Maybe you don't know all the series. See this as an encouragement to watch foreign-language series. It is also nice to mention that most of these series have never been nominated in the list of best foreign-language series before.
Below, in alphabetical order, the top ten nominees of the best series from 2024:
Berlin
It's hard to imagine, but before La Casa de Papel there were far fewer Spanish-language productions on Netflix. However, since the series debuted in 2017, it has become one of the most successful non-English series of all time on the platform. It was therefore no surprise that Netflix decided to make a prequel about Berlin.
In Berlin, the eponymous character leads a criminal gang and plans one of his most ambitious heists ever in Paris. The series combines crime, drama and mystery, offering a deeper look at Berlin's life and motivations. The first season consists of eight episodes, and a second season has already been announced in 2025.
Did you think it was a nice addition to the La Casa de Papel universe?
Citadel: Diana
The second nominee is not a prequel, but a spin-off. Citadel: Diana is an Italian spy action series on Amazon Prime Video. This series is a spin-off of the American series Citadel and follows the story of Diana Cavalieri.
The story is set in Milan in 2030, where Diana works as an undercover agent for the global spy organization Citadel. She infiltrates the powerful enemy organization Manticore and becomes entangled in a dangerous game of intrigue and power. The series combines action, drama and espionage, and offers an exciting look at the world of secret agents.
Do you prefer the intense heists of Berlin or the international espionage of Citadel: Diana?
Clanes
Clanes is a Spanish crime series on Netflix. The story follows Ana González Soriano, a lawyer from Madrid. After her father's murder, Ana moves to the small town of Cambados in Galicia to find out more about his past. She discovers that her father had a criminal past and maintained a second family. Ana becomes embroiled in a dangerous game of intrigue and power as she tries to uncover the truth.
In Cambados she meets Daniel Padín, the son of a powerful drug lord. While Daniel takes over his father's business, Ana tries to find her way in this complex and dangerous world. The series combines elements of thriller, drama and romance, and offers an exciting look at the world of crime and family secrets.
Die Kaiserin
The second season of “Die Kaiserin” was broadcast on Netflix in November 2024. This series revolves around Empress Elisabeth of Austria. Something different from the sweet Sisi from the Romy Schneider films.
This season follows Sisi and Emperor Franz Joseph as they attempt to continue their marriage and new-found stability, but face new challenges and political intrigue. An important theme in this season is the relationship between Sisi and her mother-in-law Sophie, especially with the arrival of a new heir to the throne. Although the series is based on historical events, it sometimes takes creative liberties with the facts.
Does this costume drama get your vote?
Elite
A recurring nomination is for Elite.
This title was in doubt this year. He is still mentioned, but the average rating for this season has now dropped to 6.5. This title has been in the election since the beginning in 2018, but has never won.
The eighth season of Elite is the final season of this popular Spanish series and premiered on July 26, 2024 on Netflix. This season brings the storylines of the spoiled teenagers of Las Encinas to a dramatic conclusion, full of intrigue and romance.
Your last chance to vote for this series or are you completely done with it?
L'Amica Geniale
The fourth season of L'Amica Geniale has received mostly positive reviews. Critics praise the series for its faithful representation of Elena Ferrante's books and the strong performances of the protagonists. It follows the adult lives of Lila and Elena, who have both found their own paths, but still struggle with their past and their complex friendship.
Elena returns to Naples, where she is confronted by Lila and Nino. Elena has now become a celebrated writer, while Lila has become a successful entrepreneur, but is still stuck in the world of corruption and crime.
Does this series, with a highest average score of 8.4, deserve the top prize?
Parasyte the Grey
The only foreign-language science fiction/horror series in this election is the South Korean Parasyte: The Gray from Netflix. This live-action spin-off of the manga series Parasyte revolves around mysterious parasitic creatures that invade human hosts, leading to deadly confrontations.
The story follows a police team called “The Grey,” led by Choi Jun-kyung, as they battle against these parasites. The main character, Jeong Su-in, becomes host to a parasite after a violent incident, and the series explores her personal struggle and the broader fight against the parasitic threat.
Here you can read the reviews that were written about Parasyte the Grey.
Pax Massilia
There are several French series set in Marseille. After the series Marseille and Braquo, the crime series Pax Massilia was released on Netflix in December 2023. This series follows corrupt cop Lyès Benamar and his team as they try to combat drug crime in the city. They become embroiled in a war between two gangs when a brutal gangster returns to Marseille to claim his territory.
The series has an average rating of 7.6.
Respira
The fourth Spanish series is Respira, a medical drama series released on Netflix. The series follows a passionate medical team working in a hectic public hospital. Here they try to save lives while dealing with tension and romance.
Respira offers a mix of intense medical situations and personal dramas, making for a compelling viewing experience. The series is often compared to popular medical drama series such as Grey's Anatomy and ER. Just like these series, Respira combines intense medical situations with personal and relational dramas within a hectic hospital.
Young Royals
The latest nominee is the Swedish drama series Young Royals. After the revelation of Wilhelm and Simon's relationship at the end of season two, the fallout will be the focus of the final season. It revolves around the classic dilemma: do they choose love or duty?
The series has now gained more fans since the 2021 election. The average rating remains high, 8.2.
These were all ten nominees nominated by you, the readers, by the writers and myself. If you want to choose a different series, use your wildcard. Good luck voting.
Kind regards,
Natasha
