10 Hidden International Netflix Series You’ll Be Obsessed With This Weekend

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Netflix has emerged as a leading hub for TV shows and original productions, boasting an extensive collection of over 301.6 million subscribers to pick from. Given that the majority of its subscribers reside in the U.S., you’ll find that most content on the streaming service is American or English-speaking. However, Netflix has been increasing its investment in international content for quite some time now. Starting with their first non-English series, Club de Cuervos, they have since introduced a variety of stories from countries worldwide. Some notable examples include the Spanish thriller sensation Money Heist, the intriguing South Korean production Squid Game, and Germany’s renowned sci-fi horror series, Dark.

Many fantastic foreign series often slip past viewers’ notice, missing out on the recognition they truly deserve. This list highlights 10 outstanding international Netflix series that may be unfamiliar to you. These shows serve as a virtual passport, offering an immersive journey into diverse cultures, unique viewpoints, and exceptional storytelling. Ranging from the lively streets of Mexico City to the peaceful French Ardennes Forest to Australia’s vast landscapes, it’s like traveling the globe without leaving your home – all for the affordable price of your monthly subscription fee.

10
‘Glitch’ (2015 – 2019)

From Australia

The critically acclaimed series, Glitch, is often overlooked but deserves more recognition within Australian television. One evening in the quaint town of Yoorana, Sergeant James Hayes (Patrick Brammall) receives an unusual call to the cemetery. To his surprise, six individuals who were previously deceased have miraculously risen from their graves, appearing healthy and whole. Among them is his wife Kate (Emma Booth). The plot unfolds as a puzzled James sets out to uncover why and how these people have returned to life.

A Dazzling, Bingeworthy Character-Driven Drama

Despite bearing similarities to the French series Les revenants (The Returned), the creators of Glitch have clarified that they had no influence from the show, as their script was penned before they even watched it. Instead, Glitch offers a distinctive take on its theme, offering a wholly original atmosphere. It’s an excellent choice for those who enjoy character-focused narratives, as it is both thought-provoking and slightly unnerving, leaving viewers eagerly anticipating the next episode.

9
‘3%’ (2016 – 2020)

From Brazil

In a yet-to-be-defined future, the world has suffered immense devastation, leading to the division of society into two areas: the impoverished region called “Inland” and the enigmatic, isolated paradise named “Offshore.” The majority reside in the squalid conditions of Inland, while a lucky few enjoy prosperity on Offshore. At age 20, individuals engage in a grueling competition known as “The Process,” consisting of demanding physical, psychological, intellectual, and ethical challenges. Only those who excel enough to secure a place in the top 3% are deemed worthy of moving to the exclusive, opulent Offshore.

A Riveting, Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Gem

3% isn’t widely recognized in the U.S., but it’s definitely worth your attention. This Netflix original series, produced in a language other than English, stands out among youthful dystopian media for its captivating, well-crafted characters. The narrative is filled with intellectually stimulating twists and turns, making it a gripping viewing experience. What sets it apart further is its exploration of real-world issues such as social inequality, privilege, and class division, giving it significant relevance.

8
‘The Forest’ (2017)

From France

In a French village near the Belgian border, 16-year-old Jennifer Lenoir, portrayed by Isis Guillaume, mysteriously vanishes in the Ardennes Forest. A few days later, her lifeless body is unearthed. The newly appointed police captain, Gaspard Deker (Samuel Labarthe), encounters immediate resistance from the townsfolk as he delves into the investigation. Local officer Virginie Musso (Suzanne Clément) joins forces with him, while a teacher named Ève Mendel, who has an enigmatic bond with the same forest, also aids in unraveling the murder mystery.

A Gripping Mystery With an Immersive Setting

Delving further, they unearth unsettling truths in a tight-knit community where each resident harbors hidden agendas. It’s come to light that this isn’t the only girl who’s gone missing under the ominous canopy of those trees. The gripping crime drama keeps audiences biting their nails, eager for the next plot twist. Its haunting atmosphere and tension-filled narrative make it impossible to look away. The Forest is a show that compels viewers to stay up, engrossed in its chilling mystery until the very end.

7
‘Cable Girls’ (2017 – 2020)

From Spain

As a passionate film enthusiast, I can’t help but sing praises for the captivating period drama, “Cable Girls,” set in the vibrant cityscape of 1920s Madrid. Streaming on a popular platform, this often overlooked series stands tall among the greatest period dramas. It delves deep into the intriguing world of Spain’s first national telephone company, providing an intimate look at the lives of four remarkable women who work there.

The narrative unfolds, tracing their professional journeys, romantic entanglements, and their unyielding quest for power and independence. The series stars renowned Spanish actress Blanca Suárez, alongside Ana Fernández García, Nadia de Santiago, Maggie Civantos, and Ana Polvorosa, each delivering captivating performances that breathe life into the characters they portray.

A Powerful Story of Female Friendship

Cable Girls transcends typical soap operas, delving into significant themes such as feminism, LGBTQ rights, domestic abuse, and the challenges women faced in overcoming patriarchal systems during that era. The series boasts impressive visuals, compelling writing, and a standout costume design. It has garnered numerous accolades, including the Outstanding Scripted Television Series (Spanish-language) at the 29th GLAAD Media Awards.

6
‘Marianne’ (2019)

From France

Marianne is largely unknown to many people, with only die-hard horror enthusiasts being part of its dedicated fanbase. Most casual viewers may not have come across it. The series revolves around Emma Larsimon (Victoire du Bois), a renowned horror author who turned her childhood nightmares into a successful book series. However, when she is compelled to go back to her hometown of Elden, she uncovers that the wicked witch character, Marianne, from her books, actually exists and is causing trouble in the town.

