Welcome to the ultimate rabbit hole of adrenaline-pumping entertainment! If you’re a fan of heart-pounding, edge-of-your-seat drama, you’ve landed in the right place. We’re diving deep into the world of the best thriller series on Netflix of all time, where every twist and turn will leave you breathless and binge-watching until the wee hours.
Picture this: It’s a dark and stormy night (classic, right?), and you’re cozied up on the couch with a bowl of popcorn that’s rapidly disappearing. You’re on the hunt for a thriller series that will have your heart racing faster than a caffeinated cheetah. Look no further! We’ve curated a list that will have you hooked from the first episode to the last cliffhanger.
Imagine you’re a detective piecing together the ultimate case—every series on this list is a clue leading to a revelation that will blow your mind. From psychological mind-benders to pulse-pounding action, these shows are the crème de la crème of thriller series.
So, grab your comfiest blanket, turn down the lights, and prepare to be sucked into a world where nothing is as it seems, and every episode is a rollercoaster ride of suspense and excitement. Let’s get thrilling!
Detailed Table of Top 10 Greatest Thriller Series Of All Time
Rank | Web Series | Runtime | Created by | Star Cast | Cinematography | Release Date | IMDB Rating | Famous Quotes |
1 | Narcos (2015) | 43–60 minutes | Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro | Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Damián Alcázar | Mauricio Vidal | August 28, 2015 | 8.8/10 | I’m not a rich person. I’m a poor person with money. |
2 | Black Mirror (2011)Season 6 | 40–89 minutes | Charlie Brooker | Daniel Kaluuya, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, Hayley Atwell, Domhnall Gleeson, Mackenzie Davis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Rory Kinnear, Jodie Whittaker, Anthony Mackie, Miley Cyrus, Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Scott, Letitia Wright, Wyatt Russell | Jakob Ihre, Gus Palmer, Martijn van Broekhuizen, Tim Maurice-Jones, Seamus McGarvey | 21 October 2016 | 8.7/10 | Be Right Back |
3 | Dark (2017)Season 3 | 44–73 minutes | Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese | Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Maja Schöne, Andreas Pietschmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Jördis Triebel, Oliver Masucci, Mark Waschke, Gina Stiebitz, Moritz Jahn | Nikolaus Summerer[5] | 1 December 2017 | 8.7/10 | The end is the beginning, and the beginning is the end. |
4 | Mindhunter (2017)Season 2 | 34–73 minutes | Joe Penhall | Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Cotter Smith, Stacey Roca, Cameron Britton, Michael Cerveris, Joe Tuttle, Lauren Glazier, Albert Jones, Sierra McClain, June Carryl | Christopher Probst, Erik Messerschmidt | October 13, 2017 | 8.6/10 | People don’t trust people like you, Holden. They trust people like me. |
5 | Ozark (2017)Season 4 | 51–80 minutes | Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams | Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Julia Garner, Jordana Spiro, Jason Butler Harner, Esai Morales, Peter Mullan, Lisa Emery, Charlie Tahan, Janet McTeer, Tom Pelphrey, Jessica Frances Dukes, Felix Solis, Damian Young, Alfonso Herrera, Adam Rothenberg | Pepe Avila del Pino, Ben Kutchins, Michael Grady, Armando Salas, Manuel Billeter, Shawn Kim, Attila Szalay, Eric Koretz | July 21, 2017 | 8.5/10 | Money is, at its essence, that measure of a man’s choices. |
6 | Unbelievable (2019)Season 1 | 43–58 minutes | Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, Michael Chabon | Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever | Quyen Tran, Xavier Grobet, John Lindley | September 13, 2019 | 8.3/10 | There is no wrong way to be a woman. |
7 | Money Heist (2017)Season 3 | 42–76 minutes | Álex Pina | Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso, Paco Tous, Alba Flores, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente, Esther Acebo, Enrique Arce, María Pedraza, Darko Perić, Kiti Mánver, Hovik Keuchkerian, Luka Peroš, Belén Cuesta, Fernando Cayo, Rodrigo de la Serna, Najwa Nimri | Migue Amoedo | 2 May 2017 | 8.2/10 | Love can’t be timed. It has to be lived. |
8 | You (2018)Season 4 | 41–60 minutes | Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble | Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Luca Padovan, Zach Cherry, Shay Mitchell, Victoria Pedretti, Jenna Ortega, James Scully, Ambyr Childers, Carmela Zumbado, Saffron Burrows, Tati Gabrielle, Shalita Grant, Travis Van Winkle, Dylan Arnold, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, Lukas Gage | David Lanzenberg, W. Mott Hupfel, Seamus Tierney, Cort Fey, Byron Shah, Milos Moore, Stijn Van Der Veken, Minka Farthing-Kohl | December 26, 2019 | 7.7/10 | You can’t just tell someone you love them. You have to show it. |
