Most Overrated Netflix Series Everyone Seems To Like

There are plenty of buzzy shows that spark huge conversations and rack up viewing hours, and a lot of them live on Netflix. This list rounds up popular titles that drew massive attention, awards chatter, or viral moments. You will find details on who made them, what they cover, and how they were released around the world. Each entry also notes how the series fits within Netflix’s slate in a low key way so you can focus on the basics.

‘The Crown’ (2016–2023)

The Netflix drama follows the reign of Queen Elizabeth II across multiple eras with a rotating cast and lavish period production. It was created by Peter Morgan and produced by Left Bank Pictures with extensive location work and meticulous costume design. The series spans six seasons with each focusing on major political and family events. It picked up numerous awards across acting, writing, and technical categories.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020)

This Netflix limited series centers on a chess prodigy navigating competition, mentorship, and personal struggles. Scott Frank adapted the story from Walter Tevis’s novel and directed every episode for a unified tone. The production features carefully staged tournaments and a strong emphasis on visual storytelling around the board. It became a global hit on Netflix and helped drive renewed interest in chess tutorials and sets.

’13 Reasons Why’ (2017–2020)

Developed for Netflix by Brian Yorkey, this teen drama explores the aftermath of a student’s death and the ripple effects on a community. The show is based on Jay Asher’s book and expands the narrative across multiple seasons with new legal and school-wide threads. It involved extensive ensemble storytelling and recurring courtroom arcs. Netflix paired releases with content advisories and created resources for viewers looking for support information.

‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)

This crime series was produced for Netflix with Jason Bateman and Laura Linney leading a story about money laundering in the Lake of the Ozarks. The show is known for its distinctive cinematography and tightly plotted family dynamics. Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams created the series and guided it through four seasons. It collected multiple nominations for performances and directing across its run.

‘The Umbrella Academy’ (2019–2024)

Adapted from Gerard Way and Gabriel Bá’s comics, this Netflix series follows a dysfunctional family of adoptee superheroes. The production leans on stylized set pieces, needle drops, and character centric time travel plots. Steve Blackman served as showrunner and oversaw storylines that stretch across alternate timelines. The show concluded with a final season that tied together earlier mysteries and arcs.

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

This Netflix crime drama chronicles the rise and pursuit of major figures in the Colombian drug trade. The series blends dramatized scenes with archival footage to frame events from multiple perspectives. It was produced by Gaumont International Television and filmed extensively on location. The show’s success on Netflix led to a companion series set in a different country.

‘Narcos: Mexico’ (2018–2021)

A companion to the original series, this Netflix production shifts the focus to Mexico and traces the formation of modern cartels. It features new agency teams, regional power struggles, and interconnected investigations. The show retained the documentary style voiceover and large ensemble approach. It wrapped after multiple seasons that covered shifting alliances and turf conflicts.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

Originating in Spain and later continuing on Netflix, this heist thriller follows a crew executing elaborate plans under the guidance of a mastermind. The series became a worldwide hit with its red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks becoming recognizable symbols. It uses nonlinear reveals and tense negotiation sequences across extended episodes. Netflix released new parts globally and commissioned a spinoff featuring a fan favorite character.

‘Sex Education’ (2019–2023)

This Netflix coming of age series centers on students, parents, and teachers navigating relationships and communication. Laurie Nunn created the show with distinctive production design and a timeless aesthetic. The ensemble cast expands over time while keeping its focus on guidance and empathy. The final season closes major character arcs and reflects changes at the school.

‘Tiger King’ (2020–2021)

The Netflix documentary series explores the world of private big cat ownership through competing zoo operators and legal disputes. It features extensive interviews, archival footage, and recorded calls to build a layered narrative. The show quickly became a cultural phenomenon with follow up specials and a second season. Netflix distributed the series globally and added companion episodes to address ongoing developments.

