10 Must-Watch Netflix Shows You Can Binge in Just One Weekend!

Over the past two decades, there’s been no superior platform for marathon-watching television series than Netflix. Since its streaming service debut in 2007, it has revolutionized entertainment by producing exceptional original content like “Stranger Things,” “The Crown,” “Ozark,” “Bridgerton,” “Narcos,” and “Black Mirror.” These titles are extensive enough to keep viewers engaged for days, but luckily, Netflix boasts a vast collection of limited series and multi-season shows that can be consumed in just a weekend. Ranging from horror to comedy, Netflix has accumulated an addictive array of shows suitable for every palate, making it easy to rewatch them again and again.

Looking for an exciting TV marathon this weekend? I recently discovered ten captivating short series that are now streaming on Netflix. Each one offers a unique storyline and keeps you on the edge of your seat!

The Haunting of Hill House

Netflix’s 2018 limited series “The Haunting of Hill House” is both a chilling ghost tale and an intense family saga. Adapted from Shirley Jackson’s 1959 novel, the show follows five adult siblings whose haunting memories of their childhood home, Hill House, re-emerge in a heartbreaking way. The storyline moves between the present day and the time when they lived at the old mansion as children.

The gripping enigma, spine-chilling frights, and intricately crafted plotline of “The Haunting of Hill House” will leave viewers yearning for more right up until the end credits conclude. To add to its captivating narrative, exceptional acting performances by Michael Huisman, Victoria Pedretti, Oliver Jackson-Cohen, Carla Gugino, Kate Siegel, Elizabeth Reaser, McKenna Grace, Julian Hilliard, Violet McGraw, and others enhance the show’s mesmerizing storyline and characters. With only 10 episodes, “The Haunting of Hill House” can effortlessly be watched over a weekend marathon.

The Haunting of Bly Manor

After the tremendous achievement with The Haunting of Hill House, creator Mike Flanagan unveiled another miniseries titled The Haunting of Bly Manor in the year 2020. Much of the original cast was involved, and this spin-off series centers around a new, eerie tale that draws inspiration from Henry James’ 1898 novella, The Turn of the Screw. In the sequel series, The Haunting of Bly Manor, an au pair is employed to care for a family at their mansion, where she encounters peculiar supernatural events.

Despite being marketed primarily as a horror production, “The Haunting of Bly Manor” skillfully weaves elements of romance, suspense, mystery, and drama into a captivating tale that’s beautifully brought to life through exceptional acting performances. The series’ nine episodes pass by quickly, and its poignant conclusion is sure to leave viewers with tears in their eyes.

The Queen’s Gambit

You don’t have to be fond of chess to appreciate “The Queen’s Gambit.” This 2020 Netflix miniseries is adapted from Walter Tevis’ 1983 book and takes place in the ’50s and ’60s. The series tells the captivating story of a promising young chess prodigy aiming for success in the cutthroat world of competitive chess, portrayed by the exceptional Anya Taylor-Joy. The show delves into both her character’s mesmerizing career advancements in chess and her personal hardships.

Boasting vivid stage arrangements and an energetic soundtrack, “The Queen’s Gambit” stands out as a superior drama and character exploration. A recipient of 11 Emmy Awards, this series compels you to watch it in one sitting, making it effortless for viewers due to its compact seven-episode duration.

Ripley

In 2024, the mini-series titled “Ripley” will skillfully transform Patricia Highsmith’s 1955 novel “The Talented Mr. Ripley” into an engaging production. The suspenseful crime drama introduces Andrew Scott as Tom Ripley, a cunning trickster who sets out to deceive by assuming the identity of a wealthy man’s son. This series is so captivating that it’s hard to resist binge-watching it in just a few days.

The series boasts exceptional filming techniques and a monochrome aesthetic that evoke the atmosphere of vintage film noir. Furthermore, Scott’s portrayal of his character’s charm, intellect, and hidden villainy is an unforgettable acting masterpiece. In summary, Ripley’s eight episodes are certain to captivate any Netflix viewer looking for the ultimate binge-watching experience.

The Gentlemen

Guy Ritchie developed the Netflix series titled “The Gentlemen,” which is a continuation of his 2019 film with the same name. The story revolves around Theo James’ character, a former military officer who acquires an unexpected family inheritance – a property that turns out to be the hub of a marijuana empire. As the new head of the family business, he navigates negotiations and adapts to life within the criminal underworld.