9 | The Stranger (2020)Season 1 | 42–51 minutes | Harlan Coben | Richard Armitage, Siobhan Finneran, Jennifer Saunders, Shaun Dooley, Paul Kaye, Dervla Kirwan, Kadiff Kirwan, Jacob Dudman, Ella-Rae Smith, Brandon Fellows, Misha Handley, Anthony Head, Hannah John-Kamen, Stephen Rea | Sam Chiplin | 30 January 2020 | 7.3/10 | The past has a habit of coming back and biting you in the ass. |
10 | Safe (2018)Season 1 | 41–47 minutes | Harlan Coben | Michael C. Hall, Amanda Abbington, Marc Warren, Audrey Fleurot, Hannah Arterton, Nigel Lindsay, Laila Rouass, Joplin Sibtain, Milo Twomey, Emmett J. Scanlan, Amy James-Kelly, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Freddie Thorp, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Louis Greatorex | Frédéric Auger | 10 May 2018 | 7.2/10 | Secrets are like scars; they fade, but they never go away. |
1.Narcos (2015)
- Genres: Biography, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 43–60 minutes per episode
- Creators: Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro
- Stars: Wagner Moura, Boyd Holbrook, Pedro Pascal, Damián Alcázar
- Cinematography: Mauricio Vidal
- Original Release Date: August 28, 2015
- IMDB Rating: 8.8/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 89%
- JustWatch Rating: 96%
- Famous Quotes: “I’m not a rich person. I’m a poor person with money.”
Summary:
“Narcos” is a gripping biographical crime drama series that chronicles the rise and fall of the notorious drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the Medellín drug cartel in Colombia. Created by Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, and Doug Miro, the series offers a detailed and intense portrayal of the cocaine trade’s impact on both the United States and Colombia.
In Season 3, the focus shifts from Escobar to the Cali Cartel, continuing the narrative of drug trafficking and law enforcement’s efforts to dismantle the drug empire. Wagner Moura delivers a powerful performance as Pablo Escobar, with Boyd Holbrook and Pedro Pascal portraying DEA agents Steve Murphy and Javier Peña, who relentlessly pursue the cartel leaders.
The series is renowned for its meticulous storytelling, compelling characters, and immersive cinematography by Mauricio Vidal, capturing the gritty realities of the drug war. With high ratings and critical acclaim, “Narcos” stands out for its authenticity, intense drama, and exploration of the socio-political landscape influenced by the drug trade.
2.Black Mirror (2011)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Runtime: 40–89 minutes per episode
- Creator: Charlie Brooker
- Stars: Daniel Kaluuya, Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, Hayley Atwell, Domhnall Gleeson, Mackenzie Davis, Gugu Mbatha-Raw, Rory Kinnear, Jodie Whittaker, Anthony Mackie, Miley Cyrus, Andrea Riseborough, Andrew Scott, Letitia Wright, Wyatt Russell
- Cinematography: Jakob Ihre, Gus Palmer, Martijn van Broekhuizen, Tim Maurice-Jones, Seamus McGarvey
- Original Release Date: October 21, 2016 (Netflix Release)
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 83%
- JustWatch Rating: 96%
- Famous Quotes: “Be Right Back”
Summary:
“Black Mirror” is an anthology series created by Charlie Brooker that explores the dark and often dystopian side of technology and modern society. Each standalone episode presents a unique narrative, blending elements of crime, drama, and mystery to delve into the unsettling consequences of technological advancements.
In Season 6, the series continues its tradition of featuring a star-studded cast, including Bryce Dallas Howard, Jon Hamm, Hayley Atwell, Domhnall Gleeson, Mackenzie Davis, and many more. The episodes tackle various themes, from the influence of social media on self-worth to the ethical implications of artificial intelligence and virtual reality.
With cinematography by Jakob Ihre, Gus Palmer, Martijn van Broekhuizen, Tim Maurice-Jones, and Seamus McGarvey, “Black Mirror” maintains its distinctive visual style, enhancing the storytelling with striking and often eerie imagery.
The series has received critical acclaim for its thought-provoking and often chilling depiction of the future, earning high ratings and a dedicated fanbase. “Black Mirror” remains a standout series for its ability to challenge viewers’ perceptions of technology and its potential impact on humanity.
