Most Underrated Limited Series You Should Watch on Netflix Right Now
Streaming platforms offer an overwhelming amount of content that makes it difficult to find high-quality stories with a definitive ending. Limited series provide the perfect solution by delivering concise and impactful narratives without the commitment of multiple seasons. Many of these gems fly under the radar despite featuring stellar performances and gripping plotlines that rival blockbuster films. This list highlights the most overlooked miniseries available on Netflix that deserve your immediate attention.
‘Godless’ (2017)
Frank Griffin and his gang of outlaws terrorize the American West while hunting down a former member named Roy Goode. The chase leads them to the quiet town of La Belle which is mysteriously inhabited almost entirely by women. Roy seeks refuge with a hardened widow who lives as an outcast on the edge of the community. The series culminates in a violent showdown that forces the residents to defend their home against the ruthless criminals. This western drama received praise for its unique premise and stunning cinematography.
‘Maniac’ (2018)
Two strangers connect during a mind-bending pharmaceutical trial conducted by a mysterious corporation. Annie and Owen enter the program hoping to solve their respective personal problems with no side effects. The radical treatment throws them into shared hallucinations that span different genres and realities. Their journey explores themes of mental health and human connection through a surreal and comedic lens. The visual style and complex storytelling set this show apart from traditional dramas.
‘Alias Grace’ (2017)
A psychiatrist arrives in Canada to evaluate a woman convicted of a notorious double murder. Grace Marks recounts her life as an Irish immigrant and domestic servant to determine if she should be pardoned on grounds of insanity. The doctor becomes obsessed with her story while trying to discern the truth behind her calm demeanor. The narrative weaves through memory and ambiguity to question the nature of guilt. This adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s novel delivers a chilling examination of class and gender dynamics.
‘Seven Seconds’ (2018)
Tensions run high in Jersey City after a white police officer accidentally hits and critically injures a Black teenager. The ensuing cover-up sparks a volatile investigation that exposes deep-seated corruption within the force. A prosecutor and a detective race against time to uncover the truth before the evidence disappears forever. The show tackles difficult social issues while focusing on the grief of the victim’s family. It stands as a powerful crime drama that emphasizes the human cost of systemic injustice.
‘The Spy’ (2019)
Eli Cohen leaves his quiet life in Israel to infiltrate the Syrian government as an undercover agent in the 1960s. He successfully embeds himself in high society and gains the trust of military leaders and politicians. The constant deception begins to blur the lines between his true identity and his undercover persona. Sacha Baron Cohen delivers a rare dramatic performance that captures the intense psychological toll of espionage. This historical thriller sheds light on one of the most significant spies in modern history.
‘Brand New Cherry Flavor’ (2021)
An aspiring film director heads to Los Angeles with dreams of making her movie but falls into a hallucinogenic nightmare of supernatural revenge. She encounters a strange tattoo artist who introduces her to dark magic involving kittens and zombies. The protagonist must navigate a seedy underworld while battling a producer who betrayed her trust. The series blends body horror with dark comedy to create a uniquely disturbing experience. It offers a wild ride for viewers who enjoy genre-bending narratives.
‘Unbelievable’ (2019)
A teenager reports a sexual assault only to recant her story after facing skepticism from the police and those around her. Two female detectives in a different state begin investigating a series of similar attacks years later. Their meticulous work reveals a pattern that connects to the earlier case and exposes failures in the justice system. The series is based on true events and focuses heavily on the perspective of the survivors. It is widely regarded for its empathetic approach and gripping procedural elements.
‘Maid’ (2021)
A young mother flees an abusive relationship and finds work cleaning houses to provide for her daughter. She navigates the complex bureaucracy of government assistance while dealing with homelessness and family dysfunction. The story highlights the invisible struggles of the working poor and the resilience required to survive. Margaret Qualley delivers a raw performance that anchors the emotional weight of the narrative. The show offers a poignant look at poverty and the pursuit of independence.
‘The English Game’ (2020)
Two footballers from opposite sides of the class divide change the game forever in late 19th-century England. The series dramatizes the origins of modern football as it transitions from a sport for gentlemen to a game for the masses. Personal and professional conflicts arise as factory workers challenge the elite teams that dominate the league. The period drama combines sports history with social commentary on the industrial revolution. It appeals to both sports fans and lovers of historical fiction.
‘Self Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C.J. Walker’ (2020)
Madam C.J. Walker rises from a washerwoman to become the first female self-made millionaire in America. She overcomes racial and gender biases to build a hair care empire that revolutionizes the industry. The series depicts her rivalry with competitors and the strain her ambition places on her personal relationships. Octavia Spencer brings energy and depth to the portrayal of the legendary entrepreneur. The show celebrates resilience and innovation in the face of overwhelming adversity.
