Think you've already explored all that Netflix has to offer? Think again. Beneath the buzz of top-10 trending titles lies a goldmine of underappreciated masterpieces—shows that may not have dominated the algorithm but absolutely deserve your time and attention. Here are ten underrated Netflix series you shouldn’t sleep on.
1. The OA
Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Drama
Prairie Johnson, a young blind woman, resurfaces after seven years—and she can now see. Her return sets off a mysterious journey involving alternate dimensions, near-death experiences, and a group of unlikely followers. It’s deeply spiritual, genre-defying, and emotionally arresting.
Why it’s underrated: Its ambitious storytelling and experimental style made it a cult favorite, but it never reached the mainstream audience it deserved.
Watch if you like: Dark, Stranger Things, Twin Peaks
2. Russian Doll
Genre: Dark Comedy, Sci-Fi
Nadia keeps dying and reliving the same night over and over. What starts as a time-loop comedy slowly unravels into a deeper philosophical exploration of trauma, addiction, and self-awareness.
Why it’s underrated: Despite critical acclaim, it was overlooked by many Netflix viewers. Its razor-sharp writing and unique structure make it stand out.
Watch if you like: The Good Place, Black Mirror
3. The End of the F***ing World
Genre: Dark Comedy, Coming-of-Age, Drama
James thinks he’s a psychopath. Alyssa wants to escape her dysfunctional home. Together, they hit the road, but things spiral into chaos. British humor meets teenage rebellion in a bold and edgy way.
Why it’s underrated: Its dry humor, short episodes, and raw emotional core make it unlike any other teen series—but it flew under many viewers' radars.
Watch if you like: Fleabag, Skins
4. Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame)
Genre: Crime Drama, Thriller
A Tokyo detective travels to London in search of his missing brother, who may be involved with the Yakuza. The show blends samurai ethics, modern crime, and cross-cultural storytelling with grace and suspense.
Why it’s underrated: It’s visually stunning, emotionally layered, and artistically bold—but failed to gain the global traction it deserved.
Watch if you like: Luther, Tokyo Vice
5. Dark Tourist
Genre: Documentary, Travel
New Zealand journalist David Farrier explores macabre and often controversial travel destinations—from nuclear disaster zones to death-worshipping cults.
Why it’s underrated: It offers a fascinating look into global subcultures and fringe experiences but isn’t your typical glossy travel show, which may have kept it under the radar.
Watch if you like: Anthony Bourdain’s Parts Unknown, Mindhunter (for the real-world curiosity)
6. Maniac
Genre: Sci-Fi, Psychological Drama
In a near-future world, two strangers join a pharmaceutical trial for a drug that promises to fix the mind. What follows is a trippy, emotionally dense journey through parallel mental landscapes.
Why it’s underrated: It’s visually experimental, deeply introspective, and anchored by incredible performances—yet it didn’t catch fire with the broader audience.
Watch if you like: Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, Inception
7. The Midnight Gospel
Genre: Animated Philosophy, Surreal
Clancy, a spacecaster, travels through bizarre universes interviewing beings about life, death, grief, and consciousness. Created by Adventure Time’s Pendleton Ward, it’s a hybrid of podcast and animation.
Why it’s underrated: It’s bold, strange, and unlike anything else on Netflix. The topics are raw and real, wrapped in chaotic, beautiful animation.
Watch if you like: BoJack Horseman, Rick and Morty—but deeper
8. Marcella
Genre: Crime, Psychological Thriller
A former detective suffering from blackouts is pulled back into a murder investigation with eerie links to her own suppressed past. It’s intense, gritty, and anchored by a flawed yet fascinating protagonist.
Why it’s underrated: With so many crime dramas on Netflix, this one got lost in the shuffle—but it's well worth your time.
Watch if you like: Broadchurch, The Fall
9. Godless
Genre: Western, Drama
In a 1800s Western town run almost entirely by women, a violent showdown brews as an outlaw hunts his former protege. This limited series is both brutal and beautifully shot.
Why it’s underrated: Westerns are niche these days, but this one flips the genre on its head and delivers powerful storytelling with cinematic quality.
Watch if you like: Deadwood, Yellowstone
10. Tuca & Bertie
Genre: Adult Animation, Comedy
Two anthropomorphic bird-women—Tuca, a loud free spirit, and Bertie, a nervous overthinker—navigate their messy adult lives in a chaotic city. It’s vibrant, real, and occasionally heart-wrenching.
Why it’s underrated: Canceled too early (then revived due to fan love), it covers serious issues like anxiety, trauma, and female friendship in a bizarre, brave way.
Watch if you like: BoJack Horseman, Broad City
Final Thoughts
There’s more to Netflix than what’s trending. These underrated shows have something unique to offer—whether it’s storytelling innovation, emotional depth, or just good old-fashioned escapism. So next time you're scrolling, skip the algorithm's favorites and give one of these hidden gems a shot. You might just find your next obsession.