Best Netflix shows are ranked in a fresh October 2026 list from Rotten Tomatoes, which counts down the 100 top-reviewed original series by Tomatometer score. Every title is still in production, renewed, or recently ended, so there is plenty to stream today. From true-crime dramas to anime and comedy, here are the standouts.
Top 10 Best Netflix Shows Ranked by Critics
Critics gave perfect 100% scores to a wide mix of series. At the top of the list is The Witness, a drama about Rachel Nickell’s partner fighting to protect their young son, the only witness to her murder. Right behind it are:
- The Evil Lawyer, a Thai legal thriller about a framed young attorney
- The Chestnut Man, a chilling Danish detective series
- Dark Winds, set on the Navajo Nation in 1971 and starring Zahn McClarnon
- Arcane: League of Legends, the acclaimed animated saga of Piltover and Zaun
- Blood of Zeus, The Dragon Prince and Supacell, which cover mythology, fantasy and superhero storytelling
- Carol & the End of the World and Pokémon Concierge, two gentle, offbeat picks
If you want to keep exploring, our roundup of the best new TV shows of fall 2026 has more series worth adding to your list.
Fan Favorites Still Worth Streaming
Among the best Netflix shows for a rewatch are modern hits that keep scoring high. Baby Reindeer holds 99%, Derry Girls sits at 99%, and Better Call Saul and Lupin both earn 98%. Prestige picks like The Queen’s Gambit (96%), Peaky Blinders (93%) and Beef (93%) remain easy recommendations.
Blockbuster franchises are also on the list. Stranger Things scores 90%, Squid Game 85%, Bridgerton 83% and Black Mirror 83%. Many viewers check the netflix top 10 daily, but critic scores can steer you toward series that deserve more attention than their popularity suggests.
Best Netflix Shows by Genre
Crime and mystery: Dark Winds, Broadchurch, The Lincoln Lawyer and Top Boy lead the way.
Animation and anime: Arcane, Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End, Blue Eye Samurai and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners show how far the medium has come.
Comedy: I Think You Should Leave With Tim Robinson, Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt and Mo keep the laughs coming.
Horror and supernatural: Hellbound, Cabinet of Curiosities and The Fall of the House of Usher suit the season. For more scares, see our guide to the best horror movies on Netflix right now.
New on Netflix: Fresh Series Worth Your Time
Several recent arrivals are drawing attention this month. East of Eden, starring Florence Pugh and Mike Faist, scores 88%. A Different World (81%) revives the classic HBCU comedy for a new generation, and Dept. Q (88%) follows a brilliant cop leading a cold-case team in Edinburgh. The Boroughs (96%) stars Bill Pullman and Geena Davis in a sci-fi tale set in a retirement community. At the other end of the scale, Monster, Ryan Murphy’s true-crime anthology, sits at 40%, proving buzz and reviews don’t always match. For Halloween, Is It Cake? Halloween brings hyperrealistic baking to the screen. These newer picks join the best Netflix shows already on the list.
If you also want something for the big screen, check out the best movies of 2026 so far.
Which Series Should You Watch First?
If you want a sure thing, start with a 100% title like The Witness or Arcane. If you prefer comfort viewing, try Derry Girls or Pokémon Concierge. Pick any of the best Netflix shows above and you’re unlikely to be disappointed. With new seasons and releases arriving constantly, the best Netflix shows will keep shifting, so check back for updates.
FAQs
1. What is the top-rated Netflix series right now?
The Witness is ranked #1 on the October 2026 Rotten Tomatoes list with a 100% Tomatometer score.
2. Which Netflix shows are good for anime fans?
Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End (100%), Blue Eye Samurai (97%), Devil May Cry (98%) and Cyberpunk: Edgerunners (87%) are strong picks.
3. Is Stranger Things still worth watching?
Yes. The flagship series holds a 90% score, and the animated spin-off Tales From ‘85 is also available.
4. How are these rankings decided?
They are ordered by Tomatometer score, which reflects the share of positive critic reviews. The list features series still in production, renewed, or recently finished.