In 2025, international shows are no longer niche—they’re mainstream. Thanks to the global reach of platforms like Netflix, Hulu, Prime Video, and Disney+, audiences in the U.S. now have instant access to shows from South Korea, Spain, India, Japan, Germany, and beyond. Viewers are discovering that compelling stories don’t need to come with Hollywood’s stamp of approval.

The rise of subtitles, dubbing, and improved global marketing has made foreign-language series far more accessible. At the same time, audiences are craving fresh storytelling styles, unique cultural perspectives, and genres pushed in bold directions. International series deliver exactly that, whether it’s a K-drama blending romance and mystery, a Spanish crime thriller, or an Indian sci-fi epic.

This blog explores the top 10 international shows that took over U.S. streaming in 2025. Each show not only captured huge audiences but also changed how Americans think about what’s binge-worthy.
 

Squid Game: Season 2 (South Korea, Netflix)
 

The Premise

When Squid Game first premiered in 2021, it became a global sensation. In 2025, Season 2 returned with higher stakes, more elaborate games, and deeper social commentary. This time, the focus shifted from survival to rebellion, as former players attempted to dismantle the system from the inside.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Familiar yet fresh: Fans loved the callback to the deadly games while embracing new twists.

Global appeal: Themes of inequality and corruption resonate universally.

Binge factor: Each cliffhanger forced viewers to click “next episode.”

Why It Took Over Streaming

Netflix marketed Season 2 as a worldwide event, and the hype worked. U.S. audiences who already loved Korean dramas dove in immediately, making it one of the most-watched shows of 2025.
 

Money Heist: Berlin (Spain, Netflix)
 

The Premise

A spin-off of La Casa de Papel (Money Heist), Berlin focuses on the fan-favorite character Andrés de Fonollosa before the events of the original series. Set in Paris, the show follows his elaborate jewel heists while exploring his relationships, flaws, and charisma.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Character-driven storytelling: Berlin’s complex charm carries the narrative.

Stylish European backdrop: Paris adds glamour and sophistication.

Heist thrills: Americans love clever crime dramas, and this one blends brains with heart.

Why It Took Over Streaming

With a built-in fanbase from Money Heist, Berlin quickly rose to Netflix’s Top 10 in the U.S., proving Spanish-language shows remain some of the most addictive imports.
 

Physical: 100 (South Korea, Netflix, Season 2)
 

The Premise

This reality competition show became a surprise hit when it launched. In 2025, Season 2 brought back the world’s fittest athletes and everyday challengers, competing in extreme physical games that tested strength, endurance, and willpower.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Gladiator-style drama: Americans love high-stakes reality competitions.

Diverse contestants: Showcases athletes from around the globe.

Visually stunning challenges: Bigger, bolder, and more dangerous than before.

Why It Took Over Streaming

Reality TV fans in the U.S. flocked to it, especially those who loved Survivor or American Ninja Warrior. Its viral clips on TikTok kept it trending for weeks.
 

All of Us Are Dead: Season 2 (South Korea, Netflix)
 

The Premise

This zombie apocalypse high school drama returned in 2025 with a darker, more mature story. Survivors struggled to rebuild their lives while new threats emerged—both undead and human.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Zombie genre familiarity: Combines Walking Dead-style survival with K-drama emotion.

Teen drama with depth: Captures young adult audiences.

Universal themes: Survival, morality, and friendship resonate across cultures.

Why It Took Over Streaming

With the success of Season 1, fans eagerly awaited its return. The emotional storytelling combined with fast-paced action made it a binge favorite.
 

Dark: Legacy (Germany, Netflix)
 

The Premise

Following the cult success of Dark, Netflix released Dark: Legacy in 2025, expanding on the original’s time-traveling universe. This new chapter explored different timelines, families, and existential questions.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Mind-bending sci-fi: Appeals to fans of Stranger Things and Westworld.

Complex but rewarding: Encourages rewatching and online fan theories.

Cinematic quality: Feels more like a film series than TV.

Why It Took Over Streaming

U.S. fans who missed Dark’s complexity were thrilled to return to its world, making it one of 2025’s most-discussed sci-fi shows.
 

Sacred Games: Season 3 (India, Netflix)
 

The Premise

Sacred Games, one of India’s first globally successful shows, returned for a third season. This gritty Mumbai-set crime drama blended gang warfare, political corruption, and supernatural undertones.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Crime thrillers are universal: Americans are hooked on mafia-style stories.

Cultural richness: Provides a new lens on India’s underworld.

Strong characters: Nawazuddin Siddiqui’s performance remains unmatched.

Why It Took Over Streaming

By combining crime drama with Indian mythology, Sacred Games 3 stood out in a crowded field of global thrillers.
 

Alice in Borderland: Season 3 (Japan, Netflix)
 

The Premise

In 2025, this dystopian Japanese thriller returned with new deadly games and deeper exploration of the mysterious parallel world. The survivors faced moral dilemmas as much as physical ones.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Hunger Games-style stakes: Life-or-death competitions are universally gripping.

Stylish production: Tokyo’s futuristic backdrop wows U.S. viewers.

Moral complexity: Keeps audiences debating right vs. wrong.

Why It Took Over Streaming

Its global fanbase combined with viral social media buzz made it one of Netflix U.S.’s most-streamed Japanese shows of the year.
 

Lupin: Season 4 (France, Netflix)
 

The Premise

The gentleman thief Assane Diop returned in 2025 with even bigger heists and personal stakes. This season blended French elegance with emotional storytelling as Assane fought to protect his family.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Charismatic lead: Omar Sy remains magnetic.

Heist format: Americans love clever antiheroes.

Stylish European flair: Makes it stand out from U.S. crime shows.

Why It Took Over Streaming

Lupin continued its reign as one of Netflix’s most-watched French series, proving international audiences adore suave masterminds.
 

Elite: Season 8 (Spain, Netflix)
 

The Premise

Spain’s Elite returned for its eighth and final season in 2025, bringing closure to years of scandals, secrets, and shocking twists at Las Encinas private school.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Teen drama meets thriller: Think Gossip Girl with murder.

Bold storytelling: Tackles sexuality, identity, and privilege.

Addictive cliffhangers: Keeps viewers talking.

Why It Took Over Streaming

As a farewell season, Elite drew nostalgic fans while continuing to attract new viewers who wanted a binge-worthy teen drama.
 

Gyeongseong Creature: Season 2 (South Korea, Netflix)
 

The Premise

Set in 1940s Seoul under Japanese occupation, this supernatural thriller continued its story of monsters born from human greed. Season 2 introduced new characters while tying into Korea’s historical struggles.

Why It Works for U.S. Audiences

Supernatural plus history: A unique blend of genres.

Emotional storytelling: Balances horror with human drama.

High production value: Rivals any Hollywood show.

Why It Took Over Streaming

With its mix of monsters, history, and emotion, it became one of Netflix’s standout hits in the U.S. in 2025.