If you’re looking for shows to stream, Netflix is a treasure trove of Original Spanish shows. These shows are a perfectly aged wine—full of complex characters, rich plots, and a bouquet of drama that’ll have you roped in from start to finish. From the high-stakes heists of La Casa de Papel to the twisted tales of Unauthorized Living, these series will export the heart of España right to your screen.
So, without further ado, here are the 10 best Spanish Netflix Originals.
Money Heist (2017)
When it comes to planning a heist, no one, and we mean no one, plans it better than the Professor himself. One day, the Professor orchestrates the boldest plan ever thought by a man. He plans to rob the Royal Mint of Spain with a team of eight misfits, each excelling in a different domain, be it technology or breaking locks.
However, the heist isn’t just about money but to inspire confidence against the corrupt government. Also, Money Heist aka La Casa De Papel is one show where you’ll be cheering for criminals rather than the detectives.
The House of Flowers (2018)
Flowers can symbolize beauty and purity, but for the De la Mora family, they become the harbinger of secrets and scandals. The House of Flowers takes you into the lives of one affluent Mexican family, where affairs, betrayals, and unconventional love stories are commonplace.
This dark comedy peels back the facade of high society and exposes its hypocrisy and complexities. The best thing about The House of Flowers is the way it deals with social issues without comprising the story and entertainment.
Cable Girls (2017)
Cable Girls takes you to the colorful world of 1920s Madrid, where four dynamic women are rewriting the rules of society. They are not just telephone operators but also trailblazers, best friends, and warriors if the need arises.
Throughout the show, we’ll see them dealing with love, ambition, dreams, and friendship, all while facing the shadows of their past and the dangers of their present. If you love a show that celebrates the strength and spirit of women in a time of transformation, Cable Girls is a must-watch.
High Seas (2019)
In High Seas, you’ll find yourself aboard the Bárbara de Braganza, which happens to be a luxurious ship sailing through the intrigue-filled waters of the 1940s. The POV characters are Eva and Carolina, and they’re on a journey from Spain to Brazil, where secrets lurk beneath the surface and danger looms at every turn.
The sisters join forces with an officer, a switchboard operator, and a detective to dig out scandals and find hidden treasures, which also include Nazi gold. If you’re looking for a stylish escape to a bygone era, then you must give High Seas a chance.
Paquita Salas (2016)
The titular character, Paquita Salas, who is also known as the queen of talent agents in the ’90s, is having a hard time adapting to the digital age. Thankfully, she is not alone, and can always call her loyal assistant Magüi and handyman Alex to help her solve the modern world problems with modern solutions.
If you love shows that take place in a cutthroat world where fierce competition and personal setbacks reign supreme, then this is it. Also, do you know it was created by the same dynamic duo that gave us La Llamada, Javier Calvo and Javier Ambrosi?
Sky Rojo (2021)
In Sky Rojo, Coral Coral, Wendy, and Gina are three women working at a brothel under the oppressive rule of a pimp named Romeo. One night, they decide to escape his control and take a daring road trip to freedom.
However, Romeo is not willing to let them go without a fight and sends his henchmen, Moisés and Christian, to track them down. What follows is a gripping and suspenseful chase across Tenerife, where the women must outsmart to maintain the sanctity of their newfound freedom. Also, it was created by Álex Pina and Esther Martínez Lobato, the very same duo that gave us Money Heist!
The Mess You Leave Behind (2020)
The main character, Raquel, in The Mess You Leave Behind, is a literature teacher seeking solace in a quiet Galician town with her husband, but she unexpectedly finds herself in the center of a mind-boggling mystery.
The previous teacher, Viruca had died under mysterious circumstances, and for some reason, Raquel becomes obsessed with finding the reason behind her predecessor’s death. As the show goes on, Raquel finds that no one is innocent, be it students, colleagues, and even Raque’s own spouse. If you like mysteries or enjoy Spanish thrillers, then you will appreciate the show.
Someone Has to Die (2020)
Someone Has to Die takes place in 1950s Spain, a time when the air is thick with secrecy, fear, and tradition. The protagonist, Gabino, returns from Mexico with a realization that he’s gay and deeply and madly in love with Lázaro, who happens to be a ballet dancer.
The issue is that Gabino’s family has mapped out an entirely different path for him, where they see Gabino trying the knot with a wealthy heiress who goes by the name Caytena. Like every other Spanish Netflix Original, this one, too, doesn’t shy away from love, romance, sex, and affair.
Unauthorized Living (2018)
The focus of this mind-blowing crime saga is Nemo Bandeira, a man who leads a double life. For his friends and family, he is a legitimate and successful businessman, and for the ones who really know him, Nemo is a drug dealer. Nemo has everything one can dream of, whether it is money, power, or family, but he also has Alzheimer’s.
As his memory deteriorates, Nemo must designate a successor to his empire before rivals destroy everything he has ever built and fought for. The series stars José Coronado, Álex González, and Claudia Traisac and is one of the best Spanish Netflix Originals out there.
Toy Boy (2019)
What happens when a charming male escort wakes up next to a corpse after a wild night? He gets a police force behind him, and we get Tony Boy. The series follows a stripper called Hugo, who is accused of murdering his lover’s husband, who happens to be a powerful businessman.
After spending seven years behind bars, he is approached by a new lawyer, who promises Hugo that he can prove he didn’t kill that girl. Did you know Toy Boy draws from Nacho Carretero’s best-selling book, which also inspired Narcos?
And there we have it, our picks for the 10 best Spanish Netflix Originals right now. What do you think of our list? Have we included your favourite shows? Feel free to let us know in the comments below.