Who does not love a good show they can binge watch over the weekend and then maybe during work hours? If the only time you get up during an 8-hour stretch is to answer the delivery person, then you know you’ve got a good show on your list.
And if you’re open to experiencing shows that are intensely engaging, and also culturally diverse, then check out these totally binge-worthy foreign language shows:
1. Elite (Spanish)
Set in an ‘elite’ school – hence the name – this teenage drama employs all the elements that make any drama interesting; namely, a healthy dose of intrigue, characters you feel invested in, and an exciting love angle. Simply put, imagine Gossip Girl meets Riverdale. The starcast definitely nailed the presentation of angst-fueled teenagers. The show also explores the treatment of LGBTQ community in parts of Spain.
2. Hello, My Twenties (Korean)
Five people with diverse personalities come together to live under one roof. Their interactions, altercations, and the bonds they develop form the crux of this surprisingly deep story. Not only is it an accurate reflection of the inherent nature of humans, but the show is also a relatable guide to adulting and its many perils!
3. The Rain (Danish)
This post-apocalyptic drama – Netflix’s first original series from Denmark – is the perfect pick for fans of world annihilation theories. Here the world has come to a devastating end because of a deadly virus, and the lead characters are forced to stay in a bunker for 6 years. While sitting through all the eight episodes in one go may become a little too intense to bear, The Rain manages to grab your attention right from the first scene – and it is hard to look away!
4. Midnight Diner: Tokyo Stories (Japanese)
Inspired by a manga of the same name, Midnight Diner focuses on the interactions between the customers and the chef of a diner that operates between 12 AM to 7 AM. The chef – known only as “The Master” – cooks his way through the restaurant, as customers find solutions to the different problems they present. Watch the show for stories that warm your heart, and food that is different but exquisite.
5. Cable Girls (Spanish)
If you love period dramas with strong female leads then Cable Girls is the show for you. Set in the 1920s, it tells the story of four young women who start working at a telecommunication company. The series has a strong focus on how women were treated at the time and the four leads battle everything, from a repressive society to personal problems, over the course of three seasons. The show has been renewed for a fourth season to air in 2019.
6. Occupied (Norwegian)
A political thriller, the show is set in a fictional future where a Europe-wide energy crisis has caused Russia to occupy Norway and restore its oil and gas production. The tense plot and innovative storyline are further supported when the show draws on the historical relations between Norway and Russia. Even if you’re not a fan of international politics, the suspense that the show builds is hard to resist.
7. Suburra (Italian)
Often referred to as Netflix Italy’s response to Narcos, Suburra is said to be inspired by true events. A prequel to the movie Suburra (inspired by the novel of the same name), this crime drama explores the lives and relationships of corrupt politicians and the Mafia. The series may seem slow to develop, but that’s because each character is given room to grow. With a heavy dose of violence, sex, and a clear lack of ‘heroes’, this show is definitely worth a watch.
8. Dark (German)
The first German original series produced for Netflix is a supernatural mystery drama. The show tracks the story of four families on the hunt of missing kids in a small German town. From exposing the town’s secrets to the fractured relationships that exist in the family itself, the show is an engaging series indeed. Though multiple comparisons have been made with Stranger Things, Dark is definitely more intense and in-depth than the former.
9. 3% (Brazilian)
Set in the future, this dystopian series is a thought-provoking drama that is all too relatable in the current times of economic disparity. The show presents a society wherein 97% of the population live in poverty, and only 3% manage to clear the requisite tests (called ‘The Process’) allowing them to live in a luxury island.
Although reminiscent of the scenarios presented in young adult dystopian novels like The Hunger Games, the show definitely offers an interesting plot that makes it worth a watch.
10. Money Heist (Spanish)
The only thing simple about this show is its name. Complex and nerve-wracking, the show – specifically the journey that the characters take – keeps you on the edge of your seat throughout. A bank heist drama, the show tracks the journey of 8 people as they try to rob the Royal Mint of Spain.
11. Samurai Gourmet (Japanese)
This is one of those shows where the uniqueness of the premise is what makes it an interesting watch. The show revolves around 60-year-old recently retired Takeshi Kasumi, who – motivated by his desire to be a samurai – goes on an adventure in each episode. What’s interesting is that his adventure is trying a new restaurant. If you’ve ever thought of solo dining as an adventure, and if you love food, then you’d love to binge-watch this show.
12. Rita (Danish)
If you love characters that are flawed, funny, and realistic, then Rita is the series for you. The show presents the life of a teacher outside of the classroom. Her life outside of her lessons is a warm and humorous tale that is refreshing to watch. In her attempts to navigate her life is a story that is as messy as it is relatable.
13. Borderliner (Norwegian)
This Norwegian noir crime drama series is a violent, gritty, and thrilling introduction to Nordic noir. The series revolved around a police offer who is investigating an apparent suicide in his hometown. Full of twists – both expected and unexpected – the show is the perfect way to understand Scandinavian thrillers, that are in a league of their own.
Turn the subtitles on and binge away!