53 of the absolute best TV shows on Netflix (2023)

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Lawyer Extraordinaire Woo is a big winner. Her Unique Concept: A woman with autism becomes a lawyer in South Korea, enhanced by her brilliant and unexpected approach to cases. Woo Young-woo (Park Eun-bin) is an inspiring heroine who brings exceptional performance to the screen. Charming, moving, as radiant as the sun - you could watch this show for days.

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Denmark's grim response to the West Wing. The epitome of sophisticated political drama, Borgen tells the inspiring fictional story of how, against all odds, Birgitte Nyborg Christensen (Sidse Babett Knudsen) becomes the first female Prime Minister of Denmark. Produced by the same company as The Killing, Borgen follows four influential seasons of one woman's complicated rise to power.

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Margaret Qualley is the centerpiece of this miniseries based on a life story.maidfollows Alex, a young mother trying to support her daughter by working as a cleaning lady. Alex's task is complicated by an abusive relationship, poverty, homelessness and more. But it's not just heavy tracks, with light and charming moments that give Maid an extra shine. Maid is not only a moving and expertly crafted story, but one that cements Qualley as a huge star.

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How do you make chess the exciting focus of a coming-of-age story? They stir it up in a cocktail of stylish visuals, a rocking '60s soundtrack, and the seductive Anya Taylor-Joy as Beth Harmon, one of the youngest (and fewest women) chess players in the world. The fictional story inThe Queen's Gambit, named for a chess opening, follows his rise from an orphanage to the fall of the world's best players, as long as his drug addiction and bags of wine bottles don't get in the way.

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This miniseries is based on a memoir and is narrated with great attention to detail, mainly in Yiddish. Almost a thriller, Unorthodox follows 19-year-old Esty Shapiro as he escapes her arranged marriage in an ultra-Orthodox community in Brooklyn. She lands in Berlin and explores a new life beyond the rigid beliefs she grew up with, but her community doesn't let her go easily. Featuring a stunning performance by Shira Haas, Unorthodox immerses you in a relentlessly captivating world.

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This miniseries is firmly in the western genre, with a female-led cast that includes Downton Abbey's Merritt Weaver and Michelle Dockery. With its swirling views of 1880s New Mexico, Godless charts the violence in a story about an outlaw on the run from his boss and seeking refuge with a disfellowshipped widower. Oh, Jeff Daniels is there too, if the show wasn't engaging enough.

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Carois a word to describe the production values ​​ofthe one with the crownDrama sobre la monarquía británica. Basada en la vida de la reina Isabel II a partir de sus 20 años con una poderosa actuación de Claire Foy, The Crown captura la grandeza de los acontecimientos históricos desde las profundidades del Palacio de Buckingham. Personajes como Winston Churchill, la princesa Margarita, Margaret Thatcher y más son tratados con la máxima sofisticación cinematográfica. La quinta temporada se estrenó en 2022 y unasixth seasonyou are on your way to completing your knowledge of the Queen's reign at the beginning of the 21st century.

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A successful adaptation of a young adult book. Jonathan Stroud's supernatural thriller is brought to life by the expert hand of Joe Cornish, who wrote and directed the sci-fi gem Attack the Block. A trio of talented teenage ghost hunters run a detective agency in a dangerous London plagued by night terrors. Charming and fun, this binge-watching series is best served with a cup of tea and a blanket.

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If you enjoyed Money Heist, check out Lupine, another non-English language show with an action-packed story. This time we find ourselves in France, where the professional thief Assane Diop carries out his mission of revenge against the man responsible for the death of his father. Inspired by a book about the gentleman thief Arsène Lupin, Assane uses disguises, thief skills and a healthy dose of charisma to uncover the crimes of the rich and powerful Hubert Pellegrini.

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bodyguardbroke recordswhen it first aired in the UK, it went from one cliffhanger to the next at a relentless pace. This might be the definition of the unstoppable binge, which isn't surprising considering it's from the point of view of Line of Duty's Jed Mercurio. Game of Thrones' Richard Madden stars as the titular bodyguard who suffers from PTSD after serving in the Afghan war. He is also tasked with protecting the Home Secretary (Keeley Hawes), whose politics he despises. He takes challenging turns and elaborates one of thebest 20 minute opening scenes ever, Bodyguard is a deft balancing act that builds tension.

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While Kevin Spacey's sexual harassment allegations ended up hurting this slick, fourth-wall-breaking slice of the dark side of politics, it's still worth watching if you like power plays and the occasional dishonesty. Initially following Spacey's Frank Underwood, the sixth and final season of House of Cards revolves around his wife Claire (Robin Wright) as she assumes increasing power in the Oval Office.