With both humorous and intense elements, The Gentlemen offers an action-packed, often brutal, storyline that promises to captivate viewers from beginning to end. James delivers a stellar performance in the main role, while Kaya Scodelario, Daniel Ings, Ray Winstone, and Giancarlo Esposito contribute to the enjoyment. The Gentlemen made its debut on Netflix in 2024, and preparations for a second season have already begun. Given this, now is the ideal opportunity to spend a weekend immersed in Season 1’s 10 episodes.

Godless

Lovers of Western-themed productions will be captivated by the one-of-a-kind, gripping narrative presented in Netflix’s “Godless”. This limited series from 2017 is set in the 1880s and revolves around a town in New Mexico predominantly populated by women. The story unfolds when an outlaw accidentally discovers this community while escaping his former gang leader. The series beautifully depicts the American West through its visuals, and the compelling plot matches up to it. Notable performances are delivered by Michelle Dockery, Jack O’Connell, and Merritt Wever, among others, in “Godless”.

Immersed in intriguing personalities and pulse-racing shootouts, the show “Godless” promises an exhilarating viewing experience that’s hard to resist binge-watching. With just seven episodes, you can easily finish this series over a satisfying weekend marathon.

The Sandman

Netflix’s show titled “The Sandman” draws inspiration from the DC comic book of the same name and provides an engaging adaptation of its storyline. In this series, Dream, also known as Morpheus, embarks on a journey to recover what was taken from him following his imprisonment by a wizard for over a century.

The show “Sandman” boasts fascinating magical aspects and unique characters, skillfully brought to life from the original content. Top-notch graphics and an outstanding portrayal by Tom Sturridge contribute to “Sandman” being ranked among Netflix’s top new shows over the past three years. The first season, broadcasted in 2022, consists of 11 compelling episodes that make for an enjoyable marathon viewing. Given that Season 2, which will wrap up the series, is expected to debut this year, Netflix subscribers should consider setting aside time to watch “Sandman” promptly.

Beef

As a movie enthusiast, I stumbled upon a fresh comedy gem named “Beef” on Netflix in 2023, which immediately garnered a lot of positive attention. This series revolves around an intense rivalry between two people that ignites after a heated road rage altercation. Starring the talented Ali Wong and Steven Yeun in its inaugural season, “Beef” is packed with dark humor that’s both hilarious and thought-provoking, along with some unexpected plot twists that keep you hooked.

The show, titled “Beef,” not only offers a gripping plot but also delves deeply into the personal lives of its main characters through a tangled web of family and relationship issues. This makes for an engaging, binge-worthy experience that could easily consume a few days. Good news for fans hooked on “Beef” – Season 2 is slated for release in 2025! Since it’s an anthology series, a fresh set of actors will take the stage in the upcoming season.

Bodyguard

As a follower, I’m delighted to share that I, Richard Madden, starred in the gripping 2018 miniseries “Bodyguard.” In this series, I played a British Army veteran tasked with safeguarding a politically ambitious yet contentious figure. My portrayal of this complex character, which earned me a Golden Globe, serves as the pulse of the suspenseful narrative that unfolds in “Bodyguard.

The program likewise delves into current political issues regarding government monitoring, and underscores the effects of PTSD. With non-stop action and plenty of unexpected twists, Bodyguard is an excellent choice for a weekend binge-watch, as its six episodes can be comfortably finished within one or two sessions.

The Fall of the House of Usher

2023’s “The Fall of the House of Usher,” a reinterpretation by Mike Flanagan, the mastermind behind “The Haunting of Hill House” and “The Haunting of Bly Manor,” is set to premiere. This miniseries is centered around the enigmatic string of fatalities within a prominent family that controls a pharmaceutical conglomerate.

Thoroughly combining elements of horror, mystery, and suspense with a gripping intensity, “The Fall of the House of Usher” keeps viewers captivated from start to finish. An outstanding ensemble featuring Mark Hamill, Carla Gugino, Kate Siegel, Rahul Kohli, and other talented stars elevates “The Fall of the House of Usher” to new heights of quality. With just eight episodes, you can easily spend a weekend immersed in this enthralling tale.

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2025-03-08 07:44