3.Dark (2017)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Runtime: 44–73 minutes per episode
- Creators: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese
- Stars: Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, Maja Schöne, Andreas Pietschmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Jördis Triebel, Oliver Masucci, Mark Waschke, Gina Stiebitz, Moritz Jahn
- Cinematography: Nikolaus Summerer
- Original Release Date: December 1, 2017
- IMDB Rating: 8.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 90%
- Famous Quotes: “The end is the beginning, and the beginning is the end.”
Summary:
“Dark” is a German science fiction thriller created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese. The series is set in the small town of Winden, where the disappearance of two children exposes the secrets of four estranged families and a time travel conspiracy that spans several generations.
The series begins with the mysterious vanishing of a young boy and soon reveals a complex narrative involving multiple timelines and interconnected family histories. As the characters uncover the truth about their town and their own identities, they are drawn into a web of time travel, paradoxes, and existential dilemmas.
In Season 3, “Dark” reaches its climactic conclusion, further exploring the intricate connections between the past, present, and future. The season delves deeper into the characters’ fates and the cyclical nature of time, culminating in a mind-bending and emotionally charged finale.
Praised for its intricate plot, atmospheric cinematography by Nikolaus Summerer, and strong performances by a talented cast including Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, and Maja Schöne, “Dark” has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated global fanbase. The series is known for its philosophical themes, meticulous storytelling, and ability to keep viewers engaged with its labyrinthine narrative.
4.Mindhunter (2017)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Runtime: 34–73 minutes per episode
- Creator: Joe Penhall
- Stars: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv, Hannah Gross, Cotter Smith, Stacey Roca, Cameron Britton, Michael Cerveris, Joe Tuttle, Lauren Glazier, Albert Jones, Sierra McClain, June Carryl
- Cinematography: Christopher Probst, Erik Messerschmidt
- Original Release Date: October 13, 2017
- IMDB Rating: 8.6/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 97%
- JustWatch Rating: 96%
- Famous Quotes: “People don’t trust people like you, Holden. They trust people like me.”
Summary:
“Mindhunter” is a riveting crime drama and mystery series created by Joe Penhall. The show is set in the late 1970s and early 1980s and follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany), along with psychologist Wendy Carr (Anna Torv), as they develop criminal psychology and criminal profiling techniques by interviewing and studying serial killers.
The series delves into the early days of criminal psychology and behavioral profiling at the FBI, portraying the agents’ efforts to understand and catch serial killers by getting inside their minds. Based on true events and real-life criminals, “Mindhunter” offers a deep and often chilling look at the origins of modern criminal profiling.
In Season 2, the show continues to explore the complexities of criminal behavior and the challenges faced by the Behavioral Science Unit. The agents tackle new cases and interview more notorious killers, delving further into the psychological aspects of crime. The season also highlights the personal struggles and evolving relationships of the main characters as they navigate their demanding and often disturbing work.
Praised for its meticulous attention to detail, strong performances, particularly by Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany, and atmospheric cinematography by Christopher Probst and Erik Messerschmidt, “Mindhunter” has earned critical acclaim and a dedicated following. The series stands out for its intelligent storytelling, complex character development, and compelling exploration of the human psyche.
5.Ozark (2017)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Runtime: 51–80 minutes per episode
- Creators: Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams
- Stars: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Sofia Hublitz, Skylar Gaertner, Julia Garner, Jordana Spiro, Jason Butler Harner, Esai Morales, Peter Mullan, Lisa Emery, Charlie Tahan, Janet McTeer, Tom Pelphrey, Jessica Frances Dukes, Felix Solis, Damian Young, Alfonso Herrera, Adam Rothenberg
- Cinematography: Pepe Avila del Pino, Ben Kutchins, Michael Grady, Armando Salas, Manuel Billeter, Shawn Kim, Attila Szalay, Eric Koretz
- Original Release Date: July 21, 2017
- IMDB Rating: 8.5/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 82%
- JustWatch Rating: 95%
- Famous Quotes: “Money is, at its essence, that measure of a man’s choices.”
Summary:
“Ozark” is a gripping crime drama thriller created by Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams. The series follows financial planner Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), who relocates his family from Chicago to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme for a Mexican drug cartel goes wrong. Marty, along with his wife Wendy (Laura Linney), must navigate the treacherous waters of criminal enterprises while trying to protect their family and launder money to appease the cartel.
Season 4 continues the intense saga as the Byrde family faces new and escalating threats. With the stakes higher than ever, they must deal with rival cartels, law enforcement, and local criminals, all while attempting to maintain their facade of normalcy and secure their future.