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Based on a true story of rape, this miniseries deftly navigates its haunting and mind-bending subject matter through a remarkable performance by Kaitlyn Dever. She plays Marie, a teenager accused of lying about a rape, but of course it's more complicated than that. Toni Collette and Merritt Wever team up as lightning-fast detectives who see where others fail, adding another layer to Unbelievable's delicate and powerfully moving triumph.

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Ava DuVernay's "When They See Us" falls under the strict but essential banner of spectator. It chronicles the real-life events of the 1989 Central Park Jogger case, which involved five black suspects falsely accused of rape and assault. When They See Us not only sensitively focuses on the humanity of children, but also calls for outrage at the injustice of systemic racism.

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four fascinating seasonsThe sinnerwaiting to be unraveled, each focusing on a murder committed by an unlikely perpetrator under even stranger circumstances. Season 1 follows Cora played by Jessica Biel, who in a sudden frenzy stabs a man on the beach but has no idea why. It's up to Bill Pullman's Detective Ambrose to uncover the surprisingly disturbing events embedded in her psyche that lead to her being unchained.

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This series is loved by many (and Netflix loves you for it), but in case you haven't heard what all the fuss is about, Money Heist is, yes, about robbery. The mastermind doing the Ocean's Eleven level prep work with equally satisfying revelations is The Professor. He has his sights set on the banks and we see his intricate schemes come together with clever flashbacks, time warps, and even an unreliable narrator. This is immersive TV with a strong Spanish identity - don't let the subtitles put you off.

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The first two seasons of this mockumentary series hit Netflix with a potent combination of crude humor and social commentary. A parody of true crime documentaries like Netflix's Making a Murderer, American Vandal follows the aftermath of a high school prank gone wrong. After 27 faculty cars with painful phallic images are fatally destroyed, it's up to a few sophomores to solve the crime before the wrong person is expelled for good. Yes, that is satire. But it weaves together a surprisingly compelling mystery that paints an accurate overall picture of contemporary high school life. A proud achievement.

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It's been a few years since this miniseries, but in case you missed it, it's definitely worth checking out. Adapted from The Sinner, Alias ​​Grace goes back into her young protagonist's past to find out why she commits a murder she can't remember. Adapted from a novel by Margaret Atwood, the show stars the mesmerizing Sarah Gadon as Irish immigrant Grace, who navigates a turbulent life as a family servant in colonial Toronto. Based in part on a true story, this is not an easy mystery with easy answers, which makes it all the more compelling.

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David Fincher is directing a series of episodes in the two-season series of this psychological crime thriller (the third is indefinitely), so meticulous graphics and compelling stories are a given. Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) is an FBI special agent who is sent to interview serial killers in prison to create a profile of what drives them. Cameron Britton as real life serial killer Ed Kemper is totally chilling. Smarter and richer than your average crime series, Mindhunter somehow grows with its complex characters. It would be a shame if the third season didn't happen (even if it seems).

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Drug lord Pablo Escobar is the subject of this, yes, addictive series that progresses through his rise to fame as a notorious cocaine dealer and billionaire. Narcos, a true story set in archival footage, manages to present a likable side to Escobar without undermining the heaviness of his material. Plus, the DEA's quest to take down Escobar adds to the suspense. After completing all three series, move on to Narcos: Mexico, a companion series focusing on the illegal drug trade in Mexico.

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Netflix wisely picked up the rights to Peaky Blinders, and there are six seasons (and, eventually, a spinoff movie) to traverse the impressive rise of 19th-century Birmingham gang leader Thomas Shelby. Brace yourself for a riveting performance by Cillian Murphy in this family saga that packs a fantastic amount of fun and flair, showcasing Shelby's dealings with other gangs, the police, and the one-on-one lover.

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If you're looking for a spotless new happy place to move to, look no further. Heartstopper is a brilliant spark of a coming-of-age series that tells an LGBTQ+ love story with compassion and grace (and no one ever dies). Charlie falls for Nick, but Nick is still discovering her sexuality. With real teens playing teens, fleshed out characters, and little animation reminiscent of Alice Oseman's graphic novel of the same name, Heartstopper is a confident, light-hearted, and life-affirming queer romance. Essential viewing.

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Known as Jane Austen but with sex, this historical piece offers a different take on the dating scene in the early 19th century. With intricate production designs and colorful costumes, this is Regency London like you've rarely seen it. The love affairs of the Bridgerton brothers are chronicled in a scandalous newsletter written by Regency London's version of Gossip Girl and voiced by none other than Julie Andrews. Settle in for this canyon-worthy sightseeing tour.

