Netflix ushered in a brand-new age of TV media consumption. Due to the rise of the internet and the possibility to stream anything and everything with the press of a button, cable television lost most of its luster, as there is little reason to subscribe for different channels or packages. Rather than waste money on expensive yearly contracts just to watch a couple of episodes of Supernatural, people would just download the content they actually want to view. Netflix capitalized on this by offering an impressive streaming service that brought together a slew of great movies and series, allowing families to sit back, relax, and spend countless hours watching re-runs of Friends.
The brand really came into its own when Netflix started creating its own content. Launching with House of Cards, Hemlock Grove, and Orange is the New Black; it would be an understatement to say that Netflix hit the ground running, although a couple of years would need to pass before the service could offer more than a handful of annual events. Opting to just upload the entire season at one go, this formula proved perfect for binge-watching and ensured people kept on coming back for more. Whether financing the production or buying the streaming rights, Netflix’s current lineup can match anything offered by the likes of HBO or Lifetime. Stepping away from TV shows, the brand has also dipped its toes into feature-length projects, with more than 30 films set to debut over 2018.
Here are 30 Netflix originals coming before the end of 2018 that we need to see!
30 The Innocents
Release Date: August 24, 2018
A British supernatural series starring Guy Pearce, The Innocents’ trailer proved more than enough to make this upcoming release a must-watch. The premise follows two runaway teenagers who stumble upon the fact that one of them can shapeshift, which obviously attracts the attention of the wrong people. Netflix’s series tend to take a more cinematic approach, and The Innocents is no exception; split over eight episodes, this short story seems perfect for a cold winter afternoon. Supernatural series are a dime-a-dozen, so this newcomer needs to differentiate itself from the crowd.
29 Hold The Dark
Release Date: September 28, 2018
Even when details are sketchy, a mere name can be enough to grasp people’s attention. When it comes to Netflix’s Hold the Dark, Jeremy Saulnier is the component worth noticing. If the name sounds foreign, Saulnier’s Blue Ruin and Green Room should be the next films on your watchlist. An exciting young director who specializes in gritty and intense thrillers, Hold the Dark promises to be the filmmaker’s darkest film to date. Set in Alaska, the film centers around a wolf expert who is tasked with investigating the disappearance of a number of children.
28 Apostle
Release Date: October 12, 2018
Speaking about directors with a fantastic resume, Apostle hails from the mind of Gareth Evans, who penned and shot The Raid films. If high-octane and violent action sounds like your definition of an entertaining evening, then make Apostle that one movie which cannot be missed. The story sounds pretty interesting as well; taking place in 1905, Thomas Richardson is out on a mission to rescue his sister from a religious cult. Baited into a confrontation, Richardson plans to tear down this community established on misconceptions and fear.
27 The Good Cop
Release Date: September 21, 2018
Overdone and rarely containing an innovative bone in their bodies, any new procedural has to prove that it is more than just another recycled series about a specialized police squad with a quirky technician. Based on an Israeli show, The Good Cop mixes things around by pushing comedy to the forefront. Tony Danza and Josh Groban star as a father and son pair who both happen to work for the NYPD, although they are a disgraced cop and a respectable detective respectively.
26 Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina
Release Date: October 26, 2018
While far from a masterpiece and a product of its time, Sabrina the Teenage Witch was a fun, albeit cheesy, series that served as a lighter alternative to Buffy the Vampire Slayer or Charmed. Based on the Archie Comics, Chilling Adventures of Sabrina plans to follow in Riverdale’s footsteps, just with the added benefit of not being absolutely terrible. Garnering a mostly positive reception at the time, Chilling Adventures Of Sabrina pushed the icon into a much darker and more mature territory; hopefully, Netflix’s adaptation captures the magic of the source material.