‘You’ (2018–2024)

This psychological thriller moved to Netflix where it continued a story about a bookstore manager whose obsessions drive him across cities and identities. The series shifts settings each season to reframe the character’s behavior and social circles. It adapts material from Caroline Kepnes’s novels and expands beyond the original book plots. Netflix released later seasons worldwide and capped the story with a final installment.

‘Sweet Tooth’ (2021–2024)

Based on Jeff Lemire’s comic, this Netflix series follows a boy with deer traits traveling through a changed America. The production mixes practical effects with visual effects for hybrid characters. Christian Convery and Nonso Anozie lead a cast that explores found family and survival. The story concludes with a final season that resolves the central search and conflict.

‘Shadow and Bone’ (2021–2023)

This fantasy series adapts Leigh Bardugo’s Grishaverse novels for Netflix with worldbuilding that merges magic, warfare, and heists. The show integrates characters from multiple books into a single storyline. It features large sets, creature effects, and a strong focus on costumes and props. After two seasons on Netflix, the production did not continue with additional episodes.

‘Jupiter’s Legacy’ (2021)

Mark Millar and Frank Quitely’s comic received a live action adaptation on Netflix with a multigenerational superhero family at its center. The series contrasts past origin stories with present day conflicts about codes and accountability. It uses extensive makeup and period settings to depict the earlier timeline. Netflix released one season and then shifted to related projects in the same universe.

‘Resident Evil’ (2022)

This Netflix series offers a new take on the game franchise by alternating between an outbreak investigation and a future timeline. It incorporates familiar corporate elements and creatures while telling an original story. The production uses large scale sets and action sequences to stage confrontations. Netflix concluded the project after its initial season without ordering additional episodes.

‘Emily in Paris’ (2020– )

The series follows a marketing executive who relocates to Paris for a career opportunity that reshapes her personal and professional life. Darren Star created the show and Lily Collins leads a cast that includes Philippine Leroy Beaulieu and Ashley Park. Filming takes place across recognizable Parisian locations with an emphasis on fashion partnerships. Netflix renewed it for multiple seasons and rolled out each chapter globally.

‘Outer Banks’ (2020– )

This adventure drama tracks a group of teens searching for treasure while navigating rivalries and family secrets on the North Carolina coast. Jonas Pate, Josh Pate, and Shannon Burke developed the show with extensive on location shooting. The series leans on mystery arcs that unfold across summer break timelines. Netflix released new seasons as event launches that pushed the story into new islands and conflicts.

‘The Witcher’ (2019– )

Based on Andrzej Sapkowski’s books, the fantasy series follows a monster hunter whose path intersects with a princess and a powerful mage. The production features large scale sets, creature effects, and extensive sword choreography. Showrunning duties have included Lauren Schmidt Hissrich with writing teams adapting short stories and novels. Netflix handled global distribution and commissioned spinoff projects to expand the setting.

‘Space Force’ (2020–2022)

This workplace comedy reunites Steve Carell with creator Greg Daniels for a story about a new military branch and the team tasked to run it. The ensemble includes John Malkovich, Ben Schwartz, and Tawny Newsome with recurring appearances from guest stars. Filming used soundstages and locations around Los Angeles for office and base interiors. Netflix produced two seasons before closing the program.

‘Marco Polo’ (2014–2016)

The historical drama follows the explorer’s early years at the court of Kublai Khan with a focus on court politics and warfare. John Fusco created the series with a production that built expansive sets and battle sequences. The cast includes Lorenzo Richelmy, Benedict Wong, and Joan Chen. Netflix financed the show at a large scale and premiered it as part of its early slate of originals.

‘Cowboy Bebop’ (2021)

This live action adaptation follows a crew of bounty hunters traveling the solar system while chasing targets and past ghosts. John Cho, Mustafa Shakir, and Daniella Pineda headline the cast with composer Yoko Kanno returning to contribute music. Production built distinctive ships and sets to reflect the anime’s mix of styles. Netflix released the season worldwide with a companion behind the scenes rollout.

