Who doesn’t have a Netflix account these days?
Being one of the biggest streaming services in the world, Netflix has transformed the way we consume media.
DVDs have become largely redundant in modern society at this point. Instead, for the price of a single subscription, you have access to thousands of movies, tv shows and documentaries at your fingertips.
This streaming phenomenon has, however, created a new enemy we can all relate to: the scrolling nightmare.
Without trying to sound like the plot for the fourth season of Riverdale, the habit of scrolling through Netflix for hours to find something that looks good has controlled us all.
I’ve been using Netflix for at least four years at this point, and it’s something I struggle with all too often.
One thing that helps me when I’m struggling to find something to watch is searching for blog posts with their top Netflix shows. I even wrote one myself back in 2016.
I still can’t believe we’re in 2019 already, but seeing as we are, that blog post is very outdated. In fact, I’ve just taken a look and seen that half the titles mentioned aren’t even on Netflix anymore.
So, with that being said, I thought I’d provide you with an updated list of my top Netflix shows. I reassure you that you will definitely still be able to find the titles mentioned below on Netflix.
Let’s Break It Down
When I started brainstorming for this post, I realised I have a lot of recommendations to share with you. The more the merrier, right?
Putting them all in a random order is going to get confusing, though, so instead, let’s break it down a bit.
I’ll start with my movie recommendations, then move onto my TV show recommendations, before finally moving onto documentaries. If you’re only interested in one of these categories, feel free to skip ahead!
MOVIES
I’ve seen lots of people complaining about the movie selection on Netflix, but personally, I don’t mind it.
There’s certainly a few that I won’t look twice at, but there are a lot that I’ve really enjoyed. A lot of the favourites I mentioned in my old post are still favourites today, but for the sake of keeping things short, we’ll stick exclusively to new recommendations here.
What Happened To Monday?
‘What Happened To Monday?’ is an emotive film about seven septuplets who have been forced to survive in a world with a strict one-child policy. Each one is allocated a specific day to leave the house, which correlates with their names. When one sister doesn’t return at the end of her day—Monday—the sisters must do everything they can to find her, without outing their own identities.
I’m not usually a fan of mysteries, but the added dystopian society elements really brought the story to life. The twists and turns of specific plot points kept me on the edge of my seat throughout. I literally couldn’t have predicted the ending if I’d tried. This movie is one I think we can all resonate with, so I’d definitely recommend it.
When Netflix said they believed genres placed unnecessary bias upon potential watchers, this movie is what they meant. I never would’ve watched it if I had seen the genre beforehand, but I’m glad I did.
Hacksaw Ridge
Hacksaw Ridge is a movie based on a WW2 soldier who refused to bear arms while serving his country. He cited religious grounds, which fuelled the fire of the other soldiers, who regularly hounded him over his decision. It’s only when their lives are in danger and he’s the only one who can save them that they start to take him seriously…
I love Netflix shows that are based on true stories. I also love war movies. With those two combined, it’s easy to see why this title made it onto my list of my top Netflix shows.
I can’t put into words quite how much I liked this, but if you’re looking for something new to watch, this is definitely one to look out for.
Goat
Goat is a drama production that focuses on nineteen-year-old Brad, a college freshman desperate to fit in. Taking the advice of his older brother, he does this by pledging to a fraternity. At first, everything fine, but it’s not long when the hazing activities start to put his life, and that of his fellow freshman, in danger. Will any of them gain the balls needed to stand up to their elders?
When I first started watching this film, I wasn’t expecting much from it. It’s one of those things you see on Netflix and figure you’ll watch because you can’t find anything better.
I can honestly say that this film surpassed my expectations massively, and I really enjoyed it. It really sheds a light on the darker side of being part of a college fraternity in America.
In short, this movie takes on common college stereotypes and turns them into an opportunity to educate, and raise awareness.
TV SERIES
If you’re following me over on Twitter or Instagram right now, you’ll know I love binge-watching series.
I’m currently binge-watching ‘Law & Order: Special Victims Unit’, by the way, which I highly recommend.
That’s not on Netflix, though, and this post is supposed to be on my top Netflix shows of 2019, so where was I?
Ah, yes…
Night Shift
Night Shift is a medical drama that follows the doctors of the night shift in a busy San Antonio hospital. Many of the doctors are affiliated with the medical side of the US army, giving viewers a unique insight into war traumas and medical procedures.
I won’t lie, I absolutely love medical dramas. I’d go as far as to say that I’ve watched most currently on TV in America and the UK.
Like any medical drama, this show is extremely dramatic. There are events that happen in quick succession that probably wouldn’t in a real hospital, but that’s all part of the drama, isn’t it?
The show uniquely sheds insight on real events affecting American troops, too. They even dedicated an entire episode towards real army veterans, hiring them to play guest roles.
