1. Stranger Things

Right, so Stranger Things. Where do I even start? It’s become a proper cultural phenomenon, hasn’t it? What started as a cool little show about some kids finding their mate who went missing has turned into this massive, sprawling story with monsters, government conspiracies, and a whole heap of 80s nostalgia.

It’s one of those shows that really benefits from the binge-watching format. Back in the day, you’d have to wait a week between episodes, stewing over what might happen next. But with Netflix chucking out the whole season at once, you can just keep smashing through episodes until 3am. Which, let’s be honest, we’ve all done. The long format gives the creators room to develop a complex story.

One of the best things about Stranger Things is how it manages to balance the horror elements with the coming-of-age stuff. You’ve got these genuinely scary monsters from the Upside Down, but you’ve also got the kids dealing with their first crushes, friendships, and all the other dramas of being a teenager. It’s a pretty clever mix, and it’s what makes the show so relatable, even when things get properly bonkers. If you want to know more about the stage show, you can find it online.

2. Penny Dreadful

Okay, so Penny Dreadful isn’t strictly Aussie, but it’s too good to leave off the list, right? It’s got that dark, gothic vibe that just sucks you in. Think Victorian London, but with all the classic horror monsters running around – Dracula, Frankenstein’s monster, Dorian Grey, the whole shebang.

It’s not just about the scares, though. The show actually gets pretty deep into the characters and their backstories. You start to feel for these monsters, which is kinda messed up but also super interesting. Plus, the acting is top-notch. Eva Green absolutely kills it as Vanessa Ives. Seriously, she’s incredible.

It’s one of those shows that’s perfect for a binge because each episode leaves you wanting more. You get invested in the storylines, and you just gotta know what happens next. Just be warned, it’s not for the faint of heart. There’s some pretty gruesome stuff in there, so maybe don’t watch it right before bed unless you’re into that sort of thing.

Here’s why you should give it a go:

• The atmosphere is killer – dark, moody, and totally immersive.
• The characters are complex and fascinating.
• It’s a fresh take on classic horror stories.

3. American Horror Story

Okay, so American Horror Story isn’t strictly Aussie, but it’s a bloody classic and available on Netflix here, so it makes the list! It’s an anthology series, which means each season is a completely different story with new characters and settings. One season you might be in a haunted house, the next you’re in an asylum, then a coven of witches, and then a creepy freak show. It’s wild, I tell ya.

What makes American Horror Story so good is its ability to reinvent itself every season. You never know what you’re gonna get, and that’s part of the fun. Some seasons are better than others, sure, but they’re all pretty bonkers and keep you hooked. Plus, the cast is always top-notch, with actors like Jessica Lange, Sarah Paulson, and Evan Peters absolutely killing it in every role. It’s the kind of show you can really sink your teeth into, especially if you’re into the whole horror thing. The first season was a banger, with a proper haunted house vibe. Definitely worth a watch if you haven’t seen it yet.

4. The Night Of The Hunter

Okay, so "The Night Of The Hunter" isn’t technically a web series, but I reckon it deserves a spot on this list because it’s a bloody classic and heaps spooky. It’s more of a movie, but you can find it on Netflix sometimes, so close enough, yeah?

It’s about this dodgy preacher, Harry Powell, who’s got "LOVE" and "HATE" tattooed on his knuckles – how subtle, eh? – and he’s chasing after some kids who know where their dead dad hid a stash of cash. Robert Mitchum is absolutely terrifying in this role; he just nails that creepy, charismatic villain vibe.

It’s filmed in this really cool, almost dreamlike style, all black and white, which just adds to the unsettling atmosphere. Seriously, the shadows in this flick are almost characters themselves. It’s like they’re always lurking, waiting to pounce. Makes you think about the battle between good and evil, light and dark, all that jazz.

I reckon you should give it a go if you’re into suspenseful thrillers with a bit of a gothic edge. It’s not your typical jump-scare horror, but it’ll definitely leave you feeling uneasy. Plus, it’s a good reminder to be wary of blokes with dodgy tattoos and even dodgier intentions. You’ve been warned, mate!

