Top 10 Overlooked Netflix TV Shows That Deserve a Binge-Watch

1. The OA (2016-2019)

Defying conventional storytelling, The OA is a mind-bending drama series that revolves around Prairie Johnson (Brit Marling), a young woman who resurfaces after having been missing for seven years. Remarkably, she was blind when she disappeared, but she can now see. The series was axed after just two seasons, sparking uproar among its loyal fanbase who even started a #SaveTheOA campaign.

It boasts a 77% Rotten Tomatoes score and was dubbed as a mysterious masterpiece by several critics. Yet, with its convoluted plotline, many viewers overlooked this riveting series which could have potentially reshaped mainstream narratives.

2. Love, Death & Robots (2019-present)

This visually stunning, animated anthology series unfairly escaped the limelight, but it's one of Netflix's boldest attempts. It covers a variety of genres from sci-fi to horror, and the animation styles are as diverse as the stories themselves.

Despite its lack of mainstream attention, it's been a hit with critics and currently has a Rotten Tomatoes score of 77% and scooped up a couple of Primetime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Short Form Animated Program and Outstanding Individual Achievement in Animation. So, if you're looking for something different, you've got some wildly different, short, animated stories to feast your eyes on.

3. Maniac (2018)

A one-off limited series starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, Maniac had all the ingredients to be a mega-hit. Yet, its peculiar narrative about two strangers drawn to a mysterious pharmaceutical trial managed to slip through the cracks. This series, however, does a deep dive into the human psyche, with a beautiful blend of humor, drama, and a touch of sci-fi.

Despite scoring a 83% on Rotten Tomatoes and earning a Golden Globe nomination for Stone, Maniac seems to have escaped most Netflix users' radar. So, if you're up for a psychedelic journey filled with laughs and a fair share of mind-bending, this show could be your next addiction.

4. Dark (2017-2020)

This German sci-fi thriller series is one of the most complex and intellectually stimulating shows on Netflix. The storyline revolves around four interconnected families, unveiling a time-travel conspiracy that spans several generations. It's an intricate web of paradoxes, alternate realities, and a whole lot of wibbly-wobbly, timey-wimey stuff.

Despite a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%, its sophisticated plot may have deterred some viewers from giving it a shot. However, those who stick with it are rewarded with a story that's as rich as it is riveting.

5. Russian Doll (2019-present)

Starring Natasha Lyonne as a woman who keeps dying and reliving the same night in an ongoing time loop, Russian Doll is a darkly comedic and deeply philosophical series. Though it's earned critical acclaim (with a near-perfect 97% on Rotten Tomatoes) and bagged three Primetime Emmy Awards, it hasn't quite reached the cult status of Stranger Things or The Crown. While the series deals with death, it's not all gloom and doom. Instead, it's a sharp, witty exploration of self-destruction, trauma, and the potential for change.

6. Marianne (2019)

For horror enthusiasts, this French series will chill you to the bone. The plot revolves around a horror novelist, Emma, who decides to lay her popular character, witch Marianne, to rest. Unfortunately for Emma, Marianne doesn't appreciate being killed off and decides to haunt the author in real life. Despite its spine-chilling storyline and impressive 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this series did not garner the attention it deserved. Perhaps it was too spine-tingling for some viewers' tastes, as it was sadly canceled after its first season.

7. The End of the F*ing World (2017-2019)

This dark comedy-drama is based on a comic book series by Charles Forsman. It's the tale of James, a 17-year-old self-diagnosed psychopath, and Alyssa, a rebellious classmate who sees in James a chance to escape her tumultuous home life. The two embark on a road trip that spirals into a trail of escalating crime and violence. The plot's bold, unconventional narrative and remarkable performances by the young leads are definitely worth a binge-watch.

8. I Am Not Okay With This (2020)

This series is about a teenage girl, Sydney, navigating high school, family drama, and budding sexuality, all while dealing with her emerging superpowers. It's an intriguing mix of teen drama, dark comedy, and superhero origin story.

Even though it has a commendable 86% Rotten Tomatoes rating, the show was overlooked and subsequently cancelled after one season, despite a cliffhanger ending. The series garnered praise for its realistic portrayal of teenage life (well, minus the superpowers) and its exploration of mental health issues.

9. GLOW (2017-2019)

A dramatic comedy series based on the real-life Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling, GLOW features an ensemble cast led by Alison Brie. Despite its comedic genius and empowering narrative about women in the world of professional wrestling, it never managed to hook a broad audience.

Yet, it stands with an impressive 92% on Rotten Tomatoes and won two Primetime Creative Arts Emmy Awards, with multiple nominations. The planned fourth season was unfortunately cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic, sparking an outcry from its niche but passionate fanbase.

10. Lady Dynamite (2016-2017)

This surreal comedy series is based on the life of comedian Maria Bamford, portrayed by herself, as she navigates her career and personal life after being treated for bipolar disorder. Known for its experimental narrative and unique humor, it was critically praised but failed to resonate with a wider audience, leading to its cancellation after two seasons. The show, however, boasts an outstanding 97% Rotten Tomatoes rating and offers a frank and funny exploration of mental illness.