As has been the case annually for the past few years, Netflix put out some of the most popular original TV series in 2021. The streaming service is a true juggernaut and their original shows tend to be talked about by millions for weeks after the episodes drop.
2021 saw an interesting slate of shows from Netflix including the return of some critically-acclaimed hits, the debut of some really interesting new series, animated gems, and international thrillers that took the world by storm. Most of these shows received strong reviews from IMDb users. For those returning for a new season, the ratings for all of the episodes were totaled and averaged out.
Dota: Dragon's Blood (7.9)
They sometimes fly under the radar because of just how much content is available on Netflix but the streaming platform puts on an impressive amount of quality anime series. 2021 saw the release of Dota: Dragon's Blood, which is based on the Dota 2 video game from 2013.
The fantasy show is set in a world filled with magic and focuses on a knight who slays dragons to protect those around him. It received positive reviews for the animation style and voice acting, and while knowledge of the source material isn't required, a bit more world-building would've been appreciated.
The Baby-Sitters Club Season 2 (8.0)
As a whole, The Baby-Sitters Club sits at a strong 7.4 rating on IMDb but when averaging out the episodes in season 2, you can see that the quality seems to have improved just a bit. Based on the kids' book series of the same name, the show received instant praise for being a faithful adaptation.
The show has done a good job of setting this up to appeal to a new audience, having fun characters, and introducing storylines surrounding a transgender child. For those new to the show, season 2 provided thrills and those familiar with the books will have fun getting there. The penultimate episode, "Claudia and the Sad Goodbye," scored the highest rating of the series (9.2).
Gentefied Season 2 (8.0)
Netflix has been doing a better job of giving a platform to BIPOC characters and stories and Gentefied is right up that alley. The show centers on a Mexican family who runs a taco shop and struggles with the many obstacles that come with trying to live the American dream.
Season 1 was a sleeper hit for the streaming service and season 2 was just as good if not better. The episodes were consistently strong, peaking with "Sangiving" (8.9). Characters like Ernesto got more shine and Yessika got redemption, while Pops's trial was filled with drama.
Never Have I Ever Season 2 (8.0)
If Mindy Kaling is behind a series, you can be certain it's going to be witty, funny, and feature some complex female characters. She is currently doing it on HBO Max with The Sex Lives of College Girls and has been doing so on Netflix with Never Have I Ever.
The show follows Devi, an Indian-American girl, as she deals with life in high school following her father's death. That means complicated romances, awkward moments, and more. Season 2 continued her love triangle with Ben and Paxton, debuted a great character in Aneesa, added depth to the LGBTQ+ storyline for Fabiola, and included heartwarming family scenes for Devi.
Squid Game (8.0)
In terms of popularity, nothing could top Squid Game on Netflix this year. The Korean series became a worldwide phenomenon, with seemingly everyone talking about it and plenty of reaction videos going up online, specifically for the heartbreaking episode "Gganbu" (9.3).
Squid Game sees a bunch of down on their luck people compete in a series of games for a chance at riches only to find out that each event leads to almost countless people dying. Fans were captivated by the intense games, the personalities of the characters, and the mystery behind it all.
Outer Banks Season 2 (8.4)
One of the most positively received shows a few years ago was Outer Banks. Following the conflict between two very different groups of teens (one poor, one rich), a murder mystery, and a treasure hunt all helped make the show a hit, especially with younger audience members.
Season 2 was much anticipated and truly became a case of upping the ante. After just two episodes, John B. and Sarah were nearly caught, Sarah got shot, and the rest of the Pogues came excruciatingly close to getting proof of Ward's criminal activity. This was was nerve-wracking and ended on a cliffhanger that has fans wanting more.
The Witcher Season 2 (8.4)
When The Witcher premiered on Netflix, it was talked about by many viewers. The big-budget fantasy series starring Henry Cavill felt like it could be the next show to be a crossover hit in the same vein as Game of Thrones. It didn't quite do that but was still wildly popular.
It was only recently that season 2 dropped, so some ratings are still pouring in. Regardless, most fans seem to appreciate this new set of stories and though it kind of gets off to a slow start, everything comes together in engaging fashion as season 2 comes to an end.
Sex Education Season 3 (8.5)
Fans waited nearly two years for Sex Education season 3 and it didn't disappoint. They were desperate to see Otis and Maeve finally get together, only for Otis's romance with Ruby to steal the show. Seeing her character get explored made for a fantastic first half of the season.
The show dropped the concept of Otis being a sex therapist at his school (for the most part) but was still engaging as the lives of these teens were expanded upon. From the introduction of the first non-binary students at Moordale to Jean's pregnancy scare to Adam's continuing growth as a character, season 3 of Sex Education was a huge success.
Tear Along The Dotted Line (8.8)
It seems like a lot of people tend to overlook animated shows and think they're aimed at children but Netflix's best shows of 2021 are both animated. First, there's Tear Along the Dotted Line, an Italian series with one of the wackier setups around.
It focuses on a cartoonist from Rome who is socially awkward and heads on a trip to Biella while reflecting on life. Along the way, he travels with his friends and his armadillo-for-a-conscience. It's odd but it works to the point where reviews were strong for all six episodes.
Arcane (9.2)
Almost nobody could've predicted that Netflix's best show of the year would be an animated series based on the League of Legends video game. Thankfully, viewers don't have to know the lore of the games to get fully immersed in Arcane as the focus on the relationship between two sisters was the emotional crux.
That bond and history between Violet and Powder/Jinx is one of the most gripping stories told anywhere this year. The series features fantastic action, cool animation styles, and a tremendous voice cast including Hailee Steinfeld, Ella Purnell, Katie Leng, Kevin Alejandro, and more.