The emergence of online streaming services has transformed the world of entertainment by bringing thrilling stories, unforgettable characters and enjoyable binge-worthy content to screens across the globe. Certain web series have attained an unprecedented level of popularity that have earned huge viewers and cult-like followings. If you're a fan of action, drama and sci-fi these top-quality series are essential to watch. This is a list of the most watched web-based series ever.
1. Game of Thrones (HBO)
TV Viewership over 44 million people watch each show (final season)
A phenomenon in the world of culture, Game of Thrones established the bar for epic narrative. Based on George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire series The medieval fantasy drama explores the battle over the Iron Throne in Westeros. With its surprising plot twists, intense battles and intricate politics, the show was the most watched show on HBO.
Why Watch?
Characters with a lot of depth and a variety of storytelling
Amazing battle scenes with stunning visuals
Cinematography and award-winning performances
2. Stranger Things (Netflix)
Watchership More than 140 million homes (season 4)
An ideal combination of 80s nostalgia science fiction, and horror, Stranger Things was a huge hit with audiences around the world. The show is about a group of children living in Hawkins, Indiana, as they face supernatural forces connected to a mysterious experiment conducted by the government. The show's compelling story, charming characters, and dark atmosphere make it among the biggest successes on Netflix.
Why Watch?
Retro vintage
An intriguing mix of mystery horror, sci-fi and
Characters that are memorable, such as Eleven along with the Demogorgon
3. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) - (Netflix)
Viewership More than 190 million minutes of viewers watched during its final week of the season's premiere
It was initially an Spanish show, Money Heist has become a worldwide phenomenon after being re-acquired by Netflix. The series follows a ruthless mastermind dubbed the Professor who leads an elite group of criminals in the biggest heist of all time on the Royal Mint of Spain.
Why Watch?
Heists that are thrilling and high-risk sequences
A heightened emotion and development of character
Unique narrative structure using flashbacks, multi-perspectives and flashbacks.
4. Squid Game (Netflix)
Viewership More than 1.65 billion hours of watched time in the initial 28 days
Record-breaking, Squid Game was the most watched Netflix series of all time. The South Korean thriller revolves around desperate people who play deadly childhood games to win a huge cash prize. The gripping social commentary about inequality of wealth, human desperation and morality resonated with audiences across the world.
Why Watch?
A unique and thrilling storyline
The brutal, yet thought-provoking social commentary
Inspiring twists and surprising eliminations
5. The Witcher (Netflix)
Viewership More than 76 millions households (season 1)
Based on the best-selling books about the genre, The Witcher follows Geralt of Rivia as a monster hunter in a world that is filled with war, magic, and political conspiracy. With its amazing action sequences as well as rich lore and Henry Cavill's formidable presence the series became immediately a favourite among fans of fantasy.
Why Watch?
Dark fantasy elements with deep mythological background
Incredible choreography for fights and magic-filled fights
Deep character arcs and intrigues in politics
6. Breaking Bad (AMC, Netflix)
The number of viewers: more than 10.3 million people (final episode)
It began out as a slow-burning show, Breaking Bad became an extremely adored series ever. The story is about Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher who is transformed into a brutal drug Kingpin. Through its exceptional storytelling and gripping character development and unforgettable moments, this show remains an essential classic.
Why Watch?
Character transformation that is unmatched
Tension-driven high-risk storytelling
Emmy-winning performances
7. Bridgerton (Netflix)
Viewership More than 82 millions households (season 1)
The Regency-era romance drama created by Shonda Rhimes and Shonda Rhimes, took Netflix by storm thanks to its stunning costumes, gripping scandals, and captivating love stories. Bridgerton changed the definition of the genre of period dramas by introducing modern variations and diverse cast and made it among the top-rated series on Netflix.
Why Watch?
Lavish costumes and set designs
Dramatic, thrilling love stories
Brilliant, clever dialog and modern storytelling
8. The Mandalorian (Disney+)
Viewership More than 100,000,000 total view (season 1)
The Mandalorian expands to the Star Wars universe, The Mandalorian is the story of a bounty hunter Din Djarin, and his adorable pet, Grogu (a.k.a. Baby Yoda). With its captivating story, cinematic visuals as well as nostalgia-inducing Star Wars elements it was Disney+'s top show.
Why Watch?
Cinematography that is breathtaking and action-packed
Deep lore extension to Star Wars fans
A heartwarming interaction of Mando and Grogu
9. Daredevil (Netflix)
TV Viewership More than 13 million people (first season)
A gritty and dark series of superheroes, Daredevil follows blind lawyer Matt Murdock, who fights criminals in Hell's Kitchen as the masked vigilante Daredevil. It set the bar for superhero series by delivering brutal fight scenes and engaging story telling.
Why Watch?
Hand-to-hand combat sequences that are intense
Deep character arcs
A compelling mix of superhero and legal action
10. The Walking Dead (Netflix)
Watchership more than 17 million people (season 5, premiere)
A post-apocalyptic horror show that follows survivors in an uninhabitable world populated by zombies. Famous for its intense drama about survival and character-driven story telling, The Walking Dead remains among the most watched shows of all time.
Why Watch?
A suspenseful and gritty survival tale
A strong personality and emotional depth development
Iconic zombie horror sequences
11. Arrow
Viewership: Over 4.3 million viewers (series premiere)
The story is based on DC Comics character Green Arrow The action-packed series is about the billionaire Oliver Queen as he transforms into a vigilante in order to combat corruption in his town.
Why Watch?
Action sequences that are high-energy and intense, as well as archery-based combat
Strong superhero origin story
Extensive DC TV Universe connections
12. Orange is the New Black
Watchership More than 105 million homes
One of Netflix's initial major successes, Orange is the New Black explores the experiences of women who are in federal prisons through an enthralling mix of humor drama, drama, as well as social commentary.
Why Watch?
Unique prison drama with captivating character thematic arcs
Creative and provoking storytelling
An engaging mix of emotion and humor
13. The 100
Watchership More than 2.3 millions viewers (season 1. premiere)
A gripping sci-fi post-apocalyptic series in which a group of young prisoners are sent to Earth to assess its potential for survival following a nuclear catastrophe.
Why Watch?
High-stakes survival storytelling
Strong character-driven narratives
Sci-fi action laced with moral dilemmas
14. Friends (NBC, Netflix, HBO Max)
Watchership More than 52 million people watch (series finale)
The most loved sitcoms ever, Friends continues to attract audiences for decades after its initial run. Based on characters from six best friends living in New York City, the show is full of humor as well as romance and iconic phrases that have stood the tests of time.
Why Watch?
Relative friendships and timeless humor
Cultural impact and iconic moments
Ideal for casual, relaxed watching
15. The Office (US) - (NBC, Netflix, Peacock)
Watchership More than 57 Billion minutes of streamed (2020 all by itself)
A comedy for the workplace that earned the status of a legend, The Office follows the zany staff from Dunder Mifflin. The humor, its mockumentary style moments, and memorable characters such as Michael Scott and Dwight Schrute make it among the most watched comedies of all time.
Why Watch?
Amazing workplace dynamics
Inspiring character and depth of emotion
The most memorable jokes, and hilarious moments
Final Thoughts
These web-based series have ruled screens, triggering debates, memes, and fan theories around the world. If you're looking for action-packed thrills and adventure, mind-bending sci-fi or heart-warming comedy, or even a laugh-out loud drama There's a show in this list that is suitable for everyone. What is your most loved? Tell us by leaving a comment!