Best English Web Series on Netflix to Watch Right Now

Netflix has thousands of shows. But not all of them are worth your time. Finding the right one can feel like searching for a needle in a haystack. Whether you love crime dramas, sci-fi thrillers, or light-hearted comedies, this list has something for everyone.

This guide covers the top 20 best English web series on Netflix right now — ranked by IMDb ratings, genre, and popularity. Every show on this list has been carefully selected so you can hit play with confidence.

What Makes These the Best English Web Series on Netflix

Every series in this list was chosen based on three things:

• IMDb Rating — only shows rated 7.7 or above made the cut
• Popularity — shows that have built strong fan bases worldwide
• Genre variety — so there is a perfect pick for every kind of viewer

Top 20 English Web Shows on Netflix

Here is a full breakdown of each series — with ratings, genre, cast, and a short description.

1. Better Call Saul — IMDb: 9.0

• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn
• Created by: Vince Gilligan & Peter Gould
• Status: Completed

This is the story of Jimmy McGill — a small-time lawyer who slowly transforms into the crooked criminal attorney Saul Goodman. It is a prequel to the legendary show Breaking Bad, but it stands perfectly well on its own. The writing is sharp, the acting is outstanding, and every episode keeps you hooked.

Best for: Fans of crime dramas and character-driven storytelling.

2. Arcane: League of Legends — IMDb: 9.0

• Genre: Animation, Action, Fantasy
• Cast (Voice): Hailee Steinfeld, Katie Leung, Kevin Alejandro
• Created by: Christian Linke & Alex Yee

You do not need to know anything about the video game to enjoy this show. Arcane is one of the most visually stunning animated series ever made. It follows two sisters from an underground city who end up on opposite sides of a violent conflict. The emotional depth and animation quality make this an absolute must-watch.

Best for: Anyone who loves animation, fantasy, or action-packed storytelling.

3. Peaky Blinders — IMDb: 8.8

• Genre: Crime, Drama
• Cast: Cillian Murphy, Tom Hardy, Paul Anderson, Natasha O’Keeffe
• Created by: Steven Knight
• Status: Completed

Set in Birmingham, England in 1919, this show follows the Shelby family — a powerful crime gang with big ambitions. Tommy Shelby, played by Cillian Murphy, is one of the most compelling characters in television history. The costumes, the music, and the gritty atmosphere make Peaky Blinders feel unlike anything else.

Best for: Crime drama lovers and fans of period shows.

4. Narcos — IMDb: 8.8

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography
• Cast: Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal
• Created by: Carlo Bernard, Chris Mazza & Doug Miro
• Status: Completed

Narcos tells the real story of how Pablo Escobar built one of the most powerful drug empires in the world — and the DEA agents who spent years trying to bring him down. Based on true events, this show is gripping from the very first episode. The storytelling is smart, fast-paced, and deeply engaging.

Best for: True crime enthusiasts and history buffs.

5. Stranger Things — IMDb: 8.7 ⭐

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Horror, Drama
• Cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard
• Created by: The Duffer Brothers

Set in the 1980s in a small American town, Stranger Things follows a group of kids who uncover dark government secrets and supernatural forces. A girl with psychokinetic powers, a mysterious alternate dimension called the Upside Down, and a strong sense of nostalgia make this one of Netflix’s most beloved shows ever.

Best for: Fans of supernatural mysteries and 80s pop culture.

6. Dark — IMDb: 8.7

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Mystery, Thriller
• Cast: Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn, Louis Hofmann
• Directed by: Baran bo Odar & Jantje Friese
• Status: Completed

Dark is a German-language show, but it is listed here because it is one of the most mind-bending thriller series available on Netflix. Children go missing in a small German town, leading to the discovery of a time travel conspiracy that spans four generations. Intelligent, complex, and deeply satisfying once the pieces come together.

Best for: Viewers who enjoy complex, layered storytelling.

7. Black Mirror — IMDb: 8.7

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Anthology, Drama
• Cast: Paul Giamatti, Rashida Jones, Jesse Plemons (various episodes)
• Created by: Charlie Brooker

Each episode of Black Mirror is a standalone story exploring a dark future where technology has gone wrong. From social media scores that control your life, to dating apps that go too far — this show holds a mirror up to where modern society might be heading. Scary, brilliant, and deeply thought-provoking.

Best for: Tech-savvy viewers and fans of dystopian fiction.

8. One Piece — IMDb: 8.7

• Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Action
• Cast: Iñaki Godoy, Mackenyu, Emily Rudd
• Created by: Matt Owens & Steven Maeda

The live-action adaptation of the beloved manga and anime, Netflix’s One Piece follows Monkey D. Luffy — a young man with a rubber body and a dream to become King of the Pirates. This show pleasantly surprised both fans and newcomers alike. It is fun, adventurous, and full of heart.

Best for: Adventure fans and anime/manga enthusiasts.

