Watching programs and movies on internet platforms is becoming a part of our everyday life in this digital era. Netflix is the world’s first and largest streaming service. When it comes to the best Netflix original series, there are a number of programs that have made an impression and excelled in terms of delivering exceptional material from start to finish.

Netflix has always delivered, whether it’s creating great tales, forging new territory, or delivering remarkable performances. So, have you recently subscribed to the service? Or, are you searching for new Netflix programs to watch? We’re here to assist you in making your decision! Today, we present to you a selection of the best Netflix original series in 2021!

Also Read: Best 20 Must-See Romantic Movies on Netflix to Make Your Heart Flutter

1. Delhi Crime

Directed By: Richie Mehta

Cast:

• Shefali Shah
• Rasika Dugal
• Adil Hussain
• Rajesh Tailang

IMDb: 8.5/10

Delhi Crime, directed by Richie Mehta and released by Netflix, depicts the aftermath and serious repercussions of the December 2012 Delhi gang-rape event (commonly known as the Nirbhaya case). The story begins on the 16th of December night when policemen meet the male and female casualties near the Mahipalpur highway and continue with the investigation, arresting the perpetrators and dealing with national demonstrations and pressure.

Delhi Crime is a riveting, no-nonsense portrayal of one of history’s most horrific atrocities. It perfectly depicts the atmosphere and hurriedness of the city and drives the fascinating story with well-established actors and great performances. It is arguably one of the best Indian Netflix original series released on the platform.

2. Ghoul

Directed By: Patrick Graham

Cast:

• Radhika Apte
• Manav Kaul
• Ratnabali Bhattacharjee
• Mahesh Balraj
• S. M. Zaheer

IMDb: 7.1/10

Ghoul, a female-driven Indian Netflix horror, is a three-part drama that takes place under a dystopian and totalitarian government in which religious minorities are punished in Orwellian prisons. A system agent discovers the existence of a supernatural ‘ghoul’ among the captives, descending into a dark path of military brutality and tyranny.

The gloomy tone of the play sets the stage for many thrills and conflicts along the road. Ghoul was one of the first Netflix original series and films for actress Radhika Apte, who moved on to appear in a slew of subsequent Netflix original films and series.

3. Sacred Games

Directed By:

• Anurag Kashyap
• Vikramaditya Motwane
• Neeraj Ghaywan

Cast:

• Saif Ali Khan
• Nawazuddin Siddiqui
• Radhika Apte
• Pankaj Tripathi
• Kalki Koechlin
• Ranvir Shorey

IMDb: 8.6/10

Season 1 of Sacred Games was named among the best Indian web series on Netflix in 2018 for all the right reasons. It drew a large audience not just because of the great cast, but also because of the genuine atmosphere, superb narrative, and attractive characters. Fast forward to the hot summer of 2019, when the advertisements for Sacred Games 2 piqued viewers’ interest, and any lingering doubts about a second season were soon dispelled.

When it comes to creating the main characters and perfectly presenting them on-screen, Sacred Games 2 shines brightly. Furthermore, since the program is readily binge-able, the plot featured enough suspense and riveting moments. Nonetheless, the sluggish pace and a few literary problems may detract from your lofty hopes. Even now, Sacred Games is included as one of the top 10 Netflix original series.

4. Taj Mahal, 1989

Directed By: Pushpendra Nath Misra

Cast:

• Neeraj Kabi
• Geetanjali Kulkarni
• Danish Husain

IMDb: 7.5/10

Taj Mahal 1989 is a romantic anthology series based in the year 1989 in the city of Lucknow. Several couples of different ages and socioeconomic backgrounds are mentioned. The program benefits immensely from its cast, which comprises both renowned arthouse performers and newcomers.

The narrative arcs seem to touch on a variety of topics, including Indian youth politics, the shame associated with divorce in the nation, and the inevitable changes that lovers experience as their relationship matures. The anthology may be hurried or melodramatic at times, but it has enough elements to keep viewers interested.

