The streamer carries prestige dramas and teen screams.

The 23 best thriller series on Netflix

The streamer carries prestige dramas and teen screams.

By Janey Tracey and Kevin Jacobsen

on January 14, 2026 10:59 a.m. ET

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Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'; Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield and Dominic Purcell as Lincoln Burrows on 'Prison Break'; Juliette Lewis as Natalie Scatorccio and Christina Ricci as Misty Quigley on 'Yellowjackets'. Credit:

Netflix; Michael Lavine/20th Century Fox/Courtesy Everett Collection; Kailey Schwerman/Showtime

Now that it’s a global streaming giant, it’s easy to forget that Netflix first made waves in 2013 with the political thriller *House of Cards*, which set a new standard for on-demand television and earned multiple Emmy Awards.

Since then, Netflix has continued to deliver top-notch thrillers across genres, including *Squid Game*, a pandemic-era phenomenon that captivated audiences with its high-stakes survival drama and social commentary. The platform is also home to modern classics like *Breaking Bad*, which redefined crime dramas, and new favorites like *Yellowjackets*, which perfectly blends '90s nostalgia with survival horror.

Whether you're in the mood for tense political dramas, gritty crime sagas, or mind-bending psychological stunners, these 23 shows will keep you on the edge of your seat. Here are the best thriller series on Netflix right now, as of January 2026.

Black Doves (2024–present)

Ben Whishaw as Sam Young and Keira Knightley as Helen Webb on 'Black Doves'.

Ludovic Robert/Netflix

This pulpy spy thriller series goes down best if you don't think too hard about the plausibility of its plot. Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence, who is also a spy covertly working for a mercenary group known as the Black Doves. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes down a dangerous path to investigate the culprit and teams up with her hitman friend Sam (Ben Whishaw) to find answers. EW's critic calls *Black Doves* "a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper," buoyed by complex performances from Knightley and Whishaw, plus a scene-stealing Sarah Lancashire as Helen's enigmatic handler. —*Kevin Jacobsen*

Where to watch *Black Doves*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Black Rabbit (2025)

Jude Law as Jake Friedken and Jason Bateman as Vince Friedken in 'Black Rabbit'.

Family is everything. It can also complicate things in ways you can't even imagine, as explored in this gritty miniseries from Kate Susman and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Zach Baylin. Jude Law stars as Jake, the owner of an upscale restaurant whose life is turned upside down upon the reemergence of his troubled brother, Vince (Jason Bateman). Vince is in trouble with loan sharks, and Jake feels obligated to help him settle his debts, leading to a chaotic series of events. EW's critic calls *Black Rabbit* a "propulsive crime caper about the burden of family history." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Black Rabbit*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jude Law, Jason Bateman, Cleopatra Coleman, Sope Dirisu, Troy Kotsur

The Blacklist (2013–2023)

James Spader as Raymond 'Red' Reddington on 'The Blacklist'. Scott Gries/NBC

*The Blacklist* is thrilling for James Spader’s performance alone. The series begins with criminal mastermind Raymond "Red" Reddington (Spader) turning himself in to the FBI and offering information about his shady cohorts, but only if he can work with a specific profiler, Elizabeth "Liz" Keen (Megan Boone). With 10 seasons of twists and turns, *The Blacklist* evolves far beyond the question of why Red is so interested in Liz and remains binge-worthy all the way through (even if the plot is a tad bit ridiculous at times). —*Janey Tracey*

Where to watch *The Blacklist*: Netflix

**Cast:** James Spader, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff

Bloodline (2015–2017)

Kyle Chandler as John Rayburn on 'Bloodline'. Netflix

*Bloodline** *centers on the Rayburns, a highly respected family in Florida. When the black sheep brother, Danny (Ben Mendelsohn), returns home, old tensions resurface and set off a chain of events that leads to betrayal, murder, and cover-ups. It's a slow-burn thriller series that's never boring thanks to the intense performances, especially Mendelsohn's Emmy-winning turn and *Friday Night Lights*' Kyle Chandler playing a sheriff caught between his loyalty to his brother and his duty to the law. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Bloodline*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Kyle Chandler, Ben Mendelsohn, Linda Cardellini

Bodyguard (2018)

