Whenever we watch a scary movie or TV show, we look for clues that will hold our hands as the scenes play out. Maybe it’s an oddly timed joke, or a tender moment that gives us time to breathe and process what we’ve just watched, all before diving right back into the action or horror. It helps relieve the tension in the room and returns us to a sense of normalcy and calm.
Then, there are those movies and shows that look at us and say, “get tough,” and will absolutely refuse to hold out their hand, keeping the suspense up without letting their foot off the gas pedal. These stories won’t ease up, won’t offer a moment to breathe, and certainly won’t hold out a hand to steady the nerves. In fact, they’ll watch the outstretched hand and smack it away, daring audiences to keep up or get left behind in the chaos.
10
‘Black Mirror’ (2011–)
If you’re expecting this British anthology series to give you a breather, you have another thing coming. Black Mirror, which tells stories that deal with speculative science fiction and dystopian hellscapes, doesn’t let off the gas for those who may be too squeamish to watch any of the disturbing episodes. Oh, no, this show keeps the horror and suspense coming at you, with no time for you to process what just happened.
Black Mirror’s techo-drenched fever nightmare does what it is supposed to do, which is make you question our advances in technology. Is being technologically advanced actually helping out humanity? Or is it harming it? These are important questions that Black Mirror strives to make you answer, and they won’t hold your hand while you’re searching, either.
9
‘Fargo’ (2014–2024)
Dark comedies always have a special place in fans’ hearts. These comedies will make light of the darkest corners of our society, and while some may find it disturbing and crude, others think that black comedies serve a purpose in today’s world, which is why many fans enjoy Fargo so much.
Based on the 1996 cult-classic film, Fargo is similar to Black Mirror in so many ways. Both are great anthology TV series, and both have numerous moments that will tell you to put your hands back in your pockets. The only difference between the two is that Fargo leans more into comedy, which does lighten the mood up some, but once you’re in Fargo’s grip, it won’t let go for one second.
8
‘Severance’ (2022–)
There are dystopian series, and then there is Severance, a show that is unlike any other. The Apple TV+ series is not like your typical dystopian show, as it deals with the horror of a place we see every day: the workplace. Severance follows a group of employees at a biotech corporation who have undergone “severance,” a medical procedure that makes the employees forget about everything at work once they leave.
There is just something hauntingly disturbing about Severance that will desperately have you searching for something, anything, that will guide you to comfort. Alas, there is none, and that’s actually the best part of this show. It’s so creepy, so disturbing, so based on real life, that you have no choice but to settle for watching it without cues from the cast that what you’re watching is not real, which is the best way to enjoy Severance.
7
‘Scandal’ (2012–2018)
Scandal is a drama set in the toxic world of politics, which is always fast-paced and dripping with powerful people doing the dumbest things. Not only is Scandal great at being a political drama, but it also has its truly thrilling moments that will leave your jaw on the floor.
Make no mistake, Scandal is a really fast-paced show. Sure, there are some moments in which the showrunners ease their foot off the gas pedal for just a moment. However, just when things seem calm, you’re right back in the middle of political thriller madness. There hasn’t been, nor will there ever be, another Scandal.
6
‘Oz’ (1997–2003)
We have our pick of great shows about prison, from Orange Is the New Black to its grittier Australian counterpart, Wentworth. However, no prison show has been as innovative and controversial as Oz, the first hour-long original series produced for HBO, and one that completely changed the landscape of premium television with its uncensored look inside a notorious prison.
Oz showcases what actual rehabilitation could look like inside a prison, with a lot of trial and error that went along with the prison experiment known as “Emerald City.” If you’re thinking of the warm and fuzzy nature of The Wizard of Oz, you will definitely not find it here. What you will find is a criminally underrated show that went places no other prison story went before, and many have struggled to get back to since.
5
‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)
The war on drugs is a very controversial topic, and one that has been interesting for show producers to look at. It’s filled with violence and agents doing questionable things in order to bring down dangerous cartels. This is what makes Narcos such an interesting and gripping crime drama. Few shows could capture the horrific nature of catching a dangerous drug lord quite like Narcos could.
In fact, “gripping” may not be the right word used to describe how impactful Narcos was. This was a crime TV show that truly kept you on the edge of your seat, watching and anticipating the moment the DEA would finally get their man, and what methods it took to achieve that, and it didn’t have time to hold your hand while the action was playing out.
4
‘Death Note’ (2006–2007)
When we think of popular anime shows today, we tend to overlook one that had a true lasting impact on the genre and its advancements in Western popularity. This is, of course, Death Note, the Japanese manga that got a TV adaptation in 2006, and is considered one of the most influential modern anime to air on television.
One of the biggest reasons for Death Note’s genre-changing popularity had to do with its interesting story, which focuses on a high school student who works to rid the world of evil using a book called “Death Note.” Having the plot revolve around killing evil people just by writing their names in a book is truly original and, surprisingly, quite thrilling.
3
‘True Detective’ (2014–)
When True Detective first premiered on HBO, it stirred cautious intrigue among crime drama fans. The title might suggest a standard case-of-the-week format rooted in real-life criminal investigations, but this series was clearly aiming for something deeper and darker. With HBO’s reputation for pushing narrative and stylistic boundaries, it was immediately clear that True Detective would explore themes and stories that traditional network TV couldn’t touch.
Since its debut, True Detective has pulled viewers in, inviting them to become armchair detectives, piecing together clues alongside the characters. With its gritty atmosphere, layered storytelling, and cerebral twists, the series delivers a haunting, thought-provoking experience. Gripping and thought-provoking, True Detective is one of the best mystery thrillers on TV, hands down.
2
‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)
What can be said about Breaking Bad that hasn’t already been said? It’s (rightfully) considered one of the best shows ever made, and a hallmark of how to make a neo-Western TV show. Right from the opening scene, Breaking Bad puts its foot on the gas pedal and doesn’t let up for one second.
It’s a show filled with tense, iconic moments. You never know which episode may be the last for Walter White (Bryan Cranston), a former science teacher who becomes a drug dealer. In the high-stakes world of drug dealing, there is danger all around, and the fast-paced nature of Breaking Bad will not allow you to catch your breath. You’re in it for the long ride, and what a ride it is.
1
‘Ozark’ (2017–2022)
Picture this: You work at a successful investment firm, living a good life and providing for your family. You just took on a new client who has a very impressive portfolio. However, you soon discover that your new client is a drug boss, and your partner has been stealing money from him. Naturally, they kill him, so to save your life, you move to a resort area in Missouri and begin laundering money for the drug boss’s cartel. Isn’t it a grand life? If you’re Marty Byrd (Jason Bateman), this is the life that has been bestowed upon you, and life isn’t all that grand.
That was the premise of Ozark, the Netflix series that broke new boundaries in the serial drama sub-genre. There was heightened tension within every episode, and the ending was a satisfying payoff to a story that was so unbelievable, you need to watch it multiple times in order to fully understand the true depth of the story. It’s gripping and sad, and don’t expect any moment that will allow you to catch your breath from this intoxicating Netflix drama.
Ozark
- Release Date
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2017 – 2022
- Network
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Netflix
