The recent release of Volume 3 of Love, Death & Robots has unsurprisingly spurred discussions and debates about its latest episodes. Audiences who are done binge-watching the third season of the popular anthology series by Netflix are likely looking for similar shows on the platform.
The best anthology series on Netflix are known for how they’re able to condense well-written stories that leave a lasting impression on viewers. They either tell different narratives in every episode or follow a new plot per season, with true crime, dystopias, and horror being some of the most popular themes for the format.
Love, Death & Robots (2019 - Present)
The latest season of Love, Death & Robots is thankfully getting a lot of love from the fanbase, in large part thanks to the noticeable variety in the types of stories it offers viewers in Volume 3. The anthology series is known for tackling hard-hitting subjects that have to do with humanity and technology, with some of its best episodes that highlight these aspects being ‘Sonnie’s Edge’ and ‘Zima Blue.’
Its stories often take place in dystopian worlds, with terrifying creatures or morally ambiguous characters raising questions about greed, the future, and survival. Each episode almost always features a different director and crew , so audiences never know what to expect.
Criminal (2019 - )
Viewers who enjoy dialogue-heavy shows that focus on characters’ personalities, personal stories, and motivations will like Netflix’s Criminal. It’s a police procedural anthology series, with each season taking place in a different European country. So far, the show has thrust audiences into police stations in , Spain, , and the UK.
All of the episodes of Netflix’s Criminal mostly happen within a confined space, which is the interrogation room and its adjacent areas within the police station. It explores the criminals’ actions through the investigators’ perspectives, as well as the methods the authorities employ to get to the truth.
Slasher (2016 - Present)
Originally airing on the now-defunct streaming platform Chiller in 2016, Slasher is a horror anthology series that features a new story and cast every season. Fans of murder mysteries will fall in love with the way Slasher doesn’t attempt to reinvent the genre, but instead emphasizes its best aspects.
It’s a smart series that follows a ‘whodunnit’ formula, with its large ensemble casts often making the hunt more thought-provoking and exciting for viewers. While it currently has four seasons and a fifth one in the works, only the first three – ‘The Executioner,’ ‘Guilty Party,’ and ‘Solstice’ – are available on Netflix.
Scream (2015 - 2019)
Nobody knew what to expect after MTV announced it would be developing a horror series inspired by Scream. The slasher show continues to get mixed reviews, with some fans criticizing it for its poor quality, and others recognizing its value as a standalone series.
If there’s one thing most viewers agree on, it’s that the first two seasons are much better than its third and final one, which is known for being a failed reboot of the franchise. The entire series is arguably still worth checking out for fans of the genre, if only to see highly-rated episodes like ‘The Vanishing’ and ‘Revelations.’
Easy (2016 - 2019)
Easy is a criminally underrated comedy-drama series that tells a variety of stories that take place in Chicago. Fans who love the show know that its narratives can be both comical and heartfelt, as they often revolve around modern love and complicated relationships.
With its stellar constantly-changing cast and humorous writing, each episode is guaranteed to be unique and entertaining. There are only a few recurring characters and minimal overlap between the stories, which means viewers can jump around the seasons and choose which episodes they want to watch. Some of the most popular ones new viewers can start with include ‘Swipe Left,’ ‘Prodigal Daughter,’ and ‘Yes.’
Dirty John (2018 -)
Fans of true crime shows should consider two stories based on real crimes, with the first season covering the John Meehan case and the second one retelling the Betty Broderick story.
The only link that seems to tie the two together is that they both follow a tragic love story from its innocent beginning to its violent end. It’s unclear if there will be a third season, but fans are likely hoping to see the series tackle yet another horrific case of love going wrong.
American Vandal (2017 - 2018)
It was only a matter of time before a satirical portrayal of society’s obsession with true crime would come around – Making a Murderer, but instead of serious criminals, they have suspects like “The Turd Burglar.”
The show’s two seasons have the same protagonists and investigators, the high schoolers Peter and Sam, but they feature two completely different ‘crimes.’ Fans were understandably disappointed when Netflix canceled the show, but it’s still available to stream on the platform for viewers looking for something comedic.
The Sinner (2017 - 2021)
Often considered by The Sinner is a must-see for fans of the police procedural genre. It follows Detective Bill Pullman’s attempts at solving crimes by eccentric suspects with bizarre motivations.
Each season of the renowned anthology series features the detective, but presents a whole new cast and setting to go with a new puzzling crime. It’s an incredibly dark series that may not be for everyone, but those who can appreciate its grittiness and character drama will find that it’s a binge-worthy show that’s riveting from start to finish.
Goosebumps (1995 - 1998)
R.L. Stine's award-winning book series was brought to life in the Goosebumps. Fans can delve into a nostalgic viewing experience by streaming the anthology show on Netflix, with every episode almost always following a group of teenagers who stumble into creepy situations.
From haunted amusement parks to spine-chilling swamps, the horror show is the perfect choice for a movie night with one’s family. All four original seasons are available on the platform for 90s kids to rediscover or introduce to their own children today.
Black Mirror (2011 - Present)
With its 6th season finally confirmed, fans are eagerly waiting to see what dystopian terrors Black Mirror will depict in the near future. The critically-acclaimed anthology series is often credited with re-popularizing the format, thanks to its creative and often frightening portrayal of technology-gone-wrong scenarios.
Audiences who have never seen the show can choose any episode from its five seasons, as there’s no overlap between its stories (although there are some hidden links and references). Some of the most popular fan favorites include ‘San Junipero,’ ‘USS Callister,’ and ‘The National Anthem’ – these are excellent jumping-off points for viewers who want a general idea of what the sci-fi show is like.