These Netflix series received low ratings, but they are still worth watching. And why?

Not all Netflix series become hits. Some sink in a sea of negative reviews... but is it deserved? Despite everything, they deserve a second chance. And here's why.

Van Helsing (2016–2021)

In this reimagining of the vampire myth, Vanessa Helsing (a descendant of the legendary Van Helsing) finds herself in a world where vampires have taken over. Sounds cool? In theory, yes. In practice, not quite.

The plot of the series, with an IMDb rating of 6.3, sometimes resembles a wild mix of "The Walking Dead" and "Twilight", only without a decent budget. But if you overlook the predictability and weak special effects, you can find some interesting ideas. For example, the vampires here behave not like ordinary bloodsuckers but as an organized society with factions and political intrigues.

Watch the series at least for Kelly Overton — she really tries, even when the script works against her.

A tall bald vampire in black clothing made of fabric and leather with bloodstains on his face — A scene from the series "Van Helsing"

The I-Land (2019)

What happens if you take "Lost" and add a pinch of "The Hunger Games"? You get "The I-Land." A group of people wakes up on a mysterious island with no memories of their past. And yes, of course, there's a sinister experiment behind it all.

The plot twists are quite clichéd, and the actors seem not to fully understand what's going on. The show's ratings reflect this: 4.7 on IMDb and 8% "freshness" on Rotten Tomatoes.

But for those who enjoy trash in the spirit of "so bad it's good," "The I-Land" is the perfect choice. "It's one of the worst shows I've ever seen, and in that sense, it's one of the most captivating," shares Daniel Feinberg in a review for The Hollywood Reporter.

A group of people in dark pants and white T-shirts and shirts on a tropical beach — A scene from the series 'The I-Land'

The Immortals (Yasamayanlar, 2018)

Turkish series about vampires? Yes, they do exist! "The Immortals" tells the story of a girl named Mia who becomes a vampire and seeks a way to regain her "humanity." To achieve this, she must destroy the oldest vampire, Dmitry.

The series is full of clichés, underdeveloped storylines, and strange dialogues. As a result, it scored only 5.2 on IMDb. However, the series features good visual solutions, an unusual dark aesthetic, and Kerem Bürsin (the one from "Sen Çal Kapımı"). Where else would you see something like this?

A blonde in a black tank top polishing a sword — Scene from the series "The Immortals"

Another Life (2019–2021)

This Netflix science fiction series follows a team of astronauts set out to study a mysterious alien artifact. It seems like a great premise for an epic adventure, especially with Katee Sackhoff in the lead role — the star of "Battlestar Galactica" fits perfectly into this genre.

However, expectations were not met: the rating on IMDb is 5.3, while on Rotten Tomatoes it's only 6% "freshness." The series tried to be the new "The Expanse" but fell short: critics noted numerous plot holes and illogical actions of the characters. However, if you enjoy space dramas, you might find something for yourself in "Another Life."

Katee Sackhoff with a group of people standing on the street looking at the sky in the series "Another Life" — Scene from the series "Another Life"

Blockbuster (2022)

The last Blockbuster video rental store is desperately trying to survive in a world where streaming services have long replaced tapes and DVDs. One might think that a nostalgic comedy on this topic could have been a hit, but things turned out differently.

Viewers expected a witty satire but received a rather standard comedy without standout ideas. As a result, the series scored a modest 5 points on IMDb, and Netflix canceled it after just one season.

Interestingly, the real last Blockbuster store in Oregon has become a cult spot: tourists visit, and you can even rent a 90s-style overnight stay there. So, even if the series itself wasn't a big event, its idea definitely resonated with retro enthusiasts. And if you want to momentarily return to the era of video rentals, the series can offer a bit of pleasant nostalgia, according to zoomboola.com.

A man and a woman at the counter of a video rental store — Scene from the series 'Blockbuster Store'

Sex/Life (2021–2023)

Looking for a series that is both shocking and captivating? "Sex/Life" tells the story of a woman longing for her wild past and deciding to shake up her life a little.

The show went viral largely due to its explicit scenes—the famous shower episode garnered millions of views on TikTok. Although the plot sometimes seems ridiculous and the characters' actions are hard to call logical, the series somehow manages to hold the audience's attention.

On IMDb, the show received only 5.5 points. However, as Shannon Samecki from Platform Magazine writes, "taboo topics become a huge driving force, helping women realize their sexuality and desires."

A woman hugs a small boy, the boy holds a plush teddy bear in his hands — Scene from the series 'Sex/Life'

Sometimes critics and viewers are just not ready for something new. Remember how "Hannibal" was once criticized, and now it's called a masterpiece. Or how "Arcane" stayed in the shadows for a long time until it became a real hit. Ratings are just numbers, but the emotions a series evokes are far more important. Who knows, maybe among these "underdogs," you'll find something that grabs you?

Have you watched any series from our selection? Which one turned out to be unexpectedly good?