Top 10 Anticipated Netflix Originals of 2019

Since premiering in 2013, “Orange Is the New Black” has been synonymous with Netflix’s success. Aside from being the service’s most-watched original program, it’s also ranked in an abundance of awards and marked a significant turning point for diversity in television. As great as “Orange” was at its peak, the premise has admittedly started to wear a little thin; so rather than overstaying their sentence, the ladies of Litchfield will be released in 2019 with a seventh and final season. The previous season left several plotlines up in the air, most notably how Piper will adjust to life outside of prison. Whatever happens next, there’s still time to send everyone off on a fitting note.

In some respects, “GLOW” is the new “Orange Is the New Black.” Carried by an ensemble cast led by Alison Brie and Betty Gilpin, this 80s throwback centers on a ragtag group of misfits given the chance to shine in the wrestling ring. The first season scored several Primetime Emmy nominations, including one for Outstanding Comedy Series. The show not only grew more inventive in its second season, but also more relevant, effectively touching upon sexual harassment in the entertainment industry. With the Gorgeous Ladies of Wrestling heading to Las Vegas in Season 3, we should count on seeing more outrageous matches and drama behind the scenes. Long live Zoya the Destroya!

Netflix has become a haven for the otaku community with its library of classic anime, as well a few original series like “Aggretsuko.” Netflix’s latest anime original has the distinction of being their first set in Mexico. Taking placing during the 1970s, “Seis Manos” follows a trio of orphaned martial artists who must band together against corrupt authorities when their mentor is murdered. The studio behind this anime is Powerhouse Animation, which previously worked on Netflix’s “Castlevania” and video games like “Epic Mickey.” With a crew that includes Alvaro Rodriguez of “Machete,” Willis Bulliner of “Agents of Mayhem,” and Dan Dominguez of “SpongeBob SquarePants,” we’re expecting an action-packed show that’s both badass and gloriously over-the-top.

We honestly never expected to see more of “The Dark Crystal,” released back in 1982, eight years before creator Jim Henson passed away. Plus, in an era dominated by CGI, practical effects are sadly hard to come by. Thankfully, Netflix is known for picking up shows that are equally ambitious and nostalgic. So, this prequel series is a natural fit for the streaming giant. Staying true to the franchise’s roots, director Louis Leterrier has assured fans that the series is comprised of “old school puppets, with no CGI involved,” although green screens will be used to edit out puppeteers. Since the film created such a vast, eerie, and magical world, the possibilities here are endless.

Between “Selma” and the Netflix documentary “13th,” director Ava DuVernay has brought us some of the most important modern movies about racial tensions in the U.S. We can’t think of a more qualified person to helm this miniseries chronicling the Central Park jogger case, which resulted in five teenagers of color being wrongfully convicted for the rape of Trisha Meili. This story couldn’t be more relevant, as it not only deals with sexual assault, the media, and racial profiling, but Donald Trump was – and still is – one of the Five’s most outspoken accusers. With an all-star cast that includes Michael K. Williams, Vera Farmiga, and Felicity Huffman, we’re sensing a serious Emmy contender.

Eddie Murphy and Wesley Snipes are two gifted performers, but both could use a comeback vehicle after several missteps. They might’ve found one in this biopic by Craig Brewer of “Hustle & Flow.” Weirdly enough, this is another movie from Brewer that demonstrates why it’s hard out here for pimp. Murphy plays Rudy Ray Moore, an African American comedian who cemented his place in blaxploitation history with his creation of “Dolemite.” Snipes stars as actor D’Urville Martin while Tituss Burgess, Craig Robinson, and Keegan-Michael Key round out the supporting cast. Since screenwriters Scott Alexander and Larry Karaszewski also wrote “Man on the Moon,” this film should offer an honest look at the drama behind comedy.

Netflix’s future with Marvel may be hanging on by a thread, but the streaming service is collaborating with Dark Horse Entertainment on multiple comic adaptations in 2019. In addition to a feature film version of Victor Santos’ “Polar”, this includes a series based on Gerard Way’s “The Umbrella Academy”, developed by Steve Blackman of “Fargo” and “Legion”. Ellen Page goes from playing Kitty Pryde in the “X-Men” films to starring as Vanya Hargreeves, another gifted youngster who’s enlisted by a brilliant professor. Along with her superhero siblings, she gets wrapped up in a murder mystery and a mission to save the world. Given the talent involved, not even the apocalypse can rain on our parade.

With critical darlings like “Roma,” “Mudbound,” and “Icarus,” Netflix has released several films in recent years that garnered major award buzz. “The Irishman” seems like another certified Oscar contender with director Martin Scorsese behind the camera and Steven Zaillian of “Schindler’s List” penning the screenplay. This biographical crime story based on the life of labor union official Frank Sheeran not only reunites Scorsese with Robert De Niro and Joe Pesci, but also marks his first collaboration with Al Pacino. Seriously, how has it taken so long for these two mob movie juggernauts to come together? Netflix has spared no expense regarding the film’s skyrocketing budget with much of the money going towards de-aging De Niro.

Before he became one of the most revered names in gaming, Geralt of Rivia won loyal fans as the protagonist of Andrzej Sapkowski’s popular fantasy literature series, “The Witcher”. Netflix isn’t the first to try their hand at adapting Sapkowski’s novels and short stories to the screen, as a thirteen-episode series was released in 2002, but was panned by both fans and critics. There are nonetheless high hopes for Netflix’ take on the series, especially with an actor of Henry Cavill’s caliber in the title role. Featuring complex characters and a multi-layered world, could this be Netflix’s answer to “Game of Thrones?”

Before we get to our top pick, here are a few honorable mentions:

“Our Planet” – Season 1

“Carmen Sandiego” – Season 1

“Jinn” – Season 1

What started as the Duffer Brothers’ homage to everything 80s has erupted into a cultural phenomenon in its own right. Between its first two seasons, “Stranger Things” garnered over 30 Emmy nominations for its retro visuals, riveting performances, and storytelling shrouded in rich mythology. It’s taken over a year to get Season 3, which hopefully means the Duffer Brothers are taking their time to perfect their vision. The third season’s plot has been appropriately clouded in mystery, although executive producer Shawn Levy has hinted that “Back to the Future” will play an important role. Could this be because the season is set during the summer of 1985 or will time travel enter the mix? Heavy!