International Web Series List: Explore Global Storytelling

International Web Series List: Explore Global Storytelling

The digital age has democratized content creation, leading to an explosion of web series from all corners of the globe. These series offer a unique glimpse into different cultures, perspectives, and storytelling styles, often bypassing traditional media gatekeepers. This list explores some of the most compelling international web series, categorized by genre and country of origin, highlighting their key features and cultural significance.

Comedy: Finding Humor Across Borders

• “Skam France” (France): A remake of the Norwegian teen drama “Skam,” “Skam France” resonates with its raw and realistic portrayal of teenage life. Each season focuses on a different character, exploring themes of identity, sexuality, mental health, and social pressures. What sets it apart is its use of real-time storytelling, with clips and social media posts released throughout the week, mirroring the characters’ experiences. The show tackles contemporary issues with sensitivity and authenticity, making it a powerful and engaging watch. The humor often arises from the awkwardness of adolescence and the characters’ attempts to navigate complex social situations.

  

• “The Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands” (Australia): This mockumentary web series is a satirical take on the history and establishment of the Gay and Lesbian Kingdom of the Coral Sea Islands, a micronation established in protest of Australia’s marriage laws. The series is a sharp and witty commentary on LGBTQ+ rights and political activism, using humor to highlight serious issues. It’s a lighthearted yet thought-provoking exploration of identity and the fight for equality.

• “Extra Credit” (Canada): A quirky and irreverent comedy about a group of college students navigating the challenges of academia and adulthood. “Extra Credit” is known for its absurd humor, memorable characters, and relatable situations. The series explores themes of friendship, ambition, and the struggles of finding one’s place in the world. Its Canadian sensibility shines through in its dry wit and self-deprecating humor.

• “High Maintenance” (USA, initially a web series): While later picked up by HBO, “High Maintenance” began as a web series exploring the lives of various New Yorkers connected by their shared marijuana dealer, “The Guy.” Each episode offers a vignette into the lives of different characters, showcasing their unique struggles and eccentricities. The series is known for its empathetic and nuanced portrayal of everyday life, finding humor in the mundane and the unexpected. “The Guy” acts as a connecting thread, providing a glimpse into the diverse tapestry of urban life.

• “Whatever, Linda” (UK): A retro-inspired comedy set in the 1970s, following the misadventures of a group of office workers. “Whatever, Linda” is a hilarious and nostalgic trip back in time, with its vibrant costumes, catchy soundtrack, and over-the-top characters. The series satirizes the social and cultural norms of the era, offering a humorous critique of sexism, workplace dynamics, and the pursuit of happiness.

Drama: Unveiling Human Experiences

• “Control Z” (Mexico): Set in a high school, “Control Z” follows a socially awkward student who uses her hacking skills to uncover the secrets of her classmates. When a hacker starts revealing students’ secrets, chaos erupts, and Sofia, the protagonist, takes it upon herself to unmask the culprit. The series explores themes of bullying, social media, identity, and the consequences of online actions. It’s a suspenseful and engaging drama that resonates with its target audience.

• “Dark Desire” (Mexico): A steamy thriller about a married woman who embarks on an affair with a younger man, leading to a series of dangerous and unpredictable events. “Dark Desire” is known for its suspenseful plot twists, passionate performances, and exploration of complex relationships. The series delves into themes of desire, betrayal, and the consequences of impulsive decisions.

• “Money Heist” (Spain, originally “La Casa de Papel”): A thrilling heist drama about a group of criminals who plan and execute a daring robbery of the Royal Mint of Spain. “Money Heist” is known for its intricate plot, charismatic characters, and suspenseful storytelling. The series explores themes of rebellion, social justice, and the lengths people will go to for their beliefs. The distinct red jumpsuits and Salvador Dalí masks have become iconic symbols of resistance.

• “Fauda” (Israel): A gripping drama that follows a covert Israeli unit operating in the Palestinian territories. “Fauda” offers a realistic and nuanced portrayal of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, exploring the perspectives of both sides. The series is known for its intense action sequences, complex characters, and its willingness to tackle sensitive and controversial issues. It’s a powerful and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of conflict.