Richard Madden as David Budd and Keeley Hawes as Julia Montague in 'Bodyguard'. World Productions/Netflix

A sleeper hit that became the U.K.'s most-watched drama on record, *Bodyguard* stars Richard Madden as a war veteran with PTSD assigned to protect a high-profile politician with controversial views. Madden's performance won him a Golden Globe, and the nerve-shredding action sequences make it a supremely thrilling watch. EW's writer praises the portrayal of women in positions of power and the "what-the-heck-is-even-happening moments" that keep you clicking "next episode." —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Bodyguard*: Netflix

**Cast:** Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Bryan Cranston as Walter White and Aaron Paul as Jesse Pinkman in a promotional photo for 'Breaking Bad'. Frank Ockenfels/AMC

Widely considered one of the best TV series of all time, *Breaking Bad* charts the rise and fall of Walter White, a down-on-his-luck chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and starts manufacturing meth to provide for his pregnant wife and teenage son. Bryan Cranston delivers a career-defining performance, and Walt's transformation from family man to ruthless drug lord is one of the most gripping arcs in television history.

The series' success led to a prequel spinoff centered on fan-favorite character Saul Goodman, as well as a movie sequel in which Aaron Paul reprises his role as Walt's troubled yet empathetic young accomplice, Jesse. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Breaking Bad*: Netflix

**Cast:** Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk

Dark (2017–2020)

Louis Hofmann as Jonas Kahnwald on 'Dark'.

Julia Terjung/Netflix

This German thriller starts with the disappearance of two children from a small town, but it quickly morphs into a labyrinthine tale of time travel and interconnected families across generations. The series' non-linear narrative and intricate puzzles demand your full attention — this is not the kind of show you can watch while doing your laundry — but it's worth it, as the unfolding mystery explores heady concepts like parallel worlds, timeline paradoxes, and the idea that the past, present, and future are all inextricably linked. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Dark*: Netflix

**Cast:** Louis Hofmann, Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn

Dept. Q (2025–present)

Matthew Goode as DCI Carl Morck and Alexej Manvelov as Akram Salim on 'Dept. Q'.

The sins of the past intersect in both the personal and professional life of Deputy Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) in this moody psychological crime thriller. Following a shooting incident, Morck returns to the force, where the department chief assigns him the responsibility of solving the city's many cold cases. The thrills of *Dept. Q* are more of a slow, building suspense but no less satisfying, with an eye for character development as Morck adjusts to his new reality and grapples with various traumas. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Dept. Q*: Netflix

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne

The Diplomat (2023–present)

Keri Russell as Kate Wyler and Rufus Sewell as Hal Wyler on 'The Diplomat'.

Courtesy of Netflix

Keri Russell casting and marital strife are always a good mix. On *The Diplomat*, Russell gives a standout, Emmy-nominated performance as Kate Wyler, a newly appointed U.S. ambassador navigating geopolitical conflicts while struggling to keep her tumultuous marriage intact. While not nearly as serious as *The Americans*, the show's blend of international affairs, witty dialogue, and relationship drama is a fresh and engaging take on the political thriller genre. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Diplomat*: Netflix

**Cast:** Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi

Homeland (2011–2020)

Claire Danes as Claire Mathison on 'Homeland'.

Erica Parise/Showtime

This gripping political thriller may go in some wild directions during its eight seasons, but the ride is worth it nonetheless. Claire Danes stars as Carrie Mathison, a brilliant CIA officer living with bipolar disorder who develops a fixation on a Marine Corps veteran she believes has been recruited by al-Qaeda. "At the center of *Homeland*’s appeal is the fact that it is at once timely and escapist," writes EW's critic. "The series takes seriously the notion that America is still very much a terrorism target, that the killing of Osama bin Laden may have driven our enemies both deeper underground and into a deeper rage." —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Homeland*: Hulu

**EW grade:** A–

**Cast:** Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, Morena Baccarin, David Harewood

House of Cards (2013–2018)

Kevin Spacey as Frank Underwood on 'House of Cards'.

