13 great box sets on Netflix to get you through the lockdown

If there has ever been an ideal time to binge watch great box sets on Netflix without feeling guilty then the 2020 lock down has got to be it. Truth be told I personally don’t feel the need for an excuse to binge watch box sets and am always on the hunt for the next best show, so for those that may have found themselves with a little bit of extra time on their hands recently I thought I would put together a list of my top 13 great box sets on Netflix.

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1. 24

This was the first ever box set that I got hooked on. My husband and I literally sat up all night, night after night needing to watch “just one more episode”. It is an action packed, fast paced, addictive box set about the head of an elite field ops group, Jack Bauer, who has to prevent the assassination of the presidential nominee David Palmer. It is filmed in real time with every episode referring to only one hour out of his day and each season therefore representing 24 hours, although he does normally accomplish more in any one hour than I ever do in a day.

2. Locke and key

This box set is a little less relatable that 24 but just as addictive. It follows the life of 3 children after the death of their father as they move back to his childhood home and unlock the magic and mystery of the house. It will keep you guessing throughout with numerous twists and turns right up until the end. If you are easily freaked out then don’t watch it at night on your own!

great box sets on Netflix

3. Breaking bad

If you haven’t already watched this then you must have at least heard of it.

Breaking Bad is about Walter White, a school chemistry teacher who looses his job and also finds out he has stage 3 cancer, so does what every desperate man does, creates a meth lab! As you can imagine as well as creating a whole load of meth and money he also creates a whole load of trouble. Despite turning to  a life of crime Walter is a criminal with a heart and a desire to secure the financial future of his family after is death and I guarantee you will find yourself willing him on even though you know you shouldn’t.

4. Prison break 

This is worth watching for the talent as much as the story line!

As the title suggests it’s a box set based around a Prison Break, only this is the most elaborate prison break you are ever likely to see and it is extremely cleverly put together. The two main characters are brothers, Lincoln Burrows, played by Dominic Purcell, and Michael Scofield, played by Wentworth Miller. Burrows has been sentenced to death for a crime he did not commit, and Scofield hatches an elaborate plan to help his brother escape prison and clear his name. You will definitely find yourself needing to watch “just one more” every night.

great box sets on Netflix

5. How to get away with murder 

Ever wondered what law school is like in America? Well I doubt it is actually like this but How To Get Away with Murder shows how these particular law students will do just about anything to get through law school. It will keep you guessing all the way through and introduces a number of brilliantly thought out back stories to accompany the main story line.

6. You

This is a bit of a weird one, yet still addictive. Think creepy guy stalks cute girl, interjects himself in her life to be close to her and then up the anti even more.  There is also a second season of this available now but for me it was a total let down compared to the first one, I would love to know what you think.

great box sets on Netflix

7. Designated survivor 

If you love a presidential type box set then this is for you as it highlights the reality of what life would be like if you suddenly found yourself as the President of the United States following a very unexpected turn of events. Watch as Kiefer Sutherland’s character, Tom Kirkman, tries to lead the country following this devastating incident whilst simultaneously trying to find out who was behind the attack in the first place.

8. Dexter 

If you love psychology, forensic science, serial killers and a good graphic murder then Dexter is a must. It is less of a who done it and more of a will he get caught? Dexter is a blood spatter analyst by day and a murderer by night but the big question is will you agree with his rationale? Is murder ever okay? Or should he stop?

great box sets on netflix

9. Tiger King

This has got to be without doubt the weirdest box set you will ever watch. It is an actual documentary which will seem extremely hard to believe as it is so far from reality. However it really does follow the lives of 3 main individuals who all have one thing in common, an obsession with owning big cats. The more you watch the more questions you will have, the main one being what really did happen to Carol Baskins husband?

great box sets on Netflix

10. Marcella

Marcella is an easy to watch British detective series featuring Anna Friel as Marcella Backland, a detective who sets out to close an open case about a serial killer. As with all good British shows the story line is also made up of a chaotic home life and interesting back stories that will keep you guessing all the way through.

11. The Stranger

The Stranger is another British series based on the novel by Harlen Coben. It follows the devastating impact that lies can have on family and friends as they are outed to unsuspecting characters by “a stranger”.  The more lies that are uncovered the further the secrets and deceit get twisted and trying to figure out how all these characters are inter related is all part of the fun.

12. Bodyguard

Forget the film featuring Whitney Huston as this version of the body guard is very different, although does of course feature a body guard. This series is classed as a British police thriller, where you see Police Sergeant David Budd get assigned to protect the Home Secretary Julia Montague whose politics he doesn’t agree with. There are a number of issues covered in this from PTSD to politics as well as a bit of who done it.

13. The Haunting of Hill House

The Haunting of Hill House was one of those box sets that I thought would be over rated but absolutely wasn’t, in fact I would go as far as to say this is one of my favourites so far. It will make you jump, creep you out and leave you asking questions making it extremely hard to watch only one episode at a time. The Haunting of Hill House is about a great big old house that some people believe is haunted and a family who have to confront the reality of why they really left all those years earlier.  It’s a nail biting, edge of your seat, box set that I highly recommend you watch with someone else.

great box sets on Netflix

If you prefer films to box sets then check out these 10 cosy movies to watch on a chilly evening or if are looking for more Christmas related films then check out the Ultimate Christmas Guide to Netflix.

What are your recommendations for great box sets on netflix ?