Netflix is back with an exciting lineup of shows this February, catering to diverse tastes and offering stories that entertain, inspire, and captivate. Whether you enjoy thrilling thrillers, heartwarming dramas, or breathtaking animations, Netflix has something to offer everyone. This month’s collection features standout titles like Squid Game, Castlevania: Nocturne, and Sakamoto Days, which are guaranteed to keep you glued to your screen.
Streaming platforms are celebrated for delivering award-worthy series that often become global phenomena. However, they’re also infamous for a few missteps. To help you separate the must-watch gems from the forgettable titles, we’ve curated this guide to Netflix’s best TV shows for February 2025. Updated weekly, this list ensures you know which series deserve a top spot in your queue.
While not every pick might be an instant hit with everyone, we believe there’s value in exploring less obvious choices. Sometimes, the hidden gems offer the most rewarding viewing experiences. Our selections include a mix of blockbuster hits and lesser-known titles, all worth your time, trust us.
Feel like you’ve already checked off everything you want to see from this list? No worries! Netflix’s vast library has more to offer. Explore our guide to the best movies on Netflix for additional recommendations. If you believe we’ve overlooked your favorite show or would like to share a secret gem of your own, please share your thoughts in the comments section below.
Castlevania: Nocturne
People rebel against a parasitic ruling elite during the French Revolution, but vampire hunter Richter Belmont and his magic-wielding allies Maria and Annette are more concerned with solving the problem that is actually depleting the populace. The gang came together to confront the emergence of a “Vampire Messiah,” who was predicted to consume the sun in the first season of this gory adult animated series. However, the second season intensifies as the heroes team up with Dracula’s son Alucard in an attempt to restore light to the world. The stakes are at an unprecedented level. Despite sharing some similarities with the first animated series, Castlevania, Nocturne’s second season stands alone, providing excellent action, superb animation, and an amazing cast of characters you will want to see again.
Sakamoto Days
In the past, Taro Sakamoto was a renowned figure in the criminal underground due to his deadly skills and reputation as the worst of the worst hitmen. After that, he fell in love, married, and retired to work with his wife, Aoi, and their daughter, Hana, in a convenience shop. Regretfully, he did not exactly leave his previous position amicably, and now a group of assassins are vying for the billion-yen reward on his head. Fortunately, Sakamoto has not lost any of his abilities despite letting himself go in other areas. However, can he defend his family without violating Aoi’s rigorous “no killing” rule? With a new episode every Saturday instead of Netflix’s typical all-at-once strategy, this comedy-action anime, which is based on the manga by Yuto Suzuki, is an absolute delight to watch.
Jentry Chau vs the Underworld
Every kid discovers she has abilities and is destined to battle the forces of evil. You know the routine. However, unlike other adolescent girls, Jentry Chau (voiced by Ali Wong) has always been aware of the supernatural (her uncontrollable fire powers were a clear giveaway) and has avoided it her entire life. After being attacked in Seoul by a Jiangshi named Ed (Bowen Yang), Jentry, who was sent to study in Korea for her own safety, is enticed back into the mysterious realm. After her great-aunt brings her back to Texas, Jentry must endure the horrors of high school, culture shock, and the hurt of her own history in addition to the fearsome mogui Mr. Cheng, who plans to drain her soul and powers. With its roots in Asian mythology, Jutry Chau vs. the Underworld is one of Netflix’s newest animated series in years. It takes the Buffy the Vampire Slayer metaphor that “high school is hell” and adds a hint of Gravity Falls’ mystery.
Missing You
In the most recent Netflix adaptation of a Harlan Coben novel, British police officer Kat Donovan (Rosalind Eleazar) discovers her ex-fiance Josh (Ashley Walters) on a dating app, eleven years after he vanished, and gets entangled in a web of treachery and plot. Josh’s disappearance may be related to Kat’s father’s death, and a missing woman was last seen with him, so it is much more than just vicious ghosting. Absent This complex crime thriller is ideal for watching during the chilly winter months, even though you might feel a little padding at times—annoying considering there are just five episodes to start with.
Squid Game
Squid Game, a Korean production, combines Parasite and Hunger Games with a battleroyal-style competition. Hundreds of impoverished and desperate people are enlisted in a competition with the goal of winning enough cash to eliminate their debts forever. To win the ₩45.6 billion ($35.8 million) prize, kids simply need to finish all six of the kid-friendly games. It is not so easy, though; every game has a twist, and very few players survive.Although Squid Game is rough, dramatic, and frequently extremely graphic, it is also utterly captivating. After the show became a worldwide hit in 2021, fans eagerly awaited its second season. On December 26, the second season was eventually released.
