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WeirdThe 20 Best Drama Shows On Netflix
By Jade Budowski
@jadebudowski
Published
Oct. 10, 2017, 9:00 p.m. ET
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Here are the highest-rated dramas on the platform, ranked by their Rotten Tomatoes Critic Scores.
Photos: Everett Collection, NETFLIX ; Illustration: Dillen Phelps
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Being Human
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
A wicked blend of comedy, drama, and the supernatural, Being Human sees a group of friends (who are also vampires and werewolves) shack up in a house together only to discover that there are already some ghosts inhabiting the residence. As they all struggle with their dreams of being human, they navigate the wild waters of a supernatural existence and become closer in the process.
[Stream Being Human]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
A wicked blend of comedy, drama, and the supernatural, Being Human sees a group of friends (who are also vampires and werewolves) shack up in a house together only to discover that there are already some ghosts inhabiting the residence. As they all struggle with their dreams of being human, they navigate the wild waters of a supernatural existence and become closer in the process.
[Stream Being Human]
Photo: Netflix
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Black Mirror
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This unfailingly dark, brilliant anthology series takes a deep dive into the way technology impacts our everyday lives in ways that we may not be noticing. Each episode tells a different story (and likely offers a whole new nightmare) with a new, star-studded cast, and the lessons taken away from every one of them - no matter how horrifying - will stay with you for days afterwards.
[Stream Black Mirror]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This unfailingly dark, brilliant anthology series takes a deep dive into the way technology impacts our everyday lives in ways that we may not be noticing. Each episode tells a different story (and likely offers a whole new nightmare) with a new, star-studded cast, and the lessons taken away from every one of them - no matter how horrifying - will stay with you for days afterwards.
[Stream Black Mirror]
Photo: Netflix
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Jane the Virgin
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The satirical play on a telenovela tells the story of Jane Villaneuva (the eternally wonderful Gina Rodriguez), a twenty-something aspiring writer resolved to remain a virgin till marriage. While she's tempted, she sticks to her vow religiously, but her world is turned upside down when an emotional gynecologist accidentally artificially inseminates her and she becomes pregnant. This show has everything - love stories, loyal friendships, hammy jokes, an incredible narrator, female camaraderie, murder mysteries, and more.
[Stream Jane the Virgin]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The satirical play on a telenovela tells the story of Jane Villaneuva (the eternally wonderful Gina Rodriguez), a twenty-something aspiring writer resolved to remain a virgin till marriage. While she's tempted, she sticks to her vow religiously, but her world is turned upside down when an emotional gynecologist accidentally artificially inseminates her and she becomes pregnant. This show has everything - love stories, loyal friendships, hammy jokes, an incredible narrator, female camaraderie, murder mysteries, and more.
[Stream Jane the Virgin]
Photo: The CW
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Dear White People
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The series that prompted a wild response and boycott was met with critical acclaim and is more binge-able than you might expect.Dear White People is a satirical continuation the 2014 movie of the same name, and follows activist and radio show host Sam White after she is elected head of a residence hall at a predominantly white Ivy League college and deals with race dynamics within her university. This fresh, innovative series does not shy away from the tough stuff and puts topics on our radar that are more necessary now than ever.
[Stream Dear White People]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The series that prompted a wild response and boycott was met with critical acclaim and is more binge-able than you might expect.Dear White People is a satirical continuation the 2014 movie of the same name, and follows activist and radio show host Sam White after she is elected head of a residence hall at a predominantly white Ivy League college and deals with race dynamics within her university. This fresh, innovative series does not shy away from the tough stuff and puts topics on our radar that are more necessary now than ever.
[Stream Dear White People]
Photo: Netflix
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White Collar
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
White Collar takes the "former criminal helps the FBI catch guys doing what he used to do" premise and spices it up with sleek storytelling and a dreamy Matt Bomer at the center of it. Even if you aren't looking for a crime binge, the show is worth a watch for this classically handsome white collar criminal alone.
[Stream White Collar]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
White Collar takes the "former criminal helps the FBI catch guys doing what he used to do" premise and spices it up with sleek storytelling and a dreamy Matt Bomer at the center of it. Even if you aren't looking for a crime binge, the show is worth a watch for this classically handsome white collar criminal alone.
[Stream White Collar]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Happy Valley
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Happy Valley doesn't just refer to Penn State. This drama follows Catherine, a stern police sergeant who leads a team of officers in a rural West Yorkshire valley. She soon finds herself involved in something much darker and closer to home than she ever anticipated, and must reckon with her own past as horrific events unfold around her.
[Stream Happy Valley on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Happy Valley doesn't just refer to Penn State. This drama follows Catherine, a stern police sergeant who leads a team of officers in a rural West Yorkshire valley. She soon finds herself involved in something much darker and closer to home than she ever anticipated, and must reckon with her own past as horrific events unfold around her.
[Stream Happy Valley on Netflix]
Photo: Netflix
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Ripper Street
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Starring Matthew Macfayden, Adam Rothenberg, Jerome Flynn, and more, this mystery drama kicks off in 1889 Whitechapel, England, six months after the last Jack the Ripper killing. While it seems like they might be in the clear, suspicions amongst detectives arise when a slew of murders occur that the killer may have returned.
