10 Great Netflix Series You Never Watched

The mastery of exceptional mini-series has been elevated by streaming platforms, each launching multiple ones per month, designed ideally for marathon viewing. This method offers a compelling viewing experience: the compact nature of mini-series allows for attracting top-tier actors, whose schedules typically accommodate only films; moreover, it provides an effective format for adapting renowned books or extending the narrative of an existing film across eight to ten episodes.

Often, such highly acclaimed series can receive renewal for additional seasons, transitioning from a limited miniseries into an ongoing television program, like how “The White Lotus” did. However, typically, a miniseries remains as a miniseries, wrapping up its story neatly within the confines of a single season’s span.

Today, miniseries are abundant, primarily found on streaming platforms and premium channels. Netflix continues to dominate this realm. However, with numerous ones produced over time, even those moderately popular ones quickly fade from cultural awareness and our memories as soon as they debut. To help refresh your memory, here’s a reminder of some exceptional miniseries you might have watched, cherished, and then forgotten – if you were even aware they existed in the first place. If you’re seeking a binge-watch that won’t consume years of your life, these Netflix miniseries are definitely worth checking out.

10 Great Netflix Miniseries You Totally Forgot About

1. Alias Grace

The Netflix adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s lesser-known crime novel, “Alias Grace,” may have been overlooked amidst the buzz surrounding “The Handmaid’s Tale,” but it’s definitely worth watching. Directed by Mary Harron and penned by Sarah Polley, this psychological thriller features a stellar Canadian cast led by Sarah Gadon. It delves into the psychiatric evaluation of a notorious murderess who claims amnesia about her heinous acts, raising questions about guilt and innocence, and exploring how the marginalized often bear the brunt of societal conflicts. To add to its appeal, legendary Canadian director David Cronenberg makes a guest appearance.

2. Bodies

If you found “Dark” captivating, Netflix’s complex German time-travel drama, you might be drawn to “Bodies”, a miniseries adapted from Si Spencer’s Vertigo graphic novel. In this series, a corpse mysteriously appears in four distinct time periods of London’s Whitechapel, causing four separate investigations that gradually intertwine across the timeline. Stephen Graham plays the commander of a military regime governing United Britain in the future, who is ruthless in his pursuit of power. It makes for an engaging viewing experience, especially if you have a long weekend ahead, and with just eight episodes, it neatly resolves all plotlines before time travel complexities become overwhelming.

3. Brand New Cherry Flavor

In the realm of science fiction and horror, Rosa Salazar is often overlooked as an exceptionally talented actress, and her most under-acknowledged work can be found in the series titled “Brand New Cherry Flavor“. In this captivating narrative, Salazar portrays Liza Nova, a budding director of horror films who relocates to 1990s Los Angeles when a producer expresses interest in her short film. However, after she rejects his sexual advances, he steals her project from her. In retaliation, Liza strikes a deal with a local witch to exact revenge on the producer. However, the practice of witchcraft carries a cost, and Liza is subsequently ensnared in the grimy underworld of Los Angeles. The show bears a resemblance to the works of David Lynch, complete with guest star Patrick Fischler, as well as a procession of haunting images and an unforgettable sex scene.

4. The Get Down

Although “The Get Down” was officially terminated following its initial season, Netflix still asserts that the series effectively conveyed the tale of 1970s New York disco and R&B in the 11-episode two-part season aired between fall 2016 and spring 2017, thereby classifying it as a miniseries.

Produced by Baz Luhrmann and Stephen Adly Guirgis, this show focuses on a gang of adolescents in the South Bronx who experience the burgeoning hip hop era during the late 1970s. Equally musical and dramatic, the series is rich in classic and contemporary hip hop and R&B tracks, with several renditions performed by the cast – an eclectic blend of established stars and emerging talent that includes Justice Smith, Jaden Smith, Shameik Moore, Yahya Abdul-Mateen II, Daveed Diggs, Giancarlo Esposito, and many others.

