When you settle in to watch a couple hours of Netflix-whether on the couch or in bed-you’re usually looking for something easy to enjoy, like something funny, romantic, or just background noise while you (honestly) browse your phone. We’ve all done that. But sometimes you want something a bit different-something that makes you think, or maybe even reminds you to appreciate what you have.
We’re discussing the truly unsettling entertainment available on the platform. Many streamers offer some depressing or frightening TV shows, but Netflix specifically collects a range of disturbing content. It could be a true crime show that makes you worry about your home security, a science fiction series that makes you grateful for the limitations of time travel, or a particular anthology series that will make you think twice about what you share online (yes, you know the one). This one streaming service seems to have it all, and you likely already have a subscription.
If you’re looking for something a bit more intense than your typical comedy or historical romance, explore our list of the most gripping shows available-and you’ll find them all on Netflix. Covering everything from true crime to chilling sci-fi and more, these shows will likely make you appreciate your own life a little more. We’re just giving you a heads-up!
Black Mirror (2011- )
Many people joke about how overly dark and pessimistic Black Mirror was in predicting the future, but as things actually *do* get gloomier, even its critics are starting to see it was onto something. The show, which originally aired on Britain’s Channel 4 and is now a Netflix Original, tells self-contained stories about the downsides of technology – people with brain implants that make them unhappy, those addicted to depressing video games, and individuals whose lives are ruined by social media, and so on. While some storylines are pretty predictable, the show isn’t afraid to explore incredibly disturbing and bleak themes. Episodes like “Playtest,” “White Bear,” “The Waldo Moment,” and “Common People” really push the boundaries of how shocking and upsetting a television show can be.
BoJack Horseman (2014-2020)
Despite its silly, cartoonish appearance – filled with animals dressed as people and making witty references to Hollywood – BoJack Horseman is actually a very depressing show. People started watching because of its clever and funny take on the entertainment world, but they kept watching because of the show’s deeply honest look at its main character, a horse who struggles with intense self-loathing and destructive habits. This leads him to push away everyone he cares about, and things only get worse. For every funny joke about a famous actress like Margo Martindale, or a line like “Fool me chicken soup with rice,” there are five incredibly dark moments that show how easily fame and mental health issues can make someone so unhappy they lose the will to live.
Making a Murderer (2015-2018)
Most true crime stories are unsettling, but Making a Murderer stands out as particularly disturbing- largely because the central figure, Steven Avery, was actually proven innocent of at least one of the murders he was accused of. The first season of the show details Avery’s story: he spent 18 years in prison after being wrongly convicted of a crime, and then, just two years after his release, was imprisoned again, accused of another murder. The second season examines what happened after Avery’s second conviction, and both seasons delve into the role of his nephew, Brendan Dassey, in these cases. Overall, the show highlights the troubling issues of forced confessions and inadequate legal representation, which contributed to Avery’s initial imprisonment and potentially his second one as well.
13 Reasons Why (2017-2020)
I have to say, watching 13 Reasons Why was a really intense experience. The show centers around a group of high school students dealing with the aftermath of a classmate’s suicide, and it quickly became controversial for Netflix. Honestly, I can see why – the graphic portrayals of teen suicide, sexual assault, and bullying were quite disturbing, and many viewers and child psychologists raised concerns. The first season kicks off with a box of cassette tapes left by Hannah Baker, the student who died, and they’re addressed to 13 people she blames for contributing to her death. And it doesn’t get much lighter after that. Later seasons delve into things like cyberbullying, murder, and even an attempted school shooting – it really covers some of the most difficult and darkest subject matter you can imagine in a high school drama. It’s a tough watch, but definitely impactful.
Dark (2017-2020)
As a film enthusiast, I have to say we can’t talk about dark shows without mentioning the one actually called Dark. This German series is seriously complex! It’s a time travel mystery that weaves together the stories of multiple generations in the fictional town of Winden. The town is dominated by a nuclear cooling tower and sits above a cave system with this incredible, ancient power. This power can send people back and forth in time, creating this endlessly looping web where characters end up being their own ancestors – parents, grandparents, you name it. What really makes Dark so compelling, aside from the initial mystery of a missing child and the impact that has on everyone, is how it portrays time. It’s presented as this unstoppable force that you can’t change, and it’s heartbreaking to watch these characters struggle with their fate, living lives that are completely out of order and separated from the people they care about.