‘The Billion Dollar Code’ (2021)
Two German computer pioneers go to court to prove they invented the algorithm used by Google Earth. The story shifts between their early days in post-unification Berlin and the high-stakes legal battle in the United States. Their friendship is tested as they confront a massive tech giant to reclaim their intellectual property. The series offers a fascinating look at the early internet era and the ethics of Silicon Valley. It presents a gripping David versus Goliath narrative based on true events.
‘Caliphate’ (2020)
A looming terrorist attack in Sweden intertwines the lives of a mother in Raqqa and a determined agent in Stockholm. The agent tries to extract the woman and her child from ISIS territory while uncovering a local sleeper cell. Tensions escalate as radicalization spreads among unsuspecting teenagers in a Swedish high school. The thriller provides a nerve-wracking look at extremism and the complexities of intelligence work. Viewers are kept on the edge of their seats with constant twists and high stakes.
‘The Serpent’ (2021)
Charles Sobhraj poses as a gem dealer to prey on Western tourists traveling the hippie trail in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. A junior diplomat at the Dutch embassy begins to investigate the disappearances despite lack of support from his superiors. The cat-and-mouse game spans multiple countries as the authorities try to capture the elusive killer. The series captures the atmosphere of the era while detailing the chilling methods of a manipulator. It is a terrifying true-crime drama that emphasizes the vulnerability of travelers.
‘Halston’ (2021)
The legendary fashion designer rises to international fame before his life spins out of control due to excess and corporate pressure. Ewan McGregor portrays the titular character as he defines the style of the 1970s and 80s. The series explores his creative genius and the destructive habits that threaten his empire. Lavish set designs and costumes recreate the glamour of the Studio 54 era. It serves as both a biography and a cautionary tale about the price of fame.
‘Hollywood’ (2020)
A group of aspiring actors and filmmakers in post-World War II Los Angeles try to make it big while fighting against systemic prejudice. They band together to create a movie that challenges the rigid social norms of the studio system. The series presents an alternate history where marginalized voices get a chance to shine during the Golden Age of cinema. The production design captures the glitz of the era while exploring themes of identity and acceptance. It is an optimistic and stylish look at what the industry could have been.
‘The Eddy’ (2020)
A jazz pianist from New York runs a struggling club in modern-day Paris while dealing with dangerous criminals. He tries to manage his chaotic personal life and the volatile relationships within his band. The arrival of his teenage daughter adds another layer of complexity to his already precarious situation. The series features live musical performances that are integrated naturally into the storytelling. It offers a gritty and atmospheric portrait of the Parisian underground music scene.
‘Safe’ (2018)
A widowed surgeon begins a desperate search when his teenage daughter goes missing from their gated community. He uncovers dark secrets about his neighbors and friends as he digs deeper into the disappearance. The investigation reveals that the safety of their exclusive neighborhood is merely an illusion. Michael C. Hall leads the cast in this mystery that is full of red herrings and surprises. The fast-paced plot keeps viewers guessing until the final revelation.
‘The Stranger’ (2020)
A mysterious woman approaches a man at a soccer game and whispers a shocking secret about his wife. This revelation triggers a chain of events that destroys his seemingly perfect suburban life. The stranger continues to blackmail other members of the community by exposing their private lies. The series weaves multiple storylines together into a cohesive and suspenseful thriller. It highlights how quickly trust can erode when hidden truths come to light.
‘Stay Close’ (2021)
Three people living comfortable lives are forced to confront a dark event from their past that refuses to stay buried. A suburban mother tries to hide her former identity as a stripper when a new disappearance mimics a cold case. A detective and a photographer get dragged back into the mystery as the threat closes in. The show balances domestic drama with a tense murder investigation. It engages the audience with its intricate plotting and character-driven suspense.
‘The Innocent’ (2021)
An accidental killing leads a man down a dark hole of intrigue and murder just as he finds love and freedom. He tries to restart his life nine years later but a phone call brings his past back to haunt him. The plot twists constantly as new characters and motivations are introduced in every episode. This Spanish thriller is adapted from a Harlan Coben novel and delivers relentless tension. It is praised for its ability to shock viewers with unpredictable narrative shifts.
‘Gone for Good’ (2021)
A man loses the two people he loves most and then finds himself in a mystery when his girlfriend vanishes ten years later. He embarks on a dangerous search that leads him through the secrets of his family and friends. The story moves between timelines to explain the tragic events that shaped the present. This French adaptation maintains a somber tone while unraveling a complex web of deceit. It is a compelling mystery that focuses on loss and redemption.