The show features standout performances, particularly from Jason Bateman and Laura Linney, who bring depth and complexity to their characters. Julia Garner’s portrayal of Ruth Langmore has also garnered critical acclaim. The series’ atmospheric cinematography, led by Pepe Avila del Pino and Ben Kutchins, enhances the dark and suspenseful tone of the story.
“Ozark” has been praised for its intense storytelling, well-drawn characters, and exploration of moral ambiguity. With its high ratings and strong fanbase, the series remains a standout in the genre of crime drama thrillers, known for its gripping narrative and compelling performances.
6.Unbelievable (2019)
- Genres: Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 43–58 minutes per episode
- Creators: Susannah Grant, Ayelet Waldman, Michael Chabon
- Stars: Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, Kaitlyn Dever
- Cinematography: Quyen Tran, Xavier Grobet, John Lindley
- Original Release Date: September 13, 2019
- IMDB Rating: 8.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 98%
- JustWatch Rating: 96%
- Famous Quotes: “There is no wrong way to be a woman.”
Summary:
“Unbelievable” is a gripping crime drama series based on true events. The story follows Marie Adler (Kaitlyn Dever), a young woman who reports being sexually assaulted, only to face disbelief and skepticism from the police and those around her. Detectives Grace Rasmussen (Toni Collette) and Karen Duvall (Merritt Wever) later uncover a series of similar cases, leading to the pursuit of a serial rapist.
The series explores themes of trauma, justice, and the resilience of survivors, highlighting the disparities in how sexual assault cases are handled and the impact on victims. Through powerful performances by Toni Collette, Merritt Wever, and Kaitlyn Dever, “Unbelievable” portrays the emotional journey of seeking justice and finding solidarity.
With cinematography by Quyen Tran, Xavier Grobet, and John Lindley, the series captures the intensity and complexity of the investigation and its impact on those involved. “Unbelievable” has received critical acclaim for its sensitive handling of difficult subject matter, compelling storytelling, and strong performances.
7.Money Heist (2017)
- Genres: Action, Crime, Drama
- Runtime: 42–76 minutes per episode
- Creator: Álex Pina
- Stars: Úrsula Corberó, Álvaro Morte, Itziar Ituño, Pedro Alonso, Paco Tous, Alba Flores, Miguel Herrán, Jaime Lorente, Esther Acebo, Enrique Arce, María Pedraza, Darko Perić, Kiti Mánver, Hovik Keuchkerian, Luka Peroš, Belén Cuesta, Fernando Cayo, Rodrigo de la Serna, Najwa Nimri
- Cinematography: Migue Amoedo
- Original Release Date: May 2, 2017
- IMDB Rating: 8.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 94%
- JustWatch Rating: 91%
- Famous Quotes: “Love can’t be timed. It has to be lived.”
Summary:
“Money Heist,” also known as “La Casa de Papel,” is a thrilling Spanish heist crime drama series created by Álex Pina. The story revolves around a mysterious man known as “The Professor” (Álvaro Morte), who recruits eight criminals to carry out an ambitious plan to rob the Royal Mint of Spain. Each criminal is given a city name as their code identity to keep their real identities hidden.
In Season 3, the story continues with the aftermath of the heist and the team’s efforts to execute a new plan involving the Bank of Spain. As tensions rise and new challenges emerge, the series delves deeper into the personal lives and motivations of the characters, exploring themes of loyalty, betrayal, and sacrifice.
The series is renowned for its intricate plot, suspenseful storytelling, and compelling character development. Migue Amoedo’s cinematography enhances the high-stakes atmosphere and tension of the heists, making “Money Heist” a global phenomenon and one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English language series.
8.You (2018)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Romance
- Runtime: 41–60 minutes per episode
- Creator: Greg Berlanti, Sera Gamble
- Stars: Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, Luca Padovan, Zach Cherry, Shay Mitchell, Victoria Pedretti, Jenna Ortega, James Scully, Ambyr Childers, Carmela Zumbado, Saffron Burrows, Tati Gabrielle, Shalita Grant, Travis Van Winkle, Dylan Arnold, Charlotte Ritchie, Tilly Keeper, Amy Leigh Hickman, Ed Speleers, Lukas Gage
- Cinematography: David Lanzenberg, Seamus Tierney, Cort Fey, Byron Shah, Milos Moore, Stijn Van Der Veken, Minka Farthing-Kohl
- Original Release Date: December 26, 2019
- IMDB Rating: 7.7/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 92%
- JustWatch Rating: 89%
- Famous Quotes: “You can’t just tell someone you love them. You have to show it.”