Queer Eye
The Fab Five has reformed and is prepared to transform the lives of ten new heroes. Karamo, Tan, Antoni, Jonathan, and new host Jeremiah Brent—who replaced Bobby Berk as the show’s design whiz—help a retired showgirl rediscover her sparkle, plan a dream wedding for new parents, and, in perhaps their most bizarre case to date, teach a magic dragon to shed his scaly exterior in the ninth season of Queer Eye, which is set in Las Vegas. Really, no. Netflix’s most uplifting program.
No Good Deed
If you take Selling Sunset and give it a gory tragicomic twist, you are pretty much done. The eight-part series, which is a dark comedy by Liz Feldman, the creator of Dead to Me, begins with Lydia and Paul Morgan (Lisa Kudrow and Ray Romano) listing their beautiful home for sale. It then delves into darker territory as potential buyers make increasingly desperate attempts to purchase the house, nosy neighbors meddle, and the house’s gory past threatens to surface. Supported by a stellar cast that includes Luke Wilson, Denis Leary, Teyonah Parris, and Abbi Jacobson, this is a beautiful, humorous, and perhaps only slightly exaggerated look at the cruelty of the Los Angeles real estate market.
A Man on the Inside
Ted Danson plays Charles Nieuwendyk, a retired engineering professor who has lost all direction since his wife passed away, in Michael Schur’s most recent comedy series, A Man on the Inside (The Good Place, Parks and Recreation, Brooklyn Nine-Nine). However, Charles might discover an unexpected new lease on life when private investigator Julie Kovalenko (Lilah Richcreek Estrada) requires a man of his caliber to go undercover in a retirement community to look into claims of resident abuse—that is, assuming he can figure out how to use his smartphone. The show is equal parts heartbreaking, sad, and painfully funny—and it is based on a true story, too—and it reflects on end-of-life realities as much as it exaggerates Charles’ predicament.
Black Doves
The UK defense secretary’s wife, Helen Webb (Keira Knightley), has two kids and is dissatisfied with her idyllic existence. She is actually a spy for the mercenary group Black Doves, selling state secrets to the highest bidder, so it is a spectacular cover. Helen is desperate to learn who killed her actual love, Jason (Andrew Koji), and why, even though her quest for the truth puts her private and public lives in jeopardy. Helen’s obsession could have resulted in a grim, gritty thriller, but Black Doves defies the grim-dark trend by serving up a pulpy, colorful outing with enough heart to balance its violence. She is paired with assassin and old friend Sam (Ben Whishaw, in a very different spy role to his turn in the James Bond films) at the behest of stern operator Mrs. Reed (Sarah Lancashire). It is also a quick watch, with only six episodes and a second season already confirmed.
Arcane
Video game-based animated programs can range from low-budget cash-ins to passable but forgettable tie-ins that are only available to die-hard fans. However, Arcane stood out by making its integration with League of Legends from Riot Games practically optional. This steampunk tale of class conflict, civil unrest, and those caught in the middle is completely accessible, even though its main characters—the orphaned twins Vi and Jinx—can be played in the game. Released in three movie-length blocks of three episodes each, the second and final season intensifies the battle between the opposing factions while maintaining its primary focus on the strained relationship between sisters. Arcane is one of the best animated shows in recent years, as seen by its stunning impressionistic painting style, compelling characters, and often frightening story beats. It has won numerous accolades, including a Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Animated Program.
Cobra Kai
Decades after the famous altercation between Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence at the conclusion of the first Karate Kid film, Cobra Kai starts with a battered Johnny reopening the Cobra Kai karate dojo and discovering a new purpose after saving his young neighbor Miguel (Xolo Maridueña, Blue Beetle) from harm. As competing martial arts schools begin to spring up all over California, the stakes get higher—and, to be honest, more, wonderfully, ridiculous—over the course of six seasons. As everything prepares for a worldwide struggle for karate supremacy, alliances are formed and dissolved with startling regularity. With Ralph Macchio and William Zabka reprise their 1980s roles, the show is a tongue-in-cheek tribute to the classic action movies, but it is also a retro-styled thrill thanks to some really amazing fighting and stunt work.
