Netflix has become a household name with its plethora of TV shows. With so many best thriller series on Netflix available, it’s safe to say that there’s something for everyone. One of the most popular genres in particular is crime dramas.
These shows explore dark themes and sometimes even shock viewers with their violence. If you’re looking for more information about these captivating series, read on!
Mindhunters
The first in our list of the best thriller series on Netflix is the Mindhunters is based on the novel by John Douglas and Mark Olshaker. It follows two FBI agents who are tasked with bringing down serial killers, but they’re not just any old profilers. This team of profilers works to help solve cases by using psychological profiling.
The series stars Jonathan Groff, Anna Torv and Holt McCallany as investigators in the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU) of the FBI’s Criminal Investigative Division (CID). They gather information from their interviews with suspects. And other evidence that helps them determine why someone might commit a crime.
Riverdale
Riverdale is a crime drama based on the Archie comics. The first season of Riverdale premiered in 2017, and it has been running ever since. It currently airs on Netflix, and there are four seasons to date.
The show follows the lives of several teenagers living in small town America as they try to make their way through life while dealing with issues such as drugs and gangs. The cast consists mostly of unknown actors but includes KJ Apa (Archie), Lili Reinhart (Betty), Camila Mendes (Veronica), Cole Sprouse (Jughead), Luke Perry (Freddie) and Mädchen Amick (Alice)
Bates Motel
Bates Motel is an American television series that aired on A&E from March 20, 2012 to April 27, 2013. The series is based on the 1960 film of the same name.
The story follows the childhood of Norman Bates (Freddie Highmore), who grows up in a small town where he becomes friends with his mother Norma Bates (Vera Farmiga). As time goes by and he ages into adulthood, his relationship with his mother changes drastically.
She becomes increasingly unstable as she spirals into insanity. Norman tries to keep her calm and safe while also trying to hide his own dark secrets from her. And eventually he must confront them head-on when they become too much for him not only physically but mentally as well!
The Sinner
The Sinner is a crime drama series that follows a woman who kills a man on the beach. The series is based on Petra Hammesfahr’s novel of the same name, which was published in Germany in 2017.
The first season consists of 10 episodes. It follows Emma (Jessica Biel), who has been convicted for the murder of her husband despite having no memory of what happened to him. As she starts investigating his death, she realizes that there are more than just memories missing from her life. One would say it’s one of top Netflix psychological thriller series.
They have been replaced with lies and secrets regarding his death that may endanger other innocent lives around them. The plotline sounds pretty intense but if you enjoy binge-watching then this one should be right up your alley! Most people would agree that it’s the best thriller series on Netflix.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) is the Spanish Netflix series that you need to watch in 2023. It’s an international crime thriller, and it was released in 2017.
The plot follows a group of criminals who plan to rob the Royal Mint of Spain, but they are set up by authorities and arrested before they can carry out their mission.
The cast includes Álvaro Morte (The Departed), Daniel Grao (Rome) and Ana Wagener (Mia Madre). The TV show is many people’s favourite since it’s the best suspense series on Netflix.
Penny Dreadful
Penny Dreadful is a new Netflix series that follows the adventures of Vanessa Ives and her group of friends. It stars Eva Green, Timothy Dalton and Josh Hartnett in their roles as three very different characters who must work together to fight evil. The show has received positive reviews from fans, who praise it for its unique story line and attention to detail.
The show is set in Victorian London, where many supernatural things are happening. Vanessa Ives, an actress who suffers from hallucinations and visions, works with her friends to stop these evil forces. Vanessa is also a clairvoyant and can see the future—something that proves invaluable during their adventures.
Black Mirror
Black Mirror is a British science fiction anthology series created by Charlie Brooker. The show consists of six episodes that are self-contained stories set in a near-future fictional world. Each episode explores an alternative or satirical view on modern society and technology. Often with dark undertones and otherworldly plots. It’s certainly one of the best thriller series on Netflix.
The first episode to air on Netflix was “Be Right Back”, released in 2015, followed by the second season that debuted in 2016, along with three more seasons since then (including a prequel).
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama series. It follows the life of crime boss Tommy Shelby, who rules Birmingham’s criminal underworld in 1919.
The show is set during World War I and follows his family as they attempt to keep their empire together through violence and intimidation.
The Peaky Blinders may have razor blades sewn into their caps. But their real weapon is fear—and it works!
American Horror Story
American Horror Story is an anthology horror drama series created by Ryan Murphy and Brad Falchuk. It is broadcast on the Fox network in the United States, where it premiered on January 20th, 2011.
