Hindi Web Series List: Ranked by Popularity and Ratings

The digital entertainment landscape in India has exploded in recent years, with Hindi web series taking center stage. Streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney+ Hotstar, and others are constantly churning out fresh content, leaving viewers overwhelmed with choices. This list aims to cut through the noise, presenting a ranked selection of Hindi web series based on a combination of popularity, critical acclaim, and user ratings. We’ll delve into what makes each series stand out, exploring its plot, cast, direction, and overall impact. This isn’t a definitive, objective ranking, but rather a curated guide based on aggregated data and critical analysis designed to help you discover your next binge-worthy obsession.

1. Sacred Games (Netflix)

• Genre: Crime Thriller, Mystery
• Starring: Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Radhika Apte
• Director(s): Vikramaditya Motwane, Anurag Kashyap
• Why it Stands Out: Sacred Games redefined the Indian web series space. Its complex narrative, rooted in Vikram Chandra’s novel, weaves together the lives of a troubled Mumbai police officer, Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan), and a notorious gangster, Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). The series masterfully blends crime investigation with philosophical and mythological elements. The parallel narratives, gritty realism, and stellar performances make it a truly captivating watch. Anurag Kashyap’s direction brings a raw, visceral quality to Gaitonde’s backstory, while Vikramaditya Motwane expertly handles the suspense and investigation surrounding Sartaj’s mission. The show’s exploration of themes like faith, corruption, and destiny resonated deeply with audiences. Its use of Hindi slang and Mumbai’s underbelly added to its authenticity. Sacred Games set a new benchmark for production quality, storytelling, and acting in the Indian web series industry.

2. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (SonyLIV)

• Genre: Biographical Crime Drama
• Starring: Pratik Gandhi, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Satish Kaushik
• Director: Hansal Mehta
• Why it Stands Out: Scam 1992 is a gripping portrayal of Harshad Mehta’s meteoric rise and dramatic fall in the Indian stock market. Pratik Gandhi’s portrayal of Harshad Mehta is nothing short of iconic. The series skillfully explains complex financial concepts in an accessible manner, making it engaging even for viewers unfamiliar with the stock market. Hansal Mehta’s direction is meticulous, recreating the atmosphere of the 1990s with impressive attention to detail. The series’ success lies in its ability to humanize Harshad Mehta, portraying him as both a brilliant strategist and a flawed individual. The supporting cast delivers strong performances, and the background score perfectly complements the narrative. Scam 1992 not only entertained but also sparked a national conversation about financial regulations and corporate governance.

3. Aspirants (TVF)

• Genre: Drama, Comedy
• Starring: Naveen Kasturia, Shivankit Singh Parihar, Abhilash Thapliyal
• Director: Apoorv Singh Karki
• Why it Stands Out: Aspirants is a relatable and heartwarming story about three friends preparing for the UPSC civil services exam. The series captures the struggles, sacrifices, and camaraderie of aspirants in a realistic and engaging way. Naveen Kasturia shines as Abhilash, the idealistic protagonist. The series effectively juxtaposes the past and present, showing the characters’ journey and the impact of their choices. Aspirants avoids melodrama and focuses on the genuine emotions and challenges faced by young people pursuing their dreams. The humor is subtle and organic, adding to the series’ charm. The show’s popularity stems from its ability to connect with a wide audience, particularly young adults who can relate to the characters’ aspirations and anxieties.

4. The Family Man (Amazon Prime Video)

• Genre: Action Thriller, Spy Drama, Comedy
• Starring: Manoj Bajpayee, Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi
• Director(s): Raj & DK
• Why it Stands Out: The Family Man is a unique blend of action, thriller, and comedy, centered around a middle-class man, Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee), who secretly works as an intelligence officer for the T.A.S.C. (Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell). The series balances Srikant’s high-stakes job with his everyday family life, creating a humorous and relatable dynamic. Manoj Bajpayee’s performance is exceptional, showcasing his versatility as an actor. The series tackles complex themes like terrorism, nationalism, and cultural identity with sensitivity and nuance. Raj & DK’s direction is sharp and engaging, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. The Family Man is a well-crafted thriller with strong characters, witty dialogue, and a compelling storyline. Its success lies in its ability to entertain while also raising important questions about contemporary issues.

