From fantasy epics and sci-fi horrors to gritty crime dramas and insightful comedies, the most-streamed shows of the decade reflect the diversity in tastes around the world. Original content is regularly released on streaming giants like Netflix, Amazon Prime, Disney+, and many more. During this wave, certain series have come into pop culture, attracting millions due to unique storytelling and developed characters. It's all the records-breaker, genre-defying titles that impacted fans and the industry.
1) Stranger Things
Stranger Things is a show that combines nostalgia and suspense, bringing to life the supernatural horror associated with 80s pop culture. This fictional setting in the town of Hawkins, Indiana, sets the ground for kids to experience mysterious government experiments and terrifying creatures. Fans remained glued to this multidimensional storytelling, lovely cast, and suspenseful arcs. The deep-rooted friendships and the nostalgic soundtrack make it unique, allowing it to touch the heart of any young audience, as well as those grown up during the 80s.
2) Game of Thrones
Game of Thrones transformed fantasy television, drawing from George R.R. Martin's books. The series features intricate politics and unexpected plot twists, depicting the ongoing conflict among noble families vying for control of the Iron Throne. Although the series ended on a fairly divisive last season, Game of Thrones continued to be an epic journey with deep characters and visual effects. Its cultural impact will be unmatched because it has broken most records as one of the world's most-watched shows.
3) The Mandalorian
Set in the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian introduced the space Western genre to a new generation. It is a series following a lone bounty hunter on a quest to protect a child with mysterious powers, later revealed as Grogu, affectionately dubbed "Baby Yoda." Its cinematic quality, coupled with weekly episodic releases, kept audiences engaged. The show's blend of new characters with familiar Star Wars lore attracted die-hard fans and newcomers.
4) Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)
Money Heist is a Spanish series that gained worldwide attention after a heist on the Royal Mint of Spain carried out by "The Professor" and his team. In full action with emotionally complex characters, it captured worldwide attention, especially after it was released on Netflix. In red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks, the show Money Heist turned out to be one great twist-filled narrative with great resistance themes.
5) The Witcher
Inspired by the works of Andrzej Sapkowski, The Witcher features the monster-hunting Geralt of Rivia in a magical, medieval fantasy world. Its show plots that were grounded in moral ambiguity, as well as the performances of Henry Cavill, struck many fans. Dark fantasy themes and action sequences laced with monsters quickly helped make the show one of Netflix's most-watched, as book readers as well as new fans of the series tuned into the fantasy epic.
6) The Crown
The Crown is a historical drama that follows Queen Elizabeth II's life, with each season representing a different decade of her reign. The Crown is phenomenal with its researched storytelling and breathtaking performances. The show gives viewers an inside look at how the British monarchy struggles, both personally and politically. Themes include duty, loyalty, and public image in the British monarchy.
7) 13 Reasons Why
The show 13 Reasons Why ignited discussions about sensitive topics related to mental illness and high school life. Based on the book by Jay Asher, the series follows Clay Jensen as he uncovers the reasons behind his classmate's tragic decisions. Despite critics saying otherwise, the show managed to raise awareness concerning bullying, depression, and isolation, causing viewers to reflect on their relationships and the things they do.
8) The Queen's Gambit
The Queen's Gambit brought excitement to the world of chess. The series follows Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy who navigates fame, addiction, and personal growth in the competitive male-dominated chess scene. It was an amazing piece set in the time of the Cold War. With stylistic visuals and intricate chess scenes, it magnetized the audience through charismatic performance, increasing the game's popularity across the globe.
9) Ozark
Ozark follows financial planner Marty Byrde as he moves his family to the Ozarks to launder money for a drug cartel. Fans of suspense-filled thrillers flocked to the show's dark and gritty tone mixed with moral ambiguity. With intense family dynamics and high-stakes crime, Ozark quickly became a fan favorite and received critical acclaim for its writing, cinematography, and complex characters.
10) Tiger King
Tiger King is a true crime documentary that captivated the world, following the story of eccentric zoo owner Joe Exotic as he battled animal rights activist Carole Baskin. When the series first aired, it took all the social media by storm, combining drama and controversy with this offbeat world of the eccentric big cat owners. Audiences remained glued due to real-life characters and dramatic shocks and began discussing issues involving animal welfare.
