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You consider yourself a Netflix enthusiast, having navigated through its trending and recommended titles, from Stranger Things to The Crown. You can recount details from Squid Game and have strong views on the concluding season of Ozark. However, can you confidently claim you’ve explored the entirety of Netflix’s offerings? The reality is that the platform possesses an extensive library that often gets overshadowed by its standout hits.
With popular series like Bridgerton and The Witcher drawing the majority of viewers, countless hidden treasures await discovery. If you’re weary of the conventional and seek fresh content to binge-watch, explore these 10 Netflix shows that might not have crossed your radar yet.
10 ‘Heels’ (2021 – 2023)
Release Date: 2021 – 2022
Network: Starz
In Heels, brothers Jack (Stephen Amell) and Ace Spade (Alexander Ludwig) inherit their late father’s independent wrestling promotion. Jack, the elder brother and a seasoned villain in the ring, fights to maintain their family legacy, while Ace, the charismatic younger sibling, feels the pressure to assert himself. Themes of ambition, betrayal, and familial rivalry underpin their tumultuous journey within the wrestling world.
Small-Town Wrestling Drama
As one of the most underrated sports dramas, Heels penetrates the wrestling universe with a deeply personal narrative. It delves into masculinity, friendship, and the sacrifices needed to attain greatness, all while reflecting on the allure of fame. Stephen Amell brings authenticity to the role, bolstered by Alexander Ludwig’s performance, which highlights the emotional tension in the brothers’ relationship.
9 ‘Raising Dion’ (2019 – 2022)
When Nicole loses her husband Mark (Michael B. Jordan), she believes her challenges as a single mother to seven-year-old Dion (Ja’Siah Young) will be manageable. However, as Dion begins to display superhuman abilities—from telekinesis to invisibility—he catches the attention of malevolent forces aiming to exploit his gifts. With the help of her late husband’s best friend, Paul, Nicole strives to shield Dion from those who wish him harm.
Superhero Tale with a Unique Twist
Raising Dion offers a fresh perspective on the superhero genre by prioritizing emotional depth and family dynamics over spectacle. Its uniqueness lies in the balance of the supernatural against a mother’s struggles to keep her son safe while fostering his growth. The show is notable for its chilling encounters, especially the formidable Crooked Man, who poses a significant threat to Dion.
8 ‘The Decameron’ (2024)
Set against the harrowing backdrop of the Black Death in 14th-century Italy, The Decameron explores a group of nobles, servants, and outsiders who retreat to a luxurious villa to escape the plague. Their quest for survival soon spirals into indulgence, revealing deep secrets and social hierarchies among the characters.
Period Storytelling in the Modern Age
Inspired by Giovanni Boccaccio’s seminal work, The Decameron employs a satirical lens reminiscent of Bridgerton, where characters grapple with their desires amid an uncertain situation that tests their moral compasses. Witty and sharp, the series cleverly navigates the intersection of humor and dark themes, crafting a rich narrative tapestry.
7 ‘3%’ (2016 – 2020)
Release Date: 2016 – 2019
Network: Netflix
Directors: César Charlone, Daina Giannecchini, Jotagá Crema, Philippe Barcinski
Writers: Ivan Nakamura, Pedro Aguilera, André Sirangelo
Set in a dystopian society divided between the impoverished Inland and the affluent Offshore, 3% tracks young adults who have a singular chance to alter their lives through a brutal selection process. The story centers on Michele, who harbors a hidden grudge; Rafael, a cunning and enigmatic participant; and Fernando, an underestimated underdog.
A Compelling Dystopian Thriller with Depth
Despite its lack of mainstream attention, 3% stands out as a gripping sci-fi thriller on Netflix. The show emphasizes character development over action, crafting intense moments that blend tension with ethical dilemmas. The performances and tight narrative structure allow for a profound exploration of societal divides.
6 ‘Okupas’ (2000)
Capturing the essence of Buenos Aires’ underground youth culture, Okupas follows Ricardo, a middle-class youth who begins squatting in an abandoned house with strangers. Immersed in a world rife with gang violence and systemic corruption, Ricardo undergoes a transformation from a naive outsider to a hardened survivor.
A Riveting Classic
Originally aired nearly two decades ago, Okupas recently returned to Netflix with a refreshed soundtrack. It offers an unfiltered glimpse into friendship and violence within the pulsating streets of Buenos Aires, employing a near-documentary style that heightens the visceral impact of its narrative.
5 ‘Daybreak’ (2019)
Release Date: October 24, 2019
Network: Netflix
Imagine a world where a nuclear event wipes out most adults, leaving behind a chaotic high school landscape reminiscent of Ferris Bueller’s Day Off, fused with elements from Mad Max. In Daybreak, Josh Wheeler, a slacker, navigates this wasteland of zombies and school factions with a group of fellow misfits.
Chaotic and Underrated Gem
This series masterfully blends genres, creating an exhilarating mix of drama, action, and humor. In a whimsical take on the post-apocalyptic genre, it surprises viewers with its clever storytelling and multifaceted characters. Despite its strong cult following and memorable performances, Netflix chose to conclude the series after just one season.
4 ‘Detroiters’ (2017 – 2018)
Sam and Tim, the best friends running a struggling advertising agency in Detroit, embark on absurd ventures to establish their business. With quirky local commercials and a cheery disposition, they bring a fresh twist to the advertising landscape amidst the city’s economic challenges.
Smart, Character-Driven Comedy
The chemistry between Richardson and Robinson gives Detroiters an unfiltered charm, blending ambition and friendship within a context of exaggerated yet relatable narratives. Their comedic approach ultimately reflects the pursuit of the American Dream against the backdrop of a city facing significant hurdles.
3 ‘Loudermilk’ (2017 – 2020)
Crafted by Peter Farrelly and Bobby Mort, Loudermilk follows Sam, a sarcastic addiction counselor navigating life in suburban Seattle. Despite his role in supporting recovering addicts, Sam’s cynicism and bluntness often lead to his own self-imposed dilemmas.
Unconventional Dark Comedy
This series offers an unvarnished look at addiction and recovery, intricately weaving humor with poignant moments. Each episode introduces new plotlines and characters, compelling viewers to confront the chaotic but relatable aspects of human behavior.
2 ‘Maamla Legal Hai’ (2024)
Maamla Legal Hai provides a hilarious commentary on India’s legal landscape. Set in the Patparganj District Court, it showcases the absurdity of bureaucratic processes through a colorful ensemble of eccentric lawyers and baffled clients, all centered around Vikas, an overwhelmed but passionate attorney.
A Witty Courtroom Comedy
This series transforms the complexities of legal issues into engaging, comedic scenarios. The trivial cases create a humorous battleground, punctuated by entertaining incidents—such as a monkey causing mayhem in the courtroom—adding to its appeal and receiving praise for its clever approach to humor.
1 ‘Fisk’ (2021 – Present)
Release Date: March 17, 2021
Directors: Kitty Flanagan, Tom Peterson
Writers: Kitty Flanagan, Penny Flanagan
Fisk offers a departure from the typical intensity found in legal dramas by focusing on the life of Helen Tudor-Fisk, a somewhat socially inept lawyer navigating the challenges of a small probate firm in Melbourne after facing professional setbacks.
Starting Late in Life Can Be Fun Too
With a blend of wit and sharp comedic timing, Fisk highlights the everyday legal dilemmas faced by its characters, turning mundane legal processes into moments of humor. Helen’s lack of social grace, coupled with the eccentric challenges of her profession, brings a refreshing and relatable perspective to legal storytelling.
Source
movieweb.com