[Stream Ripper Street]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
Starring Matthew Macfayden, Adam Rothenberg, Jerome Flynn, and more, this mystery drama kicks off in 1889 Whitechapel, England, six months after the last Jack the Ripper killing. While it seems like they might be in the clear, suspicions amongst detectives arise when a slew of murders occur that the killer may have returned.
[Stream Ripper Street]
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River
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This police drama puts a fresh, supernatural spin on the genre - the central detective (played by Stellan Skarsgaard) is haunted by "manifests" (AKA ghosts) of his murdered partner, victims, and criminals involved in the cases he's working). Chillingly performed and truly original, River is one you won't want to skip.
[Stream River]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
This police drama puts a fresh, supernatural spin on the genre - the central detective (played by Stellan Skarsgaard) is haunted by "manifests" (AKA ghosts) of his murdered partner, victims, and criminals involved in the cases he's working). Chillingly performed and truly original, River is one you won't want to skip.
[Stream River]
Photo: Netflix
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Last Tango in Halifax
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The romantic dramedy follows Alan and Celia, two 70-somethings now widowed who rediscover feelings for one another once shared as teenagers after connecting online. There are some obstacles, however - their respective families might not get along as well as they'd hope.
[Stream Last Tango in Halifax]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 100%
The romantic dramedy follows Alan and Celia, two 70-somethings now widowed who rediscover feelings for one another once shared as teenagers after connecting online. There are some obstacles, however - their respective families might not get along as well as they'd hope.
[Stream Last Tango in Halifax]
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American Crime
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Starring Felicity Huffman, Regina King, Timothy Hutton, and a slew of other wildly talented performers, this anthology series examines the impacts of the justice system and the heinous crimes that occur inside and outside of it on everyday American citizens. It's a raw, painful viewing experience at times, but it couldn't feel more necessary nowadays.
[Stream American Crime]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Starring Felicity Huffman, Regina King, Timothy Hutton, and a slew of other wildly talented performers, this anthology series examines the impacts of the justice system and the heinous crimes that occur inside and outside of it on everyday American citizens. It's a raw, painful viewing experience at times, but it couldn't feel more necessary nowadays.
[Stream American Crime]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Better Call Saul
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Once you're done binging Breaking Bad, look no further for a rebound than Better Call Saul. This top-notch spinoff tells the origin story of Saul Goodman (aka Jimmy McGill), the sleazy lawyer Bad fans know and love. Stocked with stunning performances and riveting storytelling, Better Call Saul might just improve on its predecessor.
[Stream Better Call Saul]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 97%
Once you're done binging Breaking Bad, look no further for a rebound than Better Call Saul. This top-notch spinoff tells the origin story of Saul Goodman (aka Jimmy McGill), the sleazy lawyer Bad fans know and love. Stocked with stunning performances and riveting storytelling, Better Call Saul might just improve on its predecessor.
[Stream Better Call Saul]
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The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
The first season of American Horror Story mastermind Ryan Murphy's anthology series tackles the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial better than anyone could have ever anticipated. Starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, David Schwimmer, and more, the show brilliantly and sensitively addresses issues like racism, misogyny, and flaws in the justice system while telling Simpson's story.
[Stream The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
The first season of American Horror Story mastermind Ryan Murphy's anthology series tackles the infamous O.J. Simpson murder trial better than anyone could have ever anticipated. Starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Sarah Paulson, David Schwimmer, and more, the show brilliantly and sensitively addresses issues like racism, misogyny, and flaws in the justice system while telling Simpson's story.
[Stream The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Rectify
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This stunning series follows a man released from prison after spending almost 20 years on death row for a rape and murder he did not commit. What follows is a gorgeous character study that sees him adjust to his life, his home, and the people around him as he seeks a sense of normalcy again.
[Stream Rectify]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
This stunning series follows a man released from prison after spending almost 20 years on death row for a rape and murder he did not commit. What follows is a gorgeous character study that sees him adjust to his life, his home, and the people around him as he seeks a sense of normalcy again.
[Stream Rectify]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Marvel's Luke Cage
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Mike Colter stars as the iconic Luke Cage, a man who discovers he has super strength and unbreakable skin after an experiment gone awry leaves him forever changed. This fugitive-turned-superhero is willing to give up everything to fight for the New York City he knows and loves, with some help from familiar faces along the way.
[Stream Marvel's Luke Cage]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%
Mike Colter stars as the iconic Luke Cage, a man who discovers he has super strength and unbreakable skin after an experiment gone awry leaves him forever changed. This fugitive-turned-superhero is willing to give up everything to fight for the New York City he knows and loves, with some help from familiar faces along the way.
[Stream Marvel's Luke Cage]
Photo: Netflix
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Battle Creek
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
After the smash success of Breaking Bad, creator Vince Gilligan forayed into more light-hearted territory with Battle Creek, a criminally short-lived cop dramedy starring Josh Duhamel and Dean Winters. The duo's mismatched detectives are the heart of the series, and as they try to clean up the streets of their town, their starkly different personalities get in the way. Rife with comedy in the most unexpected of places, Battle Creek is truly a witty, unique show taken from us too soon.
