The possibilities of television are endless. With the added bonus of streaming platforms, there are countless shows to watch from around the world. This means shows that are in other languages. The idea for reading subtitles in order to watch a show may be cumbersome.
In the wise words of director Bong Joon-ho, "Once you overcome the one-inch tall barrier of subtitles, you will be introduced to so many more amazing films." In this case, it's television. There are many shows on Netflix in the countries original language that comes in a variety of subtitle languages. If journeying into the world of the subtitled shows, here's a list that are a must-watch.
The Rain (6.3)
Netflix's The Rain is a Danish post-apocalyptic show that premiered back in 2018. Everyone's worst fear comes true when a deadly virus is carried by rainwater. A majority of the population gets wiped. It centers around two siblings who journey across Denmark with survivors looking for safety.
On the lookout for their father, they might discover some answers. Reviews for the show praise the dynamic relationship between the characters and the fear that radiates from the virus. Many felt its a reboot of a classic theme but with some fresh ideas.
The Protector (6.8)
The Turkish show The Protector wrapped up its third season on Netflix. The show is a combination of European culture, drama, romance, and the supernatural. The entire show is in Turkish but it doesn't deter from the storyline.
Seeped deep into Turkey's culture, it follows the journey of a young man whose life is changed when he discovers he is the next Protector of a secret society. His duty is to protect his home from an immortal enemy. What makes the show fun to watch is the fact that it's in Turkish and it only enhances the cultural aspects seen in the plot elements.
High Seas (6.8)
For those who are a fan of the Titanic and want something peculiar the form of a show, then High Seas is the best bet. The Spanish mystery drama has an odd mix of reviews. Some fans love the mystery of the show but can't help but have a guilty pleasure for the bad acting, shotty plot and comical special effects.
The show focuses on the mysterious events around two sisters. On a trip from Spain to Brazil, a number of deaths occur on the ship. The sisters become embroiled in the investigation. As the series progresses, secrets unfold and they start to lead back to the two sisters.
The Valhalla Murders (7.1)
The Valhalla Murders is a great way to get started into reading subtitles. The show is only eight episodes and was created in Iceland. It's also a show for fans of crime dramas full of thrilling turns. The show follows and Oslo detective with a troublesome past.
Returning back home, the detective joins forces with the local police to solve a series of murders. The show is in native Icelandic and combined with the blue-hued cinematography adds a level of intrigue.
Elite (7.6)
The Spanish Netflix show Elite has gotten favorable reviews from audiences. Some reviews even admitted to holding off on watching the show for having to read subtitles. After the first episode, they were hooked. The Spanish thriller series that is already on its way to a fourth and fifth season.
The show revolves around three middle-class teenagers who attend a private school on scholarship. The show explores themes beyond the teen clichés. The struggle of social class differences leads to murder and mystery. Fans have raved about the show's emotional moments and exploration into ideals of present-day society.
Kingdom (8.4)
Netflix has created a number of successful foreign shows and one of them being the K-drama, Kingdom. This isn't the run-of-the-mill political drama. The show takes place during the Joseon period and its premise is treason within the kingdom.
To make things even more exciting, there's a supernatural element. A plague is spreading that causes the dead to come alive again. They are not only zombies but blood-thirsty creatures. The sow has been praised for its deeper storyline elitism and social class.
Money Heist (8.4)
Money Heist has an outstanding score of 8.4 from IMDb and a 94% rating from Rotten Tomatoes. Safe to say this show is worth the hype even if it means reading subtitles translated from Spanish. Fans praise the show for having a mix of thrill, and drama, interwoven with mind games that have the viewer hooked.
The show even received an International Emmy Award. It's a heist storyline escalated to new extremes. Someone named "The Professor" (Álvaro Morte) recruits a group of talented individuals to pull off a heist at the Royal Mint of Spain. If successful, they take on an even bigger job. The show breaks the typical heist dynamics by being told from the point of view of one person. It also breaks the tension of crime with emotional subplots.
Narcos (8.8)
Narcos isn't a foreign show on Netflix. It's an American crime drama that's based on the drug kingpin, Pablo Escobar. Because the show is set in Colombia and focuses on the cartel, there are scenes that are done in Spanish and require reading subtitles. It's worth it.
The show follows the rise of Escobar and his illicit and criminal acts that made him a feared leader. It focuses on the interactions with drug lords, the DEA and other characters. It chronicles the rise of the cocaine trade in the '80s and who was on top of the food chain.
Dark (8.8)
With an 8.8 rating from IMDb and a 95% from Rotten Tomatoes, Dark on Netflix has amassed a number of fans. The science fiction time travel show has fans raving for its dynamic plot elements and detailed storytelling. Set in a German town, the disappearance of children unravels the hidden secrets of four families.
Seeped in generations of secrets, the show revolves around the implications of time travel and its effect on human nature. The show switches between origin stories in the 1900s to modern-day and its effect on current events that take place.
It's Okay To Not Be Okay (9.1)
K-dramas are on the rave when it comes to shows on streaming platforms. It's unlikely to find a K-drama that is dubbed in English. But hearing the show in its native Korean makes it more fun to watch. Don't worry, Netflix has got you covered with subtitles.
It's Okay To Not Be Okay is the show to watch that's full of an uncharacteristic romance tied with a psychological thriller. A woman who has never felt love finds herself falling for a man who has no time for it. Behind their tumultuous romance, there is a secret evil from her past that threatens to ruin her chance at happiness.