

‘Maniac’ (2018)

This limited series centers on two strangers who enter a pharmaceutical trial promising to solve their problems. It spans 10 episodes with half-hour–ish installments mixed with some longer entries. Created by Patrick Somerville and directed by Cary Joji Fukunaga, it stars Emma Stone and Jonah Hill with an anthology-like feel to the trial “phases.” The contained storyline begins and ends within the single season.

‘When They See Us’ (2019)

Ava DuVernay’s limited series dramatizes the Central Park Five case across four feature-length episodes. Each chapter focuses on a phase of the case—from arrest to trial to exoneration—using interviews, records, and dramatized events. The ensemble includes Jharrel Jerome, Niecy Nash, and Michael K. Williams. With four parts, it’s structured for a complete, start-to-finish watch in a day.

‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

This limited crime drama recounts the investigation into a series of assaults, adapted from a Pulitzer-winning article and a radio documentary. It runs eight episodes with roughly hour-long entries. Created by Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, and Michael Chabon, it stars Kaitlyn Dever, Toni Collette, and Merritt Wever. The single-season arc follows detectives across jurisdictions toward resolution.

‘Criminal: UK’ (2019–2020)

Set entirely in a police interrogation suite, this procedural presents standalone cases told in real time. Across two seasons, the UK set delivers seven episodes, each about 40–45 minutes. The format highlights verbal sparring between investigators and suspects, featuring guest stars like David Tennant and Hayley Atwell. With discrete episodes and a limited total count, it’s easy to finish in one go.

‘The Chair’ (2021)

This academic comedy-drama follows a newly appointed department chair navigating campus politics. It consists of six episodes, each around the half-hour mark. Created by Amanda Peet and Annie Julia Wyman, it stars Sandra Oh, Jay Duplass, and Holland Taylor. The compact season length makes it an ideal quick binge.

‘Living with Yourself’ (2019)

A high-concept comedy about a man who undergoes a mysterious treatment and winds up with a “better” version of himself. The series has eight episodes, mostly in the 25–35 minute range. Created by Timothy Greenberg, it stars Paul Rudd in dual roles alongside Aisling Bea. The single-season story tracks identity, relationships, and workplace fallout to a tidy conclusion.

‘Behind Her Eyes’ (2021)

Adapted from Sarah Pinborough’s novel, this psychological thriller follows a single mother drawn into her boss’s complicated marriage. It’s a six-episode limited series with hour-ish installments. The cast includes Simona Brown, Eve Hewson, and Tom Bateman. The narrative is designed as a closed mystery that resolves by the finale.

‘Cyberpunk: Edgerunners’ (2022)

Set in the world of the ‘Cyberpunk 2077’ game, this anime from Studio Trigger tells a standalone story about street-level survival in Night City. It runs 10 episodes at roughly 25 minutes each. Directed by Hiroyuki Imaishi and others, it features music by Akira Yamaoka and an original plot independent of the game’s main story. The contained arc makes it simple to complete in a single sitting.

‘Dracula’ (2020)

From Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, this gothic adaptation unfolds across three feature-length episodes. Each installment reimagines a different phase of the Count’s story, from castle to modern setting. Claes Bang stars as the title character, with Dolly Wells and John Heffernan in key roles. The miniseries format provides a full narrative in just three parts.

Enjoyed the picks—or have your own one-day favorites on Netflix? Share the series you’d add to this list in the comments!