Before we begin, here's a disclaimer: I have varied tastes. You might love one thing on this list and hate others. This is in NO WAY a list of "if you liked _____ you may like ____" (just stick to the Netflix "recommended" section if that's what you want). What I can promise you, however, is that I have watched all of these shows and movies in their entirety and thoroughly enjoyed the experience-- I hope you will, too.
Now, remember to keep an open mind, and let's get started.
1. Buffy The Vampire Slayer
If you don't normally like vampires, this could still be the show for you!
However, if you don't like strong, female characters, great one liners, well developed characters, and magic, then Buffy definitely isn't the right choice.
Personally, I would describe Buffy as being the ultimate "underdog battles evil" TV show, and it was also one of the first to feature a female, teenage protagonist. Additionally, the show has a great mix of emotions, and goes from uproariously funny (in **SPOILERS the musical episode**) to devastatingly sad (in **SPOILERS the episode where Buffy's mom dies**) and everywhere in between. It also features a great variety in the realm of magical creatures, so rather than being bombarded with vampires, you can also see demons, witches, werewolves and more.
2. The Flash
A good, old fashioned super hero.
Don't get me wrong, I love the new, gritty versions of super heroes like we see in shows like Daredevil, Green Arrow, or the newer Batman (Christian Bale batman, lets not get into the even newer one...), but sometimes it's nice to just go back to the roots and see the wholesome, every day guy type of hero-- and that's exactly what The Flash is.
Along with the protagonist I am so fond of, The Flash also features a host of complex characters, a lot of witty dialogue, many powerful villains, and a few episodes featuring The Green Arrow himself.
3. Americain Horror Story (a.k.a. AHS)
A new show every season.
If you don't like to be scared, this show isn't for you, but if you avoid the horror genre for another reason, this show may still be a great choice. Unlike many Horror movies I have seen (and I've seen a lot), AHS has an engaging plot and complex characters, and also tends to avoid most of the ridiculous stereotypes so many horror movies adore.
What makes this show particularly unique, however, is that every season is a different story line. For instance, season one takes place in a haunted mansion with a family of three, and season three (my personal favorite) features a coven of witches. Many of the leading actors stay the same from season to season, but other than that you never know what to expect, which means the show will always keep you on your toes, and if you don't like one season, you still might end up loving the next.
4. Blue Exorcist
This show convinced my best friend that anime is worth watching.
If you aren't big on anime, but have a desire to start watching it, this show is one I would highly recommend. The animation style is very conventional, but the plot is unique and the characters are fantastic.
Blue Exorcist features some unusual takes on Christian mythology, as well as a lot of great fight scenes, a healthy mix of badass characters and adorable characters, and lots of comic relief. Plus, who doesn't like a show where one of the main antagonists is satan?
5. Orange is the New Black
Tired of the patriarchy? Try a show where most of the characters are women!
(I say that as a joke, but it's also true) Assuming you haven't heard of this show, long story short, it takes place in a women's prison full of ladies who have committed all kinds of crimes both big and small. The ideas of equal rights and feminism play a large part in this show -- without becoming "preachy."
If you're in to complex (but also easy to follow) story lines, this show is pretty great. There is a good deal of sexual content, so it's not for those with an aversion to breasts, but aside from that there are a lot of things for everyone to love about Orange is the new Black; the show features a diverse cast of characters, as well as many different kinds and degrees of conflict, and a fair amount of comic relief -- and let's not forget Alex Vause.
6. iZombie
Not your usual brain eaters.
Not only does this show manage to be simultaneously quite creepy, and very funny, it also ties together the classic crime show genre with zombies -- attractive zombies. The show features zombies that can actually pass as completely normal human beings, as well as the more usual sense of zombies, and and a strong, very intelligent female character as the lead. All in all, it's a bunch of great things rolled into one.
Additionally, the show's animated opening sequence is pretty great too and I would definitely recommend checking it out.
7. Diners, Drive-ins, and Dives (a.k.a. Triple D)
What would life be without food?
This show is one of my favorites mostly because Guy Fierri is a great host, and there are few things more enjoyable than watching his elation as he takes a bite of a sandwich the size of a small continent. I'm also not a huge fan of food competition shows or traditional cooking shows, and this is one of the few popular food related shows out there that is not a competition or just one person reciting recipes to you every episode.
Another cool thing is that all the restaurants on this show are in the United States, so if you ever go road tripping you can check them out. Also, the show occasionally features celebrity guest stars -- but let's be honest, I'd rather look at the food.
8. Mixology
One night to get it right.
This is probably the least well known show on my top ten list, but it definitely deserves its place. The coolest thing about this show is that the entire first season (which is all that is on Netflix so far) takes place in the space of one night, in one bar. Basically, the story line is that all of the main characters are single, and they need to find a date before last call.
As a ginger, I'm definitely a sucker for any show featuring a redheaded character in a large role (he's not on the picture up there but he does exist), but this show is also fast paced, hilarious, and full of twist and turns that constantly keep you guessing until the very end.
9. Friends
A classic.
BONUS: If you like Friends, you might also like How I Met Your Mother, but I am not going to get into the argument of which is better because I absolutely love them both. That said, I picked Friends over How I Met Your Mother to go on this list because I watched Friends first.
This show is full of great one liners and character-based scenarios. Despite that, sometimes it can really manage to be soul crushing and aggravating (**SPOILER: "WE WERE ON A BREAK!"**), and I love a show that can evoke such strong emotions. In addition, the story line is easy to relate to and keeps a steady pace--even through all ten seasons.
10. Attack on Titan
The anime that might as well be live action.
If you are an anime fan that is very particular when it comes to artistic style, this show may be a little hard to get into, but trust me, it's worth it. The creators of Attack on Titan get an A-plus in complex world building, and the show is full of interesting characters.
In addition, the show captures many different levels and factions of society, and (although most of the show consists of fairly dark subject matter) a broad range of emotions and points of view. This range creates a world so believable that, despite it being animated, some of the more gory scenes might make you want to look away.
With that, my list comes to a close -- I could go on for days, but it has to stop somewhere -- so now I'll just leave you to make up your mind about these titles, and hopefully try a few. Personally, I'm going to go rewatch Orange is the New Black... happy bingeing!
