Not Just Dark and Money Heist: 5 Must-See Non-English TV Series to Binge on Netflix
Korean zombie apocalypse, French horror and relaxing Japanese series await you.
Netflix offers a treasure trove of incredible non-English TV series that showcase diverse cultures, gripping storytelling, and outstanding performances. If you're looking to explore beyond Hollywood, here are five must-watch non-English shows.
1. Katla, 2021
During the eruption of the Icelandic volcano Katla, a naked woman covered in ash appears nearby. It turns out that she met one of the inhabitants of the neighboring town of Vik many years ago and has not changed at all since then.
And soon other unexpected guests begin to arrive – the dead and missing relatives of local residents. The series combines a dark post-apocalyptic atmosphere, a fantastic plot and philosophical reflections on attempts to correct the past.
2. Marianne, 2019
Emma became a popular author after publishing a series of books about the sinister witch Marianne, who appeared to her as a child.
One day, the woman must return to her hometown, where she is confronted with nightmares from her past. Now Emma must write a new novel about Marianne or she will start killing her loved ones.
The French series will certainly appeal to all fans of Stephen King's work, as its plot clearly refers to the books of the master of horror. There are childhood memories, creepy monsters and the atmosphere of a small but very dangerous town.
3. Samurai Gourmet, 2017
An elderly Japanese man who has worked for a company all his life is laid off. Being retired, he does not know what to do with himself at first.
But then the man begins to simply walk around various cafes and restaurants, ordering his favorite food and remembering events from his life. At the same time, he imagines himself as a strong and brave samurai from the past.
Samurai Gourmet is the calmest series in this list. It has no action – just reflections on life and a lot of food. And the episodes of this project are 15 minutes long and can be watched even during a short break at work.
4. Move to Heaven, 2021
Geu-ru helps his father run an unusual business. They clean the apartments of deceased people, trying to treat the former owners with respect. But suddenly Geu-ru's father dies, and the business passes to his brother, who has just been released from prison.
The series is based on a column written by publicist Kim Sae-byul. He was the first in Korea to open a business cleaning the houses of the dead. The topic is handled as delicately as possible: the writers mix thoughts about death with the personal experiences of the main character.
5. Kingdom, 2019-2020
In the 16th century Korean state of Joseon, the emperor falls ill, sparking a brutal power struggle. The crown prince tries in vain to meet his father.
But soon it is revealed that the emperor has died and then resurrected as a flesh-eating zombie. Now the entire country is under attack by an invasion of the living dead.
The series, based on the webcomic The Kingdom of the Gods, is Netflix's first South Korean project. The story combines two unusual genres: a typical zombie apocalypse story and a costume drama about political intrigue.