Patrick Harbron/Netflix

Netflix's first critical juggernaut, *House of Cards* follows Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a ruthless politician who manipulates, blackmails, and betrays his way to the top with the help of his wife, the Lady Macbeth-esque Claire (Robin Wright). The first few seasons juxtapose his power struggles in government with the complex dynamics in his marriage, but after Spacey’s departure, Wright takes center stage, transforming the show into a story about her character's ascent to power (as it should be). —*J.T.*

Where to watch *House of Cards*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast**: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Mahershala Ali

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Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Jodie Comer as Villanelle on 'Killing Eve'.

Anika Molnar/BBCA

Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer give powerhouse performances in this game of cat and mouse between MI5 agent Eve Polastri (Oh) and the charismatic assassin Villanelle (Comer). Known for its razor-sharp dialogue from writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and for Villanelle's fabulous wardrobe, *Killing Eve* was a cultural moment, especially in its first season. The thriller series had a famously divisive ending, but we'll always have Comer's iconic Villanelle and her fluffy pink dress. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Killing Eve*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B

**Cast:** Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Holt McCallany as Bill Tench and Jonathan Groff as Holden Ford on 'Mindhunter'. Patrick Harbron/Netflix

Set in the late-1970s, *Mindhunter* follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they develop the first criminal profiling system by interviewing notorious serial killers. With each unsettling session, the agents gain deeper insights into the criminal mind — and the job starts taking a greater toll on their own psyches. In addition to David Fincher's stylish direction,* Mindhunter* stands out for its chilling performances, especially Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper and Damon Herriman as Charles Manson, whom the latter also played in *Once Upon a Time in Hollywood*. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Mindhunter*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv

Money Heist (2017–2021)

(From left to right): Hovik Keuchkerian as Santiago Lopez, Úrsula Corberó as Silene Oliveira, Rodrigo de la Serna as Martín Berrote, and Itziar Ituño as Raquel Murillo on 'Money Heist'.

Tamara Assanz/Netflix

The tricky thriller *Money Heist* follows a group of criminals, led by the enigmatic "Professor," as they carry out meticulously planned heists at the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain. Initially a two-part limited series, its popularity on Netflix led to multiple renewals, ending with a fifth season in 2021 and inspiring a South Korean adaptation and a spinoff, *Berlin*. By the time the final season aired, *Money Heist* was the top streaming TV show in the world, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Money Heist*: Netflix

**Cast:** Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Itziar Ituño

The Night Agent (2023–present)

Luciane Buchanan as Rose Larkin and Gabriel Basso as Peter Sutherland on 'The Night Agent'. Dan Power/Netflix

*The Night Agent *follows Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), a low-level FBI agent who uncovers a major conspiracy after answering a rarely used emergency line. Following its premiere on Netflix in March 2023, it quickly became the platform's third-most-watched debut series thanks to its binge-ability, the chemistry between the leads, and its entertaining mixture of old-fashioned spy thriller tropes and frankly insane conspiracy twists. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Night Agent*: Netflix

**Cast:** Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Hong Chau

Orphan Black (2013–2017)

Tatiana Maslany as Helena and Sarah Manning on 'Orphan Black'.

Kena Woroner/BBC America

Tatiana Maslany isn't the only reason to watch this gripping sci-fi series, but she's certainly the main attraction. The actress, who won an Emmy for her multifaceted work, plays five genetic clones, each with their own distinct personality and lifestyle. As one of the clones discovers the existence of the others, she soon finds herself on the run from various factions intent on capturing and/or killing her and her sisters. The five-season series delves into potent themes of identity, corruption, and ethics as we hurdle toward a future dominated by technology. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Orphan Black*: Netflix

**Cast:** Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando

Ozark (2017–2022)

Jason Bateman as Marty Byrde on 'Ozark'.

Steve Dietl/Netflix

*Ozark* follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial planner who gets in over his head after laundering money for a drug cartel, forcing his family to relocate to the Ozarks. If that sounds similar to *Breaking Bad*, it is, especially with the added layers of complex marriage and family dynamics as they all quickly become complicit in Marty's crimes. Each season raises the stakes with tension that never lets up, leading to an unforgettable, bleak finale. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Ozark*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner

Prison Break (2005–2009; 2017)

Wentworth Miller as Michael Scofield and Dominic Purcell as Lincoln Burrows on 'Prison Break'.