25 Hilda
Release Date: September 21, 2018
Aesthetically, Hilda bears a striking resemblance to Gravity Falls and, to a lesser extent, Steven Universe; in terms of premise, Netflix’s cartoon seems to be the former’s kindred spirit. Based on a British comic series created by Luke Pearson, Hilda’s eponymous protagonist lives with her mother in a Scandinavianesque town in the mountains. Besides ordinary people, the cartoon’s world is populated by a wild array of mythological creatures, and there are even towns dedicated to trolls. Pearson’s series has earned nothing but praise from critics, so the adaptation needs to bring its A-game to do the comic justice.
24 Private Life
Release Date: 2018
Debuting at the Sundance Film Festival, Private Life’s title implies that Tamara Jenkins’ movie will focus on an especially personal struggle, and it does not disappoint. Bolstered by a brilliant and charismatic cast,
Kathryn Hahn and Paul Giamatti portray a married couple who have struggled to extend their family. Just when they start to lose any hope of welcoming a child, a college dropout stumbles onto their doorstep and provides the couple with one final chance. Described as a painful but authentic experience, Private Life is the type of film that leaves a lasting impression.
23 22 July
Release Date: November 2, 2018
Just to avoid any confusion, 22 July is not Jason Bourne’s latest outing; however, the film is directed by Paul Greengrass. Leaving behind the non-stop action of Matt Damon’s franchise, Greengrass’ latest drama is set in the aftermath of 2011’s tragic Norway attacks. Covered heavily by most news agencies, the incident sent shockwaves around the world, so it will be interesting to see whether Greengrass manages to give the narrative a fresh spin. Nowadays, attacks seem to perpetually be in the headlines, so expect these type of movies to become far more common over the next couple of years.
22 Outlaw King
Release Date: November 9, 2018
Fueled by the resounding success that was Hell or High Water, Chris Pine and David Mackenzie are teaming up for another big budget project. A historical drama set during the 14th century, Outlaw King tells the tale of the self-appointed King of Scots, Robert the Bruce. Among the most famous warriors to hail from the Highlands, Robert instigated the first Civil War between Scotland and England, before leading his fellow countrymen to a successful battle that regained the nation’s independence. Sort of like Braveheart, only with far less Mel Gibson shouting freedom.
21 The Kominsky Method
Release Date: November 16, 2018
The Kominsky Method is somewhat of an odd duck. Created by Chuck Lorre, who blessed the world with The Big Bang Theory and Two and a Half Men, this ten-episode web series stars Michael Douglas as a marginally popular actor turned acting coach. The Kominsky Method appears to be a far more thoughtful comedy than Lorre’s typical 0utput, but it remains to be seen whether the director can bring out the best in his capable cast. Whether a shockingly powerful comedy or a complete disaster, The Kominsky Method should be anything but boring!
20 Maniac
Time to come clean: we will watch anything starring Emma Stone or Jonah Hill. Even when stuck in a trainwreck, certain performers manage to still be captivating! While the cast peaked our interest, Maniac’s premise is fascinating enough on its own to warrant a glance. Based on a Norwegian series, the dark comedy follows ten strangers who decide to take part in a pharmaceutical trial for an experimental treatment designed to cure any mental issue. As the old saying goes: if something sounds too good to be true, then it probably is!
19 You
Release Date: September 2018
Recently, Netflix has started to deviate from its typical format. Binge-watching remains the preferred method to view the latest season of Orange is the New Black, but the company seems willing to acquire exclusive rights for shows that are broadcast on a weekly basis. An upcoming crime drama led by Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail, Lifetime’s You tackles themes of obsession and online stalking. A day after airing on the network’s channel, international viewers should be able to stream the episode on Netflix.
18 Disenchantment
Release Date: August 17, 2018
Matt Groening is a name that everyone should be able to recognize. Rightfully hailed as one of animation’s most influential figures, this master of comedy brought The Simpsons and Futurama to the small screen, so Groening’s track record speaks for itself. Set in the fantastical kingdom of Dreamland, Disenchantment’s princess is a rebellious troublemaker who ends up going on a myriad of misadventures. From the premise to the art style, Disenchantment oozes the author’s irrelevant charm! Due to The Simpsons and Futurama, Groening’s legacy is already secure, but another home run would be more than welcome.
