Do you believe you’ve watched everything Netflix has to offer? Think again. While global blockbusters like Stranger Things, The Witcher, or Bridgerton dominate headlines, there’s a whole lineup of underrated Netflix originals quietly stealing hearts and arguably, doing it better.

If you’re tired of the overhyped and ready to dive into something smarter, deeper, or just plain better, here are five Netflix originals that fly under the radar but deserve your full-screen attention.

1. The OA

Genre: Sci-Fi | Mystery | Drama
Why it’s better than the hype beasts:
The OA is storytelling without a safety net. It blends alternate dimensions, interpretive dance, and philosophical questions in a way that’s totally unique and criminally underwatched. The show builds a spiritual mystery that’s more emotionally gripping than most prestige dramas.

Why you missed it: It wasn’t marketed well. And when Netflix cancelled it after two seasons, fans were so outraged, they literally staged real-world protests.

2. Dark

Genre: Sci-Fi | Thriller | German (dubbed/subbed)
Why it’s better than Stranger Things:
Dark has been compared to Stranger Things because of its missing-kids-meets-time-travel setup. But it quickly outgrows any comparison with one of the most complex and emotionally resonant narratives in sci-fi television. Every twist makes sense and hurts a little.

Why it’s better: No nostalgia crutches. Just airtight writing, chilling music, and a payoff that actually pays off.

3. Giri/Haji

Genre: Crime | Drama | Thriller
Why it’s better than most U.S. crime shows:
This British-Japanese hybrid is an elegant, layered thriller that juggles Yakuza crime drama with family loyalty and inner-city grime. It’s beautifully shot, bilingual, and weirdly poetic it even has an emotional slow-motion dance sequence that somehow works.

Why it’s underrated: It had little promotion and wasn’t renewed, despite near-universal critical acclaim.

4. Russian Doll

Genre: Comedy | Sci-Fi | Mystery
Why it’s better than The Umbrella Academy:
While Umbrella Academy gives you apocalyptic drama and cool outfits, Russian Doll gives you tight, intelligent writing and one of the best existential spirals on TV. Natasha Lyonne shines as a sarcastic woman stuck in a time loop and somehow makes it hilarious and profound.

Bonus: Season 2 takes a wild philosophical leap that few shows would dare touch.

5. BoJack Horseman

Genre: Animated | Dark Comedy | Drama
Why it’s better than Big Mouth or Disenchantment:
It may be animated and have a talking horse, but BoJack Horseman is one of the most human shows ever made. It tackles mental health, addiction, fame, and forgiveness with gut-punching honesty, while also being absurdly funny.

Why it stands out: No other show has made viewers laugh and cry in the same scene so consistently.

Final Note

Netflix is a jungle of content, flashy thumbnails, trending rows, and endless scrolling. But hidden in that algorithm are some absolute gems that didn’t get the push they deserved. These five Netflix originals may not have become mainstream hits, but in terms of writing, risk-taking, and emotional impact, they’re miles ahead of the biggest names on the platform.

So next time you open Netflix, skip “Top 10 Today” and scroll a little deeper. That hidden gem might just become your new all-time favorite.

FAQs

Q: Are all these shows still on Netflix?
A: Yes, all are currently available as of 2025.

Q: Why do some of the best shows get canceled?
A: Viewership data, cost, and Netflix’s mysterious algorithm often override quality or critical acclaim.

Q: Can I enjoy these if I don’t usually watch their genre?
A: Definitely. These shows often transcend their genres with strong storytelling and character work.