Hellbound
What would you do if a supernatural being showed up and informed you the exact moment you were going to die? What if society as a whole was aware of these warnings from beyond, and this was not just a singular personal experience? The true hook of this visually beautiful South Korean horror series from Train to Busan director Yeon Sang-ho is the societal changes, not the huge smoke demons carrying predicted victims to hell. A world already on the verge of existential chaos is further rocked by the recently released second season, which goes beyond the first season’s exploration of intricate theological topics like the nature of sin and justice with a series of highly public resurrections.One of the most inventive horror series in recent memory is Hellbound.
The Diplomat
The Diplomat, a gripping geopolitical thriller enhanced by a terrific core performance by The Americans’ Keri Russell as Kate Wyler, recently appointed US ambassador to the UK, is the perfect fix for anyone with a West Wing-shaped vacuum in their life. A British aircraft carrier is attacked during Kate’s duty, which is far from a simple assignment in a friendly nation. She must manage her deteriorating “special relationship” with husband Hal (Rufus Sewell) while simultaneously defusing an international catastrophe. Following a truly explosive cliffhanger, the second season follows Kate as she becomes involved in a political plot and considers a promotion to vice president. The Diplomat has become one of Netflix’s biggest hits in recent years, and a third season is already in the works, despite some of the plot twists seeming slightly absurd.
Nobody Wants This
If you have heard this one before, stop us: A Rabbi and an agnostic sex podcaster enter a party. Okay, so that is not exactly a set-up for a joke, but rather for a witty romantic comedy—one that is based, in exaggerated form, on the experiences of its creator, Erin Foster. Even though modern dating gives Joanne (Kristen Bell, The Good Place) content for her increasingly popular podcast with her sister Morgan (Justine Lupe), she is skeptical and burned out on it. She is immediately attracted to young, attractive Noah (Adam Brody, The OC), but he has recently broken up with the archetypal Nice Jewish GirlTM that his family had intended him to marry. However, as the two navigate each other’s lives, the show demonstrates that it is more about examining what the seemingly mismatched couple are prepared to alter and give up in order to make their developing relationship work than it is about a cultural clash. Nobody Wants This is a romantic comedy that focuses on romance and features a lot of chemistry between its characters.
Heartstopper
With a new school year full of teen turmoil and poignant queer romance, one of Netflix’s most upbeat series is back. As Elle (Yasmin Finney) and Tao (William Gao) attempt to enjoy the ideal romantic summer before Elle begins art college, Charlie (Joe Locke) is ready to speak three little words to Nick (Kit Connor) for the first time in the eagerly anticipated third season.By maturing alongside its gifted young cast and providing them with more serious material to work with, Heartstopper’s return also sheds some of its earlier cloying tendencies. It tackles more mature themes of sex, eating disorders, and gender dysphoria without sacrificing the warmth and charm that initially drew viewers in. Everyone, regardless of sexual orientation, should watch the show that younger LGBTQ+ viewers need today and older viewers needed years ago.
Terminator Zero
The teaser for Terminator Zero may appear to be an animated replay of James Cameron’s previous two Terminator films, which is partially correct. Beyond the typical picture of cyborg cops gunning down innocent people and plucky resistance fighters fighting back against AI-driven extinction, this entry in the Terminator franchise is one of the sharpest in years. The first half of this eight-episode series follows computer engineer Malcolm Lee (voiced by André Holland in English; Yuuya Uchida in Japanese) and his children in 1997 Tokyo, who are targeted by Skynet’s murderbots from the future for their work developing Kokoro (Rosario Dawson/Atsumi Tanezaki), an intelligence system to rival Skynet that he somehow knows is set to bring about Judgment Day. With only human resistance soldier Eiko (Sonoya Mizuno/Toa Yukinari) able to protect them, there is plenty of kinetic, visceral action that the Terminator is famed for. The second half, on the other hand, goes far deeper, delving into the often-overlooked hard sci-fi aspects of the cosmos, such as time travel and paradoxes, as well as existentialist musings about the nature of consciousness. The best blend of intelligence and might since Terminator II.
Baby Reindeer
This dramatized—and highly contentious—retelling of Scottish comic Richard Gadd’s own real-life experiences is more than a bit unsettling since stalking is no laughing matter. Following Donny (Gadd, portraying a fictionalized version of himself) when he meets Martha (Jessica Gunning) at the pub where he works, Baby Reindeer is based on Gadd’s one-man stage piece of the same name. Donny’s empathetic gesture allows Martha, who claims to be a lawyer but cannot afford a drink, to invade his life and engage in increasingly dangerous and compulsive conduct. It is quite self-aware and honest at times—does Donny, and hence Gadd, somehow like his stalker’s attention? Are his sporadic displays of love and tenderness toward Martha beckoning her closer? Is he taking advantage of her, seeing her as an odd source of fodder for his comedic career? This Emmy-winning miniseries examines trauma and intimacy, shame and masculinity, and how society frequently silences abuse victims in seven fast-paced episodes that are more akin to a horror film.
