This category is becoming increasingly international. This time you'll find two Swedish and two Japanese titles on the list, supplemented with series from Austria, South Korea, Spain, Norway, Denmark, and Germany. All the mentioned series are available on Netflix.
Below, in alphabetical order, are the top ten nominees for the best foreign-language series of 2025:
1992
The first nominee is the Spanish thriller 1992, set during the Expo ’92 in Seville. A woman and a former officer investigate a series of gruesome murders where victims are burned, and a Curro doll is left behind. Their search reveals a maniac with a fire obsession and a web of secrets from the time of the world exhibition. Dark, explosive, and full of tension—a story where past and present collide.
Alice in Borderland
In the third season of Alice in Borderland (2020), life finally seems normal, but dark memories keep returning. When a kidnapping forces Arisu to return, the dangerous Joker stage begins with even more ruthless games. Separated from Usagi, he must survive among new allies and old enemies. The season reveals that the line between life and death is thinner than ever.
All previous seasons participated in the election. Season 2 won a 3rd prize. Will it be the winner this year?
Read the reviews written about Alice in Borderland (2020).
Åremorden
The series Åremorden (The Åre Murders) is a Swedish crime thriller. The story is set in the snowy ski resort Åre, where detective Hanna Ahlander ends up after a suspension and a breakup. During the Lucia festival, a young woman disappears, leading Hanna and local officer Daniel Lindskog to start a dangerous investigation. The season consists of five episodes and combines two separate murder cases, creating tension but also criticism of the depth. The series is known for its beautiful winter setting and typical Nordic Noir atmosphere.
Read the reviews written about Åremorden.
Cassandra
The series Cassandra is a German science fiction drama series, consisting of six episodes. The story follows the Prill family, who move to a remote smart home after a tragedy that has stood empty for fifty years. In this house, Cassandra, a 1970s AI assistant, awakens, initially seeming helpful but soon revealing a sinister agenda. Cassandra develops feelings and attempts to take over the role of mother in the family, leading to manipulation and dangerous confrontations. The series alternates between the present and flashbacks to the 1960s and 70s, revealing Cassandra's dark origins. With a tense atmosphere, retro-futuristic design, and strong performances by Lavinia Wilson, Cassandra offers an exciting mix of techno-thriller and psychological horror.
Read the reviews written about Cassandra.
Genombrottet
Genombrottet (English title: The Breakthrough) is a Swedish true-crime miniseries, based on a notorious double murder in Linköping in 2004. An eight-year-old boy and a 56-year-old woman were stabbed in broad daylight, and the investigation stalled for years despite DNA evidence. The series follows detective John Sundin, who continues to search for the perpetrator for sixteen years and finally achieves a breakthrough in 2020 thanks to genetic genealogy. The story shows not only the arduous detective work but also the emotional toll on survivors and investigators. With four sober, intense episodes, Genombrottet offers a realistic and compelling portrait of perseverance and hope.
Read the reviews written about Genombrottet.
Last Samurai Standing
Last Samurai Standing is a Japanese series and achieved the highest rating among all nominees with a score of 8.4. The story takes place in 1878, during the Meiji period, when the samurai class is abolished, and swords are banned. 292 former samurai participate in a deadly contest, the Kodoku, where they must capture each other's wooden tags and travel from Kyoto to Tokyo to win a prize of 100 billion yen. The protagonist, Shujiro Saga, participates to earn money for his sick wife and child but gradually discovers a dark conspiracy by powerful politicians behind the tournament. The series combines historical drama, intense action, and psychological tension, often described as a mix of Squid Game and classic samurai films. Which is more fun, Squid Game or Last Samurai Standing?
Legenden
Legenden is a Danish crime thriller where young intelligence agent Tea goes undercover to infiltrate a drug gang. She assumes a new identity as jeweler Sara and tries to befriend Ashley, the girlfriend of the criminal mastermind Miran. As Tea becomes more entangled in the network, she discovers the grim reality of Ashley’s life and her loyalty begins to waver. The series has six episodes and combines tension and psychological dilemmas. With strong performances, Legenden offers an intense look at the price of undercover work.
Pørni
The fifth season of Pørni follows Pernille (Pørni) as she navigates hectic wedding preparations and new work challenges, with her carefully built stability soon under pressure again. Meanwhile, Bjørnar returns to Oslo, raising old emotions and exciting questions: can they really just be friends? A planned family trip to Liverpool unexpectedly turns into a crisis, forcing Pørni to find balance again between work, family, and self-care. With six episodes on Netflix, this season once again focuses on relatable humor, emotional depth, and entertaining and touching viewers.
This was probably the last season. Is it finally time for an award?
Read the reviews written about Pørni.
Squid Game
After his victory in the first game, Gi-hun returns, determined to expose the dark organization behind Squid Game. In the second season, he gets caught in a deadly cat-and-mouse game, while new players and old enemies emerge, raising the stakes higher than ever. The third season forms the climax: Gi-hun comes face to face with the Front Man and discovers shocking secrets that turn everything upside down. With ruthless new games and a battle for truth and survival, the story ends in a nail-biting finale.
With the most viewers of all ten nominees, this series seems to be a favorite, but is that enough to win?
Read the reviews written about Squid Game.
Totenfrau
The second season of the Austrian/German series Totenfrau follows Brünhilde Blum, who once again finds herself in danger when body parts of a missing person surface and she is seen as the main suspect. Her situation escalates when her daughter Nela is kidnapped, and she has only 72 hours to find a crucial video. While fighting against corrupt police and the mafia, her thirst for revenge is put to the test. The season offers six thrilling episodes full of intrigue and plot twists.
Read the reviews written about Totenfrau.
Whether you enjoy nerve-wracking thrillers, captivating dramas, or futuristic stories—these nominated foreign-language series prove that quality knows no language barriers. Turn on the subtitles, pick a favorite, and discover why these international top series are so good. One thing is certain: anyone who gives this category a chance is guaranteed to find a new binge-worthy gem.
These were all ten nominees chosen by you, the readers, the writers, and myself. If you still want to choose another series, use your wildcard. Good luck voting.