5. The Crown

Directed By: Peter Morgan

Cast:

• Claire Foy
• Matt Smith
• Vanessa Kirby
• Eileen Atkins
• Jeremy Northam
• Victoria Hamilton
• Ben Miles
• Greg Wise
• Jared Harris

IMDb: 8.6/10

The royal family is of special interest to people all around the globe, and both critics and audiences admire and respect them. The Crown is a Netflix period drama online television series about Queen Elizabeth II’s reign, developed and written mainly by Peter Morgan and distributed by Left Bank Pictures as well as Sony Pictures Television. The show’s writer and producer, Peter Morgan, premised it on his romantic drama The Queen (2006) especially, especially, his theatrical performance The Audience (2013).

6. Never Have I Ever

Directed By:

• Mindy Kaling
• Lang Fisher

Cast:

• Maitreyi Ramakrishnan
• Poorna Jagannathan
• Richa Moorjani
• Darren Barnet
• Jaren Lewison
• John McEnroe
• Helen Hong

IMDb: 7.9/10

Never Have I Ever accomplishes a lot of things, besides failing you, in its true mix of humor, romance, and desi. It follows Devi, an Indian-American high school sophomore, as she attempts to navigate adolescence following the death of her father. It was developed by the well-known Mindy Kaling and features Maitreyi Ramakrishnan as the protagonist. If you’re missing your friends but can’t schedule a meet-up, you could consider planning a Netflix Party and binging this funny, yet thought-provoking Netflix series.

7. Typewriter

Directed By: Sujoy Ghosh

Cast:

• Purab Kohli
• Palomi Ghosh
• Jisshu Sengupta
• Sameer Kochhar
• Aarna Sharma
• Bijou Thaangjam
• Mikhail Gandhi
• Palash Kamble
• Aaryansh Malviya

IMDb: 6.5/10

The plot of this five-episode series is set in Bardez, Goa, and features the Fernandez family as they move into Bardezvilla, also known as the bhoot Bangla (haunted home) by the locals. As strange events continue to pile up one after the other, Sam, Nick, Gablu, and Bunty, collectively known as The Ghost Club, get down to business and do a study into the legend of the ghost that is haunting the house.

When it comes to displaying appealing characters and a compelling narrative that is thrilling from start to end, Typewriter shines the brightest. However, a few boring, less-impactful moments, as well as a lackluster sound design, detract from an otherwise engaging, binge-worthy series.

8. Sex Education

Directed By: Laurie Nunn

Cast:

• Asa Butterfield
• Gillian Anderson
• Ncuti Gatwa
• Emma Mackey
• Connor Swindells
• Kedar Williams-Stirling
• Alistair Petrie
• Mimi Keene
• Aimee Lou Wood

IMDb: 8.3/10

Sex Education is a fantastic adolescent comedy-drama. It is particularly popular and highly praised for its gender, sexuality, and racial inclusiveness. The show follows the fictitious Moordale Secondary School’s pupils, teachers, and parents as they cope with a variety of personal issues, many of which are linked to sexual intimacy. The romantic drama of the main protagonists, Maeve and Otis, keeps you fascinated for the whole three seasons.

9. Mismatched

Directed By:

• Akarsh Khurana
• Nipun Dharmadhikari

Cast:

• Prajakta Koli
• Rohit Saraf
• Rannvijay Singha
• Vidya Malvade

IMDb: 5.5/10

Mismatched, like its predecessors, is both warm and wholesome, similar to Netflix India’s current dramas. It dazzles on the inside and out with its intriguing storyline, well-written characters, pleasant moments, to-the-point character portrayals, and competent acting. Mismatched, bolstered by some beautiful production design and soothing music, serves as the ideal reliever if you’ve had a hard day or have something to take your mind off the outside world.

10. Atypical

Directed By: Robia Rashid

Cast:

• Jennifer Jason Leigh
• Keir Gilchrist
• Brigette Lundy-Paine
• Amy Okuda
• Michael Rapaport

IMDb: 8.3/10

Robia Rashid developed the comedy-drama Atypical. It is famous for its feel-good premise, as it follows the lives of autistic 18-year-old Sam Gardner. All of the people are likable, and all of their issues are ordinary and common. If you’re searching for a program to see with your family, look no further!

Conclusion

So, now that you have the updated list of the best Netflix original series in 2021, end a tiring day by binging on one of these gems! For more information on various shows and movies on Netflix, keep reading Selectra.