‘Hold Tight’ (2022)
Residents of a wealthy Warsaw suburb take matters into their own hands when a teenager disappears shortly after his friend dies. A worried mother installs spyware on her son’s phone to track his movements and uncover the truth. The tight-knit community begins to unravel as parents go to extreme lengths to protect their children. The series explores the dangers of helicopter parenting and the secrets teenagers keep. It builds tension slowly before reaching a dramatic conclusion.
‘The Woods’ (2020)
Evidence found on a homicide victim suggests that a prosecutor’s sister who vanished twenty-five years ago might still be alive. The protagonist hopes to find her while grappling with the unsolved mystery that happened at a summer camp. The narrative alternates between the timeline of the camp in 1994 and the present-day investigation. This Polish series offers a melancholic atmosphere and a deeply personal mystery. It examines how the trauma of the past continues to affect the present.
‘A Nearly Normal Family’ (2023)
A pastor and a lawyer see their ordinary lives shattered when their daughter is accused of a brutal murder. They scramble to defend her while realizing they might not know their child as well as they thought. The story is told from three different perspectives to reveal the truth piece by piece. Legal drama mixes with psychological thriller elements as the trial approaches. The show questions the lengths parents will go to save their family from ruin.
‘Quicksand’ (2019)
A well-adjusted high school student finds herself on trial for murder after a school shooting shocks a wealthy Swedish suburb. The narrative unfolds through flashbacks that reveal the toxic relationship leading up to the tragedy. Viewers watch her transformation from a normal teenager to a suspect in a national crisis. The series is a courtroom drama that also serves as a character study of youth and influence. It provides a sobering look at the pressures facing modern adolescents.
‘The Chestnut Man’ (2021)
Police discover a woman brutally murdered in a playground with a small figurine made of chestnuts left at the scene. Two detectives team up to chase a killer who seems to be linked to a missing child case. The investigation takes them into the dark corners of Danish politics and foster care systems. The series delivers the grim atmosphere and intricate plotting typical of Nordic noir. It is a haunting thriller that stays with the viewer long after the credits roll.
‘Transatlantic’ (2023)
An international group of heroes risks their lives to help refugees escape occupied France during World War II. They organize dangerous crossings while hiding in a villa on the outskirts of Marseille. The series blends historical drama with touches of screwball comedy and romance. It sheds light on the true story of the Emergency Rescue Committee and the artists they saved. The stunning locations and period costumes create a visually rich experience.
‘Florida Man’ (2023)
A disgraced cop is forced to return to his home state of Florida to find a mobster’s runaway girlfriend. What should be a quick gig turns into a spiraling journey into buried family secrets and criminal absurdity. The show embraces the chaotic reputation of the setting with eccentric characters and bizarre situations. It balances noir elements with dark humor as the protagonist tries to do the right thing. This series offers a fun and gritty escape into a world of sunshine and shadows.
‘True Story’ (2021)
A world-famous comedian returns to his hometown of Philadelphia and gets dragged into a crisis by his wayward older brother. A night of partying ends in a disaster that threatens to destroy his career and life. He must decide how far he will go to protect his image as the situation escalates. Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes display strong chemistry as siblings with a complicated history. The show is a tense thriller that examines the burden of success and loyalty.
‘Colin in Black & White’ (2021)
This drama chronicles the teenage years of athlete Colin Kaepernick as he navigates race, class, and culture. He faces microaggressions and systemic hurdles while striving to become a quarterback in high school. The series combines narrative scenes with direct narration to provide context on social issues. It offers an insightful look at the formation of an activist and the challenges of being a Black adoptee in a white family. The storytelling is educational and emotionally resonant.
‘Lost Ollie’ (2022)
A patchwork rabbit wakes up in a thrift store and embarks on an epic quest to find the boy who lost him. He teams up with other toys who have their own tragic backstories and motivations. The journey takes them through dangerous territory as they confront their fears of abandonment. The series combines impressive animation with live-action environments to create a magical world. It is a heartwarming and heartbreaking tale about memory and childhood.
‘From Scratch’ (2022)
An American student falls in love with a Sicilian chef while studying abroad in Italy. Their romance faces cultural hurdles and family disapproval before they build a life together in Los Angeles. Tragedy strikes when a health crisis forces them to rely on the strength of their community. Zoe Saldana delivers a moving performance in this story of love and loss. The series is a tearjerker that celebrates the healing power of food and family.
‘Devil in Ohio’ (2022)
A psychiatrist invites a mysterious cult escapee into her home to protect her from her past. The arrival of the girl disrupts the family dynamic and brings danger to their doorstep. Strange symbols and events begin to plague the household as the cult tries to reclaim its member. The show mixes family drama with suspenseful horror elements. It keeps the tension high as the doctor fights to save her family from a sinister influence.
