Netflix original shows have been hitting stronger marks this year than the streamer’s movies. While some series still fall into predictable territory or feel like safe bets, 2025 has delivered a handful of standout originals that have earned genuine critical praise. And yes, while Rotten Tomatoes scores aren’t the final word on quality, they’re a useful starting point if you’re hunting for something genuinely well-made. After all, what you love is always up to you.
This year, Netflix has released several shows that earned impressively high scores on Rotten Tomatoes, ranging from tense thrillers to Emmy award-winning crime dramas. Among them, “Adolescence” absolutely shines brightest for me but it just misses the top spot in terms of pure ranking, sitting a mere three points shy of a perfect score.
To save you the digging, I’ve sifted through all the new Netflix series from 2025 and rounded up the seven with the highest critical acclaim. And of course, I’ve ranked them below to make your binge-watching decisions a little easier.
7. ‘House of Guinness’
Any Guinness lover knows the stout is meant to be enjoyed in hearty swigs, not tiny sips, so it’s only fitting that Netflix’s crime series “House of Guinness” is best binged over a few sessions rather than stretched out. From Steven Knight, the mind behind “Peaky Blinders,” the show lacks a central figure as magnetic as Tommy Shelby, but it still has plenty to offer fans of his period crime dramas. The series still includes enough gripping criminal schemes and complicated family drama to keep you hooked.
“House of Guinness” follows the aftermath of Sir Benjamin Guinness’s death in 19th‑century Dublin and New York, focusing on how his vast brewing business is passed on to his four adult children — Arthur (Anthony Boyle), Edward (Louis Partridge), Anne (Emily Fairn), and Ben (Fionn O'Shea) — who must navigate the challenges of running the world‑famous Guinness brewery and the consequences of their father’s will. The story charts their shifting fortunes and the impact of their decisions on both the family and those connected to the brewing enterprise.
Rotten Tomatoes: 90%
Stream "House of Guinness" on Netflix now
6. ‘Death by Lightning’
Over the past year, several Netflix shows have unexpectedly claimed the top spot, but “Death by Lightning” fully earned that No. 1 position when it premiered. This historical drama, starring Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen, delivers everything fans of the genre could hope for, from lavish set designs to standout performances by its leading actors. Most notably, the series brings to life a compelling historical figure: James A. Garfield, the 20th President of the United States.
“Death by Lightning” tells the real‑life story of James A. Garfield’s (Shannon) rise from relative obscurity to becoming the 20th President of the United States and the actions of Charles J. Guiteau (Macfadyen), the man who would ultimately assassinate him. The series follows key moments from the 1880 Republican National Convention through Garfield’s brief presidency and ends with Guiteau’s capture and its consequences for the nation.
Rotten Tomatoes: 91%
Stream "Death by Lightning" on Netflix now
5. ‘The Eternaut’
Netflix’s sci-fi thriller “The Eternaut” has been called “the best post-apocalyptic show in years” by my colleague Alyse Stanley, and I’d have to agree. It can be best described as a blend of “The Last of Us” and “Fallout.” This Argentine series marks the first-ever screen adaptation of the classic Argentine graphic novel by Héctor G. Oesterheld, with illustrations by Francisco Solano López, which originally debuted in 1957. Shortly after landing in Netflix’s top 10, the show was officially renewed for a second season.
“The Eternaut” follows Juan Salvo (Ricardo Darín) and a group of survivors after a mysterious and deadly snowfall suddenly wipes out most of Buenos Aires. As Juan ventures out into the ravaged city to reconnect with loved ones, he and his companions discover that the snow was only the beginning of an attack by a foreign force. Facing an invisible threat from another world, they must search for safety and work together to stay alive amidst escalating peril.
Rotten Tomatoes: 96%
Stream "The Eternaut" on Netflix now
4. ‘Forever’
Much like the original book, “Forever” doesn’t measure a teenage relationship by whether it endures indefinitely. Instead, it embraces that same open, judgment-free curiosity, creating a story that honors Blume’s intent while crafting a love story that stands on its own. In a landscape crowded with shows that either sensationalize or oversimplify adolescence, this adaptation provides a refreshingly authentic perspective.
“Forever” follows two childhood friends, Keisha Clark (Lovie Simone) and Justin Edwards (Michael Cooper Jr.), who reconnect as teenagers in Los Angeles and go on a deep and transformative first romance. Set across eight episodes, the series tracks their ups and downs as they work through high school life, social pressures, and the evolving nature of their relationship after fate brings them back together at a party. Along the way, their interactions with friends and family shape how they grow personally and as a couple, with each episode capturing a different moment in their shared journey.
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Stream "Forever" on Netflix now
3. ‘Adolescence’
Calling “Adolescence” simply the best Netflix show of 2025 doesn’t quite do it justice since it could easily rank among the finest shows ever produced. This multi-Emmy-winning crime drama lingers in your mind for weeks, weaving a gripping story of teenage anger and dangerous behavior that feels uncomfortably timely. Each episode is crafted as a single, continuous shot, showcasing exceptional production skill that perfectly complements the series’ intense and carefully told narrative.
“Adolescence” centers on 13‑year‑old Jamie Miller (Owen Cooper), who is arrested in his home by armed police on suspicion of killing a classmate at his school. As the police investigation unfolds, Jamie is taken to a station for questioning, processed, and then held in a secure facility. The series also follows the perspectives of his family members, including his dad (Stephen Graham), law enforcement, and a clinical psychologist assigned to his case as they piece together the events surrounding the crime and try to determine what really happened.
Rotten Tomatoes: 97%
Stream "Adolescence" on Netflix now
2. ‘Last Samurai Standing’
Having watched “Last Samurai Standing,” I can confidently say it’s one of the standout streaming originals of 2025. The series evokes the intensity of “Squid Game” and the period intrigue of “Shogun,” while delivering a gripping story packed with both ruthless action and emotional stakes. Visually stunning, it’s a feast for fans of the genre. With just six episodes, it’s a quick binge, made even more compelling by the cliffhanger ending that suggests season 2 is likely to be confirmed.
“Last Samurai Standing” is a Japanese action-thriller set in 1878 during the Meiji era, where the samurai class has lost its place in society. Former samurai Shujiro Saga (Junichi Okada) is one of 292 warriors drawn to Kyoto’s Tenryūji Temple to take part in a deadly competition called Kodoku, in which participants must travel from Kyoto to Tokyo while acquiring wooden tags from rivals. The aim is simple yet brutal: be the last competitor alive and the sole victor to claim a grand prize of 100 billion yen.
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Stream "Last Samurai Standing" on Netflix now
1. ‘Toxic Town’
Out of all the Netflix originals this year, I’m glad I can place “Toxic Town” at the top of this list because it definitely deserved more attention. This four-part limited series goes beyond being just a significant drama. It’s a gripping portrayal of one of the UK’s most shocking environmental disasters. I’ll admit, I was completely unaware of the real-life event before watching, and what I learned was truly eye-opening. The show features powerful performances, an emotional core, and a stark depiction of the fallout from corporate negligence.
“Toxic Town” dramatizes a real‑life environmental incident in the town of Corby, England. In 1995, two women give birth to babies with disabilities on the same day, prompting suspicion that something in the local environment may be affecting newborns. As the series unfolds across multiple years, several mothers begin to investigate a possible link between the high number of birth defects and the town’s handling of toxic waste from a former steelworks. Their inquiries grow into a prolonged fight for answers and accountability.
Rotten Tomatoes: 100%
Stream "Toxic Town" on Netflix now
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