10 Underrated Netflix Shows You Need to Watch

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Netflix has become proficient at creating the dopamine scroll, an endless flow of thumbnails and subtly persuasive suggestions that seem to know just when you’re too tired to decide but not ready to call it a night. In the vast sea of global content and algorithmic recommendations, even original series can disappear quicker than a whimsical late-night binge-watch. Some shows emerge like significant events (such as The Crown and Stranger Things), while others fade into the digital background within days, lost beneath a homepage that seems to have a short memory of its own library. However, it’s often in the undercurrent – the quietly added, gently promoted shows – where you can find the most captivating storytelling.

These recently added Netflix series, which span from dark humor to tech worries to heartwarmingly chaotic growing-up tales, demonstrate the remarkable versatility of modern television. Unlike blockbuster shows, these are more like unexpected bursts: brief, peculiar, and surprisingly niche. Although they might not always appear at the top of your recommendations, they’re definitely worth exploring. Here’s a list of ten Netflix shows from Germany, stylish vampire lands, and beyond that warrant more than a casual glance. Consider it an adventure into cultural depths—but with subtitles and fewer actual bats.

10
‘Weak Hero Class 1’ (2022)

Initially appearing as just another intense Korean teenage series with its focus on strict school uniforms, violent hallway brawls, and a protagonist seemingly allergic to happiness, Weak Hero Class 1 breaks the mold by disregarding genre conventions and instead delving deeply into character psychology. Rather than relying on typical fight scenes, it employs physical violence to express feelings of isolation, making emotional wounds seem more profound than actual injuries. Each scene is crafted as a confrontation: boy battling other boys, boy fighting against the system, boy struggling within himself.

High School Violence as Existential Theater

What makes ‘Weak Hero’ stand out is its resistance to turning violence into dance-like sequences. Instead, it allows tension to build – in tempo, in silence, even in a simple glance down a staircase that seems like a death threat. The series unfolds like a poem penned in fury, filled with rhythm and self-control, yet tinged with an ever-present fear. Upon rewatch, the quiet moments between conflicts seem more deafening than any punch, suggesting that perhaps the true terror isn’t what the children are doing to each other, but what they have learned to endure.

9
‘Go!’ (2025)

Hailing from South Africa and bursting with determination, the gripping drama “Go! ” seamlessly combines athleticism, guilt, and social ambition into a suspenseful and surprisingly personal narrative. The story revolves around a young athlete who is given a second opportunity through a track scholarship, yet it swiftly becomes evident that he’s running away from much more than his past. At the core of the series lies a palpable, smoldering tension: a query about how far an individual can be pushed before their secrets are exposed.

Running Toward Redemption, and Away from the Truth

What makes the show “Go!” stand out in a subtle manner is its ability to portray the intricate aspects of performance, whether on the racing track or off it. Unlike other shows, “Go!” doesn’t merely question if the main character can keep running, but rather challenges whether he truly deserves to. The way it manages pace and tension gives a cinematic feel, transforming a typical redemption story into a gradual, psychological examination. It is a drama that revolves around motion and momentum, where each race seems like a brief postponement of the consequences. Despite being added with minimal fuss, “Go!” merits more than just a secondary position on your homepage; it’s a series designed to surpass your expectations.

8
‘Babanba Banban Vampire’ (2025)

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Initially, Babanba Banban Vampire appears to be a humorous take on anime’s extravagance, featuring a vampire comedy with bathhouses substituting bloodlines, and melodramatic speeches punctuated by pop music and glitter. However, hidden beneath the absurd humor and comical timing lies a poignant contemplation on desire and found families. In this universe where monsters coexist with humans, and everyone harbors at least one unspoken emotion, the series employs flamboyant camp to catch you off guard – only to deliver a heartfelt moment while you’re still chuckling.

When the Vampire Lives in a Bathhouse, and Also in Your Feelings

This animated series is disorganized, the humor is overly boisterous, and the characters are borderline eccentric to the point of being pushy, but it’s effective due to its focus on emotional depth. Picture a vampire yearning for affection without drinking blood, a Frankenstein’s monster striving to blend in, and a slumber party that seems like a eulogy for innocence – it’s all preposterous, yet strangely poignant. If Our Flag Means Death and JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure were to share a karaoke booth, this would be the show they’d watch together afterward, encapsulating their shared absurdity and melancholy.

