50 Top Netflix Shows & Movies | Netflix Shows to Stream Now | Marie Claire (US)

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By Kayleigh Roberts , Amanda Mitchell 2020-04-17T05:41:38Z

You know that feeling when a friend asks you to hang out and you're like "Sorry, busy," but you're actually secretly at home curled up in bed with Netflix? Yeah, it's a great feeling. Plus, since a lot of people have been at home chilling lately, it doesn't even have to be a secret! And it's about to get even better: We've sorted through all the so-so shows on the streaming service (it's a behemoth) to find the absolute best ones worthy of your valuable bingeing time. This has everything: Shows that have been off the air for a long time but aged really well. Shows that have a season or two under their belt and—lucky for you—have more coming. Classic shows that you missed and need to watch ASAP, so now's your chance. Congratulations on your forthcoming great weekend.

1/49

'The Office'

'The Office'

Here's another classic sitcom that's perfect fuel for a day-long Netflix binge. Vicariously experiencing life at Dunder Mifflin can make any day better.

2/49

The IT Crowd

The IT Crowd

In addition to claassic, amazing American sitcoms, Netflix also has classic, amazing British sitcoms—including all five series of The IT Crowd.

3/49

'Breaking Bad'

'Breaking Bad'

If you decide to start a Breaking Bad binge, make sure you have a few free days and nothing to important to do because this is one of those shows you'll want to call in sick to work to keep watching.

4/49

'Billy on the Street'

'Billy on the Street'

After the (almost) unbearable darkness of a show like Breaking Bad, you might be looking for something lighter. Something louder. Something like Billy on the Street, which has four full seasons on Netflix.

5/49

'Sex Education'

'Sex Education'

Otis is your average awkward teen—whose mom (Gillian Anderson, amazing) just so happens to be an out-there sex therapist. Then, Otis is convinced to start a sex-therapy clinic for his own school. Hilarity, frank sex talk, and sweetness are the result.

6/49

'Better Call Saul'

'Better Call Saul'

On the subject of Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul is just as good (honestly, it might even be better, according to some critics). We're still figuring out how Jimmy's journey to becoming Walter White's lawyer "Saul." But getting there is so interesting, and slightly less bloody.

7/49

'Outlander'

'Outlander'

This fantasy romance/historical drama isn't just about the sex (although there's plenty, and it's great). It's also about twisty time travel, and two people brought together—and torn apart—through history.

8/49

'The Witcher'

'The Witcher'

Magic shenanigans! Monsters and fight scenes! Henry Cavill in a blonde wig! This series, based on a best-selling book series, was a surprise hit. People love it, so it's time to see what the fuss is about.

9/49

'Good Girls'

'Good Girls'

Ugh, this series. MC editors have some major love for these so-called "good girls" who turn to crime as a way to make ends meet. Shit goes down, but we're rooting for them all the way.

10/49

'Adam Ruins Everything'

'Adam Ruins Everything'

Is bingeing TV really bad for you if you learn something along the way? Adam Ruins Everything is hilarious and educational, so it's a binge you can feel good (or at least okay) about.

11/49

'American Vandal'

'American Vandal'

Do you love true crime? Do you also love spot-on satire? Then you have to watch American Vandal, which perfectly pokes fun at true crime phenomenons like Serial.

12/49

'Criminal Minds'

'Criminal Minds'

There's a reason so many cable channels run all day marathons of procedural dramas: Because they make for great binge content. Netflix has 12 seasons of Criminal Minds, about a team who catches serial killers, terrorists, and other, well criminal masterminds.

13/49

'The L Word'

'The L Word'

Netflix isn't just home to network hits and original programming—it has some old school prestige series hiding in its catalog too—like all six seasons of Showtime's The L Word, for example.

14/49

'The Magicians'

'The Magicians'

Grown-up Harry Potter vibes? Yes, please. Netflix has the Syfy drama on tap to binge away right now.

15/49

'The 100'

'The 100'

If you're in the mood for a Lost-esque mystery/sci-fi/thriller, The 100 is the dystopian getaway you need to binge.

16/49

'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina'

'Chilling Adventures of Sabrina'

Netflix's answer to the Riverdale craze. Chilling Adventures of Sabrina is another dark and twisty take on a wholesome classic from the Archieverse. It's nothing like the '90s sitcom.

17/49

'The Crown'

'The Crown'

This historical drama tells the story of Queen Elizabeth II's life. We have...a lot of thoughts on season three.

18/49

'Stranger Things'

'Stranger Things'

This award-wianning show is perfect if you're looking for something that's both creepy and mysterious. And good news: Season 2 is almost as good as its predecessor.

19/49

'Riverdale'

'Riverdale'

Speaking of mysterious, if high school noir is your thing, this dark take on Archie comics is a must-see. Read our interview with star Madelaine Petsch here.

20/49

'Friends from College'

'Friends from College'

If you're more in the mood for comedy, Friends from College starring Keegan-Michael Key and Cobie Smulders, about a group of 40-somethings who, you guessed it, went to college together is a solid pick.

21/49

'Marvel's Jessica Jones'

'Marvel's Jessica Jones'

Jessica Jones is proof that the world needs more female-driven superhero stories.

22/49

'GLOW'

'GLOW'

Netflix knows how to do strong women and GLOW, a fictionalized story about the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling circuit in the 1980s, is teeming with them. Read our interview with Alison Brie here.

23/49

'Dear White People'

'Dear White People'

This satirical series follows students of color who attend a predominantly-white Ivy League college.

