The Best Netflix Originals You Missed In 2019

Every year brings new Netflix originals, and the streaming platform hit 2019 with a bang. Several Netflix originals got some serious buzz: if you've found yourself glued to a screen watching the addictive series You or couldn't tear your eyes away from the scandals exposed in the documentary Fyre: The Greatest Party That Never Happened, you know Netflix brought their A-game in 2019.

But the platform also released plenty of other offerings that flew under the radar. It's never a bad time to hunker down inside for a movie night or dedicate a snowy weekend to binge-watching a new series. There's no need to bundle up and head out to the theater — here are a few underrated Netflix originals you probably missed in 2019. From comedy to drama to horror, they've got everything covered.

The South Korean film industry is thriving, and Revenger is one of their latest creative exports. Don't be turned off by the subtitles: this series is a standout. Directed by Seung-Won Lee, Revenger focuses on protagonist Kim Yul (Bruce Khan), who's sentenced to life in prison on an island known only as AP-101. The island is a dumping ground to keep the most violent criminals away from society, and supposedly impossible to escape from. But here's the twist: Yul isn't trying to get out. He got himself thrown into AP-101 on purpose to find the man responsible for the brutal murders of his family and avenge their deaths. He quickly connects with other inmates who were wrongfully sentenced and puts his investigative skills (and combat expertise) to good use to complete his mission.

The plot of Revenger is certainly predictable enough to anyone who enjoys action films, but the fight scenes are packed with the kind of choreography that will make you ask "Wait, how did he do that?" It's hard to take your eyes off the insanely talented Khan as he throws some serious punches and takes down the bad guys one by one.

Based on a true story, Solo was originally released in Spain in August 2018, and now, Netflix is bringing it to international audiences. The inner turmoil of the protagonist Álvaro will feel achingly familiar to anyone who has experienced a quarter-life crisis. When Álvaro wakes up hungover and depressed in his Jeep on Fuerteventura Island, all he can think about is the fight he just had with his girlfriend and his newfound discovery that his close friend Nelo is leaving him behind to move to Canada. He decides to grab his surfboard and catch a few waves to get his mind off everything, but on his way down to the beach, he falls and slides down the cliffs into the water crashing against the rocks below. He hits his head and begins hallucinating, reflecting on his life and his relationships as he struggles to keep breathing.

In Solo, the gorgeous setting of the Canary Islands suddenly becomes foreboding and dangerous. Solo is the kind of film that prompts you to consider what would run through your mind if you were fighting for survival — it's not an easy watch, but one that will stay with you.  

The Nigerian film Lionheart was initially released to German audiences, but this PG-rated comedy will appeal to a wide range of viewers all over the world. Not only is it the first Nigerian Netflix original, it's also Genevieve Nnaji's directorial debut — and she just so happens to be the star of the film as well. Nnaji's talents are on full display throughout Lionheart.

When Chief Earnest Obiagu has to step back from running his company because of medical issues, his daughter Adoeze decides she's ready to take on the challenge. But Obiagu feels he can't trust her to do it alone and appoints her uncle Godswill, who proves tough to work with. When Adoeze and Godswill discover that the company's finances are in shambles, they're forced to set their differences aside and cooperate in order to save the business. This lighthearted family drama serves up more than a few laughs and a strong feminist message.

The Icelandic film And Breathe Normally premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2018 to overwhelmingly positive critical reception; a year later, it finally became available for Netflix audiences everywhere. Lara is a struggling single mother living near Reykjavik who forms an unlikely bond with Adja, an asylum seeker from Guinea-Bissau who is about to be deported. Lara is nothing if not stubborn, and she seems like the last person to accept help from a stranger. On the other hand, Adja has almost nothing to give — but somehow, she offers Lara what little she can to support her, and Lara allows herself to be vulnerable and let Adja into her world.