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This Judd Apatow creation brings out the best in the talented Gillian Jacobs (Britta in Community) and Paul Rust. You each play Mickey and Gus, an opposites-attracting couple who go to chaotic, frustrating, and adorably realistic places that make this an honest look at a relationship built over time. Iris Apatow stands out as the hapless child actress Gus, who can get away with almost anything.

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Simple and entertaining watch with a premise ripe for awkward humor. Helplessly in love, Dylan discovers that he has chlamydia and must track down previous affairs and let them know they might have it too. A flashback narrative keeps us on our toes, especially when the focus shifts to Dylan and his best friend Evie's feelings for him. It never goes into soapy territory, with an eccentric but endearing supporting cast playing English housemates on a Glasgow setting.

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A dramatic comedy starring Sandra Oh? The chair is enhanced by Oh's impeccable charm. Set at the fictional Pembroke University, The Chair follows Oh's professor Ji-Yoon Kim, the newly appointed president of the English faculty. She is the first woman selected for this position and faces an uphill struggle to move the outdated department with the changing times. With astute observations on science, scene-stealing performances from Holland Taylor as a senior faculty member, and ambitious social commentary, The Chair reaches worthy heights.

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Devi is your average high school student who wants nothing more than to be cool and have a boyfriend. But it's hard to stay on your toes after your father's death. Mindy Kaling's coming-of-age story follows familiar territory while still standing out from the crowd in a number of ways. Listen to this: her narrator isJuan McEnroe. The athletic connection is just one layer of this surprising and charming show that portrays an Indian family living in California. You've seen these stories before, but not with these unique characters.

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Before you make any judgments, stick to the silly premise of Julie and the Ghosts. Julie is a teenager who accidentally brings together a 90s boy band: The Phantoms. As Julie helps the band reach her potential, they help her enjoy music and life again after her mother's death. As usual in music, the catchy tunes will blow you through the upbeat, ridiculously entertaining and, of course, romance-filled first season. Ghost jokes are included.

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Comedian Mae Martin's Feel Good really tries to do what it says on the tin. It follows downtrodden George (Charlotte Ritchie) who falls for Martin's Mae after watching her stand-up show. In their London romance, George struggles to come out to his middle-class friends and family, while Canadian Mae struggles with a drug problem that makes love even more difficult. A story told with confidence and with a direct sense of humor from the start, Feel Good exudes sweetness and grace.

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Binging Sex Education is a Breeze: The confident, John Hughes-obsessed mishmash of American and British high school culture is a joyous breeze to watch. We follow Otis (Asa Butterfield), the son of a sex therapist (Gillian Anderson), in his sexual awakening. Explicit sex conversations and scenes are approached in a refreshingly wholesome and honest way. The show, built around a diverse cast with pure charisma, gets even bigger in Season 3.

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Russian Doll takes the Groundhog Day premise and rips it apart in the most unpredictable way. Natasha Lyonne is the sizzling spark at the center of this time-warping mystery, playing Nadia, a game developer who is repeatedly killed on the night of her 36th birthday party. Co-created by Amy Poehler, the show uses the travel back in time to explore self-reflection on a whole new level, making this a definite date.

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At first glance, Cobra Kai, a series based on the Karate Kid movies, might sound like a cynical offshoot of the money-making martial arts franchise. But it has become one of the most popular shows on Netflix thanks to well-written characters and a healthy dose of nostalgia. The series follows Johnny Lawrence 34 years after Daniel LaRusso kicked him in the face. From this subversive perspective, Cobra Kai offers four seasons of confident, light-hearted, and hearty fun.

(Video) OMG It's Happening Again!

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Another must-see show, Derry Girls, follows the mishaps of Erin and her friends in 1990s Derry, Ireland. Her teenage troubles are combined with the equally hilarious antics of her parents against the backdrop of the Northern Ireland conflict. While you can draw comparisons to The Inbetweeners, Derry Girls draws from its own source of sweet charm, and the historical context sets the stage for surprisingly dark humor.

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In this dark comedy miniseries, Emma Stone and Jonah Hill play two strangers, Annie and Owen, who sign up for a mysterious pharmaceutical trial (because it's a good idea) that induces wild, often torturous dreams. Rooted in stunningly designed imagery, Maniac is a multi-layered dive into the subconscious. That said, it's dark and unpredictable, with a surprising touch of warm, sentimental material.

