The 22 best thriller series on Netflix (February 2026)

11.22.63 (2016)

Stephen King adaptations tend to be hit or miss, but this eight-part limited series is among the better ones. James Franco stars as Jake Epping, a modern-day English teacher who travels back to 1960 via portal, with a mission of stopping the assassination of President John F. Kennedy in 1963. While facing the immense pressure of every action he takes threatening to change the course of history, Jake’s mission is nonetheless complicated when he finds himself liking the new identity he’s forged. Through suspenseful storytelling and committed performances, the series treats what could have felt like a goofy story with earnest, thoughtful care. —Kevin Jacobsen

Where to watch 11.22.63: Netflix

Cast: James Franco, Chris Cooper, Sarah Gadon, Lucy Fry, George MacKay

Black Doves (2024–present)

This pulpy spy thriller series goes down best if you don’t think too hard about the plausibility of its plot. Keira Knightley stars as Helen Webb, the wife of the Secretary of State for Defence, who is also a spy covertly working for a mercenary group known as the Black Doves. After her secret lover is murdered, Helen goes down a dangerous path to investigate the culprit and teams up with her hitman friend Sam (Ben Whishaw) to find answers. EW’s critic calls Black Doves „a remarkably fresh, exciting, and laugh-out-loud funny caper,“ buoyed by complex performances from Knightley and Whishaw, plus a scene-stealing Sarah Lancashire as Helen’s enigmatic handler. —K.J.

Where to watch Black Doves: Netflix

EW grade: A–

Cast: Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, Sarah Lancashire

Black Rabbit (2025)

Family is everything. It can also complicate things in ways you can’t even imagine, as explored in this gritty miniseries from Kate Susman and Oscar-nominated screenwriter Zach Baylin. Jude Law stars as Jake, the owner of an upscale restaurant whose life is turned upside down upon the reemergence of his troubled brother, Vince (Jason Bateman). Vince is in trouble with loan sharks, and Jake feels obligated to help him settle his debts, leading to a chaotic series of events. EW’s critic calls Black Rabbit a „propulsive crime caper about the burden of family history.“ —K.J.

Where to watch Black Rabbit: Netflix

Cast: Jude Law, Jason Bateman, Cleopatra Coleman, Sope Dirisu, Troy Kotsur

The Blacklist (2013–2023)

The Blacklist is thrilling for James Spader’s performance alone. The series begins with criminal mastermind Raymond „Red“ Reddington (Spader) turning himself in to the FBI and offering information about his shady cohorts, but only if he can work with a specific profiler, Elizabeth „Liz“ Keen (Megan Boone). With 10 seasons of twists and turns, The Blacklist evolves far beyond the question of why Red is so interested in Liz and remains binge-worthy all the way through (even if the plot is a tad bit ridiculous at times). —Janey Tracey

Where to watch The Blacklist: Netflix

Cast: James Spader, Megan Boone, Diego Klattenhoff

Bodyguard (2018)

A sleeper hit that became the U.K.’s most-watched drama on record, Bodyguard stars Richard Madden as a war veteran with PTSD assigned to protect a high-profile politician with controversial views. Madden’s performance won him a Golden Globe, and the nerve-shredding action sequences make it a supremely thrilling watch. EW’s writer praises the portrayal of women in positions of power and the „what-the-heck-is-even-happening moments“ that keep you clicking „next episode.“ —J.T.

Where to watch Bodyguard: Netflix

Cast: Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, Sophie Rundle

Breaking Bad (2008–2013)

Widely considered one of the best TV series of all time, Breaking Bad charts the rise and fall of Walter White, a down-on-his-luck chemistry teacher who is diagnosed with terminal cancer and starts manufacturing meth to provide for his pregnant wife and teenage son. Bryan Cranston delivers a career-defining performance, and Walt’s transformation from family man to ruthless drug lord is one of the most gripping arcs in television history. 

The series’ success led to a prequel spinoff centered on fan-favorite character Saul Goodman, as well as a movie sequel in which Aaron Paul reprises his role as Walt’s troubled yet empathetic young accomplice, Jesse. —J.T.

Where to watch Breaking Bad: Netflix

Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn, Dean Norris, Bob Odenkirk

Dark (2017–2020)

This German thriller starts with the disappearance of two children from a small town, but it quickly morphs into a labyrinthine tale of time travel and interconnected families across generations. The series’ non-linear narrative and intricate puzzles demand your full attention — this is not the kind of show you can watch while doing your laundry — but it’s worth it, as the unfolding mystery explores heady concepts like parallel worlds, timeline paradoxes, and the idea that the past, present, and future are all inextricably linked. —J.T.