Not for the Faint of Heart

Exploring the psychological terrors hidden within a writer’s dreams and fictional works, Marianne stands as Netflix’s scariest original horror series yet. Viewing it at night can create a very unnerving atmosphere. The villain may seep into your own nightmares, so be cautious. Despite some fans being disappointed to learn that the show won’t have a second season, I still recommend watching it. While there are hints of a potential second installment in the finale, the narrative also functions well as a standalone story, so go ahead and stream it.

5
‘To the Lake’ (2019 – 2022)

From Russia

Drawing inspiration from Yana Vegnar’s Russian novel titled “To the Lake“, the story unfolds as society disintegrates following a pandemic outbreak in Moscow. As the lethal virus sweeps through, the city is locked down. Scarcity of food and fuel brings out the bleakest aspects of humanity. The city descends into turmoil, marked by disorder, lawlessness, and rampaging gangs. The narrative follows a band of survivors braving the hazardous exodus from the city in search of sanctuary on an isolated island.

An Action-Packed Survival Story

The Lake is chilling because it explores how people behave when social order collapses, revealing the extremes they may go to merely to endure an unimaginable catastrophe. The show features intricately developed characters with flaws that make them all the more captivating, along with shocking plot turns that leave you wanting to watch “just one more episode.

4
‘Equinox’ (2020)

From Denmark

If you’re seeking a blend of Nordic noir and supernatural elements, the Danish miniseries “Equinox” might just be what you’re looking for. Originating from the podcast “Equinox 1985,” it features Danica Ćurčić (“The Chestnut Man”) as Astrid, a young radio journalist whose older sister Ida (Karoline Hamm) mysteriously vanished 20 years ago. When the police arrived at her family’s door with the shocking news as a child, she wasn’t taken aback, as she had foreseen this tragic event in her dreams. Plagued by the disappearance and horrifying visions ever since, Astrid embarks on an investigation that takes her to chilling, unimaginable places.

Mind-Bending Folk Horror

As a cinema enthusiast with a soft spot for the haunting atmosphere of shows like the acclaimed German series “Dark” and a fondness for traditional folklore, I’d highly recommend giving “Equinox” a try. With only six episodes, you can easily finish it in one day – and trust me, its gripping storyline and visually stunning visuals will leave you wanting more. The lead actor Ćurčić delivers an outstanding performance that propels the narrative forward, and the series has garnered a perfect score of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes.

3
‘Belascoarán, PI’ (2022)

From Mexico

The story “Belascoarán, PI” by Paco Ignacio Taibo II is set in the vibrant cityscape of Mexico City during the 1970s. In this series, we follow the life of Luis Gerardo Méndez as Héctor Belascoarán Shayne, a contented engineer yearning for something more. Driven by an unfulfilled desire, he leaves his stable corporate career behind, pursuing his dream of becoming a private investigator. This decision ultimately leads to the loss of his beloved wife and opulent home.

A Fun, Compelling Mystery With a Charming Detective

The miniseries consists of three extended storylines, each tackling distinct cases such as a serial killing spree, kidnappings, and the assassination of a union boss. Getting in the way of corrupt law enforcement eventually leads him into deep trouble. Belascoarán, PI is an exceptional detective series that stands out on the streaming platform. As gripping as a Nordic crime drama and comforting as an Agatha Christie mystery, it’s tough to resist watching all of its episodes.

2
‘All of Us Are Dead’ (2022 – Present)

From South Korea

All of Us Are Alive is a Korean teenage zombie apocalypse drama series, adapted from Joo Dong-geun’s well-known webtoon. Unlike other zombie narratives, it focuses on a band of high school students as they navigate the chaos caused by a science teacher’s inadvertent outbreak at Hyosan High School. After three years of anticipation for a second season, things are now unfolding, making now an ideal moment to delve into this underrated gem before it gains wider recognition.

A Fresh Take on Zombies

One standout feature of this zombie series is its blend of teenage growth experiences with intense emotional drama, skillfully portraying the complexities of high school life such as rivalries, romances, and struggles. Yet, it doesn’t flinch from graphic violence and tension. Key themes tackled are friendship, class divide, misuse of power, corruption in authority, and the inability of older generations to safeguard youth.

1
‘The Law According to Lidia Poët’ (2023 – Present)

From Italy

The Law According to Lidia Poët” is based on the real-life tale of Italy’s first female lawyer in the 19th century, who valiantly fought for women’s right to practice law in a profession dominated by men. The story unfolds in Turin, 1883, as our protagonist faces setbacks after a court decision bars her from being a lawyer and revokes her license. She subsequently takes on work at her brother’s firm, where she contributes to various cases while persisting in her quest for legal recognition.

An Inspiring Protagonist

As a devoted viewer, I can’t help but express my enthusiasm for this captivating blend of drama and procedural storytelling that courageously addresses gender norms, patriarchal structures, and the challenges faced by women in their pursuit of freedom and independence. With just six episodes per season, it’s a breeze to keep up with this thought-provoking series, especially as we eagerly await the arrival of its third season.

The indomitable Lidia, brilliantly portrayed by Matilda de Angelis, is a character who commands respect and will resonate deeply with viewers of all genders. Her strength and resilience have a way of touching our hearts and serving as an inspiration for those seeking to challenge the status quo.

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2025-05-11 02:16