The global success of La Casa de Papel (Money Heist) put Spanish television on the world map. But it was the sign of a deeper shift — Spain has been producing remarkable series for years, and Netflix and HBO España have accelerated it further.
La Casa de Papel (Money Heist)
The most-watched non-English series in Netflix history spent years building an extraordinary audience. The story of a criminal mastermind who recruits a group of thieves to carry out an impossible heist is propulsive, stylish and full of political symbolism. Start from the beginning and prepare to lose several weekends.
Vis a Vis (Locked Up)
A prison drama that ran for four seasons and a spin-off, Vis a Vis is darker, grittier and arguably more sophisticated than La Casa de Papel. Set in a women's prison, it combines personal drama with thriller elements and an excellent ensemble cast.
El Ministerio del Tiempo
One of the most inventive Spanish series ever made — a government agency that polices time travel through Spanish history. It is clever, funny, emotionally resonant and absolutely obsessed with Spanish culture in the best possible way.
30 Monedas (30 Coins)
Alex de la Iglesia's HBO horror series is genuinely frightening and visually spectacular. A priest, a mayor and a vet in a small Spanish village face supernatural forces connected to a silver coin once owned by Judas. Exceptional production values for a European series.
Élite
A glossy teen thriller set in a prestigious private school. Less sophisticated than the others on this list, but enormously entertaining and a great way to pick up colloquial Spanish.