And Breathe Normally touches on several topics that dominate today's headlines, from scenes in the refugee center where Adja lives in limbo to Lara's attempts to disguise poverty as an adventure for her son. This is not the side of Iceland that you see in tourism ad campaigns — the cold, rocky landscape is the backdrop for a nuanced look at this seemingly utopian nation.

Soni has already been labeled the best Hindi Netflix original so far, which is certainly an impressive accolade for Ivan Ayr's directorial debut. Headstrong protagonist Soni is a policewoman in Delhi, a city where the justice system rarely gives women the benefit of the doubt. Alongside her superintendent Kalpana, the two have taken it upon themselves to investigate violent crimes against women. The women balance each other out — Soni is bold and hotheaded, while Kalpana always manages to remain calm. But when Soni is transferred out of their department after facing allegations of misconduct, their partnership takes a hit. 

Rather than veering into buddy cop tropes, Soni is an unapologetically feminist film with a thoughtful and honest depiction of the issues that women in India face. Between their very different roles at work and at home, Soni and Kalpana seem to live double lives, a predicament that will be relatable to audiences around the world.

Close is based on the life of famous bodyguard Jacquie Davis, who once worked for none other than J.K. Rowling. Directed by Vicky Jewson, Close stars Noomi Rapace as Sam, a highly skilled bodyguard who can make it out of any dangerous situation unscathed. Sam ends up being assigned to protect spoiled and naive teenage heiress Zoe Tanner, who is set to inherit the wealth from her father's phosphorus mining company. The two head to Morocco, where Zoe will supposedly be staying at a high-security compound to ensure her safety — but they quickly find themselves under attack. Sam decides that being a protector isn't enough — it's her responsibility to teach Zoe how to fight back and figure out exactly who's coming after her.

Rapace steals the show in this film — she's a tough protagonist with a tender side. While this high-stakes family drama has been criticized for a messy third act, it's entertaining enough to invest 90 minutes of your time.

Equal parts buddy comedy and poignant tearjerker, Paddleton begins with the diagnosis of a terminal illness... but it's not an inspirational film about beating said diagnosis. Michael (Mark Duplass) finds out that he has stomach cancer, which his doctor deems incurable, and he has no interest in proving her wrong. Instead, he decides that he wants to die on his own terms, with the company of his neighbor and only real friend, Andy (Ray Romano).

Mark doesn't have any major bucket list items to check off — there is no dramatic leap out of a plane, no declarations of love to a long-lost ex. Instead, Mark wants pizza nights complete with corny kung-fu films and to play a few more rounds of Paddleton, a racquetball game the pair invented. A film like Paddleton risks falling into feel-good cliches familiar to this general narrative, but the refreshingly authentic friendship between these two misfits distinguishes the movie. Mark doesn't harbor any illusions about a miraculous recovery or a triumph over the impossible. To journey through the quiet acceptance of his own fate, he only needs the companionship of a true friend. It's a reminder that meaning isn't always found in grandiose moments, but in the connections with those we love.

Are you biding your time until the next season of Black Mirror? If you're looking for another unsettling and quasi-dystopian sci-fi series in that same vein, Osmosis will be right up your alley. This French series explores a future in which people can use an innovative new dating app to find their soulmate – but it's not as simple as swiping right. Instead, this service mines data from the user's brain. On the surface, it actually seems innocent enough at first — if you could find "the one" with perfect accuracy, without having to navigate the complicated landscape of modern dating, you'd probably be tempted to give it a shot.

But naturally, there are some unintended consequences. As the developers behind the service warn the participants, every experiment has a margin of error. While the idea behind the series isn't exactly groundbreaking, the story itself is engaging and suspenseful, and the futurist virtual reality sequences make for some unique cinematography.

A series that starts off by introducing a recently widowed protagonist who lost her husband in a car accident sounds like it would lean heavier on tragedy than comedy, but Dead to Me consistently dabbles in black humor in its depiction of grief. While Jen (Christina Applegate) is mourning the loss of her husband, she meets Judy (Linda Cardellini) at a "grief retreat," sparking an unlikely friendship. But Judy's unwavering support and carefree attitude might not be the saving grace that Jen was hoping for.

