With so many hits dropping on Netflix every year, it’s easy to assume that titles like Squid Game, Wednesday, or even Stranger Things would top the list of the platform’s best original series. But when a respected entertainment outlet ranked the streaming giant’s most fabulous creations, none of them came first. Instead, that honour went to a show you might have missed—or never dared to finish. And if you’re into slow-burn storytelling, brilliant acting, and a pinch of psychological horror, you’ll soon understand why.

The surprise winner of Netflix’s top spot

The list, compiled by Entertainment Weekly, includes all the major contenders you’d expect. Bridgerton, Mindhunter, Lupin, and The Crown all feature, while Arcane—despite its critical acclaim—only makes it to 23rd. Squid Game lands just outside the top three, and recent breakout Baby Reindeer sneaks into third place. But at the very top sits The Haunting of Hill House.

Yes, a ghost story is what critics have dubbed the greatest Netflix original. And once you’ve watched it, it’s hard to disagree.

Why The Haunting of Hill House deserves its crown

Created by Mike Flanagan, The Haunting of Hill House reimagines Shirley Jackson’s classic novel through the lens of family trauma and grief, layered with genuinely chilling supernatural twists. The plot centres around five siblings who grew up in a sprawling mansion that becomes infamous for its ghostly disturbances. As adults, they reunite following a tragedy—and are forced to confront the memories, both literal and haunted, that still cling to them.

But this is no run-of-the-mill horror show. According to Entertainment Weekly, what makes it exceptional is its blend of emotional storytelling, sharp cinematography, and meticulously crafted scares. Each episode is packed with rich dialogue, subtle symbolism, and haunting visuals that reward close viewing. And yes—there are far more ghosts hidden in the background than you’ll catch the first time around.

Not just horror—humanity

What truly sets Hill House apart is how it weaves psychological depth into the horror. It’s about more than creaking doors and sudden jump scares. The series explores themes of mental illness, family dysfunction, loss, and guilt, all without losing its grip on its atmospheric dread. You might come for the chills, but you’ll stay for the characters—and maybe even cry a little by the finale.

It’s no surprise then that this series still tops critics’ lists, years after its release. For those who’ve avoided it thinking it’s “just another scary show,” it’s time to reconsider. It’s not only one of the best horror dramas on Netflix—it’s one of the best dramas, full stop.

The series you shouldn’t sleep on

So if you’ve been scrolling past The Haunting of Hill House in favour of flashier titles, maybe it’s time to dive in. Just be sure to keep the lights on—and maybe don’t watch it alone. With flawless direction, unforgettable performances, and the kind of slow-building tension that stays with you long after the credits roll, this isn’t just Netflix’s best horror. It might be its best series, period.