9 Global Series That Became Massive Hits In India: Squid Game, Money Heist, Stranger Things And Others

Global web series have found a huge fan base in India, thanks to streaming platforms and strong storytelling. From thrilling dramas to light-hearted comedies, international shows are now widely watched and loved by Indian audiences. Series from countries like the USA, South Korea, and Spain have gained massive popularity. Here’s a look at some of the most successful global series that made a strong impact in India.

1. Squid Game (South Korea)

Star Cast: Lee Jung-jae, Park Hae-soo, Jung Ho-yeon, Oh Young-su.
Where to watch: Netflix

This intense drama follows 456 financially struggling people who join deadly childhood games for a huge prize. It highlights inequality and human survival instincts. The show became Netflix’s biggest hit, generating an estimated $900 million value (approx Rs 6,770 crores) and crossing 1.6 billion viewing hours within its first month.

2. Money Heist (Spain)

Star Cast: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó, Pedro Alonso, Itziar Ituño.
Where to watch: Netflix

The series follows a mastermind called the Professor who plans massive robberies with a skilled team. Known for suspense and emotions, it became one of Netflix’s most-watched non-English shows, boosting subscriptions worldwide and creating huge global popularity and brand success.

3. Stranger Things (USA)

Star Cast: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard, Winona Ryder, David Harbour.
Where to watch: Netflix

Set in the 1980s, the show follows kids uncovering a dark parallel world after a boy disappears. Mixing horror and friendship, it became a global sensation. The series generated around $1.4 billion (Rs 13,296.49 crores) in economic impact, with Season 4 crossing 1.3 billion viewing hours.

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4. Game of Thrones (USA)

Star Cast: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey.
Where to watch: Jio Hotstar

This fantasy drama revolves around powerful families fighting for the Iron Throne in a fictional world. With dragons and political twists, it became one of the biggest shows ever, earning billions globally and reaching around 44 million viewers per episode in its final season.

5. Friends (USA)

Star Cast: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Matthew Perry, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, David Schwimmer.
Where to watch: Netflix

This sitcom follows six friends managing life, love, and careers in New York. Its simple humour made it timeless. The show still earns over $1 billion every year through syndication and remains one of the most profitable and loved series worldwide.

6. The Boys (USA)

Star Cast: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid, Antony Starr, Erin Moriarty.
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video

The show presents a world where corrupt superheroes misuse power, and a group of people tries to stop them. Its bold concept gained global attention. It is Amazon Prime Video’s most-watched original, ranking number one in many countries during new season releases.

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7. Bridgerton (UK/USA)

Star Cast: Phoebe Dynevor, Regé-Jean Page, Jonathan Bailey, Nicola Coughlan.
Where to watch: Netflix

Set in London’s high society, the series follows the Bridgerton family’s search for love and status. Its colourful style and romance made it a global hit, generating over $350 million in revenue and ranking among Netflix’s most-watched English shows.

8. Never Have I Ever (USA)

Star Cast: Maitreyi Ramakrishnan, Poorna Jagannathan, Darren Barnet.
Where to watch: Netflix

The story follows an Indian-American teenager dealing with loss while managing school life and relationships. Its relatable cultural touch made it popular in India. The series stayed in Netflix’s global Top 10 across seasons, gaining strong viewership in multiple regions.

9. Emily In Paris (USA/France)

Star Cast: Lily Collins, Ashley Park, Lucas Bravo, Camille Razat.
Where to watch: Netflix

The show follows a young marketing executive adjusting to life in Paris while handling work and relationships. Its light tone and fashion appeal attracted viewers globally. It became one of Netflix’s most-watched romantic series and even boosted tourism in Paris.