Browsing through the catalogs of six different streaming services available in Poland gave me a bit of a headache. There's plenty to choose from, yet it's difficult to decide what's truly worth investing time in. After diving deep into Netflix, Max, Disney+, Prime Video, SkyShowtime, and CANAL+, I've managed to select the best titles available in 2024. Many are trusted classics, but there are also some exciting recent releases.
Netflix: Best Series to Watch
Netflix's vast offering aims to appeal to everyone, following the principle of "something for everyone." The platform churns out diverse local content, and while the quality varies, a few standout titles have emerged over the past year.
1. "1670"
- At the top of my recommendation list is the Polish comedy series "1670", featuring Bartłomiej Topa as Jan Paweł, a self-absorbed, comically foolish nobleman. Set in the 17th century, Jan Paweł is the half-owner of a village, where he lives with his family. The series' mockumentary style has made it divisive - some adore it, while others hate it - but it even won an Eagle Award for Best Fictional Series.
2. "Rojst: Millennium"
- Jan Holoubek's third and final season of Rojst is superb. Millennium neatly ties up the crime drama set in 1980s Poland, delivering a rich narrative with excellent performances.
3. "The High Water"
- Directed by Jan Holoubek and Kasper Bajon, The High Water tells the gripping true story of the 1997 flood that devastated Wrocław and Lower Silesia, woven with deeply personal character stories.
4. "The Quack"
- A fresh adaptation of the Polish cult classic, The Quack, this melodrama is heartfelt, with strong performances that breathe new life into the story.
5. "Stalker"
- Based on a real story, this chilling series portrays the harrowing experience of comedian Richard Gadd, who was stalked for years.
6. "Eric"
- Starring Benedict Cumberbatch, Eric tells the story of a father searching for his missing son in 1980s New York, blending gripping mystery with deep character development.
7. "Dead Detectives"
- A fantasy detective series where the protagonists are ghosts running their own detective agency. It’s a clever mix of supernatural elements and detective work.
8. "A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder"
- A solid detective drama featuring Emma Myers, known from Wednesday, playing a student investigating a cold case for her school project.
9. "The Gentlemen"
- Following up on Guy Ritchie's 2019 film, this series is full of gangsters, absurd situations, and sharp dialogue.
10. "Glass Onion: A Knives Out Mystery"
- This star-studded film is a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and intrigue, with Daniel Craig delivering a standout performance as detective Benoit Blanc.
CANAL+ Online: Must-Watch Series
CANAL+ has become a leader in producing quality Polish series.
11. "Simple Matter"
- Directed by Cyprian Olencki, this action-packed series stars Mateusz Damięcki as an unstoppable hero trying to repay an old debt.
12. "Emigration XD"
- Based on Malcolm XD’s semi-autobiographical novel, this series offers a humorous yet poignant look at the life of Polish immigrants.
13. "Love Algorithm"
- A delightful parody of Polish dating and reality shows, this series manages to blend satire with genuine entertainment.
14. "Minute of Silence"
- Robert Więckiewicz shines in this dark comedy about an ex-postman who starts a funeral business.
15. "The Office PL"
- A Polish adaptation of the global hit, The Office PL brings its own unique charm, becoming increasingly popular with each season.
16. British Series on CANAL+
- CANAL+ offers classics like Pride and Prejudice with Colin Firth, Blackadder, and Absolutely Fabulous.
Amazon Prime Video: Best Picks
18. "Deadloch"
- A murder mystery set in a small Tasmanian town that uncovers dark secrets.
19. "Good Omens"
- Despite production delays, this delightful series starring Michael Sheen and David Tennant remains a must-watch for fans of humor and fantasy.
20. "Road House"
- Jake Gyllenhaal takes the lead in this reboot of the cult classic.
21. "Ministry of Ungentlemanly Warfare"
- A Guy Ritchie-directed WWII action-comedy based on real events, starring Henry Cavill.
22. "Ghosts"
- This American remake of the British comedy series offers a humorous look at a haunted house.
23. "The Boys"
- This irreverent superhero series continues to captivate with its dark humor and anti-hero narrative.
24. "The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel"
- This award-winning series about a 1960s housewife-turned-stand-up-comedian is a gem.
25. "Fleabag"
- Phoebe Waller-Bridge’s Fleabag is a brilliantly dark and hilarious look at modern life and relationships.
Disney+: Best Movies and Series
29. "Shogun"
- This beautifully shot and engaging series takes viewers on a historical journey through feudal Japan.
30. "The Bear"
- A show about a chef returning to his family’s sandwich shop in Chicago, The Bear is both heartwarming and intense.
31. "WandaVision"
- This Marvel series stands out for its creative format, with each episode paying homage to a different era of television.
32. "The Mandalorian"
- Pedro Pascal’s bounty hunter and Baby Yoda continue to capture hearts in this top-tier Star Wars series.
33. "Loki"
- Tom Hiddleston’s Loki delivers a thrilling ride through time and space in the Marvel universe.
34. "Only Murders in the Building"
- Steve Martin, Martin Short, and Selena Gomez team up in this entertaining murder mystery.
35. "M.A.S.H."
- A classic, groundbreaking series that blends comedy and drama set during the Korean War.
Max (formerly HBO Max): Must-Watch Titles
37. and 38. "Dune" and "Dune: Part Two"
- Denis Villeneuve's adaptation of Frank Herbert’s classic novel is a visual and storytelling triumph.
40. "The Last of Us"
- Based on the video game, this series with Pedro Pascal is a masterclass in storytelling, blending post-apocalyptic horror with deep emotional narratives.
41. "The White Lotus"
- This dark comedy-drama about luxury hotel guests mixes murder, mystery, and social satire.
42. "Mystery"
43. "Mare of Easttown", 44. "Broadchurch", 45. "Three Pines"
- Kate Winslet stars in this gripping small-town murder mystery.
46. "Barbie"
- Ryan Gosling’s hilarious performance in Barbie is a highlight in this vibrant and satirical film.
SkyShowtime: Best Offerings
47. "Kos"
- A bold retelling of Tadeusz Kościuszko's life, with a Tarantino-like flair.
48. "Warszawianka"
- This drama about a troubled writer, played by Borys Szyc, is a gritty portrayal of life’s complexities.
49. "Dungeons & Dragons: Honor Among Thieves"
- A fun and engaging fantasy adventure based on the beloved tabletop game.
50. "Poker Face"
- Natasha Lyonne stars in this retro-inspired mystery series where she solves crimes while on the run.