5. Halston

The five-episode series “Halston,” featuring Ewan McGregor in the lead role, chronicles the ups and downs of one of America’s most renowned fashion designers. From creating Jackie Kennedy’s iconic pillbox hat to bold outfits for Liza Minelli, the show traces Halston’s journey from obscurity to stardom, then to disgrace, and finally his late-1980s comeback in high fashion. Produced by Ryan Murphy, it retains some of his distinctive flair.

6. Maniac

One of Netflix’s most innovative miniseries, titled “Maniac,” paves the way for series such as “Severance” and “Devs.” This thought-provoking show revolves around characters who find themselves entangled in a complex metaphysical corporate experiment gone awry. Directed by Cary Fukunaga, known for his work on “True Detective,” it features Emma Stone and Jonah Hill as individuals struggling with mental health issues, who participate in an enigmatic pharmaceutical trial that results in shared hallucinatory experiences – ranging from a Victorian-era seance to a mafia tale to a high fantasy narrative. The series is quirky, strange, and philosophically intriguing without being overly sentimental, bolstered by exceptional performances from its lead actors, including Justin Theroux, Sonoya Mizuno, and Sally Field, who deliver captivatingly eccentric portrayals.

7. Unbelievable

As a film enthusiast, I must admit that there’s no shortage of true crime shows on Netflix, but what sets “Unbelievable” apart is its unique emphasis on the victims rather than the perpetrators. Spanning two distinct time periods only three years apart, this gripping series follows a young woman (Kaitlyn Dever) wrongfully accused by the police of fabricating her own sexual assault. Meanwhile, two tenacious female detectives (Toni Collette and Merrit Wever) become entangled in an investigation into what seems to be the work of a serial rapist. Although the narratives eventually intersect, a significant portion of the show is dedicated to portraying the crushing weight of being a victim, and the devastating experience of facing suspicion and backlash from one’s own community for something that was not their fault.

8. Unorthodox

As a passionate movie enthusiast, I can’t help but express my admiration for the groundbreaking Netflix series, “Unorthodox.” This captivating production marks the first time dialogue predominantly in Yiddish has graced our screens. The story unfolds as one woman, Esty, bravely breaks free from her ultra-Orthodox Jewish community in New York, seeking out her estranged mother in Berlin and evading her determined husband who yearns to reclaim her. The exceptional Shira Haas, who portrayed Esty, was even nominated for a Primetime Emmy Award, showcasing her powerful performance as this woman navigating the complexities of a new life in a secular world.

9. Wet Hot American Summer: First Day of Camp

Among the finest outcomes of Netflix’s early “let them cook” approach were the prequel and sequel miniseries of the comedy series Wet Hot American Summer, which served as continuations of the 2001 film of the same name that satirized ’80s teen sex comedies. In these miniseries, titled First Day of Camp and Ten Years Later, the original cast members, now established stars, revisited their roots to portray events at Camp Firewood on the first day in 1981 (contrasting with the original movie’s last day setting) and the characters’ reunion at the camp ten years later in 1991.

10. Wild Wild Country

Back in the day, it seemed like everyone, including their moms, were hooked on “Wild Wild Country,” the Netflix true crime docuseries that set the bar for all such series (though they’ve churned out many more since then). This miniseries delves into the conflicts between Wasco County in Oregon and the Rajneeshpuram community, a group of individuals who were followers of Indian philosopher Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh. The miniseries was lauded for its balanced portrayal of the various viewpoints surrounding a contentious yet overlooked chapter in American history, painting a comprehensive picture of America during a time of significant social change and turmoil.

12 Forgotten 1995 Movies That Deserve to Be Rediscovered

Congo

The movie titled “Congo” is a comical spin-off of the success of “Jurassic Park”, where Michael Crichton’s novel was adapted, this time with intelligent apes standing in for dinosaurs. John Patrick Shanley penned the screenplay and it doesn’t take the subject matter too gravely, resulting in a film that is intentionally absurd (there’s an entire scene devoted to a scary hippo attack) and at times brimming with genuine emotion. (Tim Curry’s reaction to the Lost City of Zinj… seriously?) “Congo” is pure B-movie quality – but it’s also undeniably B-movie quality.

