“Squid Games”, “Stranger Things” or “Wednesday” are Netflix series that pretty much everyone has heard of at least once. There are many good productions on Netflix that are less well known. We introduce you to some Netflix pearls that you should definitely see.
Netflix does a great job when it comes to advertising: there are productions from the streaming service that even people who don’t watch Netflix know. They have at least heard of some series, for example back then about “House of Cards” or currently about “Stranger Things”, “Bridgerton”, “Wednesday” or “Dahmer”.
But there are also numerous productions for which there was little or no advertising – but which are still very good. We have some recommendations for you. If you haven’t seen these films and series yet, you should do so.
When They See Us
Netflix
“When They See Us” on Netflix – Poster
The four-part mini-series “When They See Us” is based on true events and presents a criminal case that caused a stir in the United States. It’s about four African Americans and one Hispanic American who were convicted of a rape – although they were actually innocent. A very emotional series that leaves you speechless and angry.
The mini-series cast includes a number of award-winning actors, such as the Emmy winner John Leguizamo and Emmy winner Felicity Huffman. Ava DuVernay directed, wrote the screenplay and produced the series.
The Rise of Empires: The Ottoman Empire
A docudrama that can compete with famous historical or fantasy series! “The Rise of Empires: The Ottoman Empire” shows even more realistically than “Vikings” or “The Last Kingdom” certain events in world history – this time from Eastern Europe. In particular, viewers who are interested in the history of famous battles or military strategies will love the series. In the two previous seasons, it tells the story of the Ottoman Sultan Mehmed II.
In the first season his campaign to conquer the Byzantine capital Constantinople is presented. In the second season, the battles against the Wallachian prince Vlad Drăculea (also called “Vlad the Impaler”) follow.
Pure nostalgia! The history of popular films and toys
Netflix
In particular, people who grew up in the 80’s and 90’s will love these docuseries!
“The Movies That Made Us” (Original: “The Movies That Made Us”) gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at classic films like “Dirty Dancing”, “Ghostbusters”, “The Prince from Zamunda”, “RoboCop” and more. Actors, directors, screenwriters and producers reminisce about the shooting and tell anecdotes. Movie fans must see this series! Incidentally, there are also episodes specifically for Halloween and Christmas films.
The series “Toys – That was our childhood” (“The Toys That Made Us”) is similar, but here everything revolves around toys. Whether Barbie, Ninja Turtles, He-Man or Star Wars figures: Here you can find out how they came about and how they became so successful.
OK yes
Videos: Netflix
No later than 2020 became the director Bong Joon-ho became known worldwide when he won three Oscar awards for his film “Parasite”. But what few people know: The South Korean produced a strip for Netflix in 2017: “Okja”.
This film is all about the friendship between a girl and a genetically modified “super pig”. A large company breeds giant pigs (more reminiscent of hippos) for more meat. South Korean farmers are hired to raise the pigs so that the company can learn more about how the pigs are kept. This is how the granddaughter of a farmer, Mija, becomes friends with the sow Okja. Ten years later, Okja is to be slaughtered. Mija does everything to save her friend.
However, this is not a children’s film, but a production with an important message – which is also strongly reminiscent of “Free Willy”. Cheerful music and the beautiful South Korean landscape alternate with somber images from the slaughterhouse: Now at the latest one becomes aware of the cruelty of factory farming.
The two popes
Starring Anthony Hopkins and Jonathan Pryce, that alone should be reason enough to check out The Two Popes. Both actors were nominated for an Oscar for their roles in this film.
When Pope John Paul II died in 2005, Cardinal Jorge Mario von Bergoglio, Archbishop of Buenos Aires, took part in the conclave in the Vatican. Joseph Cardinal Ratzinger becomes the new Pope (Benedict XVI). Because he thinks that the church will not implement any reforms under the new head, Bergoglio wants to resign from his office – without realizing that a few years later he would become pope himself.
The discussions on philosophical topics should also be exciting for people who are not very interested in the topic “(Catholic) Church”.
Hip hop evolution
Anyone who grew up with Grandmaster Flash, Run-DMC, LL Cool J, the Beastie Boys, Tupac Shakur, Snoop Dog or Lil Kim will remember the golden age of hip-hop with nostalgia. From its early days in the 1970s to its commercialization by Puff Daddy, Kanye West and Lil Wayne, the docuseries tells the story of hip-hop. The special thing about it: Many of these stars are there themselves and share their memories.
If you’re a music fan, interested in the history of music, or just want to know why the famous battle between East Coast and West Coast happened, you shouldn’t miss this Netflix insider tip.
The Cathedral of the Sea
Fans of historical series or films like “The Pillars of the Earth” should definitely also watch the series “The Cathedral of the Sea”.
The action takes place in Barcelona in the 14th century, where the Cathedral of Santa Maria del Mar is being built. Arnau Estanyol also comes to Barcelona, who, together with his father, is fleeing from the abuse of the feudal lords. Arnau works as a stonemason and helps build the cathedral. Over time, he can climb the ranks of society – which, however, makes him the envy of other people. As a result of an intrigue, he falls victim to the Inquisition.
The second season came in 2022 and is called “The Heirs of the Earth”.