Netflix is known for rolling out dozens and dozens of shows on an almost weekly basis. Everything from an experimental heist drama Kaleidoscope to the return of Black mirror to a documentary by David Beckham that set the world on fire, was released on the streaming service in 2023.
These all had a claim to being among the best Netflix shows, but what’s the one thing they all have in common? Well, her Are all on Netflix, well done. But more than that, none of them achieved a perfect 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. And yet, over the past twelve months, Netflix has premiered half a dozen new shows that have earned the prestigious rating.
From a film adaptation of a bestseller about a missing person’s case that is reopened more than a decade later, to a Samurai animation for adults from the writer behind LoganBesides an underdog wrestling documentary about the newcomers to the sport, there are plenty of fantastic Netflix shows that have been total critical successes. But these may have flown under your radar – that’s why we wanted to highlight them so you can add them to your watchlist and end your year on a high.
Blue-eyed samurai
Sure, there’s an alarmingly long list of new adult animations all vying for your attention, but… Blue-eyed samurai has Michael Green, the writer behind it Logan And Blade Runner 2049, behind it. Set in Japan during the Edo period of the 17th century, a biracial samurai named Mizu seeks revenge on four white men, one of whom could be her father. If Quentin Tarantino made it Mulan, we would imagine it would look something like this. The blood-soaked action scenes alone make this worth a watch – and you can watch the first episode on YouTube.
▶️ Watch Blue Eye Samurai on Netflix
Sweet Child
Based on the bestseller of the same name by Romy Hausmann, Sweet Child is a psychological thriller miniseries that has received critical acclaim. It begins when an unknown woman is hit by a car in Stuttgart, Germany, and a 13-year-old missing persons case is thrust back into the spotlight. With music by The last of us composer Gustavo Santaolalla, in addition to many twists that will captivate you from episode one.
▶️ Watch Dear Child on Netflix
Cunt on earth
Meet Philomena Cunk, a tough and ill-informed investigative journalist who tries to bring the public closer to the truth by speaking to experts about human history. This five-episode parody documentary was created by comedian Diane Morgan, together with Black mirror creator Charlie Brooker, is wonderfully funny and typically British. The clever script is so good that you often forget that this is a fictional character.
▶️ Watch Cunk on Earth on Netflix
Castlevania: Nocturne
Sequel to the four-season hit of 2017 Castlevania animated series, a sequel was commissioned that focuses on Richter Belmont, a descendant of Trevor and Sypha. It is set during the French Revolution in 1792, Castlevania: NocturneThe film’s story bites off a little more than it can chew, but the animation and character design remain sublime with top-notch voice acting from Kill Eva star Edward Bluemel.
▶️ Watch Castlevania: Nocturne on Netflix
The Snow Maiden
A few pacing issues aside, The Snow Maiden is full of suspense, powerful performances and every parent’s worst nightmare. Adapted by Spanish writer Javier Castillo, the Spanish mystery thriller is split into three timelines in which a five-year-old girl goes missing during a parade in Málaga, Spain. It is then that a young newspaper journalist (Milena Smit), who has experienced her own heartbreak, becomes involved in helping the parents and police find the child before it is too late.
▶️ Watch The Snow Girl on Netflix
Wrestlers
The nicest compliment you can give Wrestlers is that you don’t have to be a fan of the sport to enjoy this documentary. Ohio Valley Wrestling has seen the likes of Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson and Dave Bautista make names for themselves in the Kentucky gym before heading to the big leagues. Throughout this seven-part series, we get an inside look at the many highs and lows of OVW, its owner – former great wrestler Al Snow – and its financial troubles, as well as the potential next big stars in history. to make.