Dracula: Dead and Loving It

Due to its lack of success and the fact that it was Mel Brooks’ last movie (so far! We hope for Spaceballs 2, Mel!), there’s a common tendency to dismiss Dracula: Dead and Loving It as a flop from a brilliant comedy director whose best days were supposedly over. However, just because it ranks lower in his filmography than The Producers, Blazing Saddles, Young Frankenstein, Silent Movie, High Anxiety, and Spaceballs doesn’t mean it’s a failure. In fact, Dead and Loving It showcases Brooks’ collaboration with spoof master Leslie Nielsen and boasts several of his funniest scenes, like the one where Steven Weber tries to drive a stake through a sleeping vampire, only to be drenched by an over-the-top geyser of blood while Brooks’ Dr. Van Helsing encourages from a dry distance (“She’s nearly dead!”).

Frank and Ollie

In this period known as Walt Disney Productions’ Golden Age, a group of nine key artists, affectionately called “The Nine Old Men”, were instrumental in creating much of the enchantment. In the film “Frank and Ollie“, two of these masterminds, Frank Thomas and Ollie Johnston, share their unique tales, just as you’d expect from the artists who shaped Disney’s distinctive artistic style. Rich with insightful interviews, historical footage, and a wealth of captivating Disney animations, “Frank and Ollie” is a must-watch for anyone eager to delve into the history of animation art.

Heavyweights

In stark contrast to the magical world of Disney, we find the film “Heavyweights,” an unexpectedly witty comedy that revolves around the mischievous antics of children at a weight-loss camp. These youngsters, led by their overbearing fitness instructor, portrayed brilliantly by a young Ben Stiller, ultimately take control and turn the tables on him. Stiller, in this role, offers a glimpse into his future character from “Dodgeball: A True Underdog Story,” where he plays a similar workout guru. In my imagination, the character from “Heavyweights” undergoes a transformation over the next decade, rebuilding his confidence and physique, changes his name to White Goodman (which I assume is fictitious), and establishes Globo Gym, setting off the events of “Dodgeball,” where he again learns the limits of his strict fitness methods and suffers a crushing defeat at the hands of an unlikely group of underdogs.

Johnny Mnemonic

In the initial release of “Johnny Mnemonic,” Roger Ebert noted its “stupidly impressive” quality, which makes it almost forgivable. This “stupidly impressive” quality is often found in long-forgotten treasures. Although the film’s portrayal of the internet in 2021 isn’t entirely accurate, it surprisingly mirrors our reality more than one might expect. The movie’s fictional world is characterized by massive, ruthless corporations, teeming with people wearing surgical masks, where a few insightful critics denounce the devastation caused by excessive technology. Some of the actual tech in the film (like Johnny’s VR visor and licorice-looking gloves) may seem silly. However, it’s important to remember that outdated, quirky “future” gadgets only serve to enhance the enjoyment of ’90s cult films.

The Quick and the Dead (1995)

Currently, Sam Raimi stands tall as a highly esteemed filmmaker within the Hollywood scene of his time. However, during the 1990s, some critics dismissed him as more style over substance. As a result, films like his Western parody, “The Quick and the Dead,” were underappreciated, even though it showcased some of the most visually striking elements in Western cinema since Sergio Leone’s time, and boasted an exceptional cast that included Sharon Stone, Gene Hackman, Pat Hingle, Keith David, Lance Henriksen, Tobin Bell, Gary Sinise, as well as Russell Crowe and Leonardo DiCaprio before they reached stardom.

Rage

90s action enthusiasts hold the films produced by the independent studio PM Entertainment in high regard, as they consistently churned out adrenaline-pumping thrillers on a shoestring budget throughout the decade. In the 1995 film “Rage”, kickboxer Gary Daniels plays a school teacher transformed into a super soldier. The plot might not be groundbreaking, but the action sequences are nothing short of spectacular and far surpass what you’d expect from a direct-to-video movie of that era. Brace yourself for an exhilarating experience followed by countless hours immersed in other movies on PM Entertainment’s Wikipedia page.

