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Looking for underrated foreign streaming content recommendations
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I've been diving deep into international content lately and I'm amazed at how much incredible underrated foreign streaming content exists that most people never discover. I'm not just talking about the popular K-dramas or Spanish shows that get some attention - I mean truly hidden gem documentaries and series from smaller countries.
The problem is that streaming platform discovery features often bury this stuff unless you know exactly what to search for. I've found some amazing hidden gem documentaries about cultures I knew nothing about, and some foreign series with production values that rival Hollywood but with unique storytelling.
What are your favorite streaming platform hidden treasures from outside the US/UK? I'm particularly interested in hidden gems on Netflix's international catalog, Amazon Prime hidden gems from other regions, and any Hulu undiscovered content that's foreign language.
For underrated foreign streaming content, I have to recommend The Kingdom (Riget) on HBO Max. It's Lars von Trier's hospital horror series from Denmark that's equal parts creepy and hilarious. The original 90s version is a cult classic, and they just released new episodes. Definitely streaming service deep cuts material.
Another incredible find is Gomorrah on HBO Max. Italian crime drama that's like The Wire meets The Sopranos but set in Naples. It's massive in Europe but doesn't get enough attention here. Some of the best crime storytelling I've ever seen.
For something completely different, Call My Agent! (Dix Pour Cent) on Netflix is a French comedy about talent agents that's sharp, funny, and full of celebrity cameos playing themselves. One of those hidden Netflix gems that's perfect for binging.
I've been exploring a lot of Korean content beyond the popular K-dramas. Move to Heaven on Netflix is absolutely beautiful - it's about trauma cleaners who find stories in what people leave behind. Tearjerker but so worth it. Real hidden gem documentaries vibe but as a drama series.
For Spanish language, The Girl in the Mirror (Alma) on Netflix is a mystery thriller that flew under the radar but has great atmosphere and pacing. Much better than a lot of the more promoted Spanish shows.
Japanese content: The Naked Director on Netflix is wild - based on the true story of Japan's porn industry in the 80s. Funny, dramatic, and surprisingly heartfelt. Definitely qualifies as streaming platform hidden treasures from Asia.
Scandinavian content has some amazing hidden gems. Borgen on Netflix is Danish political drama that's like The West Wing but grittier. It's actually quite popular in Europe but doesn't get enough love here. Some of the best political storytelling I've seen.
For something completely different, The Rain on Netflix is a Danish post-apocalyptic series that's really atmospheric. The first season is especially strong with its mood and character development.
German content: Dark gets all the attention, but How to Sell Drugs Online (Fast) on Netflix is a fantastic German comedy-drama based on a true story about a teen who starts an online drug empire. Funny, smart, and surprisingly touching. Perfect example of underrated foreign streaming content.
For hidden gem documentaries from around the world, The Cave on Disney+ is incredible. It's about an underground hospital in Syria during the civil war, filmed by the female doctor who ran it. Harrowing but important viewing.
Another documentary gem is Collective on HBO Max. Romanian investigative journalism film about a healthcare corruption scandal that won awards but didn't get mainstream attention. Exactly the kind of streaming service deep cuts that more people should see.
Indian content beyond Bollywood: Sacred Games on Netflix gets attention, but Delhi Crime is even better in my opinion. Based on the real 2012 Delhi gang rape investigation, it's tense, well-acted, and socially relevant. Definitely qualifies as streaming platform hidden treasures from South Asia.
Australian content doesn't get enough love. Mystery Road on Acorn TV (and sometimes Amazon) is fantastic Australian noir about an Indigenous detective solving crimes in the Outback. Great atmosphere and social commentary.
New Zealand: The Brokenwood Mysteries on various platforms is like a Kiwi version of Midsomer Murders - cozy mysteries with great characters and New Zealand scenery.
For something truly unique, Ramy on Hulu is Egyptian-American but deals heavily with Egyptian culture and family dynamics. While it gets some attention, it's still underrated compared to other comedy-dramas. The second season especially has incredible episodes set in Egypt that feel like authentic underrated foreign streaming content.
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