The Boyfriend
The Boyfriend, Japan’s first same-sex dating show, opens with the daring and progressive remark, “Anyone can fall in love with anyone.” This phrase captures the country’s changing political landscape. The main idea is to see who will pair up by assigning nine unmarried guys to operate a coffee truck in a picturesque beach house for the summer, but the show is just as interested in examining the camaraderie that develops among the group as it is in examining the love relationships. The “challenges” are charmingly centered around revealing sentiments, and unlike Western dating shows, there are no scandals, dramatic turns, or betrayals. With the males candidly talking about their feelings and the nature of being homosexual in Japan, the softness of it all lends an almost calming effect. A really happy example of reality television.
Kleo
This German thriller might be the next best thing if you are itching for more Killing Eve. The show centers on Kleo (Jella Haase), a Stasi assassin who was imprisoned by her agency on false treason charges. It is set in the late 1980s and early 1990s. She wants to exact revenge on her former handlers after being freed with the collapse of the Berlin Wall, but West German investigator Sven (Dimitrij Schaad), who was the only person to witness her most recent murder, could have some insight. Even though Kleo is as violent and dark as you might anticipate considering the time period and the themes of betrayal and retribution, it is made lighter by its frequently bizarre sense of humor and a charming lead couple who chemistry is enhanced in the second season as Kleo’s search for her former allies becomes more intense and draws the attention of foreign spy services in the wake of the Cold War.
Sweet Home
Sweet Home, based on the Korean webcomic by Kim Carnby and Hwang Young-chan, offers a unique perspective on the end of the world. It envisions that individuals will transform into monstrous creatures, each one distinct and seeming to be based on their most primal human impulses, in place of pandemics, natural disasters, or even zombies. The first season is a masterwork of claustrophobic horror, with the residents of a remote, run-down apartment building—mostly suicidal teen Cha Hyun-su (Song Kang), former firefighter Seo Yi-kyung (Lee Si-young), and Pyeon Sang-wook (Lee Jin-wook), who may be a vicious gangster—fighting for their lives. The true nature of man and beast is examined in the second and third seasons, which also examine what is left of the outside world to determine whether humanity has any chance of surviving. Impressive effects work distinguishes this from the horror genre by combining prosthetics, computer-generated images, and even stop-motion animation for some unsettling juddering animals.
Star Trek Prodigy
Netflix continues to benefit from Paramount+’s loss as the streaming service’s licensing rescue of this fantastic Star Trek spin-off veers into its second season. Under the watchful eye of Star Trek Voyager’s Admiral Janeway (voiced by the venerable Kate Mulgrew), the ragtag crew—led by aspiring captain Dal R’El and supported by astrolinguist Gwyndala, engineer Jankom Pog, energy being Zero, scientist Rok-Tahk, and indestructible, gelatinous Murf—find themselves cast through time on the most perilous mission of their young lives after escaping a distant prison planet and becoming Starfleet cadets. Prodigy has enough for elder Trekkers to enjoy, especially with a cast of returning Star Trek icons voiced by their original actors, despite being geared toward younger audiences and meant as an introduction to the larger Trek universe and its ethics.Prodigy is one of the greatest Trek series in years, despite being a bit of a sleeper smash.
Supacell
Five Black Londoners awaken to bizarre superpowers one by one. Drug dealer Rodney (Calvin Demba) rushes at superspeed, wannabe gang boss Tazer (Josh Tedeku) becomes invisible, struggling parent Andre (Eric Kofi-Abrefa) gains superstrength, and nurse Sabrina (Nadine Mills) unleashes incredible telekinetic might. Perhaps the most important, though, is Michael (Tosin Cole, Doctor Who), who discovers he has three months to save his fiancée’s life after discovering he can travel through time and space. Unlike anything you will find in the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Supercell, a program about superpowers but not necessarily superheroes, was created by Andrew “Rapman” Onwubolu. Its amazing cast offers a far more realistic and human examination of now-familiar concepts. A more potent punch than an Asgardian god of thunder is also built up in the question of why—and how—only Black people appear to be getting powers. A clever, contemporary, and novel approach to the genre.