Sabrina

In 2023, Harrison Ford expressed that the remake of Billy Wilder’s Sabrina from 1995, directed by Sydney Pollack, was the most difficult film he’d ever worked on due to his discomfort with the role. However, my wife adores this version of Sabrina; it ranks among her favorite movies. In the movie, Ford portrays a responsible brother in a wealthy family who fears his playboy brother (Greg Kinnear) may jeopardize an important business deal by pursuing the charming Sabrina (Julia Ormond). To protect the deal, he attempts to drive a wedge between the two, but ends up falling for Sabrina himself. While my wife prefers the original 1954 version starring Audrey Hepburn, she appreciates the stunning location photography and the chemistry between Ormond and a restrained Ford. We own this film in several video formats and have watched it frequently. If asked about a forgotten gem from 1995, my wife would undoubtedly suggest this movie (and emphatically argue that it’s not forgotten because she still remembers and cherishes it).

Species

In a nutshell, “Species” is a blend of “Alien” and “Baby Face,” a sci-fi thriller with a twist. It tells the story of an attractive woman (Natasha Henstridge), who’s actually an alien grown in a lab from extraterrestrial DNA. Once she reaches maturity, she breaks free to charm men, create hybrid offspring, and ultimately take over our world. This film, designed by H.R. Giger, is characterized by its graphic violence, nudity, and enduring impact on the minds of teenage boys in 1995, even if it’s not as widely remembered today.

Strange Days (1995)

Today, Kathryn Bigelow is rightfully acclaimed as one of our top active directors due to films like The Hurt Locker and Zero Dark Thirty. However, her early career received a mix of positive and negative feedback. Following the success of her first major hit in 1991 (Point Break), she released one of her most critically and commercially disappointing films: the 1995 sci-fi thriller Strange Days, starring Ralph Fiennes as a dealer of virtual reality memories who finds himself at the heart of a dangerous conspiracy.

While the technology depicted in the film may now appear outdated (the VR device relies on MiniDiscs, a technology that had largely disappeared by the time of its release), its predictions about deepfakes proved to be remarkably accurate, and Bigelow’s direction continues to be as powerful and visually striking as ever.

Stuart Saves His Family

In simpler terms, the film “Stuart Saves His Family,” written by and starring Al Franken, was a less successful follow-up to the popular movie “Groundhog Day.” The story revolves around Stuart Smalley, a character from “SNL” sketches that parodied self-help TV hosts. The film starts and ends with Stuart’s show, while the rest of it focuses on Stuart’s efforts to heal his relationship with his alcoholic father (Harris Yulin) and brother (Vincent D’Onofrio). Unlike most movies based on “SNL,” which are light-hearted and superficial, “Stuart Saves His Family” is a deep drama about addiction and family trauma. However, its combination of intense drama and comedic style is unusual, reflecting a challenge in the Hollywood system. Studios tend to produce raw, serious films only if they’re connected to popular franchises like “Saturday Night Live.” But the conventions of “SNL” movies – quick-witted comedy, callbacks, and big comic set pieces – make them an awkward medium for exploring abuse and family dysfunction.

Sudden Death

In the ’90s, numerous films imitating “Die Hard” were produced. It’s common to dismiss such movies as unoriginal due to their blatant imitation of another film. However, there are instances where a movie is so skillfully made that it surpasses its formulaic roots. One such example is the film “Sudden Death,” starring Jean-Claude Van Damme, who tried to portray John McClane in a “Die Hard” clone set during an NHL playoff game. The film is intentionally humorous, boasts excellent action sequences, and has a title, “Sudden Death,” that perfectly encapsulates the storyline: a hockey match goes into sudden death, and characters use the phrase “sudden death” while many in attendance could meet their untimely end. This unique twist earns it my approval.

2025-07-11 17:30