Everybody knows what tickles their fancy when it comes to entertainment. While some people prefer light-hearted and dramatic flicks, others love to venture into darker and more complex realms of storytelling. Consequently, while this collection ofNetflixseries may not be suitable for those who are sensitive to graphic and explicit content, or are easily bewildered by twisty narratives, this would certainly become a must-see series for those who can stomach really disturbing imagery and equally love complex narratives.
Netflix boasts quite a handful of shows that delve into the deepest and darkest corners; spine-tingling and mind-bending narratives that push the boundaries of fear, suspense and psychological unease. The level of disturbances varies among them, but each is guaranteed to send shivers down the spines of many and leave them in awe. Notable titles likeBlack MirrorandMindhunterare among the most disturbing, andStranger Thingsalso makes it on the list. As viewers look forward toits fifth season, scheduled to premiere in 2024, it promises to be even darker, mind-blowing and more chilling.
Delve in to discover some of the most disturbing series on Netflix below.
15Mindhunter (2017-2019)
Set in the 1970s, Joe Penhall’sMindhunterdraws inspiration from the true crime book authored by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. It focuses on the early days of criminal profiling and the often dark methods employed by FBI Agents Holden and Ford to extract information from criminals, all while exploring the psychological tolls it exacts on them.Mindhunteris a disturbing television series known for its gripping and unflinching look into the minds of some of the most notorious killers in history.
From violence, sexual deviance, and other mental illnesses, this Netflix series leaves no stones unturned in its exploration of the darkest corners of the human mind. It is no traditional horror, but a psychological torment. What adds an extra layer of unease is that it is grounded in the chilling realities of actual criminals and their heinous acts.
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14Black Mirror (2011-Present)
This anthology series created by Charlie Brooker unfolds a collection of diverse stories featuring different characters, plots and settings. These stories share a common thread, an over-arching theme, about the dystopian aspects of modern society. Across its six seasons,Black Mirrorpresents different stories, each with itsdegree of creepy momentsand very weird components. Some of the most disturbing episodes include “White Bear,” “Shut Up and Dance,” “Nosedive,” and more. This series is often considered disquieting not because it relies on gore, blood or jump-scares but because it serves as a reflection of our society.
This Netflix show taps into contemporary anxieties about privacy, social media, surveillance, and other negative impacts of technology. In so doing, it exposes the potential dark sides of technological advancements and their impact on society and human behavior, making it an unsettling and thought-provoking exploration of our modern world.
1313 Reasons Why (2017-2020)
13 Reasons Whytells the story of Hanna Baker, who exposes the persons and events behind her decision to tragically take her life through a series of tapes, which were left for Clay Jensen after her death. As Clay listens to the tapes, he becomes more entangled in the web of lies, secrets, and guilt surrounding Hannah’s death. It is not just him who is sickened by it all; the audience is as well.
Undeniably this Netflix series stands as one of the most depressing and controversial series, fearlessly addressing issues of bullying, depression, sexual assault, and other sensitive issues that often plague teens and young adults. While it garnered praises for its boldness in tackling these, this very boldness became the reason it was heavily criticized by both critics and viewers as the series became more negative and inappropriate.
12Dark (2017-2020)
This German masterpiece may very well be the most brilliant and twistedtime travel seriesever created. Set in the fictional town of Winden in Germany and spanning multiple timelines from 1888 to 2053, this complex Netflix series delves into the mystery of a wormhole in the town’s cave, with four interconnected families finding themselves at the heart of a time loop. It is slow-paced, but manages to keep viewers on the edge of their seats as it unravels the secrets of this small town.
Darkis a mind-boggling experience that requires close attention to details to make sense of it all. However, it can be confusing and uneasy to watch due its complex nature. With its bleak atmosphere, eerie music, its themes of determinism and some gruesome deaths and violence, it instills an overall sense of dread.
11The Haunting of Hill House (2018)
Based on the 1959 novel of the same name,The Haunting of Hill House, created by Mike Flanagan, revolves around the Crain family who lived in Hill House for a brief period of their childhood. Unfolding across ten episodes, the series navigates between the past and the present. It goes beyond the conventional jump-scare horror, delving into the psychological impact of the terrifying events on them, even as adults.
