My Top 10 Netflix Shows

One of my favourite things to do before winding down for bed is watch an episode of a good TV show, and Netflix is full of 'em. I've become pretty fab at binge-watching the great series Netflix has to offer, and decided to whittle down my top picks for you all to enjoy. From the Netflix newbies to some real classics; some you may not have heard of to some definitely worth the hype, I love each and everyone of these series, and I hope you do too! 

10. A SERIES OF UNFORTUNATE EVENTS 

At number ten, we have new release: Netflix's very own TV-version of A Series of Unfortunate Events, succeeding the books and film release, staring the wonderful Jim Carrey. This is my no. 10 choice mostly because I haven't finished it yet - it definitely has the potential to rise higher up the list. The narrative follows the Baudelaire children - Violet, Klaus and Sunny - who have recently been orphaned, and their mission to escape the clutch of Count Olaf, who goes to desperate measures to get his hands on their fortune. The best part of the show, however, has to be Neil Patrick Harris' portrayal of Count Olaf, who gives a much darker edge to the character than Jim Carrey in my opinion, while still sticking with the eccentric hilarity Carrey addressed. Neil Patrick Harris is one of my all-time fave actors and general media icon, so if he's not a good enough reason to watch this, I don't know what is. 

9. RIVERDALE

Another new Netflix release is Riverdale. Though there are only two episodes in the series so far, I'm totally hooked. The main story line of the show follows the mystery surrounding the death of high school student Jason Blossom, and the ways in which the students of his school were involved, with intriguing sub-plots surrounding love, friendship and family. This is a great teen-aimed show, perfect if you're looking for a new murder-mystery to binge, and analyse the clues for in the week's gap between episodes. 

8. MAKING A MURDERER

Making a Murderer was all the rage around a year or two ago, but still has struck a chord with me today. In this unmissable documentary series, we are taken through the extraordinary court case of Steven Avery, who spent nearly twenty years in prison for a crime he didn't commit, then soon after was arrested again for the murder of 25-year-old Teresa Halbach. There are so many twists and turns in this series, with huge cliffhangers at the end of each episode. Making a Murderer had me completely gripped, and is a must for anyone who prefers non-fiction shows. 

7. AMERICAN HORROR STORY 

American Horror Story is such a compelling concept of a show, spanning across five available seasons, which portray the same fantastic actors in different story lines, settings and creepy situations. The show deals with all your typical horror conventions - ghosts, witches, etc, etc - in a contemporary and clever way. Freak Show is controversially my favourite season, as it surrounds a very different side to horror, reflecting upon our society and how we view disabled and different people, the big twist being that in the end is it human nature that's the real villain in this situation - maybe that's just the over-analytical side of me coming out, but it's a great, atypical-for-the-genre season. My only criticism is season 5, Hotel - I really didn't enjoy it, but the rest of the seasons are fab for people looking to get into horror a bit more, or already love every aspect of it. 

6. HOW I MET YOUR MOTHER 

On a completely different note is How I Met Your Mother. All nine seasons are available to watch on Netflix, and take us through Ted Mosby's turbulent quest to find love, telling his kids how he eventually came to meet their mother and the antics he got up to on the way. Its a very warm and funny show, ideal for anyone looking for an easy series to get into. Again, it features the amazing Neil Patrick Harris as the hilarious Barney Stinson, so you won't be disappointed if you're looking for laughs.

5. SHERLOCK 

The last five were particularly difficult to order, because I'm genuinely obsessed with all of these shows. Sherlock comes in at number five, but if you asked me after the recent season four finale, I probably would've put it on the top spot. Based on the timeless novels of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, Sherlock tackles the seemingly-impossible cases Holmes and Watson solve. Each episode is a complete emotional roller-coaster: Moriarty's unpredictable humour has you laughing out loud, but then you'll be crying in ten minutes after some gut-wrenching disaster. Sherlock has a truly incredible cast, with Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman taking the main roles. Though the story lines can sometimes be a little difficult to understand, all three available seasons will undoubtedly have you shouting at the screen for season four. 

4. STRANGER THINGS

Literally everyone and their cat has seen or heard of Stranger Things and for good reason too (and if you haven't, where have you been?). This is such a great binge-worthy show. It's allusions to eighties culture alongside a brilliant mostly-child cast really sets this show apart from any others I know. The narrative tracks the odd disappearance of Will Byers, and the even odder goings-on at Hawkins Energy Department that may-or-may-not be responsible. The sci-fi thriller type isn't usually something I'm into, but I think Stranger Things has something for everyone - kids and adults alike. It's a fantastic one to get your teeth into. 

3. HOW TO GET AWAY WITH MURDER 

Thanks to How To Get Away With Murder, my admiration for Viola Davis is undying. Her sassy and strong character is central to the intrinsic and utterly captivating narrative of the show, which focuses on the five law students she has taken under her wing to help solve high-profile cases. I find it hard not to get so involved in these character's lives: the story is so rich with detail, and at each crushing twist, you can probably hear my heart break (*cough* season one finale *cough*). I cannot recommend this show enough, but I warn you now, you will become obsessed. 

2. PRETTY LITTLE LIARS 

Haha, no shocks here - anyone who knows me knows I've been addicted to Pretty Little Liars for the longest time. In six and a half seasons, viewers grow up with Hanna, Spencer, Aria and Emily, helping them to solve the identity of their cyber-stalker under the alias of 'A', who pops up after the funeral of the friend who brought them all together, Alison. The route to discovering the truth behind 'A' and Ali's death is so twisted and exciting, with something to throw you off in each episode. However much I try to work out who A is, there's always some kind of flaw in my theory. The show has equally enticing sub plots, mostly surrounding the girls' relationships and school struggles. Anyone whose a fan of the likes of Gossip Girl, or is also loving Riverdale will probably also really like Pretty Little Liars. It's an amazing watch. 

1. ONCE UPON A TIME 

Yes, my number one favourite Netflix show is Once Upon A Time! I absolutely love it. For any Disney or fairy tale fan like myself this series is a dream come true, tracing the life of Emma Swan, the child of Snow White and Prince Charming, and her son's mission to get her to believe in magic in order to fulfil her destiny as 'the saviour' and break the curse set by the Evil Queen over a town full of storybook characters, unaware of their true identities. Though it sounds a bit childish, its such a nostalgic and happy show to watch. Classic characters like Pinocchio, Cinderella, and my personal favourite, Captain Hook, amongst endless others, all make an appearance throughout the five and half seasons available on Netflix, each with thrilling good-vs-evil story lines. The acting is superb, the sets and CGI are fantastic (especially for a TV show) and it brings a smile to my face/tear to my eye every time I watch it. It's my favourite for a reason.