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A show inspired by the true story of the first women's professional wrestling union in the '80s? With Alison Brie? Produced by Jenji Kohan? Dreams come true. Packed with eccentric female characters, GLOW's hilarious comedy combines camp with the triumph of underdogs and heights. Season 3 delves into the lives of its diverse cast and moves the series to Las Vegas. A fourth and final season was in the works, but unfortunately the production fell victim to the pandemic.Netflix canceled the show.

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This provocatively titled show offers a contemporary look at modern race relations through the eyes of a different character each episode. After several black students at Winchester, an Ivy League institution, Dear White People manages to combine its social commentary with a sharp sense of humor. With its fourth and final season now on the books, this remains a powerful revelation.

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If you like dark British humour, look no further than The End of The F***ing World. Psycho James (Alex Lawther) hatches a plan to kill Alyssa (Jessica Barden) while she's running away from her lousy parents. But as they fly down the open road and commit some violent crimes, their callous hearts soften and they develop feelings for each other. Startling, fast-paced, and surreal, both seasons of this dead teen show pump the best of the dreary '50s, '60s, and '70s into your headphones.Doo Wop, it will blow your mind.

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Before electrifying everyone with word-for-word perfect Fleabag, Phoebe Waller-Bridge wrote a six-part comedy that showcased the early stages of her incredible talent. Crashing follows six twenty-somethings who live in a disused hospital and abide by the strict rules of cheap rent. The quirky characters defy expectations whenever possible in hilariously good fashion, with Waller-Bridge stopping by as a ukulele-playing Lulu. She not only disrupts the Friends setting, but occasionally gets into hilariously dark situations (see too delicate aunt Gladys).

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On the surface, a comedy about a 30-year-old New Yorker who loves his pasta, Master of None casually inserts nuanced and poignant episodes about immigrant families and their second-generation children. A full episode about Tinder will then be released. Dev's relatable experiences bubble with the wit and charm of creator and star Aziz Ansari and,controversia personalOther than that, the romantic and cultural themes it explores are remarkably mature. Season 3 takes things on a different trajectory again, starring Lena Waithe and Naomi Ackie. Ansari appears in one episode and lets us know where Dev is in her love life.

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Thinking of diving into more international Netflix content? French comedy Call my agent! it hosts a growing list of famous actors playing themselves, from French stars to Americans like Sigourney Weaver(!) in recent seasons. But we look at show business from the perspective of long-suffering agents, including Andréa Martel, Camille Cottin's powerful scene-stealing agent, whose male counterparts have lines like: "When I went from boys to girls, it was like graduating from the sandbox to the soccer field." A brilliant four-season series that pokes fun at the entertainment industry (a fifth season and a TV movie are in the works).

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When it comes to cartoons that reduce your alertness before punching you in the stomach with mental health considerations, BoJack Horseman takes the cake. Set in a Los Angeles filled with anthropomorphic animals, she follows a beaten-up former sitcom star who tries to return to her former glory by publishing an autobiography of her. While this unconventional cocktail may take a while to digest at first, BoJack Horseman soon surprises him with her insights into battling depression and addiction along the way to getting her life back on track.

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Do you like science fiction series that play with two time lines? Do you have a special place for cults and mysteries? Check out File 81. The multi-genre show stars Mamoudou Athie as Dan Turner, an archivist who takes a job restoring a collection of damaged videotapes from the '90s. Getting much more than he bargained for, he becomes embroiled in the investigation. of a mysterious cult and a young woman who may or may not be dead. Archive 81 is a supernatural horror-mystery-noir-sci-fi thriller immersed in its spooky atmosphere.

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Germany's response to Stranger Things deliberately takes its time before going into completely compelling and original places. A sci-fi noir, Dark combines time travel, conspiracies, and broken families in a multi-generational story that begins with the disappearance of a young boy. If you're looking for this kind of carefully crafted layering when it comes to storytelling, feel free. All three seasons of Dark's meditative look at time travel and its impact on human nature are waiting to hit you full force.

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It wouldn't be a leaderboard without Stranger Things. If you somehow missed the Duffer brothers' ode to '80s horror and Steven Spielberg, it's about to get tubular. We follow El, a nearly mute girl who has been the subject of scientific experiments. She develops telekinetic powers, which she uses to fend off monsters that invade her from a terrifying alternate dimension. The world of Indiana, Hawkins, is carefully detailed for anyone who needs a nostalgic '80s hit, and the misfit characters, played by an exceptional young cast, are part of everything that makes this show a tour de force.

