Though the 1949 series Fireside Theater and others are often credited with being the first successful anthology series, the format began to gain popularity with shows like The Twilight Zone and The Outer Limits. These series feature separate standalone stories and characters that may be thematically connected and are typically based on the horror or sci-fi genres. Anthology shows are equally appealing to viewers who may not feel the need to commit to watching an entire series from beginning to end.
One of the best aspects of watching anthology series is that they are not overly time-consuming, yet they provide a wide range of storytelling options. However, for fans of anthology shows like Black Mirror, finding the right one to watch on Netflix can be such a hassle, especially with new series popping up almost every week. While the best anthology series on Netflix may not be as popular as conventional TV shows, they are guaranteed to keep many entertained.
Updated on July 26, 2023, by Hannah Saab:
Black Mirror
season 6
premiered last June, showcasing a new approach to one of Netflix’s most popular anthology series. For fans looking for more, it’s the ideal time to discover some other fantastic anthology shows streaming right now on Netflix.
10 ‘Social Distance’ (2020)
Set during the early months of the COVID pandemic, Social Distance follows the diverse stories of a group of characters and the different ways they were affected by isolation. Produced by Netflix, it was praised for its timely and relevant storytelling, but criticized for its lackluster stories.
Social Distance effectively depicts the paranoia surrounding the coronavirus and captures so many of the feelings that many must have experienced during quarantine. However, its dark humor may not sit right with all audiences, especially considering the timing of its release, which meant some storylines hit too close to home.
9 ‘Slasher’ (2016 – )
Slasher is an underrated anthology horror show worthy of fans’ time. It follows different serial killers in each season as they terrorize different groups of victims. From “The Executioner” (season one) to “Flesh & Blood” (season 4), this anthology series offers all the gore and thrills fans of the horror genre crave.
Slasher is a solid series with disturbing and gory scenes that fans of the genre likely expect. With brutal kills and a surprisingly unpredictable plot, this series is enjoyable to watch even if it may be cheesy at times. While some may describe it as a genius-level horror mystery, others may find it difficult to sit through it.
8 ‘Easy’ (2016 – 2019)
Easy is a comedy-drama anthology series that explores relationships and modern romance in Chicago. In each episode, a different group of characters navigates love, friendship, and all the complexities of modern life. The indie filmmaker Joe Swanberg has created yet another fascinating story for fans who loved his films like Drinking Buddies and Digging for Fire.
Swanberg’s Easy explores a wide range of themes including love, sex, technology, and the changing nature of relationships in the modern world. Despite featuring an incredible cast and an easy-going relatable storyline, this romantic drama may be one of Netflix’s most underappreciated originals. However, fans of stories that focus on modern love and relationship issues won’t find it boring.
7 ‘Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities’ (2022)
An eight-episode horror series created by Guillermo del Toro, Guillermo del Toro’s Cabinet of Curiosities tells unsettling tales about the unknown realities outside the known world. Fans of this Oscar-winning director, as well as old-school horror films and slashers, will have a blast seeing each standalone story in this anthology series.
Since this anthology series presents different stories, viewers may have varying reactions or opinions about each one – admittedly, not all of the Cabinet of Curiosities episodes hit the mark. Ultimately, however, these stories come together to deliver a truly horrifying series that subverts the traditional notions of the horror genre. With its tense, creepy atmosphere, and enchanting worlds, Cabinet of Curiosities manages to be both elegant and horrifying.
6 ‘Dirty John’ (2018 – 2020)
The true crime anthology series Dirty John tells the story of John Meehan, a con artist and serial predator who manipulates and abuses multiple women. Based on the podcast of the same name, the series features top-notch acting by Eric Bana, Connie Britton, Amanda Peet, Christian Slater, and the rest of the cast as they bring this disturbing tale to life.
Dirty John is a gripping and disturbing tale of love, manipulation, and betrayal. Some viewers have described this Netflix stalker thriller as almost perfect due to its relatable and realistic portrayal of these hard situations. This psychological thriller serves as a cautionary tale for viewers, particularly women, as it highlights the importance of being aware of the kind of people we allow into our lives.
5 ‘Criminal’ (2019 – 2020)
A police procedural anthology TV series that takes viewers around the world (but only in interrogation rooms), Netflix’s Criminal is an underrated gem. The dialogue-heavy show puts its characters – the investigators and a criminal – in a room, where the authorities use their skills to analyze the suspects’ behaviors and statements. The goal is to get a confession, but the process of getting there is the exciting part.
Taking place in police stations in France, Spain, Germany, and the UK, no episode is entirely the same. Each new story brings a new disturbing crime, with the strength of the series firmly rooted in its complex characters and the talented actors that bring them to life.
4 ‘The Sinner’ (2017 – 2021)
A crime anthology series on Netflix, The Sinner follows Detective Ambrose as he investigates various murder cases and tries to understand the killer’s reasons while battling his own demons. Based on a book of the same name by PetraHammesfrahr, Derek Simmonds delivers a psychological thriller like never before.
From season 1 through season 4, The Sinner tells an absorbing story as Detective Ambrose uncovers one terrifying truth after another. While some episodes may be too much to bear for those who are not fans of psychological thrillers, it’s worth a shot for fans of the genre. Since The Sinner delves into complex issues like trauma, child abuse, religious hypocrisy, and the human psyche, it’s a series that’s not for the faint of heart.
3 ‘The Haunting’ (2018 – 2020)
The Haunting is a supernatural horror series directed by Michael Flanagan. The first series, The Haunting of Hill House, is loosely based on Shirley Jackson’s gothic novel of the same name and follows the Crain family as they are haunted by supernatural forces. The second season The Haunting of Bly Manor is based on the 1978 horror novella The Turn of the Screw written by Henry James and introduces a new set of characters.
This Netflix horror anthology series has been praised for its thrills, intensity, and emotional depth. With its creepy atmosphere, excellent casting, and well-timed jump scares, the series perfectly captures the horrors that come with living in a haunted house. Fans of horror movies and shows are likely already familiar with it, but those who haven’t seen it yet should consider it essential viewing.
2 ‘Love, Death & Robots’ (2019 – )
There’s something for everyone in this animated anthology series that features a wide range of genres; sci-fi, fantasy, horror, and comedy. Tim Miller and David Fincher’s Love, Death & Robots features episodes that range from a few minutes to a half-hour, which may be light-hearted or dark and serious.
With every single episode being intriguing and disturbing, this Emmy-winning Netflix animated series is full of surprises. The show’s impressive variety of visual styles that perfectly complement its diverse array of (often terrifying) stories has gained it a dedicated fan base. Each episode manages to be stylish, realistic, and mind-boggling – every fan likely has a personal favorite.
1 ’Black Mirror’ (2011 – )
Black Mirror explores the dark and often disturbing consequences of emerging technology, corporate greed, and the worst of humanity. In this sci-fi anthology series, each standalone story tells a cautionary tale about the potential dangers of technology in the near future.
Featuring episodes that delve into virtual reality, social media, and artificial intelligence, Black Mirror is a top-notch science fiction series that offers a variety of stories that range from light-hearted comedies to – more often than not – deeply unsettling tales. With massively popular episodes like “Shut Up and Dance,” “San Junipero,” “USS Callister,” viewers were eager to see what twisted tales the sixth season would bring. Black Mirror Season 6 turned out to be divisive among critics and audiences, but a few episodes stood out as brand new fan-favorites, including “Beyond the Sea” and “Joan Is Awful.”