9. The Crown — IMDb: 8.6

• Genre: Drama, Historical, Biography
• Cast: Claire Foy, Olivia Colman, Imelda Staunton, Matt Smith
• Created by: Peter Morgan
• Status: Completed

The Crown chronicles the life and reign of Queen Elizabeth II — from her early days as a young queen to the modern era of the British Royal Family. Each season covers a different chapter of history with stunning production quality. It is equal parts family drama and political story.

Best for: History lovers and fans of royal drama.

10. Ozark — IMDb: 8.4

• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
• Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner
• Created by: Bill Dubuque & Mark Williams
• Status: Completed

A financial advisor is forced to launder $500 million for a dangerous Mexican drug cartel — or face death for his entire family. He moves his family to the Ozarks and things get worse with every episode. Tense, unpredictable, and brilliantly acted, Ozark is one of the most gripping shows on this entire list.

Best for: Crime thriller lovers who enjoy slow-burn suspense.

11. Sex Education — IMDb: 8.2

• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Teen
• Cast: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson, Ncuti Gatwa
• Created by: Laurie Nunn
• Status: Completed

A socially awkward teenager whose mother is a sex therapist starts an informal sex advice clinic at school. The result is a funny, heartwarming, and surprisingly touching show about growing up, identity, and relationships. It handles sensitive topics with humour and genuine care.

Best for: Teens and young adults who enjoy coming-of-age stories.

12. Baby Reindeer — IMDb: 8.2

• Genre: Drama, Thriller, Biography
• Cast: Richard Gadd, Jessica Gunning, Nava Mau
• Created by: Richard Gadd

This semi-autobiographical series follows a struggling comedian who is stalked by a woman he meets at a bar. What begins as uncomfortable quickly becomes deeply unsettling. Baby Reindeer is raw, honest, and unlike anything else on this list. It won multiple Emmy Awards and sparked global conversation.

Best for: Viewers who appreciate deeply personal, real-life storytelling.

13. Wednesday — IMDb: 8.1

• Genre: Comedy, Horror, Mystery
• Cast: Jenna Ortega, Emma Myers, Hunter Doohan, Gwendoline Christie
• Directed by: Tim Burton

Wednesday Addams is sent to Nevermore Academy where she tries to solve a supernatural murder mystery while getting used to school life. Jenna Ortega’s deadpan performance is iconic. The show is darkly funny, visually creative, and incredibly binge-worthy.

Best for: Teens, families, and fans of dark humour.

14. Squid Game — IMDb: 8.0

• Genre: Thriller, Drama, Horror
• Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Wi Ha-joon, Lee Byung-hun
• Created by: Hwang Dong-hyuk

Hundreds of people who are deep in debt are invited to compete in a series of deadly children’s games — with a massive cash prize for the winner. Squid Game became a worldwide phenomenon for a very good reason. Even though it is South Korean, it is available in English dubbing and became one of Netflix’s most-watched shows ever.

Best for: Thriller fans and viewers who enjoy high-stakes drama.

Also Read: Best Hindi Web Series to watch in 2026

15. The Diplomat — IMDb: 8.0

• Genre: Political Drama, Thriller
• Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi
• Created by: Debora Cahn

An American diplomat is suddenly appointed as the US Ambassador to the United Kingdom in the middle of a major international crisis — while also managing a complicated marriage. The Diplomat is smart, witty, and fast-paced. It is one of the most underrated shows on Netflix right now.

Best for: Fans of political thrillers and sharp dialogue.

16. The Umbrella Academy — IMDb: 7.9

• Genre: Sci-Fi, Action, Comedy
• Cast: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, Emmy Raver-Lampman
• Created by: Steve Blackman
• Status: Completed

Seven children with superpowers are adopted and raised to be a team of heroes. Years later, they reunite as dysfunctional adults to prevent the apocalypse. The Umbrella Academy is weird, funny, emotional, and wildly entertaining. It is a superhero show like no other.

Best for: Fans of superhero stories with a twist of dark comedy.

17. Russian Doll — IMDb: 7.8

• Genre: Comedy, Drama, Mystery
• Cast: Natasha Lyonne, Charlie Barnett, Greta Lee
• Created by: Natasha Lyonne, Leslye Headland & Amy Poehler

A woman keeps dying at her own birthday party and waking up again at the beginning of the same night. Russian Doll is a clever, funny, and surprisingly emotional take on the time-loop concept. Natasha Lyonne’s performance is absolutely magnetic from start to finish.

Best for: Fans of quirky, intelligent, character-driven comedy-dramas.

18. You — IMDb: 7.7

• Genre: Thriller, Drama, Crime
• Cast: Penn Badgley, Tati Gabrielle, Charlotte Ritchie
• Created by: Greg Berlanti & Sera Gamble

A bookstore manager becomes obsessed with a woman he meets and uses social media to stalk and manipulate his way into her life. Told entirely from the perspective of the stalker, You is uncomfortable, addictive, and impossible to stop watching. A perfect mix of psychological drama and dark humour.

Best for: Fans of psychological thrillers and dark romance.

