From Elite to Top Boy: Netflix Originals to Watch from Around the Globe

While Netflix US originals tend to dominate online conversations, the streaming service has continued its worldwide expansion. So now’s a good time to travel around and discover new shows.

From addictive teen dramas to reboots of fan-favorite shows, here are 20 original series from around the world that you can watch right now on Netflix.

Elite (Spain)

The series begins when three working-class teens are sent to the most exclusive school in Spain following an earthquake that destroyed their humble academy. It isn’t long before the clash between rich and poor leads to murder. If you love Riverdale and Gossip Girl, you’ll be obsessed with Elite. While some of the faces have changed over its four seasons, it’s still filled with twists and turns.

Young Royals (Sweden)

When Prince Wilhelm arrives at a prestigious boarding school, he’s finally free to discover his true self. With dreams of freedom from royal obligations, he unexpectedly becomes next in line for the throne and must decide between love and duty. The buzz-worthy teen drama, released in July 2021, hasn’t been renewed for a second season yet, but you should definitely check out all six episodes of Season 1.


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Derry Girls (Northern Ireland)

In this half-hour comedy, Erin and her friends navigate life at their Catholic girls’ high school in the 1990s Northern Ireland during the Troubles. Plus, it features Bridgerton star Nicola Coughlan as Clare! Set aside a day this weekend and binge your way through Seasons 1 and 2, and prepare for all the laughs.

Fauda (Israel)

This series explores the human stories on both sides of the Israel-Palestine conflict. A top Israeli agent comes out of retirement to track down a Palestinian fighter he thought he’d already killed. Fauda was created and written by its star, Lior Raz, who actually served in Israel’s undercover unit in the Palestinian territories. There are three seasons of the award-winning drama available to watch now on Netflix.

Baby (Italy)

A controversial coming-of-age tale inspired by a true story, this Italian drama series follows a group of Roman teens and the secret lives they lead. Check out all three seasons of the show that had people talking up until its conclusion in 2020. Plus, there are only six episodes per season, so you could watch it all in a matter of days.

Everything Will Be Fine (Mexico)

In this dramedy, directed and created by Diego Luna, a separated couple continues living together for the sake of their child. Set in Mexico City, the eight episode first season looks at concepts of family and relationships through a present-day lens.

Tidelands (Australia)

After spending a decade in a juvenile detention facility, Cal returns home to her small fishing village and its mysteries, especially the commune of outcasts known as the Tidelanders. Released in 2018, all eight episodes of the first season are available on Netflix.

AlRawabi School for Girls (Jordan)

If you love some high-school drama, this series from Jordan is one to add to your list. In it, the bullied outcasts at the prestigious Al Rawabi School for Girls plot revenge against their tormentors: the popular mean girls who rule the school. Released in August 2021, all six episodes of its addictive first season are available now, but we’re still waiting on renewal news.

3% (Brazil)

Set in a near-future Brazil, this post-apocalyptic thriller is about the people selected to live in a virtual paradise after taking part in a highly competitive process. Four seasons of the mind-bending show are streaming now on Netflix.

Hospital Playlist (Korea)

If you’ve already watched Grey’s Anatomy over and over again on Netflix, Hospital Playlist is a must-watch. The series is about five doctors who have been friends since their first year of medical school in 1999. Released week to week instead of an entire season dropping all at once, the entire first season is available to stream right now, and Season 2 wraps at the end of August.

Osmosis (France)

Set in France in the near-future, this sci-fi series is about two brilliant siblings who create a dating app that helps people find their soulmate by hacking data straight from their brains. Released in 2019, check out all eight episodes of the first season.

Blood & Water (South Africa)

After transferring to a prestigious inner-city school in Cape Town, a teen uncovers her family’s biggest secret: she has an older sister who was abducted at birth. Catch up on Season 1 now before Season 2 arrives on September 24, 2021.

How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) (Germany)

What do you do when your school’s drug dealer steals your girlfriend? Win her back by becoming a better dealer and starting an online drug business with your best friend. Season 1 of the German dramedy landed on Netflix back in 2019, and Season 3 was released in July 2021.

Valeria (Spain)

Based on the novels by Elísabet Benavent, Valeria is about a woman who has hit a wall in both her writing career and her marriage. But she can always rely on her three best friends to support her through her ups and downs. First released in 2020, Season 2 launched in August 2021. While you’re waiting for the Sex and the City reboot, this is the series to watch.

Sacred Games (India)

The first Netflix Original from India is based on the 2006 novel by Vikram Chandra. It’s about a police officer in Mumbai who receives a phone call from a gangster who tells him he has 25 days to save the city. Seasons 1 and 2 are available to binge now.

Lupin (France)

Inspired by the adventures of Arsène Lupin, the series follows gentleman thief Assane Diop as he sets out to avenge his father for an injustice inflicted by a wealthy family.  This surprise hit for Netflix, starring Omar Sy, was released in two parts during 2021, and all 10 episodes are available to stream now.

Ingobernable (Mexico)

If you like a political drama, this series about a fictional First Lady of Mexico pushing for peace and stability along with her husband, the President, is one to watch. Of course there is a twist: their plans are derailed when confronted with a challenge that leads to a scandal. Starring Kate del Castillo, two seasons are available to stream now.

My First First Love (Korea)

When four friends move in with college student Yoon Tae-oh, they not only have to learn how to live together, but also how to navigate love and friendship. A reboot of a 2015 series, two seasons are now available on Netflix.

Top Boy (England)

You can thank Drake for this reboot of the much-loved British crime drama about the rise of two London drug dealers, played by Ashley Walters and Kane Robinson (who reprise their roles in the new episodes). You can watch the first two seasons, Top Boy: Summerhouse, as well as the reboot on Netflix.

What is your favorite international Netflix series? Comment below with your picks! And be sure to add Wiretap to Netflix so you can share comments while you watch with friends and fans, anywhere around the world.

Videos courtesy of Netflix

Melissa at Wiretap

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