In addition to this, they also go into detail about the failing American healthcare system. As someone who knows little about this, seeing it played out in a drama was really eye-opening.
Riverdale
Riverdale is a Netflix show that focuses on a group of teenagers who come together to explore the dark side of the town they live in.
If I’m being honest, it’s quite difficult to pinpoint exactly what the show is about at this point. The only constants are the characters and the town they live in, but the theme of the show changes with every season.
I definitely have a love-to-hate relationship with the show, but season 4 is finally starting to make sense so I thought it deserved a place on this list.
If you’re looking for a mystery that keeps you guessing, then this show is definitely one to watch. I’ve been watching it since the first season came out, but binge-watching is a great way to discover it, too.
Suits
After accidentally walking in on an interview for a law firm while escaping a drugs bust, Mike Ross finds himself working in one of New York’s best law firms. With no official law credentials, he must rely on his photographic memory to get him through. But for how long can this secret stay under wraps?
I started watching Suits after recommendations from a friend and a fellow blogger, and I loved it from the start.
As well as dealing with criminals, this show handles lots of serious issues very well. Off the top of my head, this includes male mental health, grieving, and sexism.
I also loved the tension of Mike’s secret, and the risk of that being revealed throughout the first few seasons.
Personally, I think the show lost something when the actors who played Mike and Rachel left, but it’s definitely worth watching up until that point.
DOCUMENTARIES
This wouldn’t be a list of my top Netflix shows without mentioning documentaries. I go through stages where they are all I watch on Netflix—and for good reason.
With such a vast list of titles, there is so much you can learn without actively sourcing the information yourself. It’s also interesting to expand your knowledge by understanding other people’s lives and/or situations.
Kingdom Of Us
Kingdom Of Us follows a mother and her seven children as they come to terms with the loss of their father, who lost his life to suicide. It offers a unique insight into the family as they go through the many stages of grieving. Several of the children are autistic, and it’s nice to see a documentary that portrays the condition in a positive light.
When I heard about this documentary before its release, I knew I wanted to watch it. I couldn’t have predicted, however, just how eye-opening it was going to be.
It’s heartbreaking, too, and there are definitely moments in the documentary where I welled up. I think it’s definitely worth a watch, though, as it’s a subject we often don’t hear much about.
Gayby Baby
Gayby Baby is a documentary that follows the lives of four young children and their parents, who are either gay or lesbian. It explores the way in which growing up in this environment has affected the children, and demonstrates their diverse parenting styles.
What I love about this documentary is that it takes place over an extended period of time. You really get to know the children and understand the positive impact their parents have on them.
I don’t think I’ve mentioned this on my blog (at least not in a couple of years), but I’m a lesbian. And, truthfully, I’d love to be a mother one day.
It was really nice to see what could be my future portrayed in such a positive light. So many people instantly discourage same-sex parenting, but this documentary just proves it’s not a bad thing.
Terrorism: Close Calls
We always hear about the outcome of terrorist attacks in the media, but what about those that don’t go ahead? This documentary goes into detail about those, bringing in industry experts to explain how some of the largest terror plots in history were foiled.
I couldn’t wrap up my top Netflix show picks of 2019 without mentioning a docuseries that I loved towards the end of last year.
I love learning more about the things people try to shield us from, so seeing this insight for the first time was really interesting.
It also goes into detail about the psychology of the terrorists planning these attacks and the importance this plays in tracking them down. As someone with a special interest in psychology, hearing it used to stop bad people is really interesting.
What are your top Netflix show picks of 2019? Have you watched something I’ve mentioned, and have a differing opinion on it?
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I have a bit lost interest in Riverdale but I’ll get back into it i am sure. I love Suit! I should watch it from the beginning again! I don’t usually watch movies on Netflix but maybe i should give a go to What happened to Monday.
I know the feeling. Riverdale is one of those shows that I’ve definitely fallen in and out of love with, but I hope you get into it soon. The first half of season 4 didn’t make sense, but it’s starting to unwind now.
What Happened To Monday? is definitely a title to watch if you’re just starting to get into Netflix movies. It’s one of the best I’ve ever watched!
I’m much more of a TV series gal rather than a movie one! I’ve not actually watched any of the picks you have here but I will definitely give them a go. Thanks for sharing lovely!
Kayla ♥︎
I know the feeling. I definitely watch more TV series than movies, too. I’d be interested in hearing what you think about them if you do get around to them!
I’m currently watching Suits with my partner and we’re loving it! We also watched What Happened To Monday? before and really enjoyed it, I’ll have to check out some of the other things on your list though!
Jess //
xx
You have a good taste in Netflix shows, haha! I hope you enjoy the other recommendations in this list.
Oooh I love a good documentary, so I’m gonna check out your recommendations!
Love, Amie ❤
The Curvaceous Vegan
Another fellow documentary lover! I hope you enjoy my recommendations.
