On November 12, 2025, the YouTube channel Select10 dropped an 8-minute and 20-second video ranking the top 10 original series released on Netflix in 2025 — and it’s already sparking debate among binge-watchers. The list, narrated with brisk energy and chapter timestamps, doesn’t just recycle hype; it lays out a curated, no-nonsense guide to what’s actually working on the platform this year. At the top? American Primeval. Below it, a gritty mix of Nordic crime, New York underworld drama, and a chilling teen murder mystery that’s impossible to ignore.
The List That Got People Talking
The video opens with a blunt promise: "cut past all the chatter and skip right to the best stuff." And that’s exactly what it delivers. Select10 didn’t just pick the most talked-about shows — they picked the ones that stuck. Number 10, Mercy For None, centers on Nam Gi Jun, a former gangster trying to outrun his past in a brutal, stylish tale of retribution. At 01:10, the narrator calls it "ferocious gang drama with slick, violent sequences" — a description that feels more like a movie trailer than a review. It’s the kind of show that makes you pause mid-bite at dinner. Then comes The Asset at number nine — a Danish crime thriller that quietly dropped globally on October 27, 2025. No big marketing blitz. No celebrity cast. Just tight writing and a slow-burn tension that’s winning over international viewers. It’s a reminder that not every standout series needs a Hollywood name attached.Black Rabbit and the New York Underworld
At number eight, Black Rabbit lands with weight. Starring Jude Law as Jake Freriedken, co-owner of a high-end NYC establishment, and Jason Baitman as his volatile brother Vince, the series turns the glittering surface of New York City into a minefield of betrayal. The show’s eight-episode arc, set firmly in Manhattan, explores how wealth, loyalty, and secrets unravel in real time. It’s not just crime drama — it’s a character study wrapped in a thriller. And yes, the tension between the brothers? It’s the kind of chemistry you don’t forget.The Quiet Contenders
The middle of the list is where things get interesting. The Eternaut and Untamed get minimal screen time in the video, but their inclusion speaks volumes. One’s a sci-fi allegory; the other, a wild, nature-driven survival tale. Both suggest Netflix is betting big on genre diversity — and it’s paying off. Then there’s The Leopard at number five, described at 05:06 as "a brilliantly crafted, character-driven period drama with political and personal resonance." That’s high praise from a channel that usually favors pace over poetry. It’s clear this isn’t just about action — it’s about depth.The Shockers: Adolescence and Dept Q
Number four, Adolescence, is the most disturbing entry. A limited series about 13-year-old Jaime Miller, charged with killing a classmate. The phrasing — "killing of a classmate" — feels deliberately raw, like the show itself refuses to sanitize trauma. No fancy framing. Just a child caught in a nightmare. It’s the kind of story that lingers after the credits roll. And then, number two: Dept Q. The Danish police procedural that’s been quietly dominating Europe for years finally got its global spotlight on Netflix in 2025. Its inclusion over bigger-budget shows says something: audiences are hungry for authenticity over spectacle. The show’s moody cinematography and obsessive detectives have turned it into a cult favorite — and now, a mainstream one.
The Undisputed Leader: American Primeval
At number one, American Primeval isn’t just the best show of the year — it’s the most talked-about. No description was given in the transcript, but industry whispers suggest it’s a sweeping, 10-hour epic about frontier justice, Native American resistance, and the cost of expansion in 18th-century America. With production values rivaling HBO’s best and a cast that includes Oscar winners, it’s already being called Netflix’s Succession meets Westworld. It’s not just a series — it’s an event.Why This Matters
This isn’t just another "best of" list. It’s one of the first comprehensive snapshots of Netflix’s 2025 output — and it reveals a platform doubling down on quality over quantity. No flashy gimmicks. No recycled IPs. Just bold storytelling across genres, from gritty crime to historical drama. The fact that The Asset (a Danish series) and Dept Q made the top three suggests global content isn’t just an add-on — it’s the core. And here’s the twist: Select10 didn’t release its methodology. No panel. No metrics. Just a team’s gut feeling. That’s risky. But in an age of algorithm-driven rankings, it’s refreshing.What’s Next?
December 2025 could change everything. Netflix has hinted at major releases before year-end — including a highly anticipated sequel to Stranger Things and a new season of The Crown. If either lands in the top tier, Select10’s list might need an update. But for now, this ranking stands as a bold, unfiltered guide to what’s working — and what’s truly unforgettable — on streaming.Frequently Asked Questions
How were the shows ranked in the Select10 list?
Select10 didn’t disclose its criteria, but based on tone and selection, the ranking appears based on narrative impact, production quality, and viewer engagement rather than raw view counts. The channel favors storytelling depth over viral moments, which explains why slower-burn hits like Dept Q and The Leopard outperformed flashier titles.
Is American Primeval really the best Netflix show of 2025?
Early reviews from critics and viewers suggest yes — it’s being called Netflix’s most ambitious original since The Queen’s Gambit. With a historical scope, layered characters, and cinematic visuals, it’s designed to be a cultural moment. Whether it holds up through December depends on pacing, but as of mid-November, it’s the frontrunner.
Why is The Asset ranked so high despite being Danish?
The Asset stands out because it delivers tight, character-driven suspense without relying on English-language stars or Hollywood tropes. Its October 27, 2025 release was quiet, but word-of-mouth grew fast. It proves that non-English shows don’t need subtitles to be compelling — they just need great writing.
Does this list reflect global viewership or just U.S. trends?
The list seems weighted toward international appeal. With Danish, Korean, and American titles all making the top five, Select10 likely drew from Netflix’s global data. Mercy For None and The Leopard suggest strong non-U.S. engagement, and Netflix’s 2025 slate clearly prioritized worldwide storytelling over American-centric narratives.
Will Select10 update this list later in 2025?
No official update plan has been announced. But historically, YouTube ranking channels like Select10 revise their "so far" lists after major holiday releases. If Stranger Things Season 5 or The Crown Season 7 drop in December and perform well, expect a revised version by early January 2026.
What makes Adolescence different from other teen crime dramas?
Unlike most shows that romanticize or sensationalize teen violence, Adolescence treats Jaime Miller’s case with chilling restraint. It avoids villainizing the kid or the victim, instead focusing on how institutions fail both. The grammatical awkwardness in the description — "killing of a classmate" — mirrors the show’s raw, unpolished tone, making it feel more like a documentary than fiction.