Mindhunter (2017-2019)
If you’re looking for a captivating streaming show that will stay with you, Mindhunter offers a disturbing yet fascinating glimpse into the minds of America’s most notorious criminals and the FBI investigators who sought to understand them. Primarily directed by David Fincher, the series stars Holt McCallany and Jonathan Groff as FBI agents traveling the country in the late 1970s. Their mission? To interview serial killers, hoping to uncover the reasons behind their actions and apply that knowledge to current cases. The show also features Anna Torv as a psychology professor, and it charts the early development of criminal psychology-a then-novel approach to understanding why killers do what they do. While not a horror show, Mindhunter is incredibly unsettling as it explores the dark thoughts and motivations of those capable of horrific acts.
The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Mike Flanagan’s debut Netflix miniseries, The Haunting of Hill House, is also his most emotionally devastating work, quickly establishing him as a horror director who cares just as much about feelings as he does about scares. Based on Shirley Jackson’s classic gothic novel, the story centers on the adult Crain siblings, all grappling with a shared, traumatic experience from their childhood at their former home, the eerie Hill House. While it’s certainly a ghost story, it’s also a powerful exploration of depression, addiction, and guilt, weaving these somber themes together to create a uniquely heartbreaking story about mental illness and harmful behaviors. You’ll be deeply affected by Nell’s episode, “The Bent-Neck Lady,” and it will forever change the way you think about ghost stories.
Don’t F— with Cats: Hunting an Internet Killer (2019)
The true-crime miniseries Don’t F- with Cats is upsetting for a couple of reasons. First, and most obviously, it centers around a man who posted videos online of himself torturing and killing cats. That alone is enough to make viewers aware that this show isn’t for everyone and should be approached with caution. The second reason this show is so disturbing is how it closely follows the online group of citizen detectives and amateur investigators. They used even the smallest pieces of evidence to track down the person responsible for the crimes and bring him to justice, ultimately discovering he had also murdered a person. While it’s a good thing that internet users were able to identify and turn over a criminal to the authorities, the realization of how easily anyone can find personal information about you online is enough to make you think twice about what you share.
Brand New Cherry Flavor (2021)
Rosa Salazar is a remarkably talented actress who doesn’t get enough recognition, especially considering Brand New Cherry Flavor, which remains one of her lesser-known works. She plays Liza Nova, an up-and-coming horror director who relocates to Los Angeles in the 1990s after a producer shows interest in her short film. When she rejects his unwanted advances, he steals her work, leading her to make a deal with a local witch to get revenge. However, using witchcraft has consequences, and Liza quickly finds herself entangled in the seedy, dangerous side of LA. The show strongly evokes the style of David Lynch, even featuring guest star Patrick Fischler, and is filled with disturbing visuals and a particularly memorable sex scene.
Adolescence (2025)
A blend of formal experimentation and a critical look at today’s teen internet world, Adolescence immediately stood out as one of Netflix’s best shows. The series centers on 13-year-old Jamie Miller, who is accused of killing a classmate-a girl he later admits bullied him online. Each of the show’s three episodes is filmed in a single, unbroken shot, showing Jamie’s arrest, police interviews with teachers and students at his school, and how the rest of his family deals with the shocking crime. The show honestly examines the gap between adults and today’s youth, who grew up online facing cyberbullying and complicated issues around gender-things that parents, teachers, and other authority figures often don’t understand and aren’t prepared to address.
10 Cozy TV Shows Perfect for Fall
Wednesday
Autumn isn’t just about colorful leaves; it’s also the perfect time for Halloween! That’s why Wednesday is a great show to watch when you’re craving something spooky. The series, which first came out in 2022, centers on Wednesday Addams, a teenage psychic who goes to Nevermore Academy and quickly becomes involved in a series of unsettling mysteries. With its eerie visuals, dark subject matter, and school setting reminiscent of the Harry Potter movies, the show really captures the feeling of fall. Plus, its creepy and supernatural stories definitely put you in the Halloween spirit.
