Netflix is one of the biggest streaming services around, with over 112 million global subscribers. It's main rival, Amazon Prime, has over 80 million subscribers, making Netflix the clear leader in the online streaming world. It's popularly known for its huge movie library that is constantly expanding, with new seasons and Download free Netflix movies being added all the time.
With such a large pool of content to choose from, it can be hard to know where to start. Luckily for you, we've curated a list of the best Netflix shows that you can stream instantly and for free.
Black
Black is one of Netflix's biggest series, with over 60 million global views per episode. It's story follows the lives of various black Americans in the present day. The series highlights the complex issues that many people of African descent are facing, such as crime and police violence, gentrification, and economic opportunity. However, it also presents more positive stories, such as the family bonds and enduring friendships that black people share.
The Handmaid's Tale
If you thought that the TV show The Handmaid's Tale was just based on the 1975 novel of the same name, then you'd be mistaken. The series adapts the events of the novel, setting them in the near future where women are forced to bear children for powerful men. It follows the story of Offred, who is forced into accepting a life of servitude and who undertakes a quest for freedom and independence. She becomes a symbol for the rebellion that ensues.
Wet Hot American Summer
Wet Hot American Summer is a Netflix original series based on the 2001 cult classic film of the same name. The six-episode first season focuses on the fictional Camp Woodwindlille Summer Camp, where a group of teens get caught in the middle of a summertime battle for dominance between the archetypes of men: the jock, the nerd, and the pretty boy. It's a wild adventure that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next.
Nailed It!
Nailed It! is a cooking competition show that pits home cooks against one another as they compete to see who can create the best dishes using only the materials found in each other's kitchens. The series features comedians, chefs, and home cooks who are all amateur cooks and share their experiences in the kitchen. It's an entertaining look at different ways in which people can be creative and resourceful in the kitchen.
Atypical
Atypical is a medical drama series that follows a group of young doctors, nurses, and other healthcare professionals as they navigate the everyday challenges of life in a hospital. It explores how their unique personalities and experiences impact their care for patients, leading to exciting stories and emotional payoffs. The show is set to debut on Netflix Canada on May 30th.
GLOW
GLOW is a comedy series that takes a funny, fresh look at body positivity. It's about a group of powerful women who are friends and collaborators who fight to be the best at what they do. Their efforts are rewarded when a fitness magazine launches a GLOW-themed contest with a grand prize. Despite its comedy, GLOW is a very emotional series that tackles difficult topics like bullying and body positivity head-on. It's a must-watch for anyone who needs a little pick-me-up.
Love
Love is a series about a family of police officers whose lives are constantly disrupted by crime and criminals. It's a gritty look at the challenges that police officers face and how they struggle to maintain a healthy marriage and family life while doing their jobs. The first season of Love focuses on the family's adventures after their car breaks down and they have to spend the night at a motel. It's a light-hearted episode that will have you laughing one minute and crying the next. Don't miss it.
Master of None
Master of None is a series about a young man named Dev, who struggles to find his place in the world and navigate the complexities of dating and relationships. The show focuses on the minutiae of daily life in New York City, exploring the characters' attempts to make sense of the city's diverse population and modern ways of living. Though it has many laugh-out-loud moments, it's also rife with emotional resonances, particularly regarding Dev's search for love.
Sense8
Sense8 is a thrilling, cinematic series that takes place in a world where everyone's senses become heightened and people can share their experiences and connect with others through sensations such as sight and sound. The series explores the power of the ‘sensei', or teacher, who have the ability to sense and see the world through the eyes of their students. This teacher-student relationship is a theme that permeates the series, as each episode is set in a different location around the world and features a different pair of teachers and students. With a unique premise like this, it's no surprise that Sense8 has become a cult hit and gained a considerable following. The first season is based on the novel of the same name by British author Dennis Kelly.
She's Gotta Have It
She's Gotta Have It is a series about a female-dominated drug ring that moves their operation to New York City, which is in the midst of an opioid epidemic. It focuses on the women who are at the core of the organization and how they navigate their lives and secret loves behind the scenes of the drug trade. Though it's styled as a comedic series, it is very dark in nature, with scenes of drug addiction, violence, and death. Nevertheless, it's an important show, with many daring to call it necessary viewing. The show's tagline is “When you get a chance, you've gotta grab it.”
One Day At A Time
One Day At A Time is a coming-of-age drama series that explores the challenges that young adults face when trying to establish themselves in the world. The series follows a diverse group of characters who live in a fictionalized version of Los Angeles. There are various love interests, family tensions, and interpersonal conflicts that the characters have to navigate as they grow and mature. Each episode of the series is set in the present day and follows the main character as they deal with the difficulties of a changing world around them. Though it is a drama series, it does have moments of levity, particularly regarding the colorful and vibrant world of Los Angeles. Netflix co-founder and CEO Jonathan Friedland said of the show, “It is a true pleasure to work with a talented and creative team to bring this colorful world to life.”
Sex Education
Sex Education is a comedy about a teen who must overcome his sheltered and conservative upbringing to find his identity in the world. It's a story about a boy who is sent to a strict Catholic school where he is taught about ‘family values' and is forbidden to participate in sexual acts. Nevertheless, when the boy experiences sexual awakening and challenges the strict rules and authority of the Catholic Church, he discovers that there is a place for him in the world that he didn't know existed. The series is often raunchy and boasts a very unique sense of humor that is very British. While it may not be for everyone, those who can handle some strong language will certainly enjoy it.
Tigertones
Tigertones is a surreal comedy series set in a world where humans and fictional characters engage in battle. At least, that's what it seems like. The show's main character, Tiberius, is a highly advanced artificial intelligence program who helps people by taking on fictional personas, or ‘tigertones', and entering into them physically. For example, a tigertone of Darth Vader may appear to be a stoic Sith Lord, but inside, Tiberius may be experiencing all the fear that comes with being a young boy in the presence of such power. At least, that's what it seems like.
Dead To Me
Dead To Me is a dark comedy series that explores the complexities of family and friendship. It follows the stories of four young men who are the children of alcoholics and who grow up to become the men that their fathers never wanted them to be. The series' title refers to the fact that the men have dead fathers, which sets the scene for a lot of dramatic irony and humor. The series is gritty and realistic, featuring a large ensemble cast that includes many famous faces. It's a real shame that Dead To Me has only limited episodes, as it could have been a great, long-running series. Nevertheless, it's a promising start to a new, original Netflix series.