• “Babylon Berlin” (Germany): A lavish and visually stunning historical drama set in Berlin during the Weimar Republic. “Babylon Berlin” offers a glimpse into the decadent and turbulent world of 1920s Berlin, exploring themes of political intrigue, social unrest, and the rise of extremism. The series is known for its meticulous attention to detail, its complex characters, and its captivating storytelling.

Sci-Fi & Fantasy: Imagining New Worlds

• “3%” (Brazil): Set in a dystopian future where the majority of the population lives in poverty, “3%” follows a group of young people who compete for a chance to join the elite society known as the Offshore. The series explores themes of social inequality, meritocracy, and the price of progress. It’s a thought-provoking and visually stunning sci-fi drama.

• “Black Spot” (France): A supernatural crime drama set in a remote town in France surrounded by a dense forest where the crime rate is unusually high and technology doesn’t work. “Black Spot” is known for its atmospheric setting, its mysterious plot twists, and its exploration of the relationship between humanity and nature. The series blends elements of crime drama, mystery, and the supernatural.

• “The Rain” (Denmark): Set in a post-apocalyptic world where a virus carried by rainfall has wiped out most of humanity, “The Rain” follows a group of young survivors as they search for a safe haven. The series explores themes of survival, family, and the challenges of rebuilding society.

• “Glitch” (Australia): A supernatural drama set in a small Australian town where several deceased people inexplicably return to life with no memory of their past. “Glitch” is known for its mysterious plot, its complex characters, and its exploration of themes of identity, memory, and the afterlife. The series blends elements of mystery, drama, and the supernatural.

• “Katla” (Iceland): Set in the aftermath of a subglacial volcano eruption, “Katla” explores the unsettling events that occur in a nearby town, where strange figures begin to emerge from the ice and ash. The series is steeped in Icelandic folklore and mythology, creating a haunting and atmospheric experience. It delves into themes of grief, loss, and the power of nature.

Action & Thriller: Edge-of-Your-Seat Entertainment

• “Sacred Games” (India): A crime thriller set in Mumbai, following a police officer who receives a cryptic phone call from a gangster, leading him on a dangerous chase to save the city. “Sacred Games” is known for its gritty realism, its complex characters, and its exploration of the criminal underworld. The series explores themes of corruption, power, and the struggle for justice.

• “Kingdom” (South Korea): A historical zombie thriller set in the Joseon Dynasty, following a crown prince who investigates a mysterious plague that is turning people into undead monsters. “Kingdom” is known for its stunning visuals, its intense action sequences, and its unique blend of historical drama and zombie horror. The series explores themes of political intrigue, social unrest, and the fight for survival.

• “The Bureau” (France): A spy thriller that follows French intelligence agents as they operate undercover in foreign countries. “The Bureau” is known for its realistic portrayal of espionage, its complex characters, and its suspenseful plot twists. The series explores themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the moral compromises of the intelligence world.

• “Occupied” (Norway): A political thriller set in a near future where Russia occupies Norway with the tacit approval of the European Union, due to Norway’s decision to halt oil production. “Occupied” is known for its thought-provoking premise, its complex characters, and its exploration of the political and economic consequences of energy policy. The series raises questions about sovereignty, national identity, and the balance of power in the modern world.

• “Narcos” (Colombia/USA): While a co-production, “Narcos” significantly features Colombian actors, settings, and narratives, making it relevant to this list. It chronicles the rise and fall of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the Medellin Cartel. The series is known for its gritty realism, its intense action sequences, and its exploration of the drug trade’s impact on society.

Documentary & Non-Fiction: Exploring Reality

• “Delhi Crime” (India): A crime drama based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. “Delhi Crime” offers a sensitive and unflinching portrayal of the investigation, exploring the challenges faced by the police and the impact of the crime on the victims and their families. The series is known for its realistic depiction of police procedures and its powerful performances.

• **”Chef’s Table” (