Netflix has transformed into a treasure chest of shows and movies from all over the world, offering an exciting array of foreign-language programming. This expansion has opened doors for international audiences to explore fresh and one-of-a-kind shows that not only give a peek into different cultures but also challenge conventional stories and push boundaries, creating an exhilarating global entertainment experience.
From heart-pounding dramas to laugh-out-loud comedies, Netflix has an overflowing collection of foreign shows that have taken the world by storm. Sensational hits like La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) and Elite from Spain have captivated audiences worldwide with their gripping storylines and unforgettable characters. Meanwhile, the German sci-fi thriller Dark has mesmerized viewers with its intricate timelines and mind-boggling plot. Let’s not forget about Call My Agent from France and South Korea’s Squid Game, which have earned praise for their cultural authenticity and captivating narratives.
As we embark on a journey through these diverse masterpieces, we invite you to dive headfirst into these unfamiliar tales and cultures. We’re curious to know: which foreign show on Netflix has stolen your heart?
1. Hellbound
In a world filled with supernatural beings that send people straight to hell, there emerges a religious group that manages to gain power by preying on the fear of these creatures. As chaos ensues and society plunges into panic, a detective and a lawyer join forces to unravel the truth behind this enigmatic phenomenon. Along the way, they are confronted with mind-boggling revelations and must navigate through a tangled web of lies spun by those who benefit from the public’s terror. Brace yourself for this captivating thriller that will leave you pondering the true essence of evil and the extreme measures people will take to maintain control.
Premiered: November 19, 2021
Actors: Yoo Ah-in, Kim Hyun-joo, Won Jin-a
2. Dark
In a small German town, things get pretty crazy when two kids go missing out of nowhere. Suddenly, a bunch of secrets and hidden connections between four families start coming to light. And get this, it’s not just about the present – the past gets all tangled up too. Brace yourselves for a wild ride as this mind-bending sci-fi series unravels a time travel conspiracy that spans three whole generations. It’s gonna mess with your head, exploring big ideas like free will, determinism, and the nature of time itself. Trust me, you won’t be able to look away as you try to piece together this complex story.
Premiered: December 1, 2017
Actors: Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn, Jördis Triebel
3. Extraordinary Attorney Woo
Language: Korean
Premiered: June 29, 2022
Actors: Park Eun-bin, Kang Tae-oh, Kang Ki-young
4. Alice in Borderland
In this super exciting adaptation of Haro Aso’s manga series, there’s a bunch of friends who suddenly get sucked into a whole different world. And guess what? It’s not all sunshine and rainbows there. Nope, they’ve got to take part in some seriously dangerous games just to stay alive! These games keep getting crazier and crazier, and our heroes have to use their brains and guts to outsmart some seriously twisted opponents. It’s a wild mix of sci-fi and horror that’ll have you on the edge of your seat the whole time!
Premiered: December 10, 2020
Actors: Kento Yamazaki, Tao Tsuchiya, Yuki Morinaga
5. Unorthodox
Language: German, Yiddish
Based on Deborah Feldman’s bestselling memoir, this heart-wrenching drama tells the story of a young woman who escapes her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in Brooklyn to start a new life in Berlin. She grapples with her identity and the limitations imposed by tradition, embarking on a journey of self-discovery. Meanwhile, her estranged husband relentlessly pursues her, determined to bring her back home.
This poignant exploration of freedom, faith, and personal growth provides an intimate glimpse into the lives of individuals caught between two worlds.
Premiered: March 26, 2020
Actors: Shira Haas, Amit Rahav, Jeff Wilbusch
6. Criminal: Germany
The show is called “Criminal: Germany” and it takes place in a police interrogation room. It’s an intense crime anthology series that gives us a special insight into the thoughts of both the investigators and the suspects. They’re all playing a high-stakes game of cat and mouse. Each episode highlights a different case, revealing the psychological tricks used by the detectives to find out what really happened. The setting is pretty claustrophobic, and the dialogue is sharp as a razor. This German version of the Criminal franchise is a captivating exploration of the darker aspects of human behavior.
Premiered: 2019
Actors: Eva Meckbach, Sylvester Groth, Florence Kasumba
7. Criminal: France
Language: French
Continuing in the footsteps of its UK counterpart, this French anthology series takes a deep dive into the realm of police interrogations, specifically focusing on crimes committed within the borders of France. With each episode standing on its own, viewers are taken on a journey through various cases, as we delve into the intricate web of emotions and motivations that drive both criminals and law enforcement officers. Prepare to be captivated by this compelling drama that offers a thought-provoking exploration of guilt, deception, and the boundaries of human empathy.
Premiered: September 20, 2019
Actors: Margot Bancilhon, Laurent Lucas, Stéphane Jobert
8. Criminal: UK
This awesome British crime anthology series is like no other. It all goes down inside a police interrogation room, giving us a super close-up of the intense psychological battle between detectives and their suspects. Each episode dives into a fresh case, letting us sit right on the edge of our seats as we watch the intense verbal showdowns that decide who’s guilty and who’s innocent. Trust me, this show is a game-changer with its unique format and gripping storytelling. If you’re into crime dramas, you’re gonna be completely hooked.
Premiered: September 20, 2019
Actors: Katherine Kelly, Lee Ingleby, Nicholas Pinnock
9. Criminal: Spain
Language: French, German, Spanish
Premiered: 2019
David Tennant, Clare-Hope Ashitey and Youssef Kerkour, Nathalie Baye
10. The Protector
In this Turkish fantasy series, a regular guy stumbles upon his remarkable fate when he taps into ancient powers hidden within him. His mission? Safeguarding Istanbul from evil forces hell-bent on wreaking havoc. But here’s the catch: he’s torn between staying true to his friends and embracing his newfound abilities. As he ventures through a treacherous realm of concealed truths, betrayals, and supernatural perils, our hero faces an action-packed journey that weaves together mythology and contemporary challenges. Get ready for a gripping tale of bravery against impossible odds!
Premiered: December 14, 2018
Actors: Çagatay Ulusoy, Hazar Ergüclü, Okan Yalabik
11. Giri/Haji
Language: Japanese/English
A Tokyo detective sets off on a risky mission to London in a desperate attempt to find his brother, who has gotten caught up in the dark and dangerous criminal world of the city. Along the way, their destinies become intertwined with those of a British police officer and a Japanese-British sex worker. Together, they must face their own personal demons and navigate through the gritty and shady underbelly of two vastly distinct cities. This captivating crime thriller delves into the themes of family, responsibility, and finding redemption, all while skillfully intertwining multiple storylines across continents.
Premiered: October 17, 2019
Actors: Takehiro Hira, Kelly Macdonald, Yôsuke Kubozuka