The Good Place
Eleanor (Kristen Bell) finds herself in “The Good Place,” a lovely community populated by the most deserving individuals in the world, following an unlikely and humiliating death. The sole issue? She should not be there. With the assistance of her designated soulmate, philosophy professor Chidi (William Jackson Harper), she attempts to change her behavior in the afterlife in an effort to avoid being banished to “The Bad Place.” The show is capacity to incorporate moral and philosophical principles into a sitcom style is just amazing, and the twist at the end of the first season is still among the best ever. The Good Place more than deserves its spot in TV history thanks to its great cast, which is completed by Ted Danson, D’Arcy Carden, Manny Jacinto, and Jameela Jamil.
Bridgerton
Bridgerton, which is set in Regency England, is still one of Netflix’s most-watched shows ever. It follows the wealthy Bridgerton family as they deal with marriage, love, and scandal, the majority of which is sparked by the anonymous Lady Whistledown’s gossip columns. Based on a series of Julia Quinn novels, this highly binge-worthy and surprisingly entertaining television series was developed for the screen by Chris Van Dusen and executive produced by Shonda Rhimes. Each season of the show focuses on a different branch of the Bridgerton tree. The third and most recent season centers on the simmering romance between wallflower Penelope Featherington (Nicola Coughlan) and Colin Bridgerton (Luke Newton), which has been simmering since the first episode and has the potential to reveal significant truths.
Bodkin
He believes he is going to solve a decades-old missing-persons cold case when American podcaster Gilbert Power (Will Forte) and his eager assistant Emmy Sizergh (Robyn Cara) arrive in the sleepy Irish town of Bodkin, reluctantly assisted by investigative journalist Dove Maloney (a brilliantly acerbic Siobhán Cullen, who swears at everyone who looks her way). He discovers a community that is completely uninterested in his research and even less so in his efforts to “connect” with his Irish heritage. Power soon discovers that the peculiar conduct of the villagers is becoming clichéd, even performative, and that the cold case might not be as cold as it seems.Give Bodkin at least two episodes before dismissing it as not for you because it starts off slowly, but as this darkly humorous mystery series gets underway, you will probably be as engrossed as you would be in your favorite true crime podcast. (Just avoid getting inspired and attempting to solve any cold cases on your own.)
3 Body Problem
At the height of the Cultural Revolution in China in the 1960s, Wenjie Ye, a talented student, watches as her father, a physicist, is tortured to death for his research before being hired for a covert project that depends on the same information. By the present day, physics has been disrupted: Around the world, particle accelerators are producing data that is difficult to view, and scientists are being tormented by countdowns that only they can see. Strange virtual reality headsets, meanwhile, seem to be taking users to a completely different reality, and humanity’s survival might depend on there never being a “game over.”Chinese novelist Cixin Liu’s critically acclaimed hard sci-fi trilogy of first encounter and impending interplanetary conflict is reimagined as a more global affair by Game of Thrones creators D. B. Weiss and David Benioff, as well as True Blood executive producer Alexander Woo. Netflix’s 3 Body Problem, which is incredibly ambitious and has an international cast that includes Benedict Wong, Rosalind Chao, Eiza González, and former GOT star John Bradley, is the first shot of an incredibly intricate and comprehensive story.
Ripley
Patricia Highsmith’s seasoned criminal Tom Ripley, who is most famous now from the 1999 film The Talented Mr. Ripley starring Matt Damon, has a longer, darker history in both print and film. Creator Steven Zaillian returns to Highsmith’s original text for this limited series, portraying Ridley (a never-more-sinister Andrew Scott of All of Us Strangers) as a struggling con artist in 1950s New York who is enlisted by a wealthy shipbuilder to go to Italy and convince the businessman’s pampered son Dickie Greenleaf (Johnny Flynn) to come home. However, after arriving in Italy, Ripley becomes smitten with Dickie’s extravagant way of life and would stop at nothing to have it for himself. This is a strong contender for the best adaptation of Highsmith’s books to date, and it was shot in black and white to highlight its noir credentials.