24/49

'Grace and Frankie'

'Grace and Frankie'

Grab a bottle of wine and your best friend/favorite female relative for a binge of this hilarious comedy starring Jane Fonda and Lily Tomlin (we are not worthy).

25/49

'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'

'Crazy Ex-Girlfriend'

Rachel Bloom's musical comedy tackles mental health and relationships of all kinds in a way no other show is doing right now. Bold, brilliant, blissfully funny.

26/49

'Parks and Recreation'

'Parks and Recreation'

If you're looking for hours of pure laughs, the entire seven-season run of Parks and Recreation is available to stream. Watched it in real-time already? That's no excuse. The misadventures of the people of Pawnee hold up just fine.

27/49

'Shameless'

'Shameless'

Don't have Showtime? Nbd. It's available on Netflix, and trust, the dysfunctional family dramedy will suck you in.

28/49

'Arrested Development'

'Arrested Development'

This ground-breaking comedy gets bonus points for paving the way for Netflix to revive beloved canceled series.

29/49

'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'

'Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt'

If you're a fan of Tina Fey's irreverent brand of comedy, Kimmy Schmidt will satisfy.

30/49

'Grey's Anatomy'

'Grey's Anatomy'

Grey's Anatomy is still going strong with no end in sight, and now you can relive the early drama (and weep over characters you wish were still in Seattle) on Netflix. Perfect if you need to kill several weeks of time.

31/49

'Gilmore Girls'

'Gilmore Girls'

Nothing checks the feel-good box quite like Gilmore Girls. It's a perfect winter binge because hot cocoa or coffee only make the viewing experience better.

32/49

'How to Get Away With Murder'

'How to Get Away With Murder'

Drama, mystery, intrigue, an amazingly-talented cast—How to Get Away With Murder has everything you need in a crime show.

33/49

'Gossip Girl'

'Gossip Girl'

Relive the early aughts glamour of Gossip Girl. XOXO. (P.S. Read our exclusive interview with the show's costume designer here.)

34/49

'Supernatural'

'Supernatural'

The CW will probably never stop renewing this show, which means your binge can go on forever.

35/49

'The Good Place'

'The Good Place'

The Good Place is one of the smartest shows on TV and if you're not watching it, you're missing out. Luckily, Season 1 is available to binge on Netflix.

36/49

'The West Wing'

'The West Wing'

If real life politics are bumming you out, indulge in a much less depressing, fictional version of the White House.

37/49

'Jane the Virgin'

'Jane the Virgin'

This quirky telenovela is captivating, so be sure to block out plenty of time for the binge.

38/49

'Sherlock'

'Sherlock'

The BBC's modern-day take on Sherlock Holmes will help you finally see why the internet is so obsessed with Benedict Cumberbatch.

39/49

'Alias Grace'

'Alias Grace'

If you loved The Handmaid's Tale, add Alias Grace (also based on a Margaret Atwood novel) to your queue immediately.

40/49

'Black Mirror'

'Black Mirror'

Warning: This anthology series about the horrors of technology will make you want to lock your phone in a drawer.

41/49

'Bojack Horseman'

'Bojack Horseman'

This critically-acclaimed animated series will manage to make you laugh hysterically and break your heart at the same time. It's one of the most poignant depictions of depression and mental illness on television...while also being a comedy about a talking horse.

42/49

'Chewing Gum'

'Chewing Gum'

British comedy Chewing Gum follows Tracey, a religious but curious virgin, who wants to know everything she can about sex and the ways of the world, but her naïveté sometimes gets in the way.

43/49

'The Great British Baking Show'

'The Great British Baking Show'

The U.K. hit has made its way stateside, with Netflix streaming every season. It's endlessly charming, as sweet as the items being baked, and is perfect for an easy Sunday binge. Just be careful of soggy bottoms!

44/49

'Queer Eye'

'Queer Eye'

The reboot of the show of a similar name, this edition will have you deep in your feelings. They're not just 'for the straight guy' anymore–they're making over men, women, anyone who needs their help. The Fab Five truly get close to the people they're mentoring, and it's touching.

45/49

'Schitt's Creek'

'Schitt's Creek'

This Canadian series about a family who lost everything and had no choice but to move to the tiny town they purchased as a joke is slowly reaching cult status. Get on board now.

46/49

'She's Gotta Have It'

'She's Gotta Have It'

Legendary filmmaker Spike Lee returns to his first feature film and adapts it for television. Nola Darling is trying to juggle everything: her art career, her friends, and her three boyfriends, as the world struggles with letting her be who she is.

47/49

'Nailed It!'

'Nailed It!'

Have you ever looked at a project on Pinterest and thought, "I can do that?" Welp, Nailed It! is here to burst your artistic bubble. It's the anti-baking show, where failure is expected, encouraged, and rewarded.

48/49

'Big Mouth'

'Big Mouth'

Big Mouth is an animated comedy about puberty that's definitely not kid-friendly. Want to relive the nightmare that is your teen years, but not have to deal with your own embarrassing woes? Big Mouth might make some of those embarrassing moments seem not so bad.

49/49

'Dancing Queen'

'Dancing Queen'

Justin Johnson (or Alyssa Edwards, the drag persona he's more famously known as) stars in this docuseries about his life as a drag queen, his family, and his career as a choreographer and dance coach in his hometown of Mesquite, Texas.

Kayleigh Roberts

Kayleigh Roberts

Kayleigh Roberts is the weekend editor at Marie Claire, covering celebrity and entertainment news, from actual royals like Kate Middleton and Meghan Markle to Hollywood royalty, like Katie Holmes and Chrissy Teigen. She’s a Ravenclaw who would do great things in Slytherin. To learn more about her, google “Leslie Knope eating salad GIF.