‘Fate: The Winx Saga’ (2021–2022)

Inspired by the animated property, the series follows fairies at a magical school as they train and confront ancient threats. The show was filmed in Ireland and assembled a young ensemble led by Abigail Cowen. Storylines blend academy life with mystery arcs and family revelations across two seasons. Netflix managed international distribution and concluded the project after season two.

‘Another Life’ (2019–2021)

This science fiction drama follows an astronaut leading a mission to trace an alien signal while her family faces uncertainty on Earth. Katee Sackhoff stars with Justin Chatwin and Samuel Anderson in the core cast. The production features spacecraft interiors and planetary scouting sequences with heavy visual effects. Netflix ran two seasons before confirming cancellation.

‘Cursed’ (2020)

A reimagining of Arthurian legend, the series centers on Nimue and her journey with a young mercenary who will become a familiar king’s ally. Katherine Langford leads the cast with Gustaf Skarsgård and Devon Terrell in key roles. The show adapts the illustrated novel by Frank Miller and Tom Wheeler. Netflix launched it as a summer release and did not move forward with additional seasons.

‘The I-Land’ (2019)

This limited series opens with strangers waking on a beach with no memories and a dangerous environment that hides a larger design. The cast includes Natalie Martinez, Kate Bosworth, and Alex Pettyfer. Episodes shift from survival to facility based revelations as characters piece together their histories. Netflix debuted the complete run at once as a short form experiment.

‘Locke & Key’ (2020–2022)

Based on the comics by Joe Hill and Gabriel Rodríguez, the series follows siblings who discover reality bending keys in a family home. The production emphasizes practical prop design for the keys and visual effects for each power. Darby Stanchfield and Connor Jessup star alongside Emilia Jones and Jackson Robert Scott. Netflix structured the story across three seasons to close the main arc.

‘The Society’ (2019)

A group of teens returns from a trip to find their town isolated and the adults missing, forcing them to build new systems. Chris Keyser created the show with an ensemble that includes Kathryn Newton and Gideon Adlon. Themes revolve around leadership, resources, and law as conflicts escalate. Netflix released the first season and later canceled plans for a continuation.

‘Messiah’ (2020)

The thriller follows a mysterious figure whose appearances draw global attention and investigations from intelligence agencies and faith communities. Michael Petroni created the series with Michelle Monaghan and Mehdi Dehbi in leading roles. Filming spanned multiple countries to depict events across continents. Netflix premiered the season and later confirmed it would not return.

‘Wednesday’ (2022– )

This mystery comedy follows Wednesday Addams at a unique academy where she investigates strange events and learns more about her family. Jenna Ortega leads a cast that includes Gwendoline Christie and Catherine Zeta Jones. Tim Burton directed multiple episodes and helped set the show’s gothic look. Netflix reported record breaking debut viewership and renewed the series for another season.

‘The Sandman’ (2022– )

Adapted from Neil Gaiman’s comics, the series follows Dream as he rebuilds his realm and confronts escaped nightmares. The production uses extensive visual effects and stylized sets to depict the Dreaming and the waking world. Tom Sturridge stars with Kirby Howell Baptiste and Gwendoline Christie in key roles. Netflix delivered a main season with a surprise bonus chapter and announced further episodes.

‘Altered Carbon’ (2018–2020)

Set in a future where consciousness can be transferred between bodies, the story follows an elite operative hired to solve a wealthy man’s death. The first season stars Joel Kinnaman and the second features Anthony Mackie in the lead role. Large scale sets and visual effects depict cityscapes, combat, and digital spaces. Netflix produced two seasons and released an animated tie in special.

‘House of Cards’ (2013–2018)

This political drama tracks a Washington power couple as they navigate alliances and crises to secure control. Kevin Spacey and Robin Wright led the cast with Wright directing episodes in later seasons. The series was one of the platform’s earliest original dramas and set a template for prestige production. Netflix completed the story with a final season centered on the First Lady.