Rather just presenting yet another haunted house horror narrative, the series showcases the family dynamics, their strained relationship and how their shared trauma shapes their life. It is a brand of horror series that fills viewers with unease as they follow its disturbed characters, plot twists and nonlinear storytelling. Ultimately, it is a deeply poignant and distressing narrative that lingers with the audience.
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10Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities (2022)
Curated by Guillermo del Toro,Cabinet of Curiositiesfeatures the most bizarre and scariest stories, each as visually striking as it is spine-tingling. Across its eight self-contained stories, varying levels of horror await. Some are truly disturbing, heart-wrenching, and terrifying, while others are merely implied horrors that easily forgotten. As with any anthology series, some episodes outshine others. Nevertheless, del Toro pays asuperb homage to Alfred Hitchcockwith these macabre themed stories that are unlike other usual horror fare.
From “Graveyards,” “Lot 36,” “The Autopsy,” “Dreams in the Witch House,” and others, the stories in this horror geek’s cabinet are as peculiar as they are terrifying. While there are mixed feelings about this series, there’s no denying its brilliance and its ability to evoke the classicThe Twilight Zonevibe.
9The Killing (2011-2014)
With its dark and gritty Seattle setting,The Killingimmerses viewers in the harsh realities of homicide investigations and the toll it takes on those involved. It primarily revolves around the investigations of two homicide detectives, Sarah and Stephen. The first season follows as they investigate the death of a young girl whose body is discovered in the trunk of a submerged car and subsequent seasons continue with different murder cases.
The level of realism found in this intense series as it follows the setbacks, frustration, and investigations of these detectives, without shying away from depicting the gory crime scenes and other gruesome aspects of homicidal investigation, make this truly unnerving and difficult to forget. Its graphic content coupled with themes of loss and grief will have many wallowing in misery with characters.
8Devilman Crybaby (2018)
This adult animeis an extremely brutal, profound, and very dark tale that is not for the faint-hearted. Based on the classic Manga by Go Nagai,Devilman Crybabyfollows the story of a timid and kind-hearted schoolboy who discovers that demons have infiltrated the human world and are plotting to take over. In an attempt to prevent the invasion, Akira merges with the demon Amon, becoming a Devilman. As the series follows Akira’s encounter with several demons, it takes a dark and nihilistic turn.
Despite its animated format, this series features explicit content that surpasses many live-action movies in terms of gore and terror. It is funny, philosophical, religious, unique and demonic and not many will make it past its first episode. Known for its visceral scenes, violence and frequently disturbing themes, this series pushes boundaries and challenges viewers.
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7The Fall (2013-2016)
Looking for a gripping series that will keep you up at night, thenThe Fallis the perfect choice. In this psychological thriller,Gillian Anderson playsthe determined Stella, tasked with investigating the gruesome murders of young women in Belfast, while Jamie Dornan portrays the serial killer who leads a double life as a police officer, loving father, and a ruthless killer. The series steadily build tension and suspense, creating a sense of dread as viewers watch the cat-and-mouse game between the main characters.
The Netflix series does not hold back in depicting the gruesome crimes and violence committed against woman, while delving into the warped motivations behind such heinous acts. Not everyone can handle the level of darkness in this series. It also features some unresolved cases, adding an extra layer of realism that heightens its spine-chilling nature.
6Stranger Things (2016-Present)
Set in the imaginary town of Hawkins, this beloved series begins with the disappearance of Will Byers, prompting his friends on a quest to find him. Along the way, they uncover a series of government secrets and supernatural phenomena that are lurking right beneath the surface of their quiet town. WhileStranger Thingsdoes not delve into disturbing territory as others, it retains certain unsettling elements despite its departure from reality and its nostalgic charm.
The fact remains that the show includes certain unsettling visuals, as well as the eerie concept of the Upside Down of one’s town, not to mention the presence of mind flayer who infiltrates one’s thoughts. Thanks to the beautiful friendship and tender moments between the characters, the series strikes a balance between the scary aspects, bringing smiles to the faces of viewers amidst eerie occurrences.
