When it comes to choose between the countless films and TV episodes available on streaming platforms, lots of consumers turn to Rotten Tomatoes for help.
The film and television ratings website uses its ‘Tomatometer’ to provide official assessment from its professionals, and it also allows us amateurs to contribute our thoughts to establish an average audience score.
The site has gained such confidence among its devoted followers that it now has the capacity to produce or ruin multi-million dollar projects overnight.
So, as the year draws to a conclusion, let’s take a look at the top ten Netflix series of 2023 according to Rotten Tomatoes and see what we should watch right away…
10. The Diplomat
Kate Wyler (Keri Russell) is the United States’ recently appointed ambassador to the United Kingdom, who must manage her high-pressure post against the backdrop of a worldwide crisis while simultaneously attempting to keep her volatile marriage on track.
Although it garnered a great rating from Rotten Tomatoes experts and made their top ten list for the year, it had a significantly more varied reception from domestic reviewers.
Average Tomatometer: 83%
Average audience score: 51%
9. The Fall of the House of Usher
Roderick (Bruce Greenwood) and Madeline Usher (Mary McDonnell) have grown a pharmaceutical firm into a global empire, but secrets emerge when the business’s heirs begin to die.
Rotten Tomatoes critic Leila Latif said: ‘Mike Flanagan’s final Netflix offering is a spooky, grisly, sumptuously gothic treat.’
Average Tomatometer: 90%
Average audience score: 80%
8. Beckham
A documentary documenting David Beckham’s ups and downs as England captain and Galactico, as well as his life off the pitch as a spouse, father and worldwide brand.
The four-part series was a hit on both Rotten Tomatoes ratings, with critic Matt Neal writing: ‘The highs are remarkable and the lows even more stunning… it makes for a heady combination of glamour and glory.’
Average Tomatometer: 91%
Average audience score: 96%
7. You
A bookshop manager’s love on an aspiring writer gradually escalates into an obsession with disastrous results. Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) will go to any length to acquire what he wants, eradicating anything – and anyone – who stands in his way.
The series originally aired in 2018 and quickly became a smash phenomenon, with the fourth season arriving on Netflix early this year.
Average Tomatometer: 91%
Average audience score: 73%
6. Sex Education
Otis (Asa Butterfield), a high school student, may not have had much romantic experience himself, but that doesn’t stop him from starting a company giving advise to his fellow students based on what he’s learned from his sex therapist mother, portrayed by the excellent Gillian Anderson.
The last season, which premiered in September, delivers a melancholy departure and succeeds in elevating characters such as Adam Groff (Connor Swindells) and Ruby Matthews (Mimi Keene).
Average Tomatometer: 94%
Average audience score: 78%
5. Transatlantic
Based on a true event, an international gang of teenage superheroes risk their lives to assist immigrants from occupied France, many of whom are on the Nazi’s most wanted list.
Critic Joanne Laurier said: ‘The creators have chosen to set a story of determined opposition to cruelty and authoritarianism at one of the most tragic moments in history. The series brings out some of the worst in humanity and some of its best.’
Average Tomatometer: 95%
Average audience score: 77%
4. Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story
The show chronicles the young queen’s epic love story as it alters high society, chronicling her marriage to King George of England.
Rotten Tomatoes said: ‘A resplendent romance between two of the most interesting characters in the Bridgerton saga, Queen Charlotte is a spin-off that arguably perfects the primary series’ formula.’
Average Tomatometer: 95%
Average audience score: 73%
3. Scott Pilgrim Takes Off
Following the success of the first film, Scott Pilgrim transforms into animation to tell the story of a young musician’s attempts to defend his current love interest from an army of her ex-boyfriends.
Critic Rohan Naahar said: ‘Nothing — not the marketing material, the disarmingly familiar opening episode, even the much-publicised decision to get each cast member from the live-action movie to return — can prepare you for the sheer burst of originality that you’re in for.’
Average Tomatometer: 96%
Average audience score: 86%
2. Heartstopper
Teen Charlie (Joe Locke) grows close to his classmate Nick (Kit Connor), a prominent school rugby star – but their unexpected bond blooms into much more as they negotiate school bullies, friendships, and love.
Season two, which premiered in August, has been described as ‘as uplifting and delightful as the previous season’ as the young pair deals with the challenges that come with making their relationship public.
Average Tomatometer: 98%
Average audience score: 96%
1. Beef
Beef is the greatest programme on Netflix in 2023, according to the ratings. Amy Lau (Ali Wong) and Daniel Cho (Steven Yeun) are complete strangers who go to extraordinary measures to get revenge on one other after being involved in a road rage incident.
Rotten Tomatoes said: ‘Ali Wong and Steven Yeun are a diabolically watchable pair of adversaries in Beef, a prime cut comedy that finds the pathos in pettiness.’
So, if you haven’t seen it yet, put it straight to the top of your list.