Girls5eva
Netflix has reunited for this witty sitcom from creator Meredith Scardino, saving it from Peacock after two seasons. After their one big song gets sampled by well-known rapper Li’l Stinker (Jeremiah Craft), the female quintet Girls5Eva—Dawn (Sara Bareilles), Gloria (Paula Pell), Summer (Busy Philipps), and Wickie (Renée Elise Goldsberry)—find themselves back in demand twenty years after they broke up. Even though their lives have taken them in such different paths, the women take advantage of their renewed fame as a chance to get back together and attempt to regain the fame, respect, and musical integrity they were never able to have as young people. Girls5eva is a comedy that merits its time in the spotlight because it parodies the ridiculousness of the late 1990s/early 2000s pop scene—and how little has changed since—and is occasionally elevated to an almost surrealist edge.
Avatar: The Last Airbender
The story of Aang (Gordon Cormier), the newest in a long line of avatars with the ability to control the four cardinal elements, is brought to life by a gifted young cast. However, he is stuck in time for a century when his world most needs him. The unrelenting Prince Zuko (Dallas Liu), heir to the imperialist Fire Nation that has taken over the world, is pursuing him as he continues his training as the Avatar in an effort to restore equilibrium after being roused by new companions Katara (Kiawentiio) and Sokka (Ian Ousley). Though the original animated version, which is also available on Netflix, is still better, the live-action Avatar remake on Netflix adds scale and spectacle without sacrificing the core elements of the beloved series. Viewers may anticipate the entire story without having to worry about Netflix canceling, as it has already been guaranteed for two more seasons.
The Legend of Korra
This follow-up to the first series is definitely worth your time if you are still not convinced about the live-action Avatar. The Legend of Korra, which is set 70 years after the animated film Avatar: The Last Airbender, examines how Aang’s world has changed following many years of mostly calm conditions. Korra, the new Avatar, finds herself and her new friends Mako and Bolin entangled in the escalating conflict between element benders and the Equalist movement, which maintains that the weak are a subjugated group, when she relocates to Republic City to finish her training under the guidance of Tenzin, Aang’s son, who is now a parent. Over the course of its four seasons, The Legend of Korra demonstrates that it is a very different beast from its predecessor, delving deeper—and frequently darker—into social prejudices and political themes, while also extending the universe’s more fantastical elements and illuminating the first Avatar’s origins. The show Korra, which is even more brilliantly animated and has a distinct aesthetic inspired by the 1920s, grew up with its viewers and is stronger as a result.
Beef
Have you ever been stopped in traffic? Have you ever experienced that on a really difficult day? Have you ever wished to take the easy route, find the offender, and hold them accountable?Beef is the show for you once you have taken a few deep breaths. Following wealthy Amy (Ali Wong) and struggling Danny (Steven Yeun) as they turn a road rage confrontation into a vengeance-fueled desire to eliminate the other, it is a pressure valve for every small gripe you have ever experienced. However, Beef is more than just a revenge thriller set in a city; it is a scathing examination of how depressing contemporary life can be, especially in its Los Angeles setting, where opulent affluence collides with unavoidable poverty and it seems like nobody is genuinely happy. As demonstrated by its increasing number of accolades, which include the Golden Globe for Best Limited Series, Beef is a cathartic binge-watch that obviously resonates despite being a poor model of dispute resolution. It is a combination of drama and therapy.
Loudermilk
All three seasons of this depressing comedy are now accessible on Netflix. It was a surprise hit for years, with the first two seasons debuting on AT&T’s now-defunct premium TV channel Audience in 2017 and the third season debuting on Amazon. The character played by Ron Livingston is Sam Loudermilk, a recovering alcoholic and former music critic who is almost pathologically unable to control his temper when confronted with life’s minor annoyances. He may not be the best person to guide others through addiction support groups because of his personality type. Although the main character is purposefully unlikeable and there are some sad moments, this is somewhat of an acerbic anti-Frasier thanks to clever writing and better performances.
Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Even if Scott Pilgrim Takes Off had been a simple retelling of its title character’s struggles against lover Ramona Flowers’ seven evil ex-boyfriends, it would have been cult classic material. It was adapted from the popular graphic novel series by Bryan Lee O’Malley, animated by one of Japan’s most exciting and dynamic studios, and voiced by the entire returning cast of director Edgar Wright’s 2010 live-action adaptation. Nevertheless, Westworld manages to include shocking turns from the first episode, creating a show that is as innovative and thrilling as ever in a world full of surprises. Just watch; to say anything else would ruin it.