7
‘How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)’ (2019–2025)

Initially starting as a humorous tale in 2019 about a geeky teenager attempting to win back his ex by selling ecstasy, the series “How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)” has subtly transformed into one of the most complex, genre-blending coming-of-age dramas of the past decade. This captivating show seamlessly blends elements from shows like Mr. Robot, Fleabag, and even a cautionary TED Talk, narrating the journey of Moritz Zimmermann – from high school outcast to a formidable dark web entrepreneur. With an audacious fourth-wall-breaking style reminiscent of YouTubers and charismatic cult leaders, it offers a unique blend of sophistication, self-awareness, and emotional depth that leaves viewers stunned.

Tech Bros, Teen Angst, and Late Capitalist Meltdown

The show’s brilliance lies in its ability to seamlessly transition from humor to sorrow without any notice. One instant you’re enjoying a humorous ironic sequence accompanied by 8-bit tunes, and the next you find yourself immersed in the aftermath of themes such as surveillance, addiction, and deception. This series explores the concept of control, be it in personal relationships, capitalism, or programming, and it becomes more captivating as you uncover the extent of Moritz’s deceit (towards others, himself, and law enforcement). With the final season now released, it’s an ideal opportunity to either start watching or rewatch it, having knowledge of how the complex, tragic narrative unfolds in its entirety.

6
‘Karma’ (2025)

The series “Karma” seems less like a popular TV program and more like an unwelcome slide into a string of misfortunes that refuse to be shaken off. Directed by the acclaimed Lee Il-hyung of “A Violent Prosecutor,” it commences with a puzzling incident and swiftly evolves into a tangled web of debt, pain, and deadly coincidences. The characters include a doctor tormented by her past, an unplanned crypto investor, and a disgraced office employee lured into a stranger’s plot – each one seemingly more unfortunate than the last. The show’s title, “Ill-Fated Relationship,” could easily serve as a cautionary note.

Every Character Is Doomed, and That’s the Point

The impact of Karma lies in its subtle construction of tension. Unlike typical crime dramas with protagonists like detectives or masterminds, it presents ordinary individuals grappling with desperate, unsightly predicaments. The narrative is beautifully framed within captivating cinematography and sound design that jolts you. It’s a tale of unfortunate timing and regrettable choices, so skillfully crafted that you might find yourself revisiting it to spot the early indications of trouble. It’s grim, stylish, and, much like classic noir, carries an uncanny sense of realism that resonates.

5
‘From Rock Star to Killer’ (2025)

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Initially appearing as just another slick true-crime production on Netflix, “From Rock Star to Killer” employs the usual techniques – stylish edits, somber narration, archival footage accentuated by eerie synthesizers. However, what sets this French documentary apart and sends a shiver down your spine isn’t its presentation. It’s the stark, unyielding manner in which it portrays the transformation of Bertrand Cantat – a former darling of French alternative rock and the voice of Noir Désir – into a national disgrace following his tragic act of beating his partner, actress Marie Trintignant, to death in a Lithuanian hotel room in 2003. As an admirer, I found it hard to look away from this unflinching depiction.

Fame as a Shield, and Then a Weapon

The documentary vividly portrays the process of celebrities being forgiven for their wrongdoings, showing us how reputation, talent, and male vulnerability work together to justify violence. In our postMeToo era, From Rock Star to Killer doesn’t seem new—it feels like a long-overdue confrontation. Instead of dwelling on sensationalism, it poses more subtle and incisive questions: Why are we still shocked when power transforms into cruelty? And how many more stories must be suppressed before we remove the glamour from fame and reveal the fists hidden beneath?

4
‘Devil May Cry’ (2025)

This new take on the game “Devil May Cry,” released in 2025 under Adi Shankar’s direction, goes beyond the typical anime video game aesthetic of blades, blood, and badassery. Instead of relying solely on visual appeal, it is animated meticulously by Studio Mir from South Korea and portrayed through a post-9/11, techno-paranoid perspective. This Dante isn’t merely a demon hunter; he’s a fugitive, a legendary figure, and an unwilling pawn in someone else’s ideological conflict. The combination of gothic action and political commentary makes the series reminiscent of “The Dark Knight” with a twist of Limp Bizkit – it is chaotic, self-aware, and strangely dedicated to making viewers reflect on how power influences violence.

