Netflix’s Top 10 list is like a never-ending horse race with shows jockeying for position, fading, then ultimately being sent to the glue factory at alarming rates (we miss you, GLOW!). But because Netflix never reveals proper ratings, it’s pretty much the only way we know whether or not a series or movie is doing well. The list for Thursday, Oct. 29 has a new No. 1: the holiday-themed rom-com Holidate, which is debuting in the top spot like it’s a new Adele album or something. Below that, there’s a new series that’s surprising a lot of folks: the American anime Blood of Zeus, a violent retelling of Greek Mythology. It debuted on the list yesterday in the fourth spot and is up to No. 3 today.
But of the Netflix Top 10, which of these shows and movies are actually worth watching? We break down the entire Netflix Top 10 list and guide you through what to binge and what to skip.
Best New Shows and Movies on Netflix This Week: The Queen’s Gambit, Sarah Cooper Comedy Special
Based on Netflix’s Top 10 from Thursday, Oct. 29
1. Holidate
For fans of: Crude and formulaic holiday-themed rom-coms | Is it good?: Not even by the standards of the genre
The title makes this seem like a Christmas rom-com, but it’s not. It’s every holiday. Emma Roberts and Luke Bracey play single people who make a deal to be each other’s dates to holiday parties, therefore avoiding awkward conversations about why they’re still single. Guess what happens. It’s a raunchy and retrograde bummer. (Yesterday’s rank: N/A)
2. The Queen’s Gambit
For fans of: Chess, drugs, and character drama | Is it good?: It’s one of the best shows of the year
Future superstar Anya Taylor-Joy (she’s been cast as young Furiosa in the next Mad Max movie) stars in this literary adaptation as Beth Harmon, a brilliant but troubled chess champion in 1950s Kentucky. She was an orphan who, in her youth, developed an incredible skill for the game but also a debilitating addiction to pills, which quiet her obsessive mind. It’s a detailed character study of brilliance and madness that’s usually reserved for male characters. It comes from one of Netflix’s go-to limited series producers, Godless‘ Scott Frank. (Yesterday’s rank: 1)
3. Blood of Zeus
For fans of: The video game Hades, the anime Castlevania | Is it good?: It’s ambrosia for fans of anime
The newest original anime from Netflix is this violent new take on Greek mythology following a young man who learns he’s the son of Zeus and must fight off an army of demons. It’s a cartoon, but it ain’t for kiddos! (Yesterday’s rank: 4)
4. Barbarians
For fans of: Vikings | Is it good?: Not as good as Vikings!
A Germanic tribe battles the Romans in 9 A.D. in this German-language historical epic. It should hold you over until Vikings: Valhalla comes to Netflix, as it’s definitely a show you’d recommend to Vikings fan. (Yesterday’s rank: 2)
5. Over the Moon
For fans of: Coco, Inside Out | Is it good?: It’s cute
This moving animated family musical is inspired by a Chinese folktale about the moon goddess Chang’e. A girl whose mother died builds a rocket ship to the moon to prove that the moon goddess is real. Oscar winner Glen Keane directs, and the voice cast includes Philippa Soo, John Cho, Margaret Cho, and Ken Jeong. (Yesterday’s rank: 3)
6. The Haunting of Bly Manor
For fans of: Horror that makes you sad | Is it good?: Yes
Season 2 of the moody, emotionally heavy horror anthology (the first was The Haunting of Hill House) is loosely based on Henry James’ The Turn of the Screw. If you don’t go into it expecting a Hill House redux, you won’t be disappointed, because Bly Manor is really good, but it’s different. [TV Guide review] (Yesterday’s rank: 6)
7. Grand Army
For fans of: 13 Reasons Why | Is it good?: It’s pretty average
Grand Army, adapted by playwright Katie Cappiello from her play Slut, follows five youths from different social circles at a Brooklyn high school as they confront racial and social issues, sexuality and sexual assault, and other controversial topics. (Yesterday’s rank: 7)
8. Unsolved Mysteries
For fans of: True crime, ghost stories | Is it good?: It will hold your attention
The popular Netflix continuation of the true crime series returns with more of those grisly details of murder and mystery that you just can’t get enough of. It goes down easy if you like to be creeped out. (Yesterday’s rank: 5)
9. Cocomelon
For fans of: Applesauce, milk, teething rings | Is it good?: I don’t know, ask a baby
Need some sweet relief from that crying toddler of yours? Park them in front of this sing-along series. (Yesterday’s rank: 8)
10. My Next Guest Needs No Introduction with David Letterman
For fans of: David Letterman’s big white beard | Is it good?: No Netflix show has more in-depth conversations
Season 3 of David Letterman’s celebrity interview show finds Dave talking with Kim Kardashian West, Robert Downey Jr., Lizzo, and Dave Chappelle. If you’re only going to watch one, watch Chappelle. (Yesterday’s rank: 8)
Lucifer, The Baby-Sitters Club, Love Is Blind