Netflixis the most successful streaming service in the business for a reason. A pioneer of original content in the streaming space, Netflix has been producing in-house movies and shows for over a decade now, cementing itself as the king of the streamers and a true force to be reckoned with in the entertainment business.
With so much content available on the streamer, it’s logical that many of these shows will slip through the cracks. In such a competitive market, Spanish-language shows have a particularly hard time breaking through internationally, and the aversion many have to subtitles doesn’t help. And yet, many of these shows are quite excellent and deserving of everyone’s time. After all, many might know aboutMoney Heist, but there are many more worthwhile series. These are the most underrated Spanish-language original Netflix shows, which deserve far more attention and acclaim from audiences always looking for the next big thing.
8’Olympo' (2025)
Created by Jan Matheu, Laia Fogue, and Ibai Abad
Olympohas everything one would expectfrom a spiritual successor ofÉlite: drama, above-average performances in service of a below-average story, and a few gratuitous sex scenes. Yet, likeÉlite,this drama is actually compelling, largely because of its talented young cast. The standouts are very clearlyClara GalleandAgustín Della Corte, but everyone here isgiving it their best to elevate run-of-the-mill writing; they usually succeed.Olympomight not break new ground, but it does provide more than enough material to be a worthwhile watch for anyone looking to spend a weekend watching some good, old-fashioned drama.
7’The Lady’s Companion' (2025)
Created by Gema R. Neira and María José Rustarazo
This Spanish gem just came out this year, but it will surely please any fan ofJane Austen,Bridgerton, and period romance in general.The Lady’s Companionfollows Elena Bianda (Nadia de Santiago), the most sought-after lady-in-waiting and matchmaker in a pastel-colored Spain. Soon, she enters the service of the three young and beautiful Mencía sisters and develops a complicated attraction with the family’s godson, Santiago (Álvaro Mel).
The Lady’s Companionisfun, funny, whimsical, charming, and just irresistible. A large reason behind its success is de Santagio’s buoyant performance and her chemistry with Mel, but the show overall is delightful, an eight-episode binge that flies by. Sadly, likeMy Lady Jane, another recent colorful, sweeping, and endlessly romantic original show,The Lady’s Companionwas just cancelled by Netflix, leaving this worthwhile show on a cliffhanger. It’s such a shame because the show was simply addictive and showed great promise to warrant a second season, at the very least.
6’Bandidos' (2024-2025)
Directed by Adrian Grünberg and Javier Ruiz Caldera
The adventure genre has produced many timeless stories, but most come from Hollywood. Thus, whenever one comes from the international space, it’s always worthy of praise. Mexico’s adventure seriesBandidosputs a spin on the adventure genre with a story that follows the classic beats of the genre with a distinct and welcome dose of humor. The plot follows a group of thieves coming together to recover a sunken Mayan treasure.
Bandidosdoes everything it has to and more. It’s a storyfull of adventure, comedy, and romance, greatly enhanced by a wonderful ensemble cast led byAlfonso DosalandÉlitebreakoutEster Expósito. The scenery is gorgeous, showcasing the beautiful landscapes of Mexico, and the writing is well above average.Bandidosended after two seasons, but the story is fully contained, leading to a satisfying ending that will make for a wonderful stop in any fan’s adventure journey.
5’Green Frontier' (2019)
Created by Diego Ramírez Schrempp, Mauricio Leiva-Cock, and Jenny Ceballos
Similarly to adventure,the crime genre is among the most popular, especially today. Unlike most other genres, it’s much easier to translate to international markets; indeed, there’s no shortage of great crime dramas from around the world. Colombia, for example, producedGreen Frontierfor Netflix, about a detective who ventures deep into the Amazon jungle to investigate four crimes. There, she meets a tribe that will put everything she thinks she knows into a new perspective.
Green Frontierblends mystery with a good dose of fantasy, resulting in a one-of-a-kind crime drama that’s as exhilarating as it is original. In a sea of more conventional crime dramas,Green Frontieris an outlier, taking an unconventional but much-appreciated approach to a well-known formula. It’s far from perfect, but it’sengaging, twisty, and powerfully atmospheric.
4’Puerta 7' (2020)
Created by Martin Zimmerman
Argentina has quite a booming entertainment industry, producing movies and shows alike, many of which reach international prominence. The country is also famous for its passion for soccer, and the Netflix showPuerta 7combines both. It centers on a determined woman working hard to rid an Argentine soccer team of the violent crime and corruption surrounding it.
This unflinching crime drama miniseries isan intense depiction of the controversies and violence that plague the world of soccer. It takes an uncompromising look at many real-life issues surrounding this absurdly popular but quite flawed and corrupt sport, thanks to a committed cast and solid writing. More nuance would’ve been much appreciated (and arguably necessary), butPuerta 7remains a fascinating crime drama that deserves far more attention from audiences.
3’The House of Flowers' (2018-2020)
Created by Manolo Caro
Manolo Carois one of Mexico’s most recognized creative minds. His style is very distinct, which also means it can be quite hit-or-miss. Yet, when he’s firing on all cylinders, he usually delivers sardonic, clever, and hilarious satires about Mexican culture. The best of his Netflix efforts is undoubtedlyThe House of Flowers, about a wealthy family whose lives are upended after the father’s mistress dies by suicide in their home.
The House of Flowersis the epitome of Caro’s unique voice. It’s not perfect, but any shortcomings it might have are more than made up thanks to the absurdist writing and a tour de force, scene-stealing, and instantly iconic performance from Caro’s longtime muse,Cecilia Suárez. Seasons 2 and 3 and the subsequent movie aren’t as great, but Season 1 is a true work of comedic exuberance that most fans will appreciate.Suárez’s Paulina de la Mora is also one ofthe all-time great Netflix characters, which further raises the show’s standing.
The House of Flowers
2’Smiley' (2022)
Directed by David Martín Porras and Marta Pahissa
Based on the eponymous play,Smileyfollows the unexpected romance between two opposites. Bruno (Miki Esparbé) is an insecure architect who randomly gets a mistaken call from Álex (Carlos Cuevas), a hunky bartender without many prospects. After a one-night stand, the two go their separate ways, but their brief time together leaves a feeling they can’t seem to shake off.
Smileylives and dies with Esparbé and Cuevas. They spend more than half the show apart, yet their chemistry is so strong and enduring that it looms over the entire thing; you can’t help but root for them to end together, despite the very worthy partners that enter the scene once they’ve separated. A perfect Christmas treat,Smileyisthe best kind of binge: sweet, well-meaning, and ultimately satisfying.
1’The Secret of the River' (2024)
Created by Alberto Barrera Tyszka
Diego Calvarose to prominence as the star ofDamien Chazelle’s larger-than-life 2022 epicBabylon. One of his subsequent projects is Netflix’sThe Secret of the River, one of the best dramas on streaming that you haven’t heard of. The plot concerns two young boys in an Oaxaca village who witness a secret death, leading to an unbreakable bond over the years.
Don’t let the uninspired title fool you:The Secret of the Riverisriveting dramatic storytelling at its finest. Calva and the rest of the cast do outstanding work, and the production values are deceptively great, but the show’s true strength lies in its writing. Seamlessly blending elements of the crime, mystery, coming-of-age, and drama genres,The Secret of the Riveris among Netflix’s best original Spanish-language shows, and it’s a shame not many people paid attention when it debuted in late 2024.
The Secret of the River
NEXT:Netflix Has Many Great Original Movies, but Only These 7 Can Be Considered Masterpieces