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Full disclosure: unfortunately, Netflix has been canceledTravellerswell past its third season, but this united sci-fi from Canada manages to end with an ambitious bang. We start with Marcy, a disabled woman who takes a beating after helping a friend escape from bullies. She dies, and then comes back to life. This heavily character-driven sci-fi cleverly reveals its mysteries, following agents from the future tasked with preventing the collapse of society as they navigate the complicated terrain of a double life.

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During Charlie Brooker's gritty tech anthology seriescan be hit and missAt its best, Black Mirror packs its mini-movies with an exploration of futuristic technological ideas through achingly human stories. One of them is San Junipero, which follows two 80-year-old women (amazing soundtrack) who fall in love in ways they couldn't in their "real" lives outside of the seaside town. The technical side is revealed with clever timing, and overall the show explores the ramifications of our connected lives in a disturbing and at times uplifting way.

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Talk about having the world against you as a teenager. The Bastard Son and the Devil Himself follows Nathan Byrne, a 16-year-old witch whose father is the world's most dangerous "blood warlock." All of his life, Nathan has been watched over by a council of witches who fear that he will become a grown child. With a modern witch hunt and plenty of self-expression, this British fantasy is at the forefront of its genre and strikingly beautiful amidst the bleeding.

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One of the best TV shows of 2021 was an animated series. That's right, if you're not animation friendly, Arcane is the program to change your mind. The action adventure introduces us to the steampunk world of Piltover and Zaun, two clashing cities with conflicting values ​​and wealth. Then there's Violet (Hailee Steinfeld) and Jinx (Ella Purnell), two sisters torn apart by tragedy and struggling to survive. Arcane is the kind of moving portraiture that gets under your skin on par with Pixar. The characters will make you cry. You must have seen that.

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Based on the comic by Jeff Lemire, this fantasy is the definition of weird and wonderful. Sweet Tooth follows Gus (a prominent Christian Convery), a half-deer, half-human boy who lives a sheltered life in the woods with his father, Pubba (Will Forte). The events surrounding The Great Crumble, a viral pandemic, draw Gus into an adventure that will take him down mysterious, action-packed, and highly entertaining paths. Echoes of real-life battles echo through the treetops of this immersive, immersive fantasy world. Fans of the genre get ready for this incredible journey.

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We were not prepared for The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. The critically acclaimed fantasy series was canceled after one season and it's, well, a gem. A prequel to the 1982 Jim Henson film, the series returns to the planet Thra, where three Gelflings foment a rebellion against the evil Skeksis. The design and performances of the puppets, from an impressive cast including Taron Edgerton, Anya Taylor-Joy and Nathalie Emmanuel, amaze you. They will be deeply involved in the lives of poor and downtrodden Gelflings and will be just as hurt as puppets when one of their own is hurt. A comprehensive fantasy epic built with love, care, and amazing detail.

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Not every chapter of this horror anthology emerges with its claws bared, but the best of the bunch develop delightful gothic flourishes. Guillermo del Toro hosts each of the series' episodes and co-wrote the best two: Lot 36 and The Murmuring. Drawing on the talents of different directors, the eight episodes bring their own take on the reign of terror.

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From the author who brought us The Haunting of Hill House and Bly Manor comes another slow-burn horror series that will haunt you for days.midnight fairis the latest creation from Mike Flanagan, a carefully crafted crime thriller spread over seven hour-long episodes. Still paying the price for a drunken car accident four years ago, Riley Flynn returns to Crockett Island, where the arrival of a charismatic new priest coincides with amazing miracles in town. Pregnant with a feeling of foreboding and fear.midnight fairis an eloquent interrogation of faith, starring horrible supernatural monsters.

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Loosely based on Shirley Jackson's novel of the same name, Mike Flanagan's The Haunting of Hill House weaves its horror into a deeply moving story about a broken family. Broken after growing up in a haunted house, the Crains can't ignore their past and must do what they never want to do: return to those dark halls. The impressive set pieces will please horror fans, but it's the sad tale of the Crains that, yes, will haunt you for days. Good news: The second chapter of the anthology, The Haunting of Bly Manor, is an equally moving gothic romance.

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If you were a fan of Howard Overman's incredibly entertaining Misfits, Crazyhead might be your next destination. The Overman follow-up show, which first aired in the UK in 2016, is a horror-comedy starring Cara Theobold (the voice of Tracer in Overwatch) and Susan Wokoma as unlikely friends who bond over seeing demons. wandering in normal society. Her brilliant dual role is at the heart of this hauntingly entertaining series about exorcisms, accidental roommate murders, and demon parents. Yes, you have to see it for yourself.

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2023 comes to new movies from Marvel, Netflix, DC and more