The 10 best Spanish series on Netflix, according to IMDb

In the past decade, Spain has become one of, if not the top audiovisual hub in all of Europe. When it comes to Netflix, Spain’s top titles even managed to beat out cinema’s very birthplace, France. So, in honor of Netflix’s 10th anniversary in Spain, here are the top 10 Spanish Netflix series you need to catch up on, according to IMDb – if you haven’t already, that is.

10. Hache (2019-2021)

Genre: Drama

Helena, a prostitute, gains the trust and love of a dangerous heroin cartel dealer and quickly adapts, doing whatever necessary to rise up in the ranks. Set in 1960s Barcelona and created by Verónica Fernández, it’s a thrilling ride for its two seasons and is heavily praised for the acting performances, particularly of the main character, interpreted by Adriana Ugarte. Any mafia mob story lover will be sure to get their fix with Hache.

9. El Vecino (2019-2021)

Genre: Comedy, Superhero

This charming comedy follows a young man in his 20s who inadvertently becomes a superhero. Lighthearted, goofy, and serious when it needs to be, this is the perfect series to watch if you need something less intense (like after having watched Hache). Created by Raúl Navarro, El Vecino will definitely get you in good spirits.

8. Días de Navidad (2019)

Genre: Dramedy

The first miniseries on the list, Días de Navidad follows the story of four girls who deal with family problems on Christmas, at different stages of their life. Created and directed by Pau Freixas, the show portrays a flawed, realistic view of a family with real problems who struggle to overcome them. With only three episodes, it’s a quick watch, but no less impactful.

7. Memorias de Idhún (2020-2021)

Genre: Adventure, Fantasy

Another first: an animated film! Based on the books by Laura Gallego, Memorias de Idhún story follows two teenagers who team up to defeat an evil necromancer who aims to take over the planet. Complete with stunning art, this is a must-watch for any Spanish-speaking anime fan.

6. Valeria (2020-2025)

Genre: Romance, Drama, Comedy, Adventure

Yes, four different genres! Based on En los zapatos de Valeria by Elísabet Benavent, Valeria has a little bit of everything. Often compared to the widely beloved and still-relevant hit series Sex and the City, Valeria follows a writer going through marital problems and finds solace in her group of friends. Charming, funny, and full of gags, this is the quintessential “I’m a 20-something in Madrid” experience.

5. Alta Mar (2019-2020)

Genre: Drama

Batten down the hatches. Created by Ramón Campos Gema R. Neira and set in the atmospheric 1940s, Alta Mar follows a pair of sisters who are on a luxurious ship sailing from Spain to Rio de Janeiro and are brought together following a series of mysterious deaths aboard. Praised for its cinematography and direction, this one will be irresistible to noir murder mystery fans.

4. La Casa de Papel (2017-2021)

Genre: Drama, Thriller

You’ve no doubt heard about this one. Suspenseful, thrilling, and full of mind games, La Casa de Papel has not only been one of Netflix’s biggest Spanish hits, it’s also been a worldwide phenomenon. Indeed, red suits and Dalí masks have become a cultural symbol for the audiovisual powerhouse that is Spain. Created by Álex Pina and praised for its writing, directing, acting, and story, this heist thriller is famous for a reason. Many sacrificed sleep and work to watch it, and honestly, what more could you ask for in a show?

3. Paquita Salas (2016-2019)

Genre: Dramedy

Described by many as witty, quick, heartwarming, and heart-wrenching at times, Paquita Salas follows the experience of a talent agent who had her heyday in the 1990s, but now struggles to find footing in a changing world. Created by Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrossi (or “los Javis,” as the duo is known), Paquita is a quintessential Spanish show, it’s a great way to unknowingly submerge yourself in Spanish culture and wit … and it may even pull at your heartstrings a bit.

2. Elite (2018-2024)

Genre: Drama

One of the biggest smash hits from Spain, and created by Carlos Montero Castiñeira and Darío Madrona, Elite is popular for a reason. Following three middle-class students who enroll in an upper echelon private school, Elite is full of drama, suspense, and murder. Many watchers credit it as being the show that put them onto Spanish television, and how could it not? A thrilling teen drama with a star-studded cast, Elite is an absolute Spanish must-watch.

1. Las Chicas del Cable (2017-2020)

Genre: Drama

There’s not much to say about Las Chicas del Cable that hasn’t been said already. Addictive, binge-worthy, a compelling plot, an atmospheric setting, enamored viewers have gone on and on. Set in the 1920s, Las Chicas del Cable follows a group of four young girls who get jobs at Spain’s very first national telephone company in Madrid. Created by Ramón Campos, Gema R. Neira and Teresa Fernández, the show is the pinnacle of what Spain can do if they set their mind to filmmaking, and with any luck, we’ll see more shows like this in the future.

Here’s to 10 amazing years laughing, crying, and on the edge of our seats, all thanks to Spain’s incredible leaps in the audiovisual industry. And with Netflix’s recent commitment to invest over US $1 billion in Spain, here’s hoping for 10 more!