When Jen invites Judy to live in her guesthouse, she quickly finds out that Judy tends to leave trouble in her wake, and her past is finally catching up to her. Dead to Me could have gone for mainstream drama, but the raw, realistic portrayal of female friendship and appropriately dark quips and one liners are what make it so binge-worthy. It dodges tropes at every turn and keeps you hooked right through the finale.

With Ava DuVernay serving as the co-creator, writer, and director of When They See Us, it's clear that the series is a must-watch, and there's a good chance that it will turn your worldview on its head before the credits roll. DuVernay is known for her films exploring racism and the history of civil rights in the United States, like Selma and 13th, and her skill at clearly illustrating how these issues still affect our society today. She continues down that path with this series, which is based on a 1989 case often referred to as the "Central Park Five."

When a female jogger was attacked while out running through Central Park, five young men (four black and one Hispanic) were convicted of the crime, despite a lack of hard evidence. All of them served prison time, and in 2002, their convictions were finally overturned when DNA evidence confirmed the validity of another man's confession.

DuVernay actually refused to use the "Central Park Five" moniker in the series, stating she wanted the men to be seen as individuals. This expose of the criminal justice system is impossible to look away from.

Beats is the latest feature offering from director Chris Robinson, who made his feature film debut with the drama ATL in 2005. Robinson is best known for his work directing music videos for artists like Alicia Keys, Eminem, and Nicki Minaj, and his knowledge of the business clearly informs the plot of Beats. Bonus: the soundtrack is packed with songs by up-and-coming hip hop artists. 

August is an introverted teenager who is reeling after the loss of his sister. While he shuts himself away in his room and shirks his responsibilities, he throws himself into his only creative outlet: music. When school security guard Romelo drops by his house to speak to August's mother about his absence, he overhears the beats August has been working on and is immediately intrigued by his surprising talent. "Ro" has a surprise of his own up his sleeve: he's also a music manager, and now, he wants to take August under his wing. But August's heavy grief and insecurities threaten to weigh him down as he tries to rise to the occasion. 

The story of a young underdog trying to break into a tough industry with guidance from an unexpected mentor isn't a particularly original concept in itself, but the characters in Beats are the real highlight. August is sensitive and conflicted, eager to strive for more yet fragile in the wake of his sister's death. Supporting characters like August's protective mother Carla (played by Orange is the New Black's Uzo Aduba) round out a solid cast.

In Family Business, Joseph Hazan is a failed French entrepreneur whose misadventures in the world of business have become the butt of his family's jokes. But when he decides that his father's kosher butcher shop needs a drastic rebranding, he might be on to something big. Joseph learns that marijuana is on the verge of being legalized in France, and he thinks that his family should take advantage of this emerging market and pivot away from selling fine meats. After plenty of bickering, the Hazan family sets out to open the first ever marijuana cafe in France. There's only one problem, of course — their new venture is still technically against the law.

With all hands on deck, can the Hazans pull off their scheme and turn a tidy profit from their new business? Or will this prove to be another expensive flop for Joseph? Although Family Business has been compared to Breaking Bad because of its subject material, it's not nearly as dark — it's definitely a comedy rather than a drama. The Hazans may be slightly dysfunctional, but they're endearing and likable. With the finale left open ended for a potential second season, you might even get to spend some more time with them in the future. 

Hindi-language films and series are having a moment on Netflix, proving that there's more to India's film industry than Bollywood flicks. The series Typewriter is set in Goa, a region of India known by travelers for its popular beaches and quaint fishing villages — but when three aspiring young ghost hunters decide to explore a supposedly haunted villa in Bardez, they have to confront the dark forces at work in their neighborhood. When a new family moves into the villa, the terrifying legends whispered about the house come to life. Curiously enough, the haunting itself seems to be connected to an old typewriter – and trying to remove it from the house proves to be a dangerous mistake. 