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

Eight people across the globe discover they are mentally connected and can share skills while evading a secretive organization. The production filmed on location in multiple countries with large ensemble sequences and action scenes. Lana and Lilly Wachowski created the series with J. Michael Straczynski. Netflix concluded the story with a feature length finale after two seasons.

‘The OA’ (2016–2019)

After a seven year disappearance, a young woman returns with new abilities and recruits a group to help rescue missing people. Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij created the series and developed it across two distinct parts. The show blends mystery, science fiction, and character drama with a focus on memory and belief. Netflix canceled planned future chapters while the narrative remained open.

‘Hemlock Grove’ (2013–2015)

This horror series centers on a small town plagued by gruesome events tied to family secrets and supernatural forces. Bill Skarsgård and Landon Liboiron lead the cast with Famke Janssen in a major role. The production features creature transformations and gothic settings across multiple locations. Netflix supported three seasons as part of its early original catalog.

‘Vikings: Valhalla’ (2022– )

A follow up to the original saga, the series tracks Leif Erikson, Freydis Eiriksdottir, and Harald Sigurdsson during a turbulent era of exploration and conflict. The show films across Ireland with large battle sequences and ship work. Characters move between courts and trade hubs while forging alliances and rivalries. Netflix commissioned multiple seasons to map out the next phase of the timeline.

‘Ginny & Georgia’ (2021– )

A mother and daughter relocate to a New England town where new friendships, secrets, and past issues shape their lives. The ensemble includes Brianne Howey, Antonia Gentry, and Diesel La Torraca. Storylines weave teen experiences with crime threads from earlier years. Netflix renewed the series after strong viewing across multiple countries.

‘Inventing Anna’ (2022)

Based on a magazine investigation, the limited series follows a young woman who posed as a German heiress in New York’s social scene. Julia Garner stars alongside Anna Chlumsky and Arian Moayed. Episodes trace court proceedings, media coverage, and the protagonist’s path through hotels and galleries. Netflix released the complete miniseries worldwide as a single drop.

‘Kaleidoscope’ (2023)

This heist drama invites viewers to watch episodes in different orders as a crew targets a high security vault. Giancarlo Esposito leads a cast that includes Rufus Sewell, Paz Vega, and Rosaline Elbay. Production designed the vault and flood sequences with practical builds and visual effects. Netflix promoted the non linear viewing approach as part of the release.

‘The Irregulars’ (2021)

Set in Victorian London, a group of street teens assist a certain consulting detective with cases that push into the supernatural. The series stars Thaddea Graham, McKell David, and Jojo Macari. Story arcs explore hidden experiments and royal interests alongside creature encounters. Netflix produced one season and did not move forward with additional episodes.

‘The Night Agent’ (2023– )

A low level emergency line operator becomes entangled in a conspiracy that reaches the highest levels of government. Gabriel Basso and Luciane Buchanan headline the cast with recurring roles for Hong Chau and others. Fast moving episodes follow safe houses, double agents, and covert operations. Netflix quickly renewed the show after a strong launch on the service.

‘Insatiable’ (2018–2019)

This dark comedy follows a former bullied teen who enters the pageant world with help from a disgraced lawyer turned coach. Debby Ryan and Dallas Roberts lead the ensemble with recurring guest roles across both seasons. The production mixes courtroom plots with competition episodes and small town politics. Netflix ran two seasons before canceling the series.

‘Girlboss’ (2017)

Loosely inspired by a memoir, the series tracks a young entrepreneur who builds a vintage clothing business from online listings to a growing brand. Britt Robertson stars with Ellie Reed and Johnny Simmons in supporting roles. Episodes cover sourcing, shipping, and scaling while friendships and finances strain. Netflix released one season and closed the project afterward.

Share which titles you would swap in or out in the comments and tell us why your picks belong on this list.