‘The Watcher’ (2022)
A family moves into their dream home in the suburbs only to receive threatening letters from a stalker who calls himself The Watcher. Paranoia sets in as they suspect their eccentric neighbors and the history of the house itself. The police fail to provide answers which drives the father to investigate on his own. The series is based on a true story that remains unsolved to this day. It effectively captures the creeping dread of feeling unsafe in one’s own home.
‘Echoes’ (2022)
Identical twins Leni and Gina have secretly swapped lives since they were children and now share two homes and two husbands. Their perfectly choreographed world falls apart when one of the sisters goes missing. The remaining twin must navigate the mystery while trying to maintain the charade. The plot is filled with twists as secrets about their shared past are revealed. Michelle Monaghan plays both roles in this psychological thriller about identity and deception.
‘Treason’ (2022)
An MI6 deputy’s bright future takes a sharp turn when a reunion with a Russian spy forces him to question his entire life. He finds himself caught between his duty to his country and the safety of his family. The show explores the modern landscape of espionage where personal leverage is as dangerous as political secrets. Charlie Cox leads the cast in a fast-moving plot that avoids the typical spy tropes. It is a compact thriller that delivers high stakes without dragging on.
‘Inside Man’ (2022)
A prisoner on death row in the United States helps a journalist solve mysteries while a vicar in England makes a terrible decision. These seemingly unrelated storylines converge in a tense and unexpected way. The show examines how ordinary people can be pushed to commit crimes under the right circumstances. David Tennant and Stanley Tucci deliver compelling performances in this moral thriller. The script is filled with dark humor and ethical dilemmas.
‘Anatomy of a Scandal’ (2022)
A powerful British politician is accused of a shocking crime that threatens to topple his career and marriage. His wife stands by him initially but begins to doubt his innocence as the trial proceeds. The prosecutor is determined to uncover the truth despite her own complicated past. The series dissects the nature of consent and privilege within the halls of power. It is a courtroom drama that keeps the audience guessing about the verdict.
‘Bodies’ (2023)
Four detectives in four different time periods find the same body in the same location in London. The mystery spans from 1890 to a dystopian future in 2053 as they all investigate the strange occurrence. They slowly realize that their cases are linked by a conspiracy that threatens the city’s existence. The show blends police procedural elements with time-travel sci-fi. It is an ambitious narrative that rewards viewers who pay attention to the details.
‘Dear Child’ (2023)
A mysterious woman escapes from captivity after years of isolation and is hit by a car in a forest. Her discovery leads police to reopen a missing persons case from thirteen years ago. The investigators try to piece together the fragments of her trauma to find the place where she was held. The series is a dark psychological thriller that focuses on the aftermath of abuse. It creates a claustrophobic atmosphere that is both terrifying and gripping.
‘The Signal’ (2024)
An astronaut vanishes during her return mission to Earth leaving her husband and daughter to search for answers. The husband uncovers a discovery she made in space that could change human history. Powerful forces try to silence him as he gets closer to the truth about her disappearance. This German sci-fi mystery balances family drama with cosmic intrigue. It builds a sense of wonder and danger as the mystery unravels.
‘Keep Breathing’ (2022)
A lone survivor of a small plane crash in the Canadian wilderness must battle the elements to stay alive. She faces physical challenges like starvation and injury while confronting her own emotional demons. Flashbacks reveal the personal struggles she was running from before the accident. The series is a survival drama that focuses on the resilience of the human spirit. It features breathtaking landscapes that contrast with the desperate situation of the protagonist.
‘Obsession’ (2023)
A respected surgeon embarks on a passionate affair with his son’s fiancée that threatens to destroy his family. The relationship becomes an all-consuming addiction that blinds him to the consequences. Tension mounts as they try to keep their secret hidden during family gatherings. The series is an erotic thriller that explores the destructive power of lust. It delivers a dramatic conclusion that leaves no character unscathed.
‘Behind Her Eyes’ (2021)
A single mother begins an affair with her psychiatrist boss while secretly befriending his mysterious wife. She becomes trapped in a web of lies as she tries to understand the strange dynamic of the couple’s marriage. The story takes a supernatural turn that reframes everything the viewer thought they knew. The ending is famous for its shocking twist that divides audiences. It is a psychological thriller that defies genre conventions.
‘Clickbait’ (2021)
A family man is abducted and appears in a viral video holding a sign that says he will die if the video reaches five million views. His sister and wife race to find him while the internet dissects his private life. The show explores the gap between online personas and real-life behavior. Each episode shifts perspective to a different character involved in the case. It is a modern mystery that critiques the impulse to judge strangers on social media.
Share your favorite underrated limited series from this list in the comments.