Pluto
Do you believe you know Astro Boy? Rethink your thought. For his manga Pluto, original creator Osamu Tezuka’s very famous “The Greatest Robot on Earth” story arc was reworked in 2003 by Naoki Urasawa (Monster, 20th Century Boys), who chose a more mature approach. As he looks into a string of killings of both humans and robots, each victim left with homemade horns jammed into their heads, the attention moves from the valiant kid robot to grizzled mechanical investigator Gesicht. While still coping with the trauma of the 39th Central Asian War, Atom (Astro’s Japanese name) is recast as a former peace ambassador, essentially a propaganda instrument used at the conclusion of the conflict. In addition to being an accurate rendition of Urasawa’s retelling, this translation is incredibly well-animated, surpassing the quality of Netflix’s original anime productions. This is a tribute to the respective brilliance of Tezuka and Urasawa, and with eight episodes, each lasting almost an hour, it is as distinguished as any live-action thriller the streamer has created.
Blue Eye Samurai
Japan imposed its “sakoku” isolationist foreign policy in the 17th century, so cutting itself off from the outside world. Since there were not many foreigners in the country, Mizu (voiced by Maya Erskine) is marked as an alien and less than human when she is born with blue eyes, nine months after her mother was beaten by one of the four white men living there. Knowing that the only way to ensure her retribution is to murder all four of those men, Mizu pursues them years later after being trained by a blind sword master and now posing as a man. One of Netflix’s top adult-only animated shows, Blue Eye Samurai is superbly animated, which heightens the graphic nature of its unapologetic brutality, and features an amazing voice cast supported by George Takei, Brenda Song, Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, and Kenneth Branagh.
Pending Train
Rent one of Japan’s greatest science fiction dramas in a long time on Netflix. Additionally, Netflix did almost nothing to advertise it—not even making a trailer with English subtitles.This is where WIRED comes in—Pending Train is a show that you should not miss on Netflix. The initial concern of the diverse occupants in a train carriage that is unexplainably transferred into a post-apocalyptic future is simply survival. As they explore their new surroundings and fight with residents of another stranded train car over limited resources, one group—which includes teacher Sae, firefighter Yuto, and hairdresser Naoya—begins to realize that there might be a reason they were sent back in time: an opportunity to stop the catastrophe that destroyed the world. With its tighter pacing and showrunners who genuinely know where they want the plot to go, Pending Train is a dramatic, 10-episode trip that gives a Japanese take on Lost.
One Piece
Give yourself a point for perseverance: With its live-action rendition of the worldwide hit One Piece, Netflix finally hits gold after a string of anime adaptations that range from “terrible” to “not too bad.” A magical world where people wield extraordinary powers and search for a mythical treasure in an Age of Piracy is brought to life nearly exactly from the page, despite the fears of fans. It brilliantly portrays the charm, optimism, and wonderful weirdness of Eiichiro Oda’s popular manga. Monkey D. Luffy, the would-be King of the Pirates, is portrayed by the superbly cast Iñaki Godoy, who brings an almost elastic innate physicality to the role that brilliantly matches the character’s rubber-based stretching powers. The crew Luffy gathers throughout this first season, including swordsmaster Roronoa Zoro (Mackenyu), navigator and skilled thief Nami (Emily Rudd), sharpshooter Usopp (Jacob Romero Gibson), and martial artist chef Sanji (Taz Skylar), all do a fantastic job portraying their roles. Although a lot could have gone wrong in making One Piece a reality, the journey is worthwhile.
The Chosen One
Drawing inspiration from Mark Millar’s (Kick-Ass, Kingsman) and Peter Gross’s (Lucifer) comic American Jesus, The Chosen One centers on 12-year-old Jodie (Bobby Luhnow), who is brought up in Mexico by his mother Sarah (Dianna Agron). The little child would prefer to spend time with his pals, but when he begins to display remarkable abilities and draws the attention of evil forces, his life—and possibly the world—changes irrevocably. The choice to shoot on film and in a 4:3 aspect ratio makes this a visual delight that is unlike nearly everything else on the streamer right now, even though it could have been just another formulaic addition to Netflix’s vast library of supernatural teen dramas (the Stranger Things vibe is especially strong). For a better viewing experience, stick to the original Spanish with English subtitles, even though there is an English dub. (Interestingly, there is another Netflix series with the same title, a 2019 Brazilian series that follows three relief doctors in a village run by a cult leader. Do not be confused, though; it is worth watching.)
