Netflix Series You Are Sleeping on (but Shouldn’t)

There is a wide mix of series on Netflix that slip past people while they scroll. Some are originals with global followings while others arrived through regional broadcasters and picked up new audiences once they landed on the platform. This list gathers a range of genres and countries so you can find something that fits your mood any night of the week.

Each pick includes quick facts that help you decide fast. You will see the core premise, where it was produced, how many seasons are available, and useful details like episode counts or notable creators and cast. Everything here is meant to save you time and point you straight to what to queue up next.

‘Dark’ (2017–2020)

This German series centers on four families in a small town and a series of disappearances that connect across multiple timelines. It was produced in Germany with principal photography around locations in and near Berlin. The show is available in the original German with subtitles as well as dubbing in several languages.

Across three seasons the story follows a closed loop structure with 26 total episodes. The creators are Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. Production used a consistent visual palette and recurring motifs to help viewers track the shifting time periods and family ties.

‘Kingdom’ (2019–2020)

This Korean period thriller is set during the Joseon era and follows a crown prince who investigates a mysterious plague. The series combines palace intrigue with an outbreak that spreads through rural provinces and into the capital.

There are two seasons plus a feature length special that expands a key character’s backstory. The cast includes Ju Ji hoon and Bae Doona. Episodes were filmed in locations across South Korea with period costuming and large scale outdoor sets.

‘Mindhunter’ (2017–2019)

Set in the late seventies and early eighties in the United States, this series follows FBI agents who develop early criminal profiling methods. The show dramatizes interviews with incarcerated offenders and the creation of a new investigative unit.

Two seasons cover the formation of the Behavioral Science Unit and several major cases that cross state lines. Executive producers include David Fincher and Charlize Theron. Production used real period locations and meticulous set detail to match the timeframe.

‘The OA’ (2016–2019)

This mystery drama opens with a young woman who reappears after being missing for seven years. She recruits a small group in her town and tells a story that moves between captivity, near death experiences, and a plan to reach someone she left behind.

The series was created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij. It spans two seasons that shift settings between the Midwest and coastal cities. The show uses recurring symbols and choreographed sequences as plot devices and features an ensemble of teens and adults from the community.

‘Russian Doll’ (2019–2022)

A New York video game developer relives the same night repeatedly while trying to understand why she keeps dying and restarting. The narrative later expands to another character who experiences a parallel loop.

Created by Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland, and Amy Poehler, the series has two seasons with episodes that run around half an hour. The show was filmed on location in New York City with a focus on the East Village and features a supporting cast tied to the main character’s family history.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018)

This limited series adapts the core idea of a haunted house through the story of the Crain family. It alternates between childhood experiences inside the house and the adult siblings who are still dealing with the aftermath.

Created by Mike Flanagan, the show uses long takes and episode structures that focus on individual family members. Production built extensive interior sets to control lighting and staging. The limited series format provides a complete arc across ten episodes.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021)

Set on a small island community, this limited series explores a series of events that begin after the arrival of a charismatic priest. The island’s isolation shapes how news spreads and how residents respond to sudden changes around them.

Mike Flanagan created the series and set production took place on a constructed coastal town set in Canada. The story unfolds over seven episodes and follows multiple household lines. The narrative includes scenes inside the church, a community center, and individual homes to mark shifting alliances.

‘Arcane’ (2021– )

This animated series is set in the world of Piltover and Zaun and follows two sisters whose paths diverge as technology and politics collide. The art direction blends hand painted textures with 3D animation to create a distinct look.

The show is produced by Fortiche and Riot Games. Season one includes nine episodes released in three parts. The English language cast features voice actors from animation and games, and localized dubs are available in multiple languages on Netflix.

‘Blue Eye Samurai’ (2023– )

Set in Edo period Japan, this animated series follows a mixed heritage swordmaker who lives in disguise and pursues a personal mission. The production blends hand drawn aesthetics with CG action choreography.

Season one contains eight episodes and was created by Amber Noizumi and Michael Green. The series records voice performances in English with Japanese and other language options provided on the platform. Fight scenes are staged with attention to period weapons and social rules.

‘Kleo’ (2022– )

This German thriller follows a former East German operative who seeks answers after her sudden imprisonment and release around the time of reunification. The story tracks her movements across Berlin and other European locations.

Season one includes eight episodes and introduces a case that connects spies, a mysterious red suitcase, and competing agencies. The production team uses period cars, costumes, and signage to reflect late eighties and early nineties settings.

‘The Spy’ (2019)

This limited series dramatizes the work of an Israeli agent who infiltrates the Syrian political scene in the sixties. It follows the agent’s assumed identity, social integration, and communication methods with handlers.

The series stars Sacha Baron Cohen in the lead role and was created by Gideon Raff. It spans six episodes and was shot in multiple locations to replicate cities in the Middle East and Europe during the time period.

‘Derry Girls’ (2018–2022)

Set in Northern Ireland during the nineties, this coming of age comedy follows a group of teens at a Catholic girls’ school along with a cousin from England. The backdrop includes historical events that appear in radio and television within scenes.

The series was created by Lisa McGee and filmed primarily in and around Derry and Belfast. Three seasons are available on Netflix in many regions. Episodes run under half an hour and feature recurring school events, family dinners, and community gatherings.

‘Call My Agent!’ (2015–2020)

This French workplace comedy is set inside a Paris talent agency and follows agents who manage crises for their actor clients. Each episode features guest appearances by real performers who play heightened versions of themselves.