5. Breathless

Okay, so Breathless isn’t exactly a feel-good show, but it’s gripping as all get-out. It’s one of those series that gets under your skin and stays there. It’s set in Sydney, which is a nice change from the usual American locations. It’s got that Aussie grit that makes it stand out.

The show follows a young woman, Bianca, who’s trying to piece her life back together after something pretty awful happens. It’s a real rollercoaster of emotions, and you find yourself rooting for her even when she makes some questionable choices. The acting is top-notch, and the storyline keeps you guessing. If you’re into dark, suspenseful dramas, this one’s definitely worth a look.

It’s not a light watch, mind you. It deals with some heavy themes, so be prepared for that. But if you’re after something with substance that’ll keep you hooked, Breathless is a solid choice. Plus, it’s always good to see some Aussie talent on the screen, eh?

6. The Texas Chain Saw Massacre

Alright, buckle up, because we’re diving into a classic bit of Aussie censorship history. Did you know that The Texas Chain Saw Massacre was originally banned here? Strewth! It’s hard to believe now, considering how readily available it is, but back in the day, it was deemed too much for Aussie audiences.

It’s a bit bonkers when you think about it. This flick, with its raw, gritty horror, was considered way too intense. It’s a testament to how much our tolerance for on-screen mayhem has changed over the years. Now, you can stream it without a second thought, but imagine being told you couldn’t watch it at all! Crikey!

7. Buffy

Right, who doesn’t love a bit of Buffy the Vampire Slayer? It’s a classic, and for good reason. I reckon it’s one of those shows you can watch over and over again, and still find something new to enjoy. It’s got action, it’s got humour, and it’s got heart. Plus, vampires! What’s not to love?

It’s interesting to see how Buffy would fare in today’s binge-watching culture. Back in the day, we had to wait a week between episodes, which built up the suspense, right? Now, with Netflix, you can just smash through a whole season in a weekend. I wonder if that changes the way we experience the story. Maybe it’s better to savour it, or maybe it’s more fun to just get completely lost in the world of Sunnydale. Either way, Buffy the Vampire Slayer is a ripper of a show.

Here’s a few reasons why it still holds up:

• The writing is sharp as a tack.
• The characters are relatable, even when they’re fighting demons.
• It’s got some seriously scary moments, but it never takes itself too seriously.

I reckon if you haven’t seen it, you owe it to yourself to give it a go. And if you have seen it, well, maybe it’s time for a rewatch, eh?

8. Stan Australia

Alright, so you’re done with Netflix and looking for something a bit different, eh? Well, chuck another shrimp on the barbie because Stan, our very own Aussie streaming service, has some ripper web series you should definitely check out. It’s fair dinkum good, I reckon.

Stan’s got a fair whack of original content, plus a bunch of stuff you won’t find anywhere else.

Here’s why you should give it a burl:

• They’re always adding new stuff, so you won’t get bored.
• You’re supporting local content, which is grouse.
• They’ve got a decent range of genres, from drama to comedy to true crime.

I reckon you should give it a go, mate. You might just find your new favourite show.

9. Book Of The Banned

Right, so "Book Of The Banned". Sounds a bit dodgy, doesn’t it? Like something you’d find in a dusty old occult shop down a laneway. Well, it’s not exactly that, but it’s close enough. This one’s a bit different ’cause it’s not a web series, but a collection of seriously messed-up movies that have been, well, banned. Or heavily censored. Or just plain caused a ruckus.

Think of it as a peek behind the curtain at the stuff they don’t want you to see. And trust me, some of it is pretty wild. We’re talking films that push boundaries, challenge norms, and generally make you question your sanity. It’s not for the faint of heart, that’s for sure. But if you’re after something that’ll stick with you long after the credits roll, then "Book Of The Banned" is worth a look. Just don’t say I didn’t warn ya!

It’s a mixed bag, really. Some are banned for political reasons, some for violence, and others for just being plain weird. But they all have one thing in common: they’re unforgettable. So, grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and prepare to be disturbed. You’ve been warned, mate.