17 Paradise PD
Release Date: August 31, 2018
Disenchantment is not the only upcoming adult-oriented animated series debuting on the streaming service, as Paradise PD premieres at the end of August. From The Wire to Brooklyn Nine-Nine, TV has covered all forms of cop shows; however, cartoons have largely stayed away from this particular genre. Created by Waco O’Guin and Roger Black, Paradise PD follows a town’s incompetent police department and the nonsense they get dragged into. The art style seems slightly similar to Family Guy, and procedurals are prime pickings for parody!
16 Dogs Of Berlin
Netflix may be stuffed with Western content, but the brand’s reach extends around the entire world! With the streaming service available in a wild array of countries, Netflix has wisely started backing non-English projects. Following the well-received Dark, German viewers can look forward to a politically motivated crime drama set in the nation’s capital. Dogs of Berlin delves deep into the city’s underbelly, as two detectives attempt to unravel the mystery behind a suspicious offense that promises to shed light on the corruption that pervades the executive system.
15 She-Ra And The Princesses Of Power
Master of the Universe’s spin-off has earned itself a shiny modern reboot! Produced by DreamWorks Animation Television and created by Noelle Stevenson, who has penned a number of critically acclaimed comics, She-Ra and the Princesses of Power’s announcement came out of nowhere; nevertheless, it was a welcome surprise. Hollywood seems to greenlight projects depending on their nostalgic value, so Netflix’s decision to reboot this cheesy cartoon makes perfect sense. At the bare minimum, the animation should be pretty smooth and delightful!
14 Patriot Act With Hasan Minhaj
Release Date: October 28, 2018
Scripted comedies, thrillers, and cartoons are not the only genres being targetted by Netflix. Starting from the end of October, The Daily Show’s senior correspondent is set to host a weekly variety show. Dubbed as the Patriot Act, little is known about Hasan Minhaj’s series, but one can expect the comedian to comment on the current political and cultural landscape. A relatively young talent, Minhaj steadily developed a reputation for himself by landing bit-part roles on shows like Arrested Development and Getting On, before securing the highly coveted spot on The Daily Show.
13 The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs
The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs is directed by the Coen brothers. Honestly, what more needs to be said? Boasting an all-star cast, the upcoming Western actually underwent a somewhat interesting production process. Originally conceived as a six-part anthology series, The Ballad Of Buster Scruggs gradually metamorphosed into a feature-length film. Split into a number of storylines, the Coen brothers are set to premiere their latest (potential) masterpiece at the 75th Venice International Film Festival, and the film will be available to stream on Netflix by the end of the year.
12 Magic For Humans
Tired of the daily grind? Yearning to replace the ordinary with the extraordinary? If the answer is yes, then Magic for Humans may be worth seeking out. A reality show with a whimsical edge, Netflix is showcasing Justin Willman’s trademark tricks and threats on a computer screen near you! While the trailer’s editing left something to be desired, Willman comes across as a genuinely charming master of illusion, and Magic for Humans should be a pleasant diversion. Also, who can resist the urge to peek behind the curtain?
11 The Dragon Prince
Release Date: September 14, 2018
With the exception of Disenchantment, The Dragon Prince takes the cake for Netflix’s most highly-anticipated forthcoming cartoon. Set in a war-torn land, three unlikely warriors band together to bring an end to the conflict and launch an era of peace. If the premise prompts Avatar: The Last Airbender flashbacks, then the fact that The Dragon Prince’s head writer worked on Nickelodeon’s epic should come as no surprise. Promising to take viewers on a thoroughly absorbing adventure, Netflix’s computer-animated series needs to be in our lives sooner rather than later.
