Netflix top 10 shows — here’s the 3 worth watching right now

Melanie Lee in Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult documentary on Netflix
(Image credit: Netflix)

It's almost the weekend, and with so many new movies and shows on Netflix, deciding what to watch can be a pain. Sure, Netflix's top 10 list is a handy guide to scope out the most popular TV shows, but how do you know which ones are actually worth the hype? 

That's where we come in. Here at Tom's Guide, we've narrowed down the three best shows on Netflix's most-watched list right now. This list covers a good mix of genres, including a new teen drama, a Benedict Cumberbatch-led psychological thriller, and a creepy documentary about a TikTok cult that's unseated "Bridgerton" from the No. 1 spot on Netflix's top 10.

There’s something for everybody here. For even more streaming recommendations, check out our guide on the best new movies that just landed on streaming as well as everything new to Netflix this month

Best Shows in the Netflix Top 10

'Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult'

It's safe to say “Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult” has taken the world by storm. Almost immediately after its May 29 debut, Netflix's new documentary knocked its award-winning "Bridgerton" series from the No. 1 spot on its top 10 most-watched shows. 

This documentary, which is actually based on true events, follows a sister's fight to save her sibling from a cult disguised as a talent management company on TikTok. It focuses on the loosely affiliated group of dancers in Los Angeles who have signed up to 7M, the supposed “company” finding talent online. However, it turns out the leader of this cult is actually a pastor pretending to be a manager: Robert Shinn. The aspiring influencers under his wing constantly seek his approval by trying to showcase their talent, no matter what it takes. Netflix’s three-episode documentary shows how dancers and past members of the “company” escaped while trying to rebuild their lives. If you’re a fan of documentaries and want something short to stream over the weekend, this is the perfect choice. And it will genuinely shock you.

Watch it now on Netflix 

'Geek Girl'

"Geek Girl" is a newer series adapted from the popular young adult novels by Holly Smale. The show centers on Harriet Manners (Emily Carey), an awkward and neurodivergent teenager whose life changes dramatically when she is discovered by a modeling agency. As Harriet navigates the world of high fashion, she grapples with typical teenage challenges and the unique pressures of the modeling industry. 

This ten-part series that combines comedy and drama perfectly while still being touching. In fact, the show has a high audience score of 89% on Rotten Tomatoes, with people stating its a real eye-opener into the world of neurodivergence. Even though it can be a bit predictable and stretched out at times, it's still worth watching if you need something to binge over the weekend.  — AB 

Watch it now on Netflix

'Eric'

It looks like Benedict Cumberbatch is aiming to add another Emmy to his shelf to match the one he got for “Sherlock.” In this emotional thriller, he stars as Vincent, a puppeteer and creator of a beloved 1980s children's television show whose life falls apart when his 9-year-old son vanishes on the way to school one morning. 

Devastated and overcome with guilt, Vincent and his wife (Gaby Hoffmann) struggle to cope with the loss. He clings to his son's drawings of a blue monster puppet named Eric, and as he spirals further, becomes convinced that putting Eric on TV will bring his son home — much to the dismay of his son's mother, his friends and the police. But "Eric" is about much more than just a missing boy and a desperate father. Over the course of six episodes, the show holds an unflinching mirror to the challenges of addiction and self-loathing while also highlighting the unfair consequences born of forces beyond our control. 

Watch it now on Netflix

Netflix top 10 shows right now

  1. "Dancing for the Devil: The 7M TikTok Cult" 
  2. "Eric"
  3. "Your Honor"
  4. "Bridgerton"
  5. "Geek Girl"
  6. "Jo Koy: Live from Brooklyn"
  7. "Raising Voices"
  8. "Tires"
  9. "Jurassic World: Chaos Theory"
  10. "Ashley Madison: Sex, Lies & Scandal"

More from Tom's Guide

Alyse Stanley
News Editor

Alyse Stanley is a news editor at Tom’s Guide overseeing weekend coverage and writing about the latest in tech, gaming and entertainment. Prior to joining Tom’s Guide, Alyse worked as an editor for the Washington Post’s sunsetted video game section, Launcher. She previously led Gizmodo’s weekend news desk, where she covered breaking tech news — everything from the latest spec rumors and gadget launches to social media policy and cybersecurity threats.  She has also written game reviews and features as a freelance reporter for outlets like Polygon, Unwinnable, and Rock, Paper, Shotgun. She’s a big fan of horror movies, cartoons, and miniature painting.

With contributions from