Netflix delivers a huge number of original shows and movies each year. Some dominate the charts and buzz on social feeds, while others silently captivate viewers who stumble upon them by accident, and 2024 was no exception.

Besides the obvious hits in the top 10, there were a few shows that didn't make the headlines but provided just as much entertainment.

These included a handheld drama that did not receive the same marketing push, an action thriller that went completely under the radar, and an animated sci-fi series set in the “Terminator” universe. If you want to escape the hype and dive into something fresh, here are five of Netflix's best shows for 2024 that you may have missed on the streaming service.

Note: This article is based on the weekly U.S. Netflix Top 10, according to Netflix Tudum.

“One Hundred Years of Solitude” may not be for everyone, and that seems to be why it missed the top 10. But the timing wasn't great either, as shows like “Black Doves” and “No Good Deed” dominated the conversation when they first aired, taking the focus away from this hidden gem. As a result, the film has gone under the radar. Despite the quiet reception, audiences embraced the film, giving it an impressive 92% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics giving it a solid 84%.

Based on Gabriel García Márquez's 1967 novel, the show follows the saga of generations of the Buendía family in the mythical town of Macondo. The story begins with José Arcadio Buendía, the founder of Macondo, and his wife Ursula Iguarán, and follows their descendants as they navigate themes of love, war, and a prophesied curse that will condemn them to 100 years of solitude. The film adaptation is faithful to the essence of the novel, with a Colombian cast and filming on location throughout Colombia, and aims to faithfully represent the cultural and magical realism of the story.

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I wrote about “Helicopter Heist” after the trailer was released in October. I was not surprised, because this action thriller did not make my top 10 list at all. This was shocking, given that the show has all the makings of a hit: relentless action, thrills, and a story based on a true story.

But now I'm shining the light on it again. Helicopter Heist is a Swedish action-thriller miniseries dramatizing the real-life Vestberga helicopter heist in Stockholm in 2009, in which a group of thieves carried out a meticulously planned robbery and stole approximately 39 million kronor ($4.88 million) from a cash vault The thieves stole approximately 39 million kronor (about $4.88 million) from the cash vault. The robbers landed on the roof of the warehouse in a stolen helicopter, used explosives to gain entry, planted decoy bombs, and sprayed cult explosives to disable the vehicle, thereby cleverly thwarting the police response. The program delves into the intricate planning and execution of the robbery.

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In early September, “Terminator Zero” quickly appeared in Netflix's top 10. By briefly, I mean really briefly; Netflix did not include the film in its official weekly top 10 for 2024. My understanding is that a show or movie needs to stay at least a full day to be officially counted. Unfortunately, “Terminator Zero” barely got a few hours (felt more like seconds) of fame.

Set in 1997 Tokyo, Terminator Zero follows Malcolm Lee (Andre Holland), a scientist who develops an artificial intelligence to counter Skynet. As Judgment Day (the day when Skynet regains its selfhood and begins its war against humanity) approaches, Malcolm and his family become the target of relentless cybernetic assassins. Voiced by Timothy Olyphant in the English dub, the deadly machine is sent back in time to terminate Malcolm before his work challenges Skynet's dominance. Eiko (Sonoya Mizuno), a time-traveling resistance soldier, comes to the rescue to protect Malcolm and his children.

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Joko Anwar's “Nightmares and Daydreams” is an anthology series from acclaimed Indonesian filmmaker Joko Anwar. Like “Terminator Zero,” it briefly reached #10 on Netflix in June, but quickly faded into obscurity. It didn't stay in the top 10 for an entire day, so it deserves to be on this list. Definitely a show worth watching, especially if you're looking for something engrossing and intriguing to watch.

“Nightmares and Daydreams” is about ordinary people thrust into a supernatural predicament. The anthology follows characters who take drastic measures to protect their money, loved ones, or themselves, but encounter unimaginable threats from the unknown. Known for his unique approach to horror, Anwar creates chilling and bizarre tales. The film explores the fears and anxieties that lurk in everyday life.

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“Believers” is a Thai crime drama that unfortunately didn't even make the top 10. It's a real shame, because a show like this, with its fascinating characters and compelling story, deserves more attention. But now I have the opportunity to spotlight this show and introduce this hidden gem to a wider audience.

The story follows three entrepreneurs, Win (Teeradon Supapunpinyo), Game (Pachara Chirativat), and Dia (Atilaya Nitibong). They discover an unexpected and morally problematic opportunity. It involves exploiting the loosely regulated donation system of a Buddhist temple to pay off a debt. As they delve deeper into this unorthodox business venture, they encounter unexpected challenges and moral dilemmas.

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