10. Devilish Movies

Alright, so you reckon you’re a horror buff, eh? Think you’ve seen it all? Well, mate, let’s have a yarn about some truly devilish flicks that might just make you squirm. We’re not talking your run-of-the-mill jump scare stuff here; we’re talking films that burrow under your skin and leave you feeling a bit unsettled for days.

There’s a whole world of horror out there beyond the mainstream, and some of the most interesting stuff is the stuff that got banned, censored, or just plain caused a ruckus. If you’re keen to explore the darker corners of cinema, then buckle up, because these movies are not for the faint of heart.

These films push boundaries and challenge what we consider acceptable viewing.

I reckon you should check out The Survivors on Netflix. It’s a mystery-drama series that’ll keep you guessing until the very end.

Now, where were we? Oh yeah, devilish movies. Let’s get into it.

• The Exorcist (1973): A classic for a reason. This one caused a proper stir back in the day, with reports of people fainting and chucking up in the cinemas. It’s still pretty effective, even now.
• Cannibal Holocaust (1980): This Italian flick is notorious for its graphic violence and animal cruelty. It’s a tough watch, but it’s also a fascinating (and disturbing) look at exploitation cinema.
• A Serbian Film (2010): I’m not even sure I should be recommending this one. It’s incredibly controversial and features some seriously messed-up stuff. Only watch this if you’re prepared for some truly disturbing content. Seriously.

And if you’re looking for something to read, why not check out Book of the Banned? It’s a ripper of a read about the movies that caused the most controversy in Australia. You’ll learn about all the films that the censors tried to keep away from us, and why they were considered so dangerous. It’s a real eye-opener, mate.

So, What Are You Waiting For, Mate?

Alright, so there you have it. We’ve gone through some of the best Aussie shows Netflix has to offer, and honestly, there’s a fair bit to get through. Whether you’re into a good laugh, a bit of drama, or something that makes you think, our local talent is really putting out some top-notch stuff these days. It’s not just about Hollywood anymore, is it? So, next time you’re scrolling through Netflix, wondering what to watch, give one of these a go. You might just find your new favourite show, and trust me, you won’t be disappointed. Get stuck in!

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the go with ‘binge-watching’ on Netflix?

Netflix really changed the game by dropping whole seasons at once. This lets you watch a heap of episodes back-to-back, which is heaps different from how TV used to be with weekly shows. It’s all about letting you watch your way, whenever you want.

How does binge-watching change how stories are told?

When you binge-watch, shows don’t mess around with pointless bits. Every episode pushes the story forward, so there’s no filler. It’s like one long movie, keeping you hooked with twists and turns, just like ‘Stranger Things’.

How’s modern horror different from old-school TV horror?

Before streaming, TV shows often had a ‘monster of the week’ style, so you could jump in anytime. But with binge-watching, creators can tell a much bigger, more detailed story across a whole season, which is pretty neat.

Are there any downsides to binge-watching?

Sometimes, a really cool idea might not stretch to a whole season. Shows like ‘Buffy’ used to have awesome one-off episodes that explored unique monsters or ideas, which is harder to do when you’re focusing on a long, continuous story.

Does binge-watching affect the suspense of a show?

Waiting a week for the next episode used to build up the suspense, letting your imagination run wild. Shows like ‘American Horror Story’ were brilliant at leaving you hanging, making you keen for the next instalment. Binge-watching loses a bit of that anticipation.

Have any famous movies been banned in Australia?

Yeah, heaps! Aussie audiences were once banned from watching classics like ‘The Night of the Hunter’ and ‘The Texas Chain Saw Massacre’. It’s wild to think about what they used to censor down under!

What’s Stan Australia all about?

Stan Australia is a local streaming service, a bit like Netflix, that offers a bunch of movies and TV shows. They often have new content coming out, so it’s worth checking what’s on offer.

What does ‘Strewth’ mean?

The term ‘Strewth’ is an old Aussie exclamation, a bit like saying ‘Crikey!’ or ‘Goodness me!’. It’s a classic bit of slang you’d hear from a true blue Aussie.