Television has become borderless. Thanks to the power of streaming, you can now catch the latest TV from almost every corner of the globe. Here’s a list of just 5 of the best foreign language shows you can stream on Netflix right now.
Story by Sidney Phillips
With content translated from over 31 languages, Netflix is increasingly becoming a platform of global culture. Challenging the paradigm of a Hollywood-dominated media market, the platform represents the evolution of entertainment in a globalized world.
Now, there’s no shortage of interesting shows or movies that offer a look into another corner of the globe. From Spain, Mexico to Japan, here’s a list of just five of the best foreign-language shows to add to your Netflix queue.
“Money Heist” (Spain)
From hostage situations, police standoffs to high speed chases, this series is a must-watch for anyone who loves high-stakes drama and pulse-pounding action. A criminal mastermind who goes by “The Professor” leads a group of eight misfits to pull off the biggest heist in history: lifting 2.4 billion dollars from the Royal Mint of Spain. Together the robbers, code-named after major world cities, make up a somewhat volatile yet dynamic ensemble with unique motivations and abilities to help pull of their grand heist. With the largest first-week premiere for a non-English series in Netflix history, the global Spanish-language sensation is by-far Netflix’s most popular foreign-language series.
“Criminal” (Germany, France, Spain, UK)
“Criminal” is Netflix’s global crime anthology that spans four countries – Spain, England, France and Germany. Each part of the 12-episode series takes place in a single interrogation room where an investigator dives into the mind and motives of a criminal. The series features a fantastic cast of global stars, including the immensely talented, David Tennant (Criminal: UK) and Florence Kasumba (Criminal: Germany) who has appeared in MCU films such as “Black Panther” and “Avengers: Infinity War.”
“Kingdom” (South Korea)
Part period drama, part zombie thriller, “Kingdom” is a pulse-pounding action-drama from Korea. Set in 15th century Korea, the series follows a crown prince attempting to protect his kingdom from a monstrous plague that’s ravaging the country. With its high-production value, gorgeous visuals and beautiful costume design, the genre-bending epic packs political intrigue, thrilling horror and high-stakes drama into an easily binge-able six episodes.
“House of Flowers” (Mexico)
Irreverent, heartwarming and darkly hilarious, “House of Flowers (La Casa de Las Flores)” is a modern telenovela about the dysfunctional De la Mora clan who begins to unravel following the mysterious death of a woman in their family flower shop. The series features all the classically entertaining telenovela must-haves – scandal, secrets, affairs and bombshell reveals – while also tackling serious issues around race, class and LGBTQ+ identity. The series’s highly anticipated season two is officially set to drop this month.
“Carole & Tuesday” (Japan)
This series re-imagines the classic tale of young artists trying to make it in the big city – but set in a futuristic Martian metropolis. Insanely stylish and beautifully animated, “Carole & Tuesday” is a stand-out addition to Netflix’s recent rollout of anime originals, and looks to be an instant favorite. The show features a stellar soundtrack, intriguing characters and no shortage of heartfelt moments as the audience follows Carole and Tuesday’s rise to fame in a music industry dominated by Artificial Intelligence.