Where to watch Dark: Netflix

Cast: Louis Hofmann, Oliver Masucci, Karoline Eichhorn

Dept. Q (2025–present)

The sins of the past intersect in both the personal and professional life of Deputy Chief Inspector Carl Morck (Matthew Goode) in this moody psychological crime thriller. Following a shooting incident, Morck returns to the force, where the department chief assigns him the responsibility of solving the city’s many cold cases. The thrills of Dept. Q are more of a slow, building suspense but no less satisfying, with an eye for character development as Morck adjusts to his new reality and grapples with various traumas. —K.J.

Where to watch Dept. Q: Netflix

EW grade: A–

Cast: Matthew Goode, Kelly Macdonald, Chloe Pirrie, Alexej Manvelov, Leah Byrne

The Diplomat (2023–present)

Keri Russell casting and marital strife are always a good mix. On The Diplomat, Russell gives a standout, Emmy-nominated performance as Kate Wyler, a newly appointed U.S. ambassador navigating geopolitical conflicts while struggling to keep her tumultuous marriage intact. While not nearly as serious as The Americans, the show’s blend of international affairs, witty dialogue, and relationship drama is a fresh and engaging take on the political thriller genre. —J.T.

Where to watch The Diplomat: Netflix

Cast: Keri Russell, Rufus Sewell, David Gyasi

Homeland (2011–2020)

This gripping political thriller may go in some wild directions during its eight seasons, but the ride is worth it nonetheless. Claire Danes stars as Carrie Mathison, a brilliant CIA officer living with bipolar disorder who develops a fixation on a Marine Corps veteran she believes has been recruited by al-Qaeda. „At the center of Homeland’s appeal is the fact that it is at once timely and escapist,“ writes EW’s critic. „The series takes seriously the notion that America is still very much a terrorism target, that the killing of Osama bin Laden may have driven our enemies both deeper underground and into a deeper rage.“ —K.J.

Where to watch Homeland: Hulu

EW grade: A–

Cast: Claire Danes, Damian Lewis, Mandy Patinkin, Morena Baccarin, David Harewood

House of Cards (2013–2018)

Netflix’s first critical juggernaut, House of Cards follows Frank Underwood (Kevin Spacey), a ruthless politician who manipulates, blackmails, and betrays his way to the top with the help of his wife, the Lady Macbeth-esque Claire (Robin Wright). The first few seasons juxtapose his power struggles in government with the complex dynamics in his marriage, but after Spacey’s departure, Wright takes center stage, transforming the show into a story about her character’s ascent to power (as it should be). —J.T.

Where to watch House of Cards: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Cast: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright, Kate Mara, Corey Stoll, Mahershala Ali

Killing Eve (2018–2022)

Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer give powerhouse performances in this game of cat and mouse between MI5 agent Eve Polastri (Oh) and the charismatic assassin Villanelle (Comer). Known for its razor-sharp dialogue from writer Phoebe Waller-Bridge, and for Villanelle’s fabulous wardrobe, Killing Eve was a cultural moment, especially in its first season. The thriller series had a famously divisive ending, but we’ll always have Comer’s iconic Villanelle and her fluffy pink dress. —J.T.

Where to watch Killing Eve: Netflix

EW grade: B

Cast: Sandra Oh, Jodie Comer, Fiona Shaw

Mindhunter (2017–2019)

Set in the late-1970s, Mindhunter follows FBI agents Holden Ford (Jonathan Groff) and Bill Tench (Holt McCallany) as they develop the first criminal profiling system by interviewing notorious serial killers. With each unsettling session, the agents gain deeper insights into the criminal mind — and the job starts taking a greater toll on their own psyches. In addition to David Fincher’s stylish direction, Mindhunter stands out for its chilling performances, especially Cameron Britton as Ed Kemper and Damon Herriman as Charles Manson, whom the latter also played in Once Upon a Time in Hollywood. —J.T.

Where to watch Mindhunter: Netflix

Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv

Money Heist (2017–2021)

The tricky thriller Money Heist follows a group of criminals, led by the enigmatic „Professor,“ as they carry out meticulously planned heists at the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain. Initially a two-part limited series, its popularity on Netflix led to multiple renewals, ending with a fifth season in 2021 and inspiring a South Korean adaptation and a spinoff, Berlin. By the time the final season aired, Money Heist was the top streaming TV show in the world, solidifying its status as a cultural phenomenon. —J.T.

Where to watch Money Heist: Netflix

Cast: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Itziar Ituño

The Night Agent (2023–present)

The Night Agent follows Peter Sutherland (Gabriel Basso), a low-level FBI agent who uncovers a major conspiracy after answering a rarely used emergency line. Following its premiere on Netflix in March 2023, it quickly became the platform’s third-most-watched debut series thanks to its binge-ability, the chemistry between the leads, and its entertaining mixture of old-fashioned spy thriller tropes and frankly insane conspiracy twists. —J.T.

