Netflix’s Top Thriller TV Series recommendations

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There is an abundance of superb thriller films available on Netflix. However, if you prefer your narratives to be more methodical, there are equally as many remarkable TV series to choose from on the platform.

We have meticulously compiled our conspiracy boards, analyzed all the data, and tracked the financial flows to present you with our list of the primary suspects for the most exceptional thriller TV series to watch on Netflix. From contemporary masterpieces like David Fincher's Mindhunter and You to heart-pounding murder mysteries like Erased and more, Netflix offers a multitude of thrilling TV shows just waiting to become your next obsession.

Presented below are the finest thriller series you can currently stream on Netflix.

Mindhunter

Image: Netflix

In one of the greatest shows ever produced by Netflix, David Fincher's meticulous vision is brought to life in the television format. Across two seasons, the partnership of FBI agents Holden Ford (played by Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (the incredibly talented Holt McCallany) involves interviewing serial killers in the emerging field of criminal psychology.

In a clever subversion of conventional character archetypes, it is the young agent who often appears emotionally detached and cold, while the older one is concerned about the repercussions of their actions. Their dynamic, coupled with Mindhunter's profound exploration of our society's fascination with serial killers and strategies for apprehending them, elevates the show and sets it apart from the exploitative nature of other works in the genre.

Just how detailed is Fincher's vision? Explore this mind-altering VFX reel from the show, which has completely transformed my perception of contemporary cinema. —Pete Volk

Babylon Berlin

Image: X Filme Creative Pool

1929 Berlin is bracing itself for calamitous times. It is widely acknowledged that during the Weimar Republic era, economic uncertainty and the rise of the Nazi Party cast a dark shadow over the city. However, in the world of Babylon Berlin, the 1920s are a period of precarious anticipation, where the aftermath of an economic slump can give rise to both vibrant nightclub scenes and impending doom.

This gripping atmosphere is embodied by two central characters in Babylon Berlin: Gereon Rath, a resilient and determined vice inspector assigned to dismantle an extortion ring, and Charlotte Ritter, a bold and audacious police clerk who moonlights as a sex worker. Together, they offer contrasting perspectives on the waning days of the Weimar Republic, simultaneously exposing the impending decay while grasping at glimmers of hope.

Babylon Berlin masterfully avoids hastening its narrative. It is, perhaps, one of the more gradual developments on this list; the thrill of the mystery lies in its meticulous pace. Answers do not come easily, and political landscapes cannot be transformed overnight. Babylon Berlin weaves a complex tapestry of history and conspiracy, treating both with equal solemnity and precision. The result is a captivating, noir-style detective story that will stand the test of time. —Zosha Millman

Infernal Underworld

Image: Netflix

The realm of French action cinema is experiencing a formidable resurgence, led by the visionary director Julien Leclercq. Having directed the highly acclaimed thriller Sentinelle, featuring Olga Kurylenko, and the compelling Jean-Claude Van Damme-led The Bouncer, Leclercq further solidified his position with the riveting crime thriller, Braqueurs (known as The Crew).

Six years later, Leclercq translates his directorial prowess to the small screen with the Netflix series Ganglands (also known as Braqueurs). Retaining the same name, the exceptional Sami Bouajila as the lead, and an overarching atmosphere, Ganglands can neither be categorized as a sequel nor a remake. In this enthralling series, a skilled crew of armed robbers finds themselves embroiled in a gang war, their expertise so revered that even their victims seek their services.

Leclercq and writer Hamid Hlioua have crafted a muscular and intense thriller, characterized by outstanding performances and the director's signature ability to construct tension and conflict. The second season of this gripping series has recently premiered on Netflix, and both seasons are an absolute must-watch. —Pete Volk

The Vanishing

Image: A-1 Pictures/Aniplex of America

This 2016 miniseries delves into the realm of science fiction, mystery, and thriller genres. It revolves around the character of Satoru Fujinuma, a 29-year-old delivery man who mysteriously finds himself transported back in time, awakening in his 11-year-old body. Determined to change the fate of his deceased mother and his missing elementary school classmate, Satoru combines his future knowledge with his ability to alter the past. His ultimate goal is to catch the person responsible for their tragic fates and bring them to justice.

