3 hidden Netflix classics to binge over the holidays

EntertainmentStreaming3 hidden Netflix classics to binge over the holidaysThere are some great “hidden gems” on Netflix to catch up on while you have some time this Christmas and New YearWhen you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

There are some great “hidden gems” on Netflix to catch up on while you have some time this Christmas and New Year

When you purchase through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission.Here’s how it works.

(Image credit: Netflix)

Ratched (Netflix)

(Image credit: Netflix)

With the recent release of its viewer statistics, there is no doubt thatNetflixis ahead in the streaming war.

Despite huge releases from rivalstreaming services, such asAmazon PrimeVideo,Disney+ andApple TV+, Netflix has shown itself to be the market leader and the most profitable.

The last 12 months have cemented its place at the top and it seems there is no sign of slowing in 2024. With this in mind, we recommend three shows from the last few years that, in many ways, encapsulate the range and quality of Netflix original releases. Each of our chosen trio combine huge production values, award winning casts, and world famous directors.

They are all totally binge-worthy and worth catching up this holiday period, for sure.

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The Sandman

The titular main character of The Sandman, also known as Dream, Morpheus and a plethora of other names. He is one of the seven Endless, with his siblings being Destiny, Death, Desire, Despair, Delirium (formerly Delight), and Destruction (also known as “The Prodigal”).

They each rule a different realm that influence our lives, such as The Dreaming where we go when we sleep. And this is at the heart of the series.

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It is incredibly ambitious and does succeed in many ways, mixing fantasy with horror (at times). It also looks beautiful, has some stand out episodes mid-season and solid performances throughout. It’s absolutely a Gaimen project and his mark is all over it.

Many purists still hate it but watched from an outside perspective, it is a fantastic piece of involving, intelligent writing and television.

Ratched

It would be difficult to think of Netflix in 2023 without thinking of the name Ryan Murphy. The prolific writer, producer and director has established himself as a key part of the Netflix expansion over the last decade, considering he’s been responsible for some of its key releases.

Dahmer,The Watcher, andAmerican Horror Storiesare among his hugely successful back catalogue, making him essential to the network.

The end result is a dark and almost gothic horror drama that I genuinely believe added a certain degree of maturity to Netflix as a whole.

It is a beautiful and heavily-stylised show, that’s perfectly shot with an attention to detail that adds to every scene.

As part of the Ryan Murphy universe, it is essential viewing. And, as it’s a standalone show, rather than part of hisAmerican Horror Storiesanthology series, it can be watched without any prior revision or understanding.

It’s a perfect antidote to an overload of Christmas cheer.

Midnight Mass

With a portfolio including the truly amazingDoctor Sleep,The Haunting Of Hill House, and his 2023 Netflix swan song,The Fall Of The House Of Usher, there’s no denying that Mike Flanagan is one of the best writer / directors currently working.

Hailing himself from Salem, Massachusetts, he carries an almost Stephen King level of the macabre, creating films and long-form TV shows that echo the slow build dread and crushing oppression that King was renowned for. He is a world builder, a master of character development and conversation, and a writer of exceptional clarity and purity.

Flanagan’sMidnight Massis a seven-part Netflix drama following an isolated island community experiencing miraculous events and terrifying omens.

First, this is not a horror show. Netflix sells it as such and it does have some elements of horror – including the odd jump – but this is all secondary to a much bigger, better and fully developed story of loss and redemption.

It is also a show about religion – a well-written dive into faith and how it manifests itself in different people. We see a town that needs something, anything, to gain their “miracle” and how it changes them. We see them so desperate that they refuse to question why. The idea of redemption is so important that they will do whatever to achieve it.

The script is sharp and intelligent, pacing is perfect, and cinematography outstanding. The show is never afraid to be quiet, to let long sweeping shots of the island fill gaps, and lets us, the viewer, become more immersed. The island becomes as much a character as our protagonists and antagonists, becoming both a home and a tomb as we move through the series.

There’s a special nod to Hamish Linklater as Father Paul. I’ve liked him for years and always thought he should have had bigger roles. He is outstanding in this.

There are a lot of TV shows out there on Netflix but I honestly believe thatMidnight Massshould always be remembered as the best of them.

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The Sandman#

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Midnight Mass