I love suits, I’ve only started it in the last few months and I’ve really been enjoying it! What Happened to Monday sounds like a really interesting film too so I’ll definitely be adding it to my watch list. I’ll have to have a look at the other picks on your list since every one sounds so interesting yet so different! Riverdale is definitely a guilty pleasure of mine. My current favourite at the moment probably has to be The Good Place, even though series 3 hasn’t been as good I am still loving it!! Really enjoyed finding out about all these new netflix picks on your list!
beesytimes.co.uk
I definitely recommend adding What Happened To Monday to your list; it’s brilliant! I definitely watch quite a diverse number of movies/films/documentaries, so I’m glad you found something you liked in there. Riverdale is SUCH guilty pleasure material; I agree. I’ve heard a lot about The Good Place but never watched it myself. Maybe I’ll have to add it to my list?
Everyone’s always banging on about suits, sounds right up my street and isn’t Meghan Markle a main character? Even better, she’s gorgeous! I think its time I got a Netflix account.
Fran | http://www.franciscarockey.co.uk
Suits is definitely worth a watch. Meghan Markle is such a brilliant main character, too; I didn’t even realise she was the one marrying Prince Harry until I was halfway through watching it, haha! I definitely recommend getting a Netflix account; I’ve discovered so many amazing things through it.
I loved ‘What Happened to Monday?’. Saw that a few months ago now, loved the twists it had in it 🙂
It’s really good, isn’t it? I really wasn’t expecting it to end the way it did!
What happened to Monday was absolutely amazing. I will check out some of your other recommendations.
Aishadaobi.com
It’s SO underappreciated, isn’t it? Such a good film! I hope you enjoy my other recommendations, too.
It really is! I always tell people it was a way better movie than birdbox that was blown out of proportion. And yes, I know I definitely will :):)
I haven’t seen Birdbox yet myself, but it looks interesting!
It’s an okay movie. A little overrated but good message and good movie overall
I won’t lie, I haven’t heard of the majority of what’s on your list – but that’s what makes there kinds of posts so great!! I’ve recently been binge watching The Good Place which is just absolutely amazing and Drag Race which I absolutely adore!! 😁
I love it when I read posts along these lines and realise I haven’t heard any of the recommendations. My best friend has watched both of those shows; they seem great! I’ll have to add them to my watch list.
I have only watched Riverdale on this list, and I stopped watching it just because it just got to a point where I got a bit bored although everyone’s been telling me to keep going with it so perhaps I’ll pick it up again soon! I loved watching the series You, that was creepy but kept me gripped for sure!
Chloe xx
http://www.chloechats.com
Where abouts did you stop? I stopped halfway through last season for a bit, and then binge-watched to catch up again for the beginning of the third season. It’s definitely worth keeping going with! I’ve heard so much about You on social media! I might have to give it a watch after I finish Law & Order.
I watched Suits for 5 seasons and now I’m a bit over it but great show!
I think a lot of people have similar opinions about when it went downhill, to be fair. It was a really great show in its time, though!
So glad you made this list! Marking these all to my list now so that I can watch them!
You’re welcome! I hope you like my recommendations.
I LOVE Terrorism Close Calls! My husband and I have watched all of them. Like you said – we never hear about the ones that get stopped! It really made me so grateful for the FBI and law enforcement and all the work they do to protect us. Great article! 🙂
That’s the one I was weary about putting in here. I didn’t know if it would make me look super weird, so I’m glad to hear I’m not alone in loving that show. I don’t live in America but I completely agree with you. The way the countries interacted to stop terror threats was really interesting, too!
I am in the process of watching Riverdale right now. I’m still on the fence of it though. It’s not at all like The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina–which by the way, if you haven’t seen that, you should!–so that has been a bit of a let down for me.
I have thought about watching What Happened To Monday, but I think I might want to shorten my “continue watching” list. I have 7 things on it. Oops! 🙂
I think getting into it when it was being hyped up really help, but I’d encourage you to keep going with it. There are many enjoyable parts! I’ve never watched The Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina, but it’s on my to-watch list. Like you, I’m trying to watch way too much at once, haha!
I’d definitely recommend watching What Happened To Monday if you have the time. It’s great!
Great list! I love Riverdale, but I’m a little behind so I’m looking forward to catching up on the episodes I’ve missed. And I finished Suits just before Christmas – it’s SO good!!!
Thank you, Ruth! The start of the latest season of Riverdale is super confusing, but stick with it. We’re all hoping it gets better, haha! Suits is brilliant. Did you watch Season 7? I’m still undecided about whether to finish it.
