Not everyone likes to watch non-English-language series. Yet I can say: the choice is huge and there are real gems among them. It was quite difficult to come up with a good list. Would you rather skip this category? Try one of the nominated series. I am very fond of the Scandinavian series. This time there are two Norwegian series in the list, in addition to German, French, Spanish, Italian and Japanese.
Below, in alphabetical order, the top ten nominees of the best series from 2023;
Alice in Borderland (2020)
We kick off with the only non-European series on the list.
In the second season of Alice in Borderland (2020), the group of friends faces a series of new challenges. The remaining players are presented with many new games. The fact that these games prove to be increasingly difficult often drives the tension to an unprecedented level.
Last year this series also participated in the election but did not win any prizes.
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Das Boot
The fourth season of Das Boot was released in September 2023. In this season, the brutal submarine warfare in the Mediterranean comes to a head as intrigue and secrets spread through Berlin. Resistance against the Nazis is growing within the Kriegsmarine's own ranks.
If you thought this was another successful season, vote for Das Boot!
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Elite
Elite has been participating in the election since the first season, but has never won the competition.
The series had no interest in realism. Filthy rich teenagers who go to a posh private school in Madrid and experience more in a year than an adult does in a lifetime. They hardly struggle with their popularity, but mainly with themselves and each other. Wonderful escapism, a guilty pleasure even. But the formula is getting a bit boring now, I think. An eighth season will follow.
This series is followed by 2,814 members, so who knows, finally that first place?
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
El Silencio
El Silencio tells the story of a young man who murdered his parents. Still, the Spanish crime series manages to make the killer sympathetic, but that does make the Netflix Original less exciting.
There probably won't be a second season.
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Exit (2019)
Great ending to a fantastic series. The ultimate rise and fall. It was time to enjoy the decadent lives of the four gentlemen again. Exit (2019) is hard, dark, exciting, uncomfortable, suspenseful and has humor.
Can be seen on NPO and HBO. Vote for this Norwegian series with great acting!
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Liebes Kind
Liebes Kind is an addictive viewing game on Netflix. This German series is more fascinating with every episode. Mysterious events follow each other in rapid succession, but the prospect of a logical explanation seems far away. The viewer is repeatedly misled. One theory after another can be thrown in the trash. The urge to watch all the episodes in one go is hard to resist.
Did you also enjoy this? Then vote for Liebes Kind!
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Liaison
Apple TV launched a crime series this year. Liaison revolves around Alison and Gabriel, who often do jobs for British secret services; he works as a mercenary doing dirty jobs for governments. They cross paths again when Gabriel is unable to get two Syrian hackers, who have turned against President Assad's regime, out of the country and to France.
Did you also enjoy this French series?
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Lupin
The winner of the best series in 2021. But never from the foreign-language category.
The tension is back from the first episode. Assane, played by the charming Omar Sy, once again pulls off all kinds of ingenious stunts that are never boring and never become too complicated to follow. The balance between the stunning and comprehensible of his plans is perfect. A bit unbelievable here and there, but it's easy to overlook that. This series is simply very well put together.
With by far the most followers in this category, this series has a great chance this year.
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Ragnarok
The final battle in the Norwegian series Ragnarok has taken place. Magne confronts his brother Laurits and his giant snake, but many viewers expect a different outcome. But the truth is now out. Who will vote for this Norwegian fantasy series?
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
Suburræterna
In Suburræterna, the spin-off of Suburra, the story of the underworld in and around Rome continues after three years. Although peace seemed to have returned, it almost immediately became apparent that this was only an appearance. Within minutes it becomes clear that the families will do everything they can to drive each other out and seize power themselves. Suburræterna is an Italian action series on Netflix.
Unfortunately, no reviews have been written yet
You also mentioned Furia. But with two episodes, I thought this was a bit too few to compete for the prize. However, a very good series indeed.
These were all the ten nominees that have been chosen by you, the writers and myself. Want to choose a different series instead? You can always decide to use your wildcard. Good luck voting!