In the vast landscape of streaming platforms, there are hidden gems waiting to be discovered by viewers looking for something new and exciting to watch. Not receiving much attention but highly regarded by those who have discovered it, these hidden gems may not have had a big budget or a well-known cast, but they have a unique and captivating story that deserves recognition.
Update July 11, 2023: Looking for something new to watch, this list has been updated with even more great hidden gems.
The selection criteria include the overall quality of the production, its critical reception, and its entertainment value. This list excludes well-known titles and instead focused on those that have flown under the radar. Whether you're in the mood for a thought-provoking drama, a heartwarming comedy, or a thrilling action movie, there's something on this list for anyone looking to discover the best-hidden gems that streaming platforms have to offer.
21 The OA
The OA is a Netflix original series that follows the story of Prairie Johnson, a young woman who returns home after being missing for seven years. Prairie is now blind and refuses to tell anyone what happened to her while she was missing. She then recruits a group of misfits to help her in her quest for answers. The OA is a hidden gem because of its unique storytelling, brilliant performances, and stunning visuals. The show takes risks in its narrative structure and tackles complex themes like trauma, spirituality, and the afterlife.
20 The Man in the High Castle
Based on the novel by Philip K. Dick, The Man in the High Castle depicts an alternate reality where the Axis powers won World War II and now rule the United States. The story follows a group of characters as they navigate the resistance movement and uncover the truth about a mysterious film reel. The Man in the High Castle is a hidden gem because of its thought-provoking premise, strong performances, and attention to detail in its production design. The show explores themes of fascism, resistance, and the power of propaganda in a nuanced and compelling way.
19 American Vandal
American Vandal is a mockumentary-style series that satirizes true-crime documentaries. The show follows two high school students as they investigate a series of obscene pranks at their school, including a vandal who spray-painted penises on the faculty's cars. American Vandal is a hidden gem because of its clever humor, smart writing, and impressive attention to detail in its parody of true crime tropes. The show manages to be both hilarious and surprisingly poignant in its examination of the impact of social media and the high school experience on teenagers.
18 Sense8
Sense8 is a science-fiction drama that follows the lives of eight strangers from different parts of the world who suddenly find themselves mentally and emotionally linked. The show explores themes of identity, sexuality, and the power of empathy. Created by the Wachowskis and J. Michael Straczynski, Sense8 received critical acclaim for its diverse cast, exceptional cinematography, and innovative storytelling.
Despite its stellar reviews, Sense8 never gained a massive following during its original run on Netflix. It was canceled after two seasons due to its high production costs, leaving fans devastated. However, the show's passionate fan base managed to convince Netflix to give it a proper conclusion with a two-and-a-half-hour finale. Sense8 is a unique and thought-provoking show that's definitely worth a watch.
17 How To With John Wilson
It might not be the biggest name on HBO, but anyone who has watched How To with John Wilson will let you know how delightful it is. Very much a Planet Earth-inspired documentary series, the host looks to answer simple questions set to some of the strangest and most bizarre footage he captures around New York City.
Simple questions lead to thoughtful and emotionally provocative episodes. It's hard to believe an episode about making the perfect risotto could make you cry, but it certainly does. How To with John Wilson is set to conclude with its upcoming third season, which premieres on July 28, 2023, and can be watched on Max.
16 Sky Rojo
Sky Rojo is a Spanish action-thriller series that follows three women on the run from their pimp and his henchmen. The show is fast-paced and action-packed, with a healthy dose of dark humor. Created by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, the show has been praised for its exciting action sequences, strong female leads, and sharp writing.
Sky Rojo hasn't received as much attention as some of the other international shows on Netflix, but it's definitely worth checking out. The show's fast-paced storytelling and vibrant visuals make for a thrilling viewing experience. With its unique blend of action and humor, Sky Rojo is a hidden gem that's sure to entertain.