The series originally aired in France and streams internationally on Netflix. Four seasons are available with a special that revisits characters after the main run. The production highlights Paris locations and behind the scenes work in casting and negotiation.

‘Alice in Borderland’ (2020–2022)

This Japanese series follows three friends who find themselves in an empty Tokyo where they must compete in dangerous games to survive. Each game is marked with a playing card that signals the type of challenge and the skills needed.

Two seasons are available and expand the scale of the games and the map of the city. The cast includes Kento Yamazaki and Tao Tsuchiya. Large outdoor sets and digital extensions recreate districts of Tokyo during the events.

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

This British dark comedy follows two teenagers who leave home and travel across England while dealing with personal histories and the consequences of their choices. The narrative uses alternating perspectives from the two leads.

The series has two seasons and was adapted from a graphic novel by Charles Forsman. Filming took place across multiple UK locations. Episodes are short and structured to build momentum across each season with a complete resolution.

‘Narcos: Mexico’ (2018–2021)

Set in Mexico during the rise of modern trafficking organizations, this companion to an earlier series charts the formation of a federation and the response by law enforcement. The story moves between Guadalajara, the border, and the capital.

Across three seasons the show traces organizational changes and the pressure applied by regional and federal units. Production filmed in Mexico with a cast that includes Diego Luna and Scoot McNairy. The series uses Spanish and English throughout.

‘Unbelievable’ (2019)

This limited series tells the story of a young woman who reports an assault and the separate investigation by two detectives who begin to connect cases across jurisdictions. The script is based on reported material about real events.

Eight episodes follow the steps of interviews, evidence reviews, and collaboration between departments. The cast includes Kaitlyn Dever, Merritt Wever, and Toni Collette. Scenes portray procedures inside precincts, labs, and courts along with the daily life of the people involved.

‘Travelers’ (2016–2018)

Set in the near future with agents who send their consciousness back to the present, this Canadian science fiction series follows a team that tries to change the course of events through precise missions. Each agent must also maintain the life of the person they inhabit.

Three seasons are available with 34 total episodes. The series was created by Brad Wright and filmed primarily in Vancouver. The show uses mission numbers and protocol rules that structure each operation within the team.

‘The Last Kingdom’ (2015–2022)

This historical drama adapts a long running series of novels and follows a warrior born to Saxon parents and raised by Danes during the formation of England. The story moves across multiple kingdoms with shifting alliances.

Five seasons are available on Netflix in many regions. The production uses outdoor locations in Hungary and the United Kingdom along with large scale battle choreography. Costumes and props reflect early medieval material culture.

‘Barbarians’ (2020–2022)

Set along the Roman frontier in Germania, this German historical series follows tribal leaders who confront imperial expansion. The plot leads toward a major clash that reshapes control of the region.

Two seasons are available. The production team used forest locations and reconstructed forts to stage travel, diplomacy, and battle scenes. Dialogue alternates between Latin and German to reflect the communities on both sides of the conflict.

‘Glitch’ (2022)

This Korean mystery follows a woman whose boyfriend disappears and a string of sightings tied to a local UFO community. She reconnects with an old friend and investigates groups that claim to know more than they share.

The limited series contains ten episodes created by Jin Han sae and directed by Roh Deok. Filming took place in Seoul with city neighborhoods serving as key settings. The show uses online forums and community events as part of the investigation.

‘GLOW’ (2017–2019)

Set in Los Angeles during the eighties, this series follows the creation of a women’s wrestling TV program and the performers who train for the ring while navigating off camera challenges. Episodes cover casting, training, and live tapings.

Three seasons were released with an ensemble that includes Alison Brie, Betty Gilpin, and Marc Maron. Production built a gym set and a soundstage ring to support stunt work and match choreography. The show uses licensed music and period wardrobe to place events within the decade.

‘Hilda’ (2018–2023)

This animated series follows a fearless girl who moves from a wilderness cabin to the city of Trolberg and discovers a world filled with elves, giants, and other creatures. Episodes mix urban life with folklore drawn from Nordic traditions.

Multiple seasons and specials are available on Netflix. The series is based on graphic novels by Luke Pearson. Production is a UK and Canada collaboration with voice work led by Bella Ramsey and a cast that records in English.

‘The Dragon Prince’ (2018– )

Set in the world of Xadia, this animated fantasy follows two human princes and an elf assassin who join forces to return a dragon egg and prevent a wider conflict. The series builds out distinct regions tied to primal sources of magic.

The show was created by Aaron Ehasz and Justin Richmond. Seasons are organized into books with nine episodes each. Voice recording is in English with dubbed and subtitled versions available in multiple languages on Netflix.

‘Lovesick’ (2014–2018)

This British comedy follows a young man who contacts past partners after a health diagnosis and reconnects with friends while sorting out his history. The story moves between present day scenes and earlier moments that reveal how relationships formed.

Three seasons are available. The cast includes Johnny Flynn, Antonia Thomas, and Daniel Ings. Episodes were filmed around Glasgow with recurring locations that anchor the friend group and their shared spaces.

‘Giri/Haji’ (2019)

This British and Japanese crime drama follows a Tokyo detective who travels to London in search of his missing brother. The plot links yakuza factions with events in the UK and explores the impact on both sides of the family.

The limited series has eight episodes. Filming took place in Tokyo and London with bilingual dialogue. The production uses animation sequences and stylized interludes to mark shifts in perspective during the investigation.

Share your own underrated Netflix gems in the comments so everyone can find their next favorite watch.