This article dives into the captivating world of German television, spotlighting the Top 10 German Shows on Netflix that are sure to glue you to your screen. From the dark, twisting alleyways of historical drama to the sleek, cutting-edge realms of sci-fi, these selections represent the best of German storytelling that you won’t be able to stop watching.
Whether you want to watch German shows to improve your German, to learn more about Germany or just wish to discover some great shows, there are some top German shows on Netflix for you below. If you don’t speak German, simply turn on the subtitles or dubbing.
German television has long been a treasure trove of compelling storytelling, rich in depth and diversity. Whether you’re a fan of the mind-bending complexities of time travel, the gritty realism of crime thrillers, or the heartfelt narratives of personal struggle and triumph, there’s something in this list for you.
Delving into these shows, we’ll uncover the narratives that have captivated audiences both in Germany and internationally. With an eye for storytelling that resonates on a universal level, these series have broken barriers and crossed borders, making waves worldwide.
So, grab your favorite spot on the couch, and let’s embark on a journey through the enthralling landscape of German television that awaits on Netflix.
Love Germany? Click here to download your free guide to 25 Incredible Things You Must Do In Germany In Your Lifetime. You won’t want to miss them!
Top 10 German Shows On Netflix That You Won’t Want To Stop
For each show below, I include the trailer and an explanation to help you decide if it’s right for you.
Note that I can’t guarantee that all these top German TV shows will be available in your region. Netlfix varies what it makes available in each country, and I can’t check everywhere.
Simply search in your Netflix account for any show you are interested in.
1. Dark
“Dark” is not just a show; it’s a labyrinthine journey that challenges every notion you’ve ever had about time travel. What sets “Dark” apart and firmly places it on this list is its unflinching commitment to its own complex narrative.
The show painstakingly crafts a world where every detail, no matter how small, is a piece of a larger puzzle. Its ability to interweave the lives of four interconnected families across different timelines, while maintaining coherence, is nothing short of remarkable.
The atmospheric tension is palpable, enveloping you in the show’s moody aesthetics and profundity. “Dark” does more than entertain; it invites viewers to ponder existential questions, making it a profound piece of storytelling that resonates deeply long after the credits roll.
2. Babylon Berlin
“Babylon Berlin” captures a moment in history where everything—and nothing—seemed possible. It’s a vivid portrayal of Weimar Republic Berlin, a place of startling contrasts: extreme poverty lives alongside decadent wealth, political extremism, and cultural innovation.
What earns it a place on this list is not just its meticulous attention to historical detail but how it brings the period to life with a pulsating energy. Through the eyes of its complex characters, “Babylon Berlin” explores themes of political corruption, societal upheaval, and the human capacity for resilience.
Its high production values, engaging plot, and dynamic character arcs offer a compelling snapshot of a society on the brink of monumental change, making it an essential watch for lovers of history and drama alike.
3. Biohackers
At the intersection of ethical quandary and pulse-pounding thriller lies “Biohackers,” a series that adeptly confronts the moral complexities of scientific discovery. Its inclusion on this list is due to more than just its timely subject matter; it’s the way “Biohackers” humanizes the potentially cold and calculated world of bioengineering.
Through the journey of a medical student who dives headfirst into the world of illegal genetic experimentation, the show questions the limits of human innovation and the ethical boundaries of scientific pursuit. Its narrative is a thrilling cat-and-mouse game, filled with suspense, moral dilemmas, and the exhilarating realization that the future of science is both incredible and terrifying.
4. How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)
In a landscape crowded with crime dramas taking themselves too seriously, “How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast)” stands out for its witty, irreverent take on a modern crime story. Its place on this list is secured by how it skillfully blends humor with tension, creating a show that’s as thought-provoking as it is entertaining.
Based on true events, the series delves into the life of a high schooler who starts selling drugs online to impress his ex-girlfriend, subsequently exploring the impacts of the digital age on youth, love, and crime. It’s a show that captures the zeitgeist of the internet generation with sharp humor, compelling storytelling, and a distinctly modern moral quandary, making it a unique and essential watch.