Oh I haven’t actually watched any of these! I was going to watch Riverdale but heard it went downhill after the first series haha. Lately I’ve been loving Jane the Virgin, I recently finished ‘You’ and I just started watching Luther! I have so many favourite show though! Thanks for sharing x
Evie x | https://eviejayne.co.uk
I’m glad I was able to provide you with a few new suggestions! Riverdale is alright as long as you don’t get your hopes up. I think it’s so ridiculous now that it’s funny to watch, but I completely understand critics who say the opposite. I’ve heard so many good things about You and Luther recently; I may have to go over and give them a watch when I finish watching Law & Order.
I’m excited to try some of the picks you have here! I’m a teacher so, watching television because a luxury but recently, I started watching “Tidying Up”.
I hope you enjoy the recommendations! I can imagine that you don’t get much free time, haha, but I’m glad you’ve managed to find time to watch something. Tidying Up looks interesting!
I love to hate Riverdale too, it’s total trash but I am all here for it. They’re all ridiculous people and I can’t stop watching!!! Apart from that one, I haven’t seen many of your other recommendations which surprised me but Gayby Baby has been on my list for ages!
Bronia | http://www.broniajane.co.uk
That’s exactly how I feel about it. I ummed and ahhed about putting it in here, but I figured I couldn’t not considering I’ve watched (and mostly enjoyed) them! I’ve heard lots of people say they haven’t heard of the recommendations I’ve shared, which is quite interesting. I definitely recommend them, though! Gayby Baby is absolutely amazing!
I like Riverdale too, but I hopped on the boat fairly late, so I’m only halfway through season 2 😂 Suits seems to be really good too, will probably start that after I’ve finished Riverdale
I’d definitely recommend catching up. There are definitely moments when you have to ask yourself what the hell is going on, but it’s totally worth it. Suits is really good!
These are amazing recommendations! I watched the trailer for What Happened to Monday and I really liked it. Hacksaw Ridge and Goat also sound cool. I watched the first season of Riverdale but I’m not interested in it enough to watch the other seasons 😂😂 I’ve never watched Suits. It sounds great! I love movies that offer diverse representation and I’m glad you found Kingdom of Us and Gayby Baby ❤
Thank you so much! What Happened To Monday is brilliant. If you liked the trailer I definitely recommend going and watching the full film when you have the chance. When it comes to Riverdale, I think it’s a very marmite situation–you either love it or hate it, and there’s not really an inbetween. Diverse representation in films is SO important!
I’ve been planning to watch Suits for long. Gotta start binging this weekend. Have you watched Grace & Frankie? So far, I have really liked the show. Their 5th season is now streaming. Thanks for sharing the post,
Love,
Anjali
http://www.laughingmirror.com
It’s really good; I’d definitely recommend it. I haven’t watched that, no, but it looks super interesting. I’ll have to add it to my list!
I dont actually have netflix (crazy right), but I feel like I should defo consider getting it because these shows just sound incredible, close calls sounds really interesting!
My recent post: https://lifeofellabella.blogspot.com/2019/01/my-go-to-natural-makeup-5-minute-makeup.html
Oh wow! You should definitely invest in it if you can afford it. Close Calls is amazing!
I’ll have to check them out. Have you watched Black Mirror? There were only 4 shows in their first season. I watched two of them and was blown away by the twists!
I watched the first season of Black Mirror after it was recommended to me by my younger brother a couple of years ago and didn’t understand what was going on at all. We watched the Christmas special on Christmas day and I was super confused then, too! I’m a simple gal; stuff like that is too complicated. I know so many people who like it, though/
Thank you for sharing this post! I’ve saved the documentaries in my “watch-list” for later.
Thanks for reading! I’m glad you were able to find something you liked in the shows I recommended.
This is a great post! I haven’t tried watching Suits, but now I’m curious. Have you seen Peaky Blinders? I love that show, it stars Cillian Murphy & Tom Hardy. I just discovered It’s Bruno. Now that is a funny show. The episodes are like 15 minutes each, so it goes by quickly. If you are a Bear Grylls fan You Vs. Wild is great. During his adventures the viewer gets to choose which way the episode goes. Sometimes you get it right, sometimes you don’t. I love that it’s an interactive show and you can test your survival skills.
Wow do I have shows for u to watch!
All of these were amazing and I binge watched or have been watching for years
– the 100( teen drama but set in the future)
– quicksand
– harlan coben the five…and harlan cobens safe
-lemon snickers a series of unfortunate events ( I was surprised how much I liked this)
– alias grace
– hemlock grove ( this one is weird and a little hard to follow but I couldnt stop watching) ( it involves werewolves and stuff like that so if thays not ur thing skip it)
– russian doll
– mind hunter ( if u like criminal minds this was how they invented ” profiles”)
– Wentworth ( like orange is the new black but way more intense and British lol)
– the OA ( again a bit hard to follow but so good!)
– the order
– the society
And lately the innocents( this one was my fave over the last year 2018 /2019)
And these are just my show recommendations lol
Movies and docuseries or documentaries is 2 whole separate lists lol