Erased is an utterly captivating anime thriller that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats from start to finish, with its plethora of unexpected twists and turns. The miniseries' conclusion is nothing short of exhilarating, leaving audiences guessing until the very end. —Toussaint Egan

You

Image: Netflix

Nobody does it quite like Joe Goldberg (played by Penn Badgley) in terms of his relentless stalking and obsession with women. Joe stands alone in his ability to wholly immerse himself in this disturbing behavior. When watching You and following Joe through his unethical actions, it becomes evident that he is not only the protagonist but also the antagonist of his own story.

Fortunately, You acknowledges this fact. It takes the initial premise of the first season, which involves a boy meeting a girl, stalking her, and manipulating her life to a dangerous extent, and continues to subvert it. Joe finds himself in increasingly dire situations, constantly scrambling to cover his tracks. Each season of You offers a unique experience, with different settings and new female characters, all while allowing Joe to make a strong case against himself.

You is not for the faint-hearted, but it goes beyond relying solely on its dark undertones to captivate viewers. Joe may be a despicable character (even Badgley himself thinks so, and he hopes you do too), but the show knows how to keep him compelling, tightening the screws on him with each passing season. It presents Joe with new challenges, resulting in a twisted and remarkably enjoyable viewing experience. One thing remains consistent with You: Joe will stop at nothing, resorting to extreme and violent measures, to prove he is not the villain. Oh, and there's also a plexiglass vault. —ZM

The Night Agent

At times, there may arise a desire for a "lightweight mind" suspenseful tale - something not too profound that would go well with a tub of popcorn or as background entertainment while completing household chores. The Night Agent embodies Netflix's archetypal plot-driven popcorn thriller, elevated to a commendable level thanks to the unexpected chemistry between its two protagonists.

Crafted by Shawn Ryan, the mastermind behind The Shield, the series is an adaptation of the novel titled The Night Agent. Gabriel Basso takes on the role of an FBI agent who has been assigned to monitor a phone that never receives calls in the basement of the White House. However, on one fateful night, when the phone finally rings, he embarks on a journey with the person on the other end (Luciane Buchanan) that entangles them in an extensive conspiracy capable of unraveling his entire world. -PV

Monster

If you derive pleasure from the 1960s crime drama series The Fugitive, it’s highly likely that you will find the 2004 anime adaptation of Naoki Urasawa's psychological thriller manga, Monster, utterly captivating. To a large extent, the series was inspired by its predecessor. Unfolding in Germany before and after the collapse of the Berlin Wall, Monster revolves around the tale of Kenzo Tenma, a Japanese neurosurgeon residing in Düsseldorf. Following accusations of murdering his superiors, Kenzo embarks on a relentless pursuit to clear his name by locating the true culprit - a young man he once treated.

Spanning a staggering 74 episodes, Monster is an intricate drama complete with an expansive ensemble cast and enough nerve-racking plot twists and unveilings to mirror the intricacy of a Matryoshka doll. -TE

Lupin

The exhilaration of a heist - it truly has no parallel. Just ask Assane Diop (Omar Sy). He has spent years perfecting his craft as a con artist and thief, drawing inspiration (and even his alias) from his infatuation with the refined gentleman thief, Arsène Lupin. While the thrill of the heist comes effortlessly to Assane, whether it involves a priceless diamond necklace formerly adorned by Marie Antoinette or not, revenge proves to be a challenging feat. The first season of Lupin follows his relentless quest for vengeance against the affluent family that wronged his father, and as the show unfolds, audiences are taken on a journey packed with unexpected twists and turns that bridge the gap between Assane's gentleman thief alter ego and his genuine life.

The debut of the French series on Netflix was a sensational success, largely attributed to the captivating portrayal of Sy. He exudes a magnetic charisma that effortlessly embodies the art of deception, leaving us convinced that he could infiltrate any high-security vault or safe in France (without even mentioning his impeccable thieving abilities and connections). A heist usually concludes with a sense of self-assurance, and Sy's performance ensures that Lupin exudes the same level of confidence, making each step of the journey an exhilarating thrill ride. —ZM

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