Best Russian TV Shows on Netflix and