Where to watch The Night Agent: Netflix

Cast: Gabriel Basso, Luciane Buchanan, Hong Chau

Orphan Black (2013–2017)

Tatiana Maslany isn’t the only reason to watch this gripping sci-fi series, but she’s certainly the main attraction. The actress, who won an Emmy for her multifaceted work, plays five genetic clones, each with their own distinct personality and lifestyle. As one of the clones discovers the existence of the others, she soon finds herself on the run from various factions intent on capturing and/or killing her and her sisters. The five-season series delves into potent themes of identity, corruption, and ethics as we hurdle toward a future dominated by technology. —K.J.

Where to watch Orphan Black: Netflix

Cast: Tatiana Maslany, Dylan Bruce, Jordan Gavaris, Kevin Hanchard, Michael Mando

Ozark (2017–2022)

Ozark follows Marty Byrde (Jason Bateman), a financial planner who gets in over his head after laundering money for a drug cartel, forcing his family to relocate to the Ozarks. If that sounds similar to Breaking Bad, it is, especially with the added layers of complex marriage and family dynamics as they all quickly become complicit in Marty’s crimes. Each season raises the stakes with tension that never lets up, leading to an unforgettable, bleak finale. —J.T.

Where to watch Ozark: Netflix

Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner

Squid Game (2021–2025)

Squid Game may have only debuted in 2021, but the masked guards and giant robot doll are already pop culture iconography. The South Korean thriller series, which follows a group of desperate participants competing in deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize, combines shocking violence with poignant social commentary about wealth disparity. The show garnered a huge following during the pandemic and broke Netflix viewership records, inspiring countless memes, Halloween costumes, and fan theories. —J.T.

Where to watch Squid Game: Netflix

Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, O Yeong-su

The Tourist (2022–present)

In The Tourist, Jamie Dornan plays a man who wakes up with amnesia in the remote Australian outback with no idea why dangerous figures are hunting him down. This may seem like a silly premise, and it is, but the show pulls it off thanks to the sharp, self-aware writing, strong performances, and a sweet, unconventional romance between Dornan’s character and the constable–turned–aspiring detective (Danielle Macdonald) who helps him search for the truth. The second season was equally entertaining, and while there hasn’t been any renewal announcement, never say never to a season 3. —J.T.

Where to watch The Tourist: Netflix

Cast: Jamie Dornan, Danielle Macdonald, Shalom Brune-Franklin, Damon Herriman

Wayward (2025)

The premise of Wayward may sound familiar to connoisseurs of mystery thrillers: Two teenage girls, who attend an academy for troubled youth, investigate dark secrets lurking beneath the surface of their seemingly ordinary small town. What elevates Wayward above other shows of its variety is the quality of the cast (Toni Collette as the academy’s charismatic head teacher is an obvious highlight) and its unique perspective. Created by Mae Martin, who also stars as a police officer who identifies as nonbinary, the series delves into the difficulties of being ostracized in one’s community. —K.J.

Where to watch Wayward: Netflix

Cast: Mae Martin, Alyvia Alyn Lind, Sydney Topliffe, Toni Collette, Sarah Gadon

Yellowjackets (2021–present)

If you crossed Lost with Lord of the Flies and a heavy dose of female rage, you would get Yellowjackets. The show follows a high school girls’ soccer team whose plane crashes in the wilderness, forcing them to do unspeakable things to survive. Told through two timelines, the thriller series blends ’90s nostalgia with dark, psychological drama, exploring the brutal complexities of female friendships. Christina Ricci steals the show as the unhinged Misty, while Melanie Lynskey delivers a powerhouse performance as adult Shauna. —J.T.

Where to watch Yellowjackets: Netflix

Cast: Melanie Lynskey, Juliette Lewis, Christina Ricci, Tawny Cypress, Ella Purnell

You (2018–2025)

You follows Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley), a charming bookstore manager who thinks of himself as a romantic, but his obsessions spiral into stalking and violence. The first season especially satirizes toxic rom-com tropes — if it weren’t for Joe’s sinister voiceover and occasional murders, he might resemble a persistent, swoon-worthy lead. Badgley’s nuanced performance gives Joe unsettling depth, so much so that he often urges fans to stop romanticizing the character. The whole series is now streaming — time to see if Joe finally faced the consequences of his own actions. —J.T.

Where to watch You: Netflix

EW grade: B+

Cast: Penn Badgley, Victoria Pedretti, Elizabeth Lail, Shay Mitchell, Jenna Ortega