15 Coherence
Coherence is a mind-bending sci-fi thriller that explores the nature of reality and identity. The film follows a group of friends who gather for a dinner party on the night a comet passes overhead, causing a series of strange and terrifying events. Directed by James Ward Byrkit and starring Emily Baldoni, Maury Sterling, and Nicholas Brendon, Coherence is a low-budget indie gem that delivers big on thrills and suspense. Despite its critical acclaim and cult following, Coherence has remained under the radar for many viewers. The film's clever script, strong performances, and inventive storytelling make it a must-see for fans of sci-fi and horror.
14 Travelers
Netflix
Travelers is a science fiction TV show that premiered on Netflix in 2016. The series is set in a post-apocalyptic future where a team of time travelers is sent back in time to prevent catastrophic events from occurring. Each team member takes over the body of a person who is about to die, and they work together to change the course of history.
Despite its intriguing premise, Travelers has flown under the radar. However, the show's well-crafted storyline, excellent character development, and impressive performances by the cast make it a hidden gem that is definitely worth watching. The show has also garnered critical acclaim for its unique take on time travel and its exploration of complex ethical issues. With three seasons available on Netflix, Travelers is a hidden gem that you won't want to miss.
13 The Guilty
The Guilty is a Danish thriller film that follows Asger Holm, a police officer who has been demoted to work as an emergency dispatcher. As he receives a call from a woman who has been kidnapped, he realizes that he is in a race against time to save her. With the help of his colleagues, Asger tries to find the woman and uncover the truth behind her abduction.
The Guilty is a tense and gripping film that keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish. Despite being shot almost entirely in a single location, the film manages to create a sense of urgency and claustrophobia that is hard to shake off. The performances, especially by Jakob Cedergren as Asger Holm, are excellent, and the film's twist ending will leave you reeling.
12 Les Revenants (The Returned)
Les Revenants (The Returned) is a French supernatural horror drama series (not to be confused with the canceled American remake) that delves into the question of what would happen if the dead were to return. In a small French village, they are doing just that. They don't know they're dead. They don't remember what happened to them. They simply want to return to their lives.
The series delves into the fallout from the return of so many people, sometimes decades after their deaths, and the people they loved have moved on with their lives. What first appears to be a miracle to some soon begins to unravel the lives of the living, and the dead struggle to understand their place in the world. This hidden gem of a series delves into the ideas of mortality and faith while delivering a creepy story that is sure to keep the audience questioning this reality until the final frame.
11 The Kid Detective
The Kid Detective is a Canadian comedy-drama film that follows Abe Applebaum, a once-famous kid detective who is now struggling to solve even the simplest of cases. When a teenage girl approaches him to investigate the murder of her boyfriend, Abe sees it as a chance to redeem himself and reclaim his former glory. The Kid Detective is a charming and poignant film that is both hilarious and heartwarming. Adam Brody shines in the lead role, bringing depth and vulnerability to a character that could have easily been one-dimensional. The film's mix of comedy and drama is pitch-perfect, and its message about the fleeting nature of childhood innocence is both poignant and thought-provoking.
10 The Detectorists
This charming comedy centers on Andy and Lance, metal Detectorists in a small town in England. As part of the Danebury Metal Detecting Club, they scour the landscape with their detectors, looking for historic treasures across the beautiful English landscape in hopes of finding the piece that will cement their place in the annals of metal detecting history. This hidden gem is a delight to watch from start to finish and explores ideas of betrayal, greed, and redemption, as well as family and friendship.
9 The Lighthouse
The Lighthouse is a psychological horror film that follows two lighthouse keepers, Thomas Wake and Ephraim Winslow, who are stranded on a remote island in the late 1800s. As they struggle to maintain their sanity in the isolation of the island, their relationship becomes increasingly strained, leading to a descent into madness and chaos. The Lighthouse is a visually stunning and thematically complex film that defies easy categorization. The film's black-and-white cinematography and eerie tone create a sense of dread that permeates every frame, and the performances by Willem Dafoe and Robert Pattinson are nothing short of extraordinary. The Lighthouse is a film that demands to be seen and discussed, and its exploration of themes like masculinity, power, and identity will stay with you long after the credits roll.