5. Kota Factory (TVF)

• Genre: Drama, Comedy
• Starring: Jitendra Kumar, Mayur More, Ranjan Raj
• Director(s): Raghav Subbu, Pratish Mehta
• Why it Stands Out: Kota Factory is a black-and-white drama that offers a realistic glimpse into the lives of students preparing for the IIT entrance exam in Kota, Rajasthan. The series captures the intense pressure, competition, and loneliness experienced by these young aspirants. Jitendra Kumar delivers a memorable performance as Jeetu Bhaiya, a mentor who guides and inspires the students. The series’ minimalist aesthetic and realistic portrayal of student life contribute to its authenticity. Kota Factory avoids sensationalism and focuses on the genuine struggles and triumphs of its characters. The show’s popularity stems from its ability to connect with a young audience who can relate to the characters’ experiences.

6. Panchayat (Amazon Prime Video)

• Genre: Comedy-Drama
• Starring: Jitendra Kumar, Neena Gupta, Raghubir Yadav
• Director: Deepak Kumar Mishra
• Why it Stands Out: Panchayat is a heartwarming and humorous series about an engineering graduate, Abhishek Tripathi (Jitendra Kumar), who reluctantly takes a job as a Panchayat secretary in a remote village. The series explores the challenges and opportunities of rural life, highlighting the importance of community and human connection. Jitendra Kumar’s performance is endearing, and the supporting cast, including Neena Gupta and Raghubir Yadav, delivers stellar performances. The series’ simple yet effective storytelling and relatable characters make it a delightful watch. Panchayat is a refreshing departure from the typical urban-centric narratives, offering a glimpse into the lives of people in rural India.

7. Delhi Crime (Netflix)

• Genre: Crime Drama
• Starring: Shefali Shah, Rajesh Tailang, Rasika Dugal
• Director: Richie Mehta
• Why it Stands Out: Delhi Crime is a gripping and disturbing crime drama based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. The series follows the Delhi Police’s investigation into the crime, highlighting the challenges and complexities of the case. Shefali Shah delivers a powerful performance as DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, the officer in charge of the investigation. The series is meticulously researched and realistically portrays the events surrounding the case. Delhi Crime is a hard-hitting and thought-provoking series that raises important questions about gender-based violence and the criminal justice system. It won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series, solidifying its place as a critically acclaimed and impactful piece of television.

8. Mirzapur (Amazon Prime Video)

• Genre: Action Crime Thriller
• Starring: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma
• Director(s): Gurmmeet Singh, Mihir Desai
• Why it Stands Out: Mirzapur is a gritty and violent crime thriller set in the lawless town of Mirzapur in Uttar Pradesh. The series follows the power struggles between rival gangs and the rise of two brothers, Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu (Vikrant Massey), who get caught up in the world of crime. Pankaj Tripathi delivers a captivating performance as Akhandanand Tripathi, the ruthless don of Mirzapur. The series is known for its intense action sequences, strong performances, and complex characters. Mirzapur offers a dark and unflinching look at the criminal underworld and the consequences of violence.

9. Gullak (SonyLIV)

• Genre: Comedy-Drama
• Starring: Jameel Khan, Geetanjali Kulkarni, Vaibhav Raj Gupta
• Director: Palash Vaswani
• Why it Stands Out: Gullak is a heartwarming and relatable series about the Mishra family, a middle-class family living in a small town in North India. The series captures the everyday joys and struggles of family life with humor and warmth. Jameel Khan and Geetanjali Kulkarni deliver endearing performances as the parents, Santosh and Shanti Mishra. The series’ simple yet effective storytelling and relatable characters make it a delightful watch. Gullak is a refreshing reminder of the importance of family, love, and laughter in our lives.

**10. Special Ops (