Gossip Girl
Originally broadcast from 2007 to 2012, Gossip Girl follows the dramatic love lives, family issues, social circles, and scandals of a group of (mainly) wealthy private school students living on Manhattan’s Upper East Side. While the show isn’t always set in the fall, the first season starts during that time, and the series really captures the feel of a New York City autumn with its focus on dark academia, stylish outfits (lots of layers!), and memorable Thanksgiving episodes.
Felicity
Felicity, a show that ran from 1998 to 2002, tells the story of a quiet, protected young woman who moves to New York City for both college and to be near her high school crush. While there, she finds herself in a love triangle. The drama series, with its cozy feel, college atmosphere, lots of sweaters and scarves, and focus on change and fresh starts, perfectly captures the comforting mood of autumn.
Supernatural
As a huge horror and fantasy fan, let me tell you about Supernatural. It ran from 2005 to 2020 and centers around two really compelling brothers who basically make a living hunting demons and all sorts of creepy, supernatural creatures. Honestly, the show’s format – often focusing on a different monster each week – and its genuinely spooky vibe make it *perfect* for fall, especially around October and those cold November days. But the best part? With a whopping 15 seasons, Supernatural is the ultimate autumn binge-watch. It’s the kind of show you can revisit every year and it just *feels* good – a real comfort for fans like me.
Friday Night Lights
Friday Night Lights, a show that ran from 2006 to 2011, focuses on the strong high school football tradition in a close community in rural Texas. It also explores the lives, relationships, and struggles of the coaches, players, and families within that town. The series is known for its realistic, heartfelt stories and its depiction of small-town American life, creating a warm and inviting experience for the audience. Furthermore, because the show centers around high school football – a sport typically played in the fall and winter – it feels strongly connected to the autumn season.
Abbott Elementary
Abbott Elementary tells the story of dedicated teachers at a public school with limited resources. They’re committed to providing their students with a great education, even though the school’s leaders don’t seem to care much. This funny series, presented as a documentary, first aired in 2021. It has a generally uplifting and feel-good quality, making it ideal for autumn-when many people want to enjoy comforting and familiar entertainment. You’ll find plenty of lovable characters, a back-to-school atmosphere, and episodes centered around holidays.
Boy Meets World
Running from 1993 to 2000, Boy Meets World tells the story of young Corey Matthews as he navigates the journey from childhood to adulthood. The show explores the ups and downs of school, family, relationships, friendships, and figuring out what’s next. This much-loved ‘90s sitcom about growing up has a cozy, comforting feel – it’s like revisiting the warm, safe feeling of home during Thanksgiving. With its focus on themes everyone can relate to – like the challenges of being a teenager, personal growth, and change – Boy Meets World reminds us of the constant, natural changes that happen in life, much like the season of autumn.
The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina
I really enjoyed watching The Chilling Adventures of Sabrina when it came out on Netflix in 2018. It ran for two seasons and tells the story of a young woman figuring out her powers – she’s half-witch and half-human – all while fighting against really scary evil forces. It’s based on the Sabrina the Teenage Witch comics, and honestly, it’s perfect to watch in the fall – especially around October! The show has this really cool, dark, Gothic-Victorian style mixed with a cozy small-town vibe. There are lots of witchy storylines, a creepy atmosphere, and even some episodes specifically about Halloween. Plus, it deals with themes of growing up and dealing with change, which I found really relatable.
Gilmore Girls
Gilmore Girls is like a cup of Lorelai Gilmore’s favorite Luke’s Diner coffee: warm, comforting, and familiar. Originally aired between 2000-2007, the series follows a quippy mother-daughter duo as they navigate romance, careers, and family drama in the enchanting town of Stars Hollow. The show features a number of autumnal hallmarks, from its charming small-town setting to its familial themes and school-related story lines, making it perfect viewing for a brisk fall afternoon curled up on the couch.
Only Murders in the Building
Only Murders in the Building, first released in 2021, centers around three neighbors who are fascinated by true crime. They live in an apartment building on the Upper West Side and team up to investigate a murder. The show is filled with likable characters and features stylish, comfortable clothing – think lots of sweaters and coats! – and a mystery that’s suspenseful without being overly scary. This fun and engaging series is ideal for watching on cool days when the leaves are changing and it gets dark early.
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2025-10-03 17:00