11) Bridgerton
Bridgerton is an all-new series set in Regency London, unraveling the lives of the Bridgerton family and their romantic entanglements with love and society. The series was produced by Shonda Rhimes, with elements of romance, drama, and scandal merged into historical storytelling with a modern twist. The series boasts of its diverse cast, richly elaborate costumes, and colorful sets. It caught viewers' imaginations instantly, not to mention the intriguing love stories.
12) Lucifer
Originally a FOX series, Netflix revived Lucifer, featuring Lucifer Morningstar, the Devil who left Hell to open a nightclub and collaborate with the LAPD. Blending crime procedural with the supernatural, this series was quick to be quite popular for its humor, attractive storylines, and, of course, Tom Ellis's charismatic presentation of Lucifer. It came a long way into producing themes of redemption, romance, and crime-solving in so many seasons, resulting in the creation of a highly dedicated fan base.
13) You
It centers on Joe Goldberg, a bookshop manager whose obsession with women he becomes infatuated with leads to chilling behavior. Mixing suspense with dark social commentary, you delve into themes of love, obsession, and privacy in the digital age. With each season, Joe's character grows more complex as he rationalizes his actions. The style of the show in which it was telling the inner life of Joe and the psychological complexities behind his actions made the audience engrossed.
14) Euphoria
Euphoria provides a raw, unfiltered look at teenage life, following Rue, a high school student grappling with addiction. It is a show that, on one hand, featured bold visuals and a candid approach to complex topics such as mental health, sexuality, and identity, which resonated with young viewers. This, combined with great performances from Zendaya, made Euphoria an important cultural touchpoint in terms of style.
15) The Umbrella Academy
Based on the comic book series by Gerard Way, The Umbrella Academy follows seven adopted superpowered siblings as they attempt to prevent an impending apocalypse. Other than quirky characters, the plot involving time travel and action defines the setting of the show. More so, each of the superpowered siblings has his or her own strength and personality. The Umbrella Academy became everyone's favorite, blending just the right amount of comedy and drama with supernatural themes and visual style, coupled with catchy soundtracks.
16) Squid Game
The South Korean series Squid Game became globally popular for transforming children's games into deadly contests for money. The show beneath the surface had a strong message of social commentary about the disparity in wealth and human desperation that resonated across the globe. It was suspenseful, visually marvelous, and full of surprises, which caught the audience's attention. The series topped Netflix with its worldwide views.
17) Breaking Bad
Even though it concluded before the decade changed, Breaking Bad continues to be available on almost every streaming service. The series takes the audience through the transformation of Walter White from a high school teacher to a meth kingpin, dealing with themes of morality, ambition, and survival as a memorable story unfolds through sharp storytelling and high-stakes drama. The Better Call Saul spin-off further continued the series' legacy and expanded on its world and characters. Breaking Bad has been hailed as one of television's greatest triumphs, and new fans are joining the party.
18) The Boys
The Boys offers a darkly comedic retelling of superhero tales. It portrays vigilantes who target and eliminate a group of overprivileged heroes. These characters resemble celebrities and are portrayed as corrupted by their own fame and influence. Moral ambiguity resonates with those viewing a well-crafted and strongly presented show featuring social commentary regarding fame and what it inspires within persons seeking power.
19) Sex Education
Sex Education follows the coming-of-age story of teenager Otis Milburn, who runs a secret clinic providing anonymous sex advice to his classmates. This comedic yet heartfelt teenage drama addresses various issues, from staying true to oneself to navigating romantic relationships, in an honest effort to support those going through significant changes in their lives. Its realistic, comedy-based approach towards adolescent life has allowed this series a strong following with critical acclamation.
20) Friends
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Even long after its conclusion in 2004, Friends remains a favorite sitcom being streamed. This is due to its humor, memorable moments, and recognizable characters that make it unique. In the show, six friends strive through different careers, romantic situations, and life in the city of New York. New fans find Friends online, and its legacy keeps on living. The show remains the epitome of human nature and comedy in a way that forever branded it as a popular cultural icon, showing some television comedies could transcend even the most stringent generational lines.
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