By Maansi V

Copyright gqindia

Some web series transcend mere popularity to become cult sensations. These series are the ones that viewers binge-watch, rewatch, quote endlessly, and passionately recommend to friends. They may not always have the biggest budgets or star power, but what makes them special is their captivating storytelling, unforgettable characters, and the kind of fandom that keeps growing long after the final episode. From gritty crime dramas to mind-bending sci-fi and quirky comedies, here’s a look at some cult web series that deserve a space on your watch list.
Stranger Things to Game of Thrones: 7 cult web series streaming on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video & more
​1. Mirzapur – Amazon Prime Video
This crime thriller is set in a small town in Uttar Pradesh where power, money, and guns decide everything. The story follows Kaleen Bhaiya (Pankaj Tripathi), a carpet trader who secretly runs the town’s illegal gun business, and his hot-headed son Munna (Divyendu Sharma), who wants to take control. Their world collides with two brothers, Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu (Vikrant Massey), whose lives change forever after they get involved in the crime empire. Filled with violence, family rivalries, and power struggles, the show is packed with twists, strong characters, and dialogues that fans still love to quote.
​2. Money Heist – Netflix
Money Heist (originally La Casa de Papel) is a Spanish thriller about a group of robbers who plan the biggest heist in history – breaking into Spain’s Royal Mint to print billions of euros. Led by the mysterious mastermind known as The Professor (Alvaro Morte), each member of the team takes on a city name like Tokyo, Berlin, Nairobi, etc. The show is full of suspense, emotions, betrayals, and clever twists that keep you hooked. With its red jumpsuits, Salvador Dalí masks, and the anthem Bella Ciao, the web series became a global cult phenomenon. There’s also a spin-off titled Berlin, providing a gripping backstory to the eponymous character played by Pedro Alonso. There’s also a Korean remake, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area; however, it didn’t do quite as well as the original.
​3. Paatal Lok – Amazon Prime Video
This crime thriller explores the darker layers of society by using the concept of heaven (swarg lok), earth (dharti lok), and the underworld (pataal lok). The story follows Hathiram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), a middle-aged, washed-out cop in Delhi who feels his career has gone nowhere. His life changes when he is assigned to a high-profile case involving the attempted murder of a well-known journalist. Four suspects are arrested, and as Hathiram investigates, he uncovers shocking truths about politics, caste, media, and the justice system. The show mixes police drama with social commentary, showing how corruption and violence run deep in every corner of society. With powerful performances, gritty storytelling, and layers of realism, it is one of India’s boldest web series.
​4. Stranger Things – Netflix
Set in the 1980s in the small town of Hawkins, Indiana, the story begins when a young boy, Will Byers, mysteriously disappears. As his friends and family search for him, they uncover a secret government experiment and discover a girl with supernatural powers called Eleven (Millie Bobby Brown). The show blends suspense, adventure, and supernatural horror with strong friendships and 80s nostalgia. Its mix of thrilling mysteries, emotional moments, and unforgettable characters has made it a global cult favorite.
​5. Game of Thrones – JioHotstar
The plot of this epic fantasy drama unfolds in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, where noble families fight for the Iron Throne and control of the Seven Kingdoms. The series is filled with power struggles, betrayals, and complex characters, from noble heroes to ruthless villains. With dragons, battles, and shocking plot twists, the show combines fantasy with political intrigue in a way that captured viewers worldwide. Its unforgettable moments, legendary characters, and intense storytelling have made it a global cult phenomenon.
​6. Sacred Games – Netflix
Sacred Games was one of the first Indian originals on Netflix and instantly became a sensation. The story follows Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan), a troubled Mumbai cop, who receives a mysterious phone call from Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui), a feared gangster who has been missing for years. Gaitonde warns him that the city is in danger, setting off a chain of events filled with crime, politics, religion, and betrayal. The show jumps between past and present, slowly revealing how crime syndicates and powerful politicians control everything. With its gritty Mumbai setting, strong performances by Nawazuddin and Saif, and unforgettable dialogues, the web series quickly became a fan favourite.
​7. Squid Game – Netflix
This K-drama is a survival thriller about hundreds of people drowning in debt who are invited to compete in a series of deadly children’s games for a massive cash prize. On the surface, the games seem innocent, but losing means death. The story focuses on Seong Gi-hun (Lee Jung-jae), a desperate man trying to save his family, as he navigates alliances, betrayals, and moral dilemmas. With its intense suspense, shocking twists, and striking visuals, like the iconic green tracksuits and red-hooded guards, Squid Game became a worldwide phenomenon and quickly earned a massive cult following. Reportedly, an English adaptation of the web series is in the works.