My Netflix favorites are a mix of suspenseful dramas, period pieces, and the occasional girl-leaves-the-city-for-small-town-living storyline (which I did myself!). Over the years, I’ve watched a lot of Netflix shows; however, these are the ones that truly stand out and the ones I find myself recommending again and again.
Because I’m always discovering new shows, I’ll continue to update you with more recommendations as I come across new favorites. In addition, I love getting show recommendations from friends, which is exactly why I’m sharing my top Netflix picks with you.
Top 5 Netflix Favorites
- The Break (2 Seasons) – To start, The Break is a suspenseful Belgian crime drama where each season follows a different, intense storyline. The series centers on a police detective who returns to his hometown and, almost immediately, becomes drawn into a murder investigation. As the season progresses, dark secrets begin to surface, ultimately leading to a twist you won’t see coming.
- Broadchurch (3 Seasons) – Similarly, Broadchurch delivers a gripping suspenseful storyline that unfolds across multiple seasons. After the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town, detectives begin an investigation that gradually pulls many residents into the spotlight. With each episode, new details emerge, making it hard to stop watching.
- The English Game (1 Season) – In contrast, The English Game offers a quieter but equally compelling watch. This period drama explores the early history of soccer (football) and shows how the game evolved into a sport for the people. Not only does it provide fascinating historical insight, but it also makes me want to travel to England to experience the atmosphere firsthand.
- Virgin River (6 Seasons) – Meanwhile, Virgin River leans fully into the small-town escape storyline. The show follows a young doctor who leaves city life behind in search of a fresh start. As the story unfolds, romance, community, and second chances take center stage. I’ve already watched it twice and honestly, I could easily watch it again.
- Ozark (4 Seasons) – On the darker end of the spectrum, Ozark is a fictional crime drama about a family forced to work for a drug cartel laundering money. From the very beginning, the stakes feel high. As a result, the family dynamics become increasingly intense. The acting is excellent, and Jason Bateman’s performance adds depth to an already gripping story.
Bonus Favorite
Narcos (3 Seasons) – Finally, Narcos earns a spot as my bonus option. I’ve mentioned it before in my True Crime Netflix favorites, but it’s worth repeating. This docudrama covers the drug wars of the 1970s and 1980s, focusing on Pablo Escobar and the rise of major cartels. Because many of these events happened while I was growing up, watching them unfold in story format feels especially impactful.
Other Netflix Favorites
- Peaky Blinders
- Breaking Bad
- Doctor Foster
- Paranoid
- Safe
- The Stranger
Favorite Netflix Movies
- Fall from Grace (2h) – Suspense
- Life as We Know It (1h 54m) – Romantic Comedy
- Palm Trees in Snow (2h 43m) – Drama
- The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society (2h 3m) – Drama
Overall, these shows represent the Netflix series I return to and recommend most often. If you’re looking for your next binge-worthy watch, I hope this list helps. And, of course, if you have a favorite Netflix show you think I should add, I’d love to hear your recommendations.
Enjoy! What are your favorites; are any of these on the list?
xx, ej
