Best Arabic Series on Netflix You Can’t Miss

Netflix’s Arabic library has grown impressively in recent years, showcasing powerful stories from the Middle East and North Africa to a global audience. Whether you’re into supernatural thrillers, heartfelt dramas, or politically charged narratives, there’s something deeply engaging about watching these series unfold in Arabic, infused with local flavor and authenticity.

From bold firsts like Jordan’s Jinn to atmospheric Egyptian titles like Paranormal, these shows are gaining international traction. Backed by strong ratings on platforms like IMDb and Rotten Tomatoes, they prove that Arabic storytelling is not only thriving but also resonating far beyond regional borders.

Key points

• Rich variety of genres: from supernatural tales like Paranormal to teen dramas such as Jinn, and social commentaries like AlRawabi School for Girls.
• Authentic and locally produced: These shows reflect real societal issues and cultural dynamics, created by Arab writers, actors, and directors.
• Global recognition: Many series have entered Netflix’s Top 10 lists and earned strong critical and audience scores across international platforms.

What Arabic Netflix series should I watch if I want something both entertaining and culturally insightful?

If you’re after entertainment that dives into meaningful topics, AlRawabi School for Girls is an excellent pick. Set in Jordan, it explores cyberbullying, revenge, and gender dynamics in a conservative society, all through the lens of teenage girls. The writing is sharp, emotional, and thought-provoking, making it as eye-opening as it is bingeworthy.

For something a bit more mysterious, Paranormal delivers supernatural suspense grounded in Egyptian folklore. Set in the 1960s, this series follows a skeptical hematologist who becomes entangled in unexplained events. With an IMDb rating of 7.4, it’s a compelling watch that blends science, myth, and introspection in equal measure.

Top 10 Arabic Series on Netflix

1. Paranormal

Egypt’s first Arabic-language Netflix original is a chilling supernatural series based on the popular novels by Ahmed Khaled Tawfik. Set in the 1960s Cairo, it follows Dr. Refaat Ismail, a skeptical hematologist whose life takes a dark turn as he confronts unexplained phenomena. The show balances suspense with dark humor, and its rich visuals earned it an IMDb score of 7.4. It also entered Netflix’s global Top 10, marking a significant milestone for Arabic content.

2. AlRawabi School for Girls

This bold Jordanian teen drama revolves around a group of high school girls who band together to get back at their bullies. What starts as a story of rebellion quickly dives into deep issues like patriarchy, abuse of power, and psychological trauma. The second season, released in early 2024, was praised for its raw portrayal of gender-based violence and cyberbullying. With an IMDb rating of 7.5, it stands out as one of the most socially relevant Arabic series on the platform.

3. Jinn

Jinn holds the distinction of being Netflix’s first Arabic original, set against the majestic backdrop of Petra. It blends teen angst with supernatural forces, as a group of high schoolers accidentally summon an ancient jinn during a field trip. The show sparked controversy in Jordan but attracted a loyal fanbase across the region. Its IMDb score sits at 5.6, but the series remains a cultural touchpoint for pushing boundaries in Arab television.

4. The Exchange

Set in the 1980s Kuwait, this financial drama follows Farida and Munira, two trailblazing women fighting for respect in a male-dominated stock market. With period-accurate visuals and complex characters, the show offers a rare look into Gulf society during a time of transformation. Season 2 expanded on both personal and political storylines, earning it a respectable 7.3 on IMDb and strong reviews for highlighting women’s resilience in the workplace.

5. Mo

Blending humor and hardship, Mo stars Palestinian-American comedian Mo Amer in a semi-autobiographical role as a refugee navigating life in Houston, Texas. The show gracefully explores themes of identity, family, and survival with a comedic twist. It holds an outstanding 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes and won multiple awards, including a Peabody. Season 2, released in early 2025, deepens Mo’s personal struggles, adding more emotional layers without losing its charm.

6. The Platform

This Syrian-Emirati thriller dives into themes of surveillance, digital warfare, and family betrayal. Centered around a tech-savvy protagonist who develops an open-source truth-revealing platform, the series explores the cost of exposing secrets in a volatile Middle Eastern context. With its intense pacing and complex moral questions, it’s both gripping and intellectually engaging. The show holds an IMDb score of 7.0 and continues to gain attention for its sharp political commentary.

7. Dubai Bling

If you’re looking for Arabic-language reality with a heavy dose of glam, Dubai Bling delivers. The series follows the lavish lives of high-profile influencers, entrepreneurs, and socialites in Dubai. Beyond the flash, it offers real glimpses into social dynamics, competition, and cultural contrasts within the city’s elite. With three seasons available as of 2025, it maintains high viewership and has cultivated a loyal fanbase, earning a 5.9 on IMDb and frequent placement in Netflix’s Top 10 in the MENA region.

8. Finding Ola

Starring acclaimed Tunisian actress Hend Sabry, this heartfelt dramedy follows Ola, a recently divorced woman rediscovering herself in Cairo. The show explores modern motherhood, dating after marriage, and career shifts with empathy and wit. Audiences have praised its realistic portrayal of womanhood and second chances, reflected in its 7.6 IMDb score. It’s a deeply human story that resonates well beyond its Egyptian setting.

9. Al Hayba

This Lebanese-Syrian crime drama blends family loyalty, revenge, and power struggles in a rugged mountain setting. Spanning five seasons, it tells the story of Jabal Sheikh Al Jabal and his control over a smuggling empire. Though only the first season is available on Netflix, it offers a gripping introduction to the saga. With a solid 7.6 IMDb rating and widespread popularity across the Arab world, it’s a must-watch for fans of action-packed family dramas.

10. Crashing Eid

A lighter but meaningful entry, Crashing Eid is a Saudi Arabian comedy-drama that follows a woman returning home from London during Eid, only to face clashing traditions, family expectations, and personal choices. With a compact season and plenty of cultural nuance, it’s both funny and heartfelt. It holds an IMDb rating of 6.8 and stands out for showing a modern Saudi woman’s experience with tenderness and humor.

Which Arabic series on Netflix are best for learning Levantine Arabic?

If you want to improve your understanding of Levantine Arabic, Jinn and AlRawabi School for Girls are excellent choices. Both are set in Jordan and feature modern, everyday dialogue in the local dialect, making them ideal for language learners interested in real-life conversation and pronunciation. Subtitles also help reinforce comprehension as you watch.

Are there Arabic supernatural or horror shows on Netflix?

Absolutely. Paranormal is the standout Arabic-language horror series on Netflix. It combines suspense, folklore, and atmospheric storytelling rooted in Egyptian culture. Additionally, Jinn blends the supernatural with teenage drama, while The Platform leans into psychological thriller territory. All three provide thrilling experiences with regional twists.

Which Arabic Netflix originals focus on women’s issues?

Both AlRawabi School for Girls and Finding Ola put women’s lives and challenges at the center of the narrative. AlRawabi highlights school-based bullying, social constraints, and toxic masculinity in conservative settings. Finding Ola explores female empowerment, self-reinvention, and the complexities of motherhood in modern-day Egypt, resonating strongly with women across different cultures.

Conclusion

Arabic series on Netflix offer a rich tapestry of storytelling, blending culture, emotion, and genre in ways that feel both personal and universal. From supernatural tales like Paranormal to coming-of-age dramas like AlRawabi School for Girls, these shows provide powerful windows into Arab experiences and perspectives.

Whether you’re curious about the region, seeking cultural insight, or simply in the mood for gripping narratives, this curated list showcases the best of what Arabic-language television has to offer. It’s proof that great stories speak every language, and that now, more than ever, global audiences are ready to listen.

Featured image: Screenshot from IMDb.