The young protagonists setting out to solve a supernatural mystery welcomes comparisons to Stranger Things, but Typewriter isn't just filler to hold you over until Netflix takes you back to Hawkins. The series stands on its own, and it's legitimately frightening. The overarching plot isn't particularly unique in the horror genre, but it's undeniably binge-worthy. With only five episodes, you might be tempted to watch it all in one night. Be warned: you'll probably want to sleep with the lights on. 

Combine the exciting fight scenes of a martial arts film with the tension of a drama series, throw in some supernatural elements, and you've got Wu Assassins. Kai Jin (Iko Uwais), a chef working in San Francisco's Chinatown, learns his true identity: he's actually the last of the Wu Assassins, a line of warriors tasked with using their powers to kill the Wu Warlords. The Warlords also possess magical abilities connected to fire, earth, water, wood, and metal. San Francisco is now under threat from the warlords, and despite Kai's protests that he's merely a chef, he has no choice but to step up, embrace his new role, and fight against them. 

The high points of Wu Assassins are definitely the tightly choreographed fight scenes — this is Uwais' first TV series, but his previous work in film as a fight and action choreographer definitely prepared him for this role. The show has received some criticism for lackluster writing and pacing issues, but if it's renewed for a second season, the cast and crew has already created an imaginative world of interesting characters on which to build a strong sophomore effort. 

This Brazilian series follows three teenage friends trying to survive the harsh realities of daily life in the favelas of São Paulo and pursue their dreams. Doni (MC JottaPê), Nando (Christian Malheiros), and Rita (Bruna Mascarenhas) lean on each other for support as they fall in and out of trouble. The series was created by filmmaker and DJ KondZilla, an artist from São Paulo who helped popularize the Brazilian funk ostentação genre. Funk features prominently in Sintonia — Doni is an up-and-coming DJ getting some attention from labels and slowly making a name for himself at block parties. 

To outsiders, Brazil's favelas are often seen as nothing but poor shantytowns and hotbeds of organized crime. But with Sintonia, KondZilla and this cast of talented young actors aim to show audiences a different side of the culture within. It's a story most viewers probably haven't heard before — it's not your typical teen drama, but it's not a gritty crime series, either. It's an exploration of creativity, community, and hope in a setting that's unfamiliar to many.

In 1988, police officer Thomas Lockhart's obsession with tracking down an elusive serial killer takes hold. Several victims in Philadelphia have bled to death from similar wounds, and Lockhart becomes convinced that if he can just crack this difficult case, he'll finally get to become a detective. But the mysterious suspect continues to thwart him for years on end, leaving him with nothing but inexplicable clues and dead ends. 

Nine years later, Lockhart has moved forward in his career and become a detective. A copycat killer strikes, and as Lockhart tries to connect the dots, he realizes that the details just aren't adding up. This is not just a serial killer at work — there's something bigger at play here. When Lockhart encounters his prime suspect from 1988 and sees that she hasn't aged a day, he dedicates his life to figuring out her identity, her motives, and whether or not she's from an entirely different time and place. 

In the Shadow of the Moon is a refreshing take on the typical police procedural, and the supernatural elements keep it from feeling like a carbon copy of similar narratives in the genre. The surprising conclusion explores complex moral issues and examines the true meaning of justice.

How far would you go for the sake of family loyalty? That's the question at the heart of the Brazilian drama Brotherhood. Cristina is a successful lawyer who came from a rough background, but against all odds, she's moved up the ladder and followed a straight and narrow path. The same couldn't be said for her brother, Edson, who went to jail when she was a child. 

Cristina hadn't seen Edson in decades, but one day, his case file ends up on her desk — he's been accused of murdering another inmate. Although he's been locked up for 20 years, he still adheres to certain principles, and he refuses to rat out other inmates to save himself. Unfortunately for Edson, this puts a target on his back. Suddenly, Cristina's world is turned upside down. If she wants to help her brother, she might have to bend the rules and face the consequences. And she knows that if she's caught, the punishment will be far worse than a slap on the wrist.