Alice in Borderland
After being inexplicably transported to a deserted Tokyo, slacker Ryohei Arisu (Kento Yamazaki) uses his keen gaming abilities to his advantage as he navigates a series of deadly games that test his intelligence just as much as his physical prowess. However, after barely surviving a few rounds, Arisu is still no closer to learning the truth about this peculiar borderland or figuring out how to get home, and the stakes are just going to become higher. In addition to having to endure yet another round of cruel games, Arisu and his friends Usagi (Tao Tsuchiya), Kuina (Aya Asahina), and Chishiya (Nijiro Murakami) are also torn between competing card suit “courts” fighting for control—and not all of them can be trusted. The first season of this captivating adaptation of Haro Aso’s manga kept viewers on edge the entire time because of its willingness to abruptly kill off key characters. You can anticipate more unexpected events in this suspenseful thriller as the much anticipated second season delves deeper into its twisted Alice in Wonderland imagery.
Russian Doll
Time continues breaking around Nadia in Russian Doll, which is one of her biggest problems. In the first season, Natasha Lyonne, who co-created the show, plays Nadia, who dies at her own birthday party and keeps waking up there, stuck in a Groundhog Day-style cycle until she can untangle her unique knot in the space-time continuum. In season two, Nadia travels back in time to 1982 and takes on the body of her own mother, who is currently heavily pregnant with Nadia. Things only get stranger from there. Thought-provoking and humorous, both seasons explore generational and personal trauma without overstretching the opportunity for philosophical reflection.
Lupin
French novelist Maurice Leblanc’s early 1900s belle epoque burglar Arsène Lupin is reimagined as Assane Diop, a first-generation Frenchman who has a passion for Lupin novels and a resentment of the powerful people who falsely accused his father of stealing something decades ago and sentenced him to prison. Diop uses conventional tools of the profession, such as picklocks, fake beards, and quick wits, along with drones, social media bots, and hacking abilities to track down his enemies and uncover the truth about his father’s death. Diop also spends his free time trying to mend a failing marriage and improve his relationship with his son. The dialogue, character growth, and the captivating portrayal of Assane by Omar Sy make this five-episode series worth seeing in the French original. Although the actual adventures and bold thefts are expertly staged, many of the details—such as how a particular piece of legerdemain operated or how an impenetrable building was infiltrated—are left up to the viewer’s imagination.
Why These Netflix Shows Deserve a Spot on Your Watchlist
Netflix has once again proven its dominance in the streaming world with a diverse lineup of shows that cater to audiences across the globe. In February 2025, Netflix presents an array of eagerly awaited sequels, innovative adaptations, and original series, demonstrating its unwavering dedication to expanding the frontiers of storytelling. Whether you’re a fan of heart-pounding thrillers, thought-provoking dramas, laugh-out-loud comedies, or visually stunning animations, there’s something in Netflix’s repertoire for you.
1. A Genre for Every Mood
Netflix’s offerings this month are as varied as they are engaging. Shows like Alice in Borderland and Black Doves offer thrilling experiences for fans of intense action and suspense. Meanwhile, those seeking emotional depth and character-driven narratives will find solace in titles like Heartstopper and Beef, which explore themes of love, identity, and personal growth. Comedy lovers aren’t left out either, with Girls5eva delivering a sharp and humorous take on fame and friendship.
2. Global Storytelling at Its Finest
Netflix’s commitment to global storytelling is evident in its lineup. The platform continues to embrace content from diverse cultures, offering shows like Pending Train and Sweet Home, which bring unique perspectives from Japan and South Korea, respectively. These series not only entertain but also provide a window into different cultural narratives, making them an enriching experience for viewers.
3. Why You Should Watch Now
What sets this month’s collection apart is its ability to blend entertainment with meaningful themes. Titles like 3 Body Problem and Arcane delve into complex issues such as interstellar politics and societal divides, elevating the viewer’s experience beyond mere escapism. Meanwhile, visually stunning entries like Blue Eye Samurai and Avatar: The Last Airbender offer cinematic-quality storytelling that’s hard to match.
4. Stay Ahead of the Curve
As binge-worthy as these shows are, they’re also cultural touchstones. Series like Squid Game and Lupin have sparked global conversations, making them essential viewing for staying in tune with pop culture. Watching these series not only provides top-tier entertainment but also ensures you’re part of the larger narrative discussions happening online and beyond.
Share the Fun
Netflix’s latest lineup isn’t just for solo viewing; it’s perfect for sharing. These shows serve as excellent conversation starters, whether you’re hosting a watch party with friends or engaging in social media discussions. Bookmark this guide, recommend it to friends, and enjoy the shared experience of discovering your next favorite series together.
