8 Netflix Shows That Are Way Better Than You Remember

Many in Netflix’s library become quite easy to underestimate over time, especially when big hits tend to overshadow them with their larger scale and flashier story. A series can definitely remain much funnier, smarter, stranger, sadder, or even more emotionally layered than its reputation may suggest, and revisiting it often reveals the show’s hidden strengths that are sometimes missed during the initial viewing experience.

Several Netflix gems prove that memory does not always give brilliant TV its deserved credit. Compiled on this list are Netflix shows that somehow become even stronger when viewers rediscover and look upon them with new, more appreciative eyes.

8

‘Ragnarok’ (2020–2023)

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Ragnarok may look like an ordinary teen drama on the surface, but in reality it’s a fantastical watch with a solid mixture of environmental anxiety, small town tension, a wholesome coming-of-age tale, and Norse mythology. The show follows seemingly ordinary teen Magne Seier (David Stakston), who discovers he has the powers of Thor as an age-old battle between giants and gods begins once more.

Ragnarok is a true hidden Netflix gem that, once found, tends to pleasantly surprise audiences with its genuinely captivating story. Its “better than remembered” status comes from just how easily it was underestimated upon its release, rewarding those that take a chance on it with a far more compelling modern fantasy than they initially expected. Ragnarok is an underdog for certain, but it remains a definite good time during most viewers’ first watch, and an even better experience once revisited.

7

‘Everything Sucks!’ (2018)

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This teen drama is a perfect example of a Netflix watch that deserved a much longer run time and far more credit. Set in 1996 Boring, Oregon, the series Everything Sucks! centers around Luke O’Neil (Jahi Di’Allo Winston) as he begins developing feelings for Kate Messner (Peyton Kennedy), while the drama and AV club produce the kind of adolescent collisions that really only feel trivial to adults.

Everything Sucks! is a Netflix beauty that defiantly went away far too soon. In fact, it is often brought up in conversations by its small but incredibly devoted group of fans as they mourn its abrupt cancellation. Most find themselves revisiting the series and noting that its warmth, sincerity, and nostalgic coming-of-age story are even better than their first memory of it. Everything Sucks! hype window may have well and truly passed, but it stands as a fantastic example of a Netflix show that is so much greater than its short reputation.

6

‘Never Have I Ever’ (2020–2023)

Never Have I Ever may seem like a simple teen comedy on the outside, but once watched, viewers tend to realize rather quickly how much emotional depth awaits them. The series focuses on the young Devi Vishwakumar (Maitreyi Ramakrishnan) as she tries to rebuild her life after the death of her father while dealing with school, romance, friendships, and family expectations.

Never Have I Ever is honestly one of Netflix’s greatest underrated comedy-dramas. The show may sadly be mostly forgotten by subscribers of the streaming platform—if ever truly known—but once rediscovered, it’s a true gem that’s genuinely hilarious while also extremely raw as it explores growing up and dealing with grief. Never Have I Ever is the perfect binge for any rewatch party, as it thrusts its viewers back into Devi’s extraordinarily messy life, turning out to be much more entertaining the second time around.

5

‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019–Present)

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This epic Netflix animated series is one of the most uneven shows by design on the streaming platform. Love, Death & Robots is a brilliant anthology series that features volumes that tell different stories. Audiences are introduced to aliens, killers, monsters, human ruins, and so much more.

On most viewers’ second watch of Love, Death & Robots, many are completely stunned as they begin to recognize the series as a creative platform rather than a perfectly even watch. Fans have dubbed the show the ultimate anthology binge due to its willingness to experiment in not only different animation styles, but also genres, tones, and ideas each episode. Love, Death & Robots is genuinely one of those rare Netflix series that is far more captivating than many remember once revisited.

4

‘Master of None’ (2015–2021)

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Master of None is a truly unique comedy that ranges from formally adventurous installments about immigrant parents, race, and queer identity to intimate dating-comedy episodes. The series follows Dev Shah (Aziz Ansari) as he moves through New York trying to understand family, romance, work, and adulthood.

At its peak, Master of None stood strong as one of Netflix’s greatest comedy series about adulthood. Once viewers rediscover the series and take the time to indulge in a proper binge, they find themselves immediately locked into the hilarity, romance, awkwardness, and quiet moments of reflection centered within the show. What may have initially seemed like a simple comedy masterfully reveals itself to be a series that truly showcases its understanding of adulthood and its raw moments, making it a top-tier Netflix original that feels all the more rewarding upon rewatch.

3

‘Santa Clarita Diet’ (2017–2019)

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This brilliant but woefully underrated Netflix comedy is one that makes for a much stronger revisit than quite a great many fans remember. Santa Clarita Diet centers around Joel Hammond (Timothy Olyphant) and his wife Sheila Hammond (Drew Barrymore), suburban realtors whose lives implode after Sheila becomes undead and develops an almost unquenchable taste for human flesh.

Sure, during the first watch of Santa Clarita Diet, it is quite easy to reduce the comedy series to just a gory spectacle, but upon a second viewing, the show makes it clear that it is so much more. Revisiting the series’ combination of genuine warmth and gross-out humor reveals just how well the show balances absurdity with marriage, family, and loyalty. Beneath all the chaos and blood is a surprisingly wholesome comedy that thrives on its strong emotional core and lovable characters, making Santa Clarita Diet far sweeter, smarter, and more rewarding than most fans remember.

2

‘Sense8’ (2015–2018)

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Sense8 is one of Netflix’s most brilliant sci-fi originals, and finding it much more entertaining upon revisiting is far from unusual for devoted fans. The series follows eight strangers across the world who discover an epic connection to one another, allowing them to share their life experiences.

Sense8 is insanely rewatchable, not just for its ambitious story, but for its deeply emotional exploration of love, connection, identity and shared humanity. Most viewers of the masterful series have insisted that no Netflix original can ever match the show’s emotional openness or international scale. It may be a bit melodramatic at times, but that is what makes it so addictively entertaining. Sense8 sheds its skin as an overwhelming watch upon a second viewing, revealing itself to be a heartfelt, bold, and surprisingly intimate series that is far better than anyone remembers.

1

‘Julie and the Phantoms’ (2020)

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This music-centered series may not have had a long run, but at its peak it stood tall as one of the most addictive and genuinely wholesome dramas that grows even more entertaining with multiple viewings. Julie and the Phantoms centers around the young Julie Molina (Madison Reyes), who loses both her mother and her interest in music until three dead musicians make their way into her life and reignite her love for song.

Julie and the Phantoms is one of Netflix’s most unfortunate cancelations. Fans made their rage known online as they mourned almost immediately after its abrupt end, and with good reason. Returning to the series today makes its beloved status even clearer. From its heartfelt story about grief, healing, friendship, and finding courage to move forward, to its infectious original songs and charming performances, Julie and the Phantoms stands as the ultimate good time that is definitely considered to be better than most viewers remember.