5. Dogs of Berlin
“Dogs of Berlin” earns its spot through its gritty portrayal of Berlin’s underbelly, tackling themes of racism, corruption, and societal conflict with unflinching honesty. The show distinguishes itself by throwing two detectives with very different backgrounds into the investigation of a high-profile murder, exposing the racial and social fault lines that run deep within the city.
Its raw depiction of urban tensions, combined with complex characters and a gripping narrative, offers a nuanced exploration of contemporary German society. “Dogs of Berlin” is more than just a crime drama; it’s a socio-political commentary wrapped in a fast-paced, engaging narrative.
6. We Are The Wave
The inclusion of “We Are The Wave” on this list is merited by its daring examination of group dynamics and the seductive nature of power. Inspired by a true story, this show adeptly demonstrates how a seemingly benign social experiment can spiral out of control, transforming into a dangerous movement.
“We Are The Wave” is a gripping study of human behavior, showcasing the eagerness of youth to belong and the ease with which ideals can be twisted. Its raw portrayal of the mechanisms of manipulation and the consequences of unchecked power makes it a compelling cautionary tale that resonates in today’s politically charged climate.
7. Skylines
“Skylines” carves out its place on this list by merging the gritty realities of the music industry with the entangled world of organized crime.
Set in Frankfurt, the show provides a backdrop rich in diversity and conflict, exploring themes of ambition, loyalty, and the high stakes of fame. What makes “Skylines” compelling is its authentic portrayal of the struggle for artistic integrity in the face of commercial pressures and criminal influence.
With an electrifying soundtrack and complex character arcs, “Skylines” offers a fresh perspective on the challenges of navigating success and survival in a cutthroat environment.
8. Perfume
“Perfume” earns its spot through its sensual and dark exploration of obsession and desire. Based on the famous novel but reimagined in a modern setting, the series plunges into the depths of human obsession with scent and the lengths to which it drives a group of friends to commit unspeakable acts.
Its strength lies in its atmospheric storytelling and the psychological depth of its characters, making “Perfume” a hauntingly beautiful exploration of the dark side of human nature. The show’s ability to intertwine the sensory with the psychological makes it a mesmerizing watch that lingers with the viewer, meriting its place among the top German shows on Netflix.
9. Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood
“Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood” secures its ranking by offering a riveting glimpse into the origins of one of the world’s largest and most beloved festivals. Set against the backdrop of early 20th-century Germany, the show is a compelling narrative of ambition, rivalry, and betrayal, exploring the lengths people will go to secure power and legacy.
Its rich historical detail, coupled with a tumultuous plot, provides a fascinating look at the intersection of tradition and progress, making “Oktoberfest: Beer & Blood” a must-watch for anyone fascinated by the dynamics of power and the human desire for success.
10. Freud
The imaginative exploration of Sigmund Freud’s early life in “Freud” justifies its inclusion, offering viewers a blend of historical fact interwoven with fictionalized psychological thriller elements. The show’s speculative take on Freud’s engagement with both the mysteries of the mind and a series of gruesome crimes in 19th-century Vienna presents an intriguing blend of intrigue and intellect.
Its atmospheric depiction of Vienna serves as the perfect backdrop for Freud’s delve into psychoanalysis and the darker recesses of the human psyche. “Freud” provides a captivating, albeit fictionalized, insight into the early influences on one of psychology’s most iconic figures, making it a standout selection.
The depth and diversity of German television are vividly showcased through these top 10 shows available on Netflix. Each series, with its unique blend of storytelling, complex characters, and immersive settings, not only entertains but also offers a window into the rich tapestry of German culture, history, and innovation in television production.
As you delve into these shows, you embark on a journey that extends far beyond mere entertainment, exploring themes that resonate with universal truths and experiences. This selection represents the pinnacle of German television’s offering to a global audience, highlighting the power of storytelling that crosses borders and connects us all.
So, set aside some time, dive in, and discover the captivating world of German series that promises to keep you hooked, episode after episode.
Learn more about Germany with our list of the top 10 books here or the German language with these 10 fun facts, with this list of the best free language learning apps or find all our articles here. You can also find more articles about German culture here.