Summary:
“You” is a psychological thriller series based on the novels by Caroline Kepnes. The story revolves around Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a bookstore manager who becomes infatuated with aspiring writer Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail). Using social media and other technology, Joe manipulates his way into Beck’s life, believing he is in love and willing to do anything to remove obstacles in their path.
In Season 4, the series continues to explore Joe’s obsessive tendencies and the consequences of his actions as he enters into a new relationship. The season delves into themes of love, obsession, and morality, challenging viewers to confront the darker aspects of human nature.
With a talented ensemble cast including Penn Badgley, Elizabeth Lail, and Victoria Pedretti, “You” has garnered praise for its suspenseful plot twists, provocative storytelling, and exploration of contemporary issues surrounding social media and relationships. The series’ cinematography, led by David Lanzenberg and other notable cinematographers, enhances its eerie and intense atmosphere, captivating audiences worldwide.
9.The Stranger (2020)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Runtime: 42–51 minutes per episode
- Creator: Harlan Coben
- Stars: Richard Armitage, Siobhan Finneran, Jennifer Saunders, Shaun Dooley, Paul Kaye, Dervla Kirwan, Kadiff Kirwan, Jacob Dudman, Ella-Rae Smith, Brandon Fellows, Misha Handley, Anthony Head, Hannah John-Kamen, Stephen Rea
- Cinematography: Sam Chiplin
- Original Release Date: January 30, 2020
- IMDB Rating: 7.3/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 87%
- JustWatch Rating: 91%
- Famous Quotes: “The past has a habit of coming back and biting you in the ass.”
Summary:
“The Stranger” is a gripping crime drama mystery based on the novel by Harlan Coben. The story follows Adam Price (Richard Armitage), whose life is turned upside down when a mysterious stranger reveals a devastating secret about his wife. As Adam delves deeper into the mystery, he uncovers a web of deception and dark secrets that threaten to unravel everything he holds dear.
The series explores themes of betrayal, family dynamics, and the consequences of secrets as Adam navigates through a series of shocking revelations. Siobhan Finneran portrays DS Johanna Griffin, who becomes entangled in the unfolding mystery alongside a diverse cast of characters, each with their own secrets and motivations.
With Sam Chiplin’s cinematography setting the tone for suspense and intrigue, “The Stranger” has been praised for its compelling storyline, strong performances, and twists that keep viewers on the edge of their seats. The series captures the complexities of human relationships and the darker sides of suburban life, making it a standout in the genre of crime dramas.
10.Safe (2018)
- Genres: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Runtime: 41–47 minutes per episode
- Creator: Harlan Coben
- Stars: Michael C. Hall, Amanda Abbington, Marc Warren, Audrey Fleurot, Hannah Arterton, Nigel Lindsay, Laila Rouass, Joplin Sibtain, Milo Twomey, Emmett J. Scanlan, Amy James-Kelly, Amy-Leigh Hickman, Freddie Thorp, Hero Fiennes Tiffin, Louis Greatorex
- Cinematography: Frédéric Auger
- Original Release Date: May 10, 2018
- IMDB Rating: 7.2/10
- Rotten Tomatoes Rating: 71%
- JustWatch Rating: 91%
- Famous Quotes: “Secrets are like scars; they fade, but they never go away.”
Summary:
“Safe” is a compelling crime drama series created by Harlan Coben. The story centers on Tom Delaney (Michael C. Hall), a widowed surgeon who lives in a gated community with his two daughters. When one of his daughters goes missing after a party, Tom embarks on a desperate search to uncover the truth behind her disappearance. As secrets unravel and hidden truths come to light, Tom discovers that his seemingly idyllic community harbors dark secrets that threaten to tear his family apart.
The series explores themes of parental love, loss, and the lengths one will go to protect their loved ones. Amanda Abbington portrays Sophie Mason, a detective aiding Tom in his search, while Marc Warren and Audrey Fleurot play pivotal roles in the intricate web of lies and deception surrounding the community.
Frédéric Auger’s cinematography captures the suspense and intensity of the mystery, enhancing the series’ gripping narrative. “Safe” has been praised for its tense atmosphere, intricate plot twists, and strong performances, cementing its place as a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.
Anas Chaudhary is a writer at Entertainment 24 Seven, specializing in entertainment news, facts, and trends. He brings a fresh perspective and engaging storytelling to his coverage of the latest happenings in the entertainment world.