[Stream Battle Creek]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 95%
After the smash success of Breaking Bad, creator Vince Gilligan forayed into more light-hearted territory with Battle Creek, a criminally short-lived cop dramedy starring Josh Duhamel and Dean Winters. The duo's mismatched detectives are the heart of the series, and as they try to clean up the streets of their town, their starkly different personalities get in the way. Rife with comedy in the most unexpected of places, Battle Creek is truly a witty, unique show taken from us too soon.
[Stream Battle Creek]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Breaking Bad
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Perhaps one of the series that cemented AMC as a home for prestige drama, Breaking Bad tells the story of a high school chemistry teacher (Bryan Cranston) who turns to making meth to secure his family's future after he's diagnosed with cancer. He eventually gets in a little too deep with his partner-in-crime, former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), and some serious drama follows. Perfectly paced, gorgeously shot, and full of performances that will stick with you for days, it's not hard to see why Breaking Bad is considered one of the greatest shows of all time.
[Stream Breaking Bad]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Perhaps one of the series that cemented AMC as a home for prestige drama, Breaking Bad tells the story of a high school chemistry teacher (Bryan Cranston) who turns to making meth to secure his family's future after he's diagnosed with cancer. He eventually gets in a little too deep with his partner-in-crime, former student Jesse Pinkman (Aaron Paul), and some serious drama follows. Perfectly paced, gorgeously shot, and full of performances that will stick with you for days, it's not hard to see why Breaking Bad is considered one of the greatest shows of all time.
[Stream Breaking Bad]
Photo: Everett Collection
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Scandal
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Shonda Rhimes' political drama stars Kerry Washington as a White House Communications Director-turned-professional "fixer" named Olivia Pope. Each episode, Olivia races against the clock with her team to diffuse the latest scandal in their midst - and try to keep their own secrets in the process. Smart, sexy, and totally addicting, Scandal is a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of viewers (but particularly Shondaland fans).
[Stream Scandal on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%
Shonda Rhimes' political drama stars Kerry Washington as a White House Communications Director-turned-professional "fixer" named Olivia Pope. Each episode, Olivia races against the clock with her team to diffuse the latest scandal in their midst - and try to keep their own secrets in the process. Smart, sexy, and totally addicting, Scandal is a crowd-pleaser for all kinds of viewers (but particularly Shondaland fans).
[Stream Scandal on Netflix]
Photo: Everett Collection
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A Series of Unfortunate Events
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Adapted from the Lemony Snicket book series of the same name, this darkly funny series introduces us to the three Baudelaire orphans who are placed in the custody of their distant relative, the completely kooky and mildly evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris). Wonderfully weird and totally dry, this imagining of the iconic children's series is enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
[Stream A Series of Unfortunate Events]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Adapted from the Lemony Snicket book series of the same name, this darkly funny series introduces us to the three Baudelaire orphans who are placed in the custody of their distant relative, the completely kooky and mildly evil Count Olaf (Neil Patrick Harris). Wonderfully weird and totally dry, this imagining of the iconic children's series is enjoyable for viewers of all ages.
[Stream A Series of Unfortunate Events]
Photo: Netflix
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Peaky Blinders
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Set in 1919 England, this gangster drama follows the Peaky Blinders gang of post-war Birmingham, England as they wreak havoc and deal with their own family drama while pursued by law enforcement. The number of renowned European actors on the series is astounding, but leading man Cillian Murphy truly stands out from the crowd with his riveting performance.
[Stream Peaky Blinders]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 94%
Set in 1919 England, this gangster drama follows the Peaky Blinders gang of post-war Birmingham, England as they wreak havoc and deal with their own family drama while pursued by law enforcement. The number of renowned European actors on the series is astounding, but leading man Cillian Murphy truly stands out from the crowd with his riveting performance.
[Stream Peaky Blinders]
Photo: Netflix
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Mad Men
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Head back to the Swingin' 60s with Mad Men, Matthew Weiner's ad agency drama that forever changed TV. Jon Hamm stars as Don Draper, a talented creative director at a successful ad agency in New York. Don thinks he's invincible, but so does everyone around him: the firm's partners, the wealthy account managers, and their privileged clients. Over the show's seven seasons, the employees of Sterling Cooper (later Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce) craft nuanced ad campaigns, drink way too much alcohol, and develop relationships with each other so meaningful that you'll probably shed a tear upon finishing the series finale.
[Stream Mad Men on Netflix]
Rotten Tomatoes Score: 86%
Head back to the Swingin' 60s with Mad Men, Matthew Weiner's ad agency drama that forever changed TV. Jon Hamm stars as Don Draper, a talented creative director at a successful ad agency in New York. Don thinks he's invincible, but so does everyone around him: the firm's partners, the wealthy account managers, and their privileged clients. Over the show's seven seasons, the employees of Sterling Cooper (later Sterling Cooper Draper Pryce) craft nuanced ad campaigns, drink way too much alcohol, and develop relationships with each other so meaningful that you'll probably shed a tear upon finishing the series finale.
[Stream Mad Men on Netflix]