Demonic Mayhem Meets Post-9/11 Paranoia

This particular adaptation of Devil May Cry is unique and enticing due to its dense, intricate storytelling. Each scene is packed with references to noir films, humorous video game in-jokes, and hidden character transformations amidst the action. Mary “Lady” Arkham isn’t merely a competitor; she symbolizes blind obedience endorsed by authority figures. The White Rabbit doesn’t simply represent evil; he embodies vengeance weaponized in a surveillance-heavy society. The combat sequences themselves are reminiscent of political drama, as Dante evades not only monsters but also underlying power structures. Despite its dark, chaotic, and occasionally ridiculous elements, it shares the Netflix trait of being highly engaging for binge-watching. If you’re not careful, you might miss the subtle layers beneath all the vibrant neon light.

3
‘Toxic Town’ (2025)

Poisoned Past”

The story unfolds in a town where soil, thick, damp, and brown, carries both memory and toxins. This is the setting for a unique blend of legal drama and mournful elegy – a retelling of the 2009 Corby toxic waste case, as experienced by three hardworking mothers from the working class. Instead of preaching anger, this show offers a more authentic and relatable portrayal: the resilience needed to endure slow-acting violence. The performances by an exceptional cast – Jodie Whittaker (Doctor Who), Aimee Lou Wood (Sex Education, The White Lotus), and Robert Carlyle (Trainspotting) – ensure that it never feels repetitive or formulaic. Rather, it leaves a lasting impact.

Industrial Poison, Maternal Rage

As a movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my thoughts on “Toxic Town,” a masterpiece penned by Jack Thorne with an artist’s precision and directed by Minkie Spiro with a keen eye for grit and authenticity. This series isn’t merely about one town or a single tragedy; it delves into the devastating consequences of institutional betrayal on a grand scale. The script is interwoven with moments of dark humor and tender motherhood, making the systemic issues tangible within the confines of domestic life. However, the anger this show evokes is palpable. Over four riveting episodes, it transforms the courtroom drama into a slow-burning exorcism. Instead of simply pointing fingers at who’s to blame, it questions who deserves safety in the first place.

2
‘Moonrise’ (2025)

The new anime series from Wit Studio (Attack on Titan), titled Moonrise, presents a unique sincerity. It envisions lunar warfare as a symbol of our self-destructive tendencies here on Earth. It’s both thought-provoking and action-packed, reminiscent of someone adapting Camus’ The Stranger into a space opera. The story follows Jack and Phil, soldiers entangled in an interplanetary conflict, but its central theme is guilt – how it hardens, revives, and transforms even across the lunar distance. With stunning animation and scripting by Tow Ubukata that echoes contemplation, Moonrise resembles All Quiet on the Lunar Front – a war tale haunted by its own philosophical burden.

Anti-Gravity Meets Existential Drift

In the realm of “space anime”, it’s uncommon to encounter a series as emotionally profound as Moonrise. Unlike many contemporary shows drenched in irony, this one embraces sincerity. It delves into the complexities of themes like freedom and control, motion and melancholy. The visual aesthetic is sleek and metallic, suggesting the coldness of corporate militarism, yet punctuated by moments of empathy. The mood of the show is more akin to Andrei Tarkovsky’s Solaris than the traditional Gundam. This unique quality is what sets it apart. Despite ending in destruction, the story also offers insight, a poignant reminder that some space voyages are less about conquering the cosmos and more about enduring the human experience.

1
‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ (2025)

The title “When Life Gives You Tangerines” might appear gentle at first glance, but it’s not just a light-hearted coming-of-age tale. Instead, this Korean drama offers a deep exploration of themes such as love, loss, labor, and the peculiar charm of resilience. The narrative unfolds across various seasons and emotional rhythms, focusing on Ae-sun and Gwan-sik, two working-class lovers living on Jeju Island. IU and Park Bo-gum deliver their roles with a near-spiritual tenderness. This series is presented as a poetic recollection, where everyday chores – like selling fish or hauling cabbages – become expressions of hope to endure another day without hardening one’s heart.

A Slow-Burning Epic Disguised as a Love Story

Striking is the subtle way Tangerines constructs its emotional foundation, much like if The Irishman were a heartfelt photo album of a haenyeo family. Instead of using time for narrative progression, it employs it to evoke emotions, stacking scene upon scene until sorrow begins to radiate. The dialogue is straightforward yet authentic, the direction respectful without being intrusive. It’s deeply rooted in Korean culture, not in a stereotypical K-drama way, but in its portrayal of community, resilience, and generational struggle. It doesn’t strive for global significance—it simply exists. By avoiding the pitfalls of becoming a typical Netflix production, Tangerines becomes one of those rare pieces that doesn’t just linger in your mind—it redefines your perception of time.

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2025-04-14 04:33