8 The One I Love
Ethan (Mark Duplass) and Sophie (Elisabeth Moss) are a couple on the verge of separation who visit a secluded vacation home in an attempt to save their marriage. However, they soon discover a strange phenomenon that complicates their plans. The One I Love is an inventive and mind-bending romantic comedy that defies traditional genre conventions. It's a thought-provoking exploration of love, identity, and self-discovery that features brilliant performances from Duplass and Moss. The film has received critical acclaim for its clever storytelling and exceptional direction by Charlie McDowell. It's a must-watch for anyone looking for a unique and captivating viewing experience.
7 Spaced
Spaced is a comedy from Simon Pegg and Jessica Hynes (ne: Stevenson), with every episode directed by Edgar Wright and featuring the acting debut of Nick Frost. Some of the who's-who of British comedy before they were the household names they are now. The series centers on Tim (Pegg) and Daisy (Hynes), two twenty-somethings, their friends and neighbors as they navigate life in London. This hidden gem from the late 90s/early 00s is a pop culture lovers' dream for references. With only 14 episodes running at approximately 23 minutes each, Spaced is a quick and hilarious binge-watch.
6 Possessor
Tasya Vos (Andrea Riseborough) is a corporate assassin who uses brain-implant technology to take control of other people's bodies and carry out her missions. However, when she begins to lose her grip on reality, she finds herself trapped in the mind of her latest target (Christopher Abbott). Possessor is a visceral and unsettling sci-fi thriller that delves into themes of identity, violence, and power. The film's director, Brandon Cronenberg, son of David Cronenberg, delivers a stylish and provocative film that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Riseborough and Abbott deliver exceptional performances in this thought-provoking and intense film that deserves more attention.
5 Snowpiercer
In a post-apocalyptic world where the Earth has frozen over, the remaining humans live on a train that travels around the world. However, a class system has developed on the train, and a revolution is brewing among the lower-class passengers led by Curtis (Chris Evans). Snowpiercer is a thrilling and visually stunning sci-fi action movie that explores themes of class, power, and revolution. Directed by Bong Joon-ho, the film features an outstanding ensemble cast, including Evans, Song Kang-ho, and Tilda Swinton. The film's inventive setting and thrilling action sequences will keep you engaged from beginning to end. It's a must-watch for fans of sci-fi and action movies.
4 Sorry to Bother You
In this absurdist dark comedy, a struggling telemarketer named Cassius Green discovers a magical key to professional success. As he climbs the ranks of his company, he must decide whether to stay true to his ideals or join the corrupt and bizarre world of the company's top executives. Sorry to Bother You is a film that defies categorization. It's part social satire, part surreal fantasy, and part political commentary. Despite its low budget and relatively unknown cast, it has received critical acclaim for its bold vision and inventive storytelling. It's a film that will make you think, laugh, and cringe, often all at once.
3 Truth Seekers
Truth Seekers was a short-lived British comedy series about a group of paranormal investigators. This tongue-in-cheek look at the world of ghost hunters focuses on three people in search of an answer to the eternal question about life after death and their experiences across the United Kingdom. Sometimes funny, sometimes scary, these part-time paranormal investigators searched for truth, and as their otherworldly experiences increased, they realized they were on track to uncover a conspiracy that could lead to Armageddon. Though the series was canceled after only one season, it's still a hidden gem that's worth a quick and fun binge.
2 The Vast of Night
In 1950s New Mexico, a young switchboard operator named Fay and a charismatic radio DJ named Everett discover a strange audio frequency that could change their small town and the future forever. The Vast of Night is a retro film that captures the spirit of classic Twilight Zone episodes. It's a slow-burning mystery that builds tension through its atmospheric cinematography and intricate sound design. Despite its low budget, it's a film that will keep you on the edge of your seat and leave you questioning the nature of reality.