Each season is conceived as a self-contained miniseries, following a different set of characters and settings. The series has since been renewed for another cycle of thirteen episodes that began airing in September 2018. It’s one of the best thriller series on Netflix.
The first season, retroactively subtitled “Murder House”, takes place in Los Angeles, California, during the year 2011. It concerns a family that moves into a home haunted by its former inhabitants.
Sherlock
Sherlock is a British crime drama television series based on the Sherlock Holmes detective stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. The series depicts the adventures of a fictionalized version of Sherlock Holmes, originally created by Conan Doyle in 1887.
The show follows the exploits and friendship between Sherlock (Benedict Cumberbatch) and Dr John Watson (Martin Freeman).
It has been nominated for over 40 awards since its debut in 2010, including two Golden Globes, one BAFTA award and three Primetime Emmy Awards.
What to consider before choosing the best Netflix thriller series
If you’re looking for the best thriller series on Netflix to watch, there are many options out there. The genre has been around for decades and is still popular today. However, not all thrillers are created equally. Some are better than others.
To help you figure out which Netflix thriller series is right for you, we’ve put together this list of factors to consider to make a great decision.
Read the reviews first
Read the reviews first. The best way to decide if a Netflix thriller series is right for you is by reading reviews from people who have watched it yourself. Reviews can give you an idea of whether or not this particular show will appeal to your interests and preferences, but they’re also helpful in determining how good of a show it actually is!
If there aren’t any reviews yet, watch a few episodes yourself and see how much fun they are! Once you start them up, don’t stop watching until all 10 episodes are finished (or at least until something bad happens). If after watching them all twice over again doesn’t make sense for your life schedule or personality type. Or even if it does—then maybe this isn’t something worth considering further.
Choose a series in a genre you like
Choosing the best thriller series on Netflix is one of the most important decisions you’ll make when it comes. The best choice will be one that you enjoy, and that means knowing what kind of person you are. Do you like action? Horror? Comedy? These are all questions that come into play when choosing the perfect thriller for your mood and tastes.
If you’re looking for something action-packed and fast-paced, then Netflix’s Marvel series Daredevil might be just what the doctor ordered. This show centers around Matt Murdock (Charlie Cox). He works as an attorney by day but uses his martial arts skills to fight crime at night as “Daredevil.” If this sounds like something that could interest someone with an interest in superheroes/superheroes, then this show will definitely fill those requirements!
Look for realistic characters
Next, look for realistic characters. You want to identify with the characters in your thriller series, so they need to be well-rounded and believable. The best way to do this is by looking at the script and examining their actions throughout each episode.
Each character should have a unique story arc that makes sense for their personality type, but also shows some growth over time (which can happen through development).
Decide how much time you want to invest in a series
Before you start watching the best thriller series on Netflix, it’s important to consider how much time you want to invest in the show. The longer an episode is and the more episodes there are, the longer your binge will take.
For example:
A two-hour movie can be watched in just one night (or half a day).
A seven-hour TV series takes several nights or days if you watch all of them at once.
An entire book might take weeks or months before you finish reading it!
Do you want to watch a simple story or something more complex?
The key question to ask yourself before choosing a Netflix thriller series is whether you want to watch a simple story or something more complex.
Complex plots are more difficult to follow and often require more time to watch, but they can also be very interesting. If your goal is not just entertainment but also education, then complex stories might be right for you!
Do you want your thriller to be scary?
The best thriller series on Netflix will hold your attention and make you want to keep watching. It should also be exciting, but not too scary. If a film has lots of violence, it might not be considered a thriller because viewers might feel uncomfortable watching such scenes.
However, if there are no violent scenes or if they are handled well in the plot, then this can work as part of an effective plot for many viewers who enjoy thrillers!
The best way to know whether or not something is scary is by looking at its rating from IMDb (Internet Movie Database). The ratings range from PG-13 (Parental Guidance Suggested) through NC-17 (Not Suitable For Children).
When choosing films for your viewing pleasure make sure that whatever genre you choose has an appropriate rating with respect to age appropriateness and content intensity levels so as not ruin anyone’s experience!
Conclusion
Netflix is home to so many great shows, and if you want to get into the mood for a new thriller—or even just a chill one. Then these are the ones to watch. There’s no better way to spend your time than with the best thriller series on Netflix!
Don’t forget, the best way to choose a thriller series is by doing some research on Netflix and other streaming services. You can find plenty of reviews that will help you in your decision-making process.
If you have no idea where to start, try watching something similar to the genre you want before seeing if it works for you!