In 2025, Netflix continued to solidify its dominance in the global streaming industry by unveiling an ambitious and multifaceted collection of original programming that spanned virtually every genre imaginable. The platform, boasting a subscriber base exceeding 300 million worldwide, showcased its creative scope with an eclectic mix of comedies, dramas, documentaries, and animated series designed to appeal to an extraordinarily diverse range of tastes and audiences. Critics and viewers alike were quick to form strong opinions, singling out both the triumphs and the misfires among Netflix’s many releases. Some productions were celebrated as bold narrative achievements or emotionally resonant pieces of storytelling, while others were dismissed as uninspired, tonally inconsistent, or overly conventional.
Among Netflix’s 2025 triumphs, a few titles rose unmistakably to the top. The animated gem *Long Story Short* garnered unanimous acclaim and achieved a rare, perfect 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Crafted by Raphael Bob-Waksberg, the creator behind *BoJack Horseman*, the series follows three Jewish siblings—Avi, Shira, and Yoshi—as they navigate adulthood while reflecting on the bittersweet complexities of their upbringing. Critics described it as simultaneously witty, contemplative, and deeply personal, lauding its emotional intelligence and the sophistication of its humor. Reviewers celebrated it not only as a stellar example of animated storytelling but also as a testament to the creative evolution of its celebrated showrunner.
Another standout success was *Forever*, an empathetic adaptation of Judy Blume’s cherished novel. The story reunites childhood friends Keisha Clark and Justin Edwards as they reencounter each other during adolescence, rediscovering the intensity of first love. Praised for its authentic performances, evocative soundtrack, and gentle exploration of youth, the series was likened to the comfort of a cozy afternoon indoors — emotionally familiar and soothing, yet deeply affecting. The adaptation retained the original author’s sense of sincerity and emotional candor, ensuring that Blume’s hallmarks of tenderness and self-discovery translated seamlessly to the screen.
Netflix’s foray into video-game adaptations also earned critical approval. *Devil May Cry*, based on the beloved action franchise, brought the demon-hunting antihero Dante vividly to life in an animated format. With energetic pacing, spectacularly stylized animation, and cinematic intensity, the series was applauded for capturing the essence of its source material while also engaging newcomers unfamiliar with the game’s mythology. Its triumph mirrored the acclaim once enjoyed by Netflix’s earlier adaptation of *Castlevania*, proving that the company continues to excel at bridging the space between gaming and serialized storytelling.
Historical dramas also flourished. *Death by Lightning*, directed by *Game of Thrones* creators David Benioff and D.B. Weiss, chronicled the turbulent relationship between President James Garfield and his assassin, Charles Guiteau. Bolstered by the commanding performances of Michael Shannon and Matthew Macfadyen, the series was praised for its literary sensibility and immersive recreation of 19th-century America. Critics deemed it an understated masterpiece of historical interpretation — a production that humanized two largely forgotten figures while illuminating the complexity of ambition, morality, and delusion.
Similarly, *House of Guinness,* a sweeping period piece set in 1860s Ireland, captivated audiences with its opulent portrayal of a brewing dynasty’s internal conflicts. Following the four heirs of Sir Benjamin Lee Guinness as they navigate power struggles and familial distrust after their father’s death, the series combined lavish production values with deft writing. Critics described it as blending the strategic family dynamics of *Succession* with the historical richness of *The Gilded Age,* resulting in a show that balanced intrigue, emotion, and sociopolitical commentary.
Netflix’s slate extended into heartfelt dramas such as *Boots*, adapted from Greg Cope White’s memoir *The Pink Marine*. The series depicted young Cameron Cope’s journey of self-acceptance amid the rigid hierarchy of the early 1990s U.S. Marine Corps. Remarked upon for its sincerity and emotional vulnerability, *Boots* reminded viewers that stories of resilience are often found in unexpected corners of institutional life. Simultaneously, the gritty procedural *Dept. Q* delivered a darker flavor, satisfying aficionados of British crime dramas with its unflinching tone and nuanced lead performance by Matthew Goode. Critics praised its layered mystery and the way it married psychological depth with genre familiarity.
Other projects, such as the animated espionage thriller *Splinter Cell: Deathwatch,* drew recognition for engaging storylines rooted in the stealth-action video-game legacy of Tom Clancy. The show was commended for its disciplined pacing, sardonic humor, and respect for the franchise’s DNA. Meanwhile, the atmospheric crime story *Untamed,* starring Eric Bana as a federal agent investigating a murder in Yosemite, elicited mixed reviews: although some found it lacking in narrative depth, others appreciated its cinematic splendor and escapist qualities.
The comedic lineup displayed a similar variety of outcomes. *Running Point,* led by Kate Hudson as an unlikely NBA team manager, earned moderate acclaim for its charm and breezy watchability despite a thin storyline. Likewise, the ensemble-driven *The Four Seasons* benefited from the skilled performances of Tina Fey, Will Forte, Colman Domingo, and Steve Carell, maintaining viewer engagement even when its pacing faltered. The supernatural family comedy *Haunted Hotel* leaned heavily on its voice cast, including Eliza Coupe and Will Forte, to offset its familiar premise, while *Leanne,* starring stand-up comedian Leanne Morgan, succeeded most when it showcased its lead’s warmth and comic timing.
However, Netflix’s expansive experimentation also produced its share of disappointments. Adaptations like the manga-inspired *Bet* were critiqued for unfulfilled potential despite bold thematic ambitions, and docuseries such as *WWE Unreal* faced backlash for surface-level insights into professional wrestling that lacked the raw revelation fans anticipated. Similarly, Tom Segura’s sketch series *Bad Thoughts* polarized critics, dividing audiences with its deliberately provocative humor that some found puerile rather than daring.
In the realm of drama, Tyler Perry’s *Miss Governor* was dismissed as tonally uneven and overly shallow despite a committed performance by Terri J. Vaughn in the lead role as Mississippi’s first Black lieutenant governor. The romantic Western *Ransom Canyon,* though visually appealing, fell short of the emotional power exhibited by shows like *Yellowstone* or *Friday Night Lights.* Even the high-concept Spanish-language dystopian drama *Billionaires’ Bunker,* portraying elite families trapped underground as nuclear war looms, was widely panned for its melodramatic writing and lack of tension. Finally, *With Love, Meghan*, a glossy lifestyle reality series hosted by Meghan Markle, struggled to connect with audiences; critics found it polished but impersonal, describing it as a superficial portrayal of luxury that offered little genuine intimacy.
Collectively, Netflix’s 2025 offerings formed a microcosm of the streaming era itself — a world of abundant creativity, technical achievement, and brand experimentation, counterbalanced by inevitable unevenness. For every show that dazzled with originality and emotional resonance, there was another that faltered under the weight of its own ambition. Yet, through this kaleidoscope of successes and stumbles, Netflix reaffirmed its unmatched influence over global entertainment and remained the most closely watched arbiter of storytelling in the digital age.
Sourse: https://www.businessinsider.com/best-and-worst-netflix-shows-of-year-critics-2025-11