Michael Lavine/20th Century Fox/ Courtesy Everett

In this implausible, wildly entertaining thriller, Michael Scofield (Wentworth Miller), a structural engineer, purposely goes to jail to save his wrongly accused brother, Lincoln Burrows (Dominic Purcell), armed with intricate body tattoos of the facility's blueprints. Like *Suits*, *Prison Break* had a sudden renaissance when it debuted on Netflix and was introduced to a new generation of viewers. And the show will continue on in some form; after four seasons, a movie, and a 2017 revival, Hulu has announced a reboot series set in the same universe. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Prison Break*: Netflix through Jan. 28

**Cast:** Wentworth Miller, Dominic Purcell, Sarah Wayne Callies

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Park Hae-soo as Cho Sang-woo, Lee Jung-jae as Seong Gi-hun, and Jung Ho-yeon as Kang Sae-byeok on 'Squid Game'.

*Squid Game* may have only debuted in 2021, but the masked guards and giant robot doll are already pop culture iconography. The South Korean thriller series, which follows a group of desperate participants competing in deadly children's games for a massive cash prize, combines shocking violence with poignant social commentary about wealth disparity. The show garnered a huge following during the pandemic and broke Netflix viewership records, inspiring countless memes, Halloween costumes, and fan theories. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Squid Game*: Netflix

**Cast:** Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su

The Tourist (2022–present)

Jamie Dornan as Elliot Stanley on 'The Tourist'.

Steffan Hill/Netflix

In *The Tourist*, Jamie Dornan plays a man who wakes up with amnesia in the remote Australian outback with no idea why dangerous figures are hunting him down. This may seem like a silly premise, and it is, but the show pulls it off thanks to the sharp, self-aware writing, strong performances, and a sweet, unconventional romance between Dornan’s character and the constable–turned–aspiring detective (Danielle Macdonald) who helps him search for the truth. The second season was equally entertaining, and while there hasn't been any renewal announcement, never say never to a season 3. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *The Tourist*: Netflix

**Cast:** Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Damon Herriman

Wayward (2025)

Toni Collette as Evelyn Wade on 'Wayward'.

Courtesy of Netflix

The premise of *Wayward* may sound familiar to connoisseurs of mystery thrillers: Two teenage girls, who attend an academy for troubled youth, investigate dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary small town. What elevates *Wayward* above other shows of its variety is the quality of the cast (Toni Collette as the academy's charismatic head teacher is an obvious highlight) and its unique perspective. Created by Mae Martin, who also stars as a police officer who identifies as nonbinary, the series delves into the difficulties of being ostracized in one's community. —*K.J.*

Where to watch *Wayward*: Netflix

**Cast:** Mae Martin, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe, Toni Collette, Sarah Gadon

Yellowjackets (2021–present)

Melanie Lynskey as Shauna Sadecki, Tawny Cypress as Taissa Turner, Juliette Lewis as Natalie Scatorccio, and Christina Ricci as Misty Quigley on 'Yellowjackets'.

Kailey Schwerman/Showtime

If you crossed *Lost* with *Lord of the Flies* and a heavy dose of female rage, you would get *Yellowjackets*. The show follows a high school girls' soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness, forcing them to do unspeakable things to survive. Told through two timelines, the thriller series blends '90s nostalgia with dark, psychological drama, exploring the brutal complexities of female friendships. Christina Ricci steals the show as the unhinged Misty, while Melanie Lynskey delivers a powerhouse performance as adult Shauna. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *Yellowjackets*: Netflix

**Cast:** Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell

You (2018–2025)

Penn Badgley as Joe Goldberg on 'You'. Netflix

*You* follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a charming bookstore manager who thinks of himself as a romantic, but his obsessions spiral into stalking and violence. The first season especially satirizes toxic rom-com tropes — if it weren't for Joe's sinister voiceover and occasional murders, he might resemble a persistent, swoon-worthy lead. Badgley's nuanced performance gives Joe unsettling depth, so much so that he often urges fans to stop romanticizing the character. The whole series is now streaming — time to see if Joe finally faced the consequences of his own actions. —*J.T.*

Where to watch *You*: Netflix

**EW grade:** B+

**Cast:** Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Jenna Ortega

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Source: “EW TV”