19. Bridgerton — IMDb: 7.3

• Genre: Romance, Drama, Period
• Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton
• Executive Producer: Shonda Rhimes

Set in Regency-era London, Bridgerton follows the romantic adventures of the wealthy Bridgerton family across seasons. Produced by Shonda Rhimes, the show blends historical drama with modern sensibilities and a love story at the centre of each season. Glamorous, addictive, and great weekend watching.

Best for: Romance fans and lovers of period dramas.

20. The Queen’s Gambit — IMDb: 8.5

• Genre: Drama, Period
• Cast: Anya Taylor-Joy, Thomas Brodie-Sangster, Moses Ingram
• Created by: Scott Frank
• Status: Completed

An orphaned girl discovers a talent for chess and rises to become the world’s greatest player — while battling addiction and her own complicated past. Anya Taylor-Joy is extraordinary in the lead role. The Queen’s Gambit won multiple Emmys and is considered one of the finest limited series ever made.

Best for: Drama lovers who enjoy stories about talent, obsession, and resilience.

Also Read: Best Bollywood Action Movies on Netflix

Top English Web Series on Netflix

Best English Series on Netflix by Genre

Not sure what you are in the mood for? Here is a quick genre breakdown to help you decide:

Best Crime & Thriller Series

• Peaky Blinders (8.8) — Birmingham gang rising through crime
• Narcos (8.8) — Real story of Pablo Escobar and the drug war
• Better Call Saul (9.0) — A lawyer’s descent into crime
• Ozark (8.4) — Money laundering in the Ozarks

Best Sci-Fi & Fantasy Series

• Stranger Things (8.7) — Supernatural small-town mysteries
• Dark (8.7) — Time travel across generations
• Black Mirror (8.7) — Dark technology anthology
• Arcane (9.0) — Stunning animated fantasy world

Best Comedy Series

• Sex Education (8.2) — Coming-of-age comedy with heart
• Russian Doll (7.8) — Time-loop comedy mystery
• Wednesday (8.1) — Dark comedy meets mystery
• The Umbrella Academy (7.9) — Superhero dark comedy

Best Drama & Romance Series

• The Crown (8.6) — Royal family across decades
• The Queen’s Gambit (8.5) — Chess, addiction, and brilliance
• Bridgerton (7.3) — Regency-era romance and gossip
• Baby Reindeer (8.2) — Dark drama based on real events

Best English Web Series on Netflix for Different Viewers

Best for Teens and Young Adults

Wednesday, Sex Education, Stranger Things, and One Piece are all excellent choices for younger viewers. They are engaging, age-appropriate, and come with strong lead characters to root for.

Best for Learning English

Shows with clear dialogue and natural conversation are perfect for English learners. Top picks include Stranger Things, Sex Education, Wednesday, and The Crown. These shows use everyday language that is easy to follow along.

Best Award-Winning English Series on Netflix

• The Crown — Multiple Emmy Awards
• The Queen’s Gambit — Emmy Awards including Outstanding Limited Series
• Baby Reindeer — Emmy Awards for Outstanding Limited Series
• Better Call Saul — Emmy nominations across all seasons
• Arcane — Emmy Award for Outstanding Animated Program

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is the highest-rated English series on Netflix?

Better Call Saul and Arcane: League of Legends share the top spot with an IMDb rating of 9.0. Both are considered must-watch shows by fans and critics alike.

Which English web series on Netflix is best for beginners?

For someone just getting started with Netflix series, Stranger Things, Wednesday, and Sex Education are excellent starting points. They are easy to follow, highly entertaining, and do not require any prior knowledge of other shows.

Are there any short English series on Netflix worth watching?

Yes! The Queen’s Gambit (7 episodes), Baby Reindeer (7 episodes), and Russian Doll (8 episodes per season) are short, binge-worthy, and fully satisfying without a huge time commitment.

What are the best English crime series on Netflix in 2026?

The top crime series are Peaky Blinders, Narcos, Better Call Saul, Ozark, and You. Each one approaches crime from a completely different angle, so there is a great fit for every kind of crime drama fan.

Which English Netflix series are suitable for watching in India?

All 20 series listed in this guide are available on Netflix India. Stranger Things, Wednesday, Narcos, Peaky Blinders, and The Queen’s Gambit are among the most popular choices for Indian audiences.

Is Squid Game available in English on Netflix?

Yes, Squid Game is available with an English dubbing option on Netflix. Though the original Korean audio with subtitles is highly recommended by most viewers, the English version works perfectly for those who prefer dubbed content.

Final Thoughts

No matter what kind of viewer you are, the best English web series on Netflix has something waiting for you. From crime masterpieces like Better Call Saul and Peaky Blinders to light, fun shows like Wednesday and Bridgerton — the range is impressive.

If it is your first time diving into Netflix, start with a completed series like The Queen’s Gambit or Dark so there is no waiting for new episodes. If you are already a seasoned viewer looking for your next obsession, Baby Reindeer or The Diplomat should be next on the list.

Bookmark this page and come back — it will be updated regularly as new series premiere and old favourites deserve a fresh look.

Last Updated: June 2026 | Sources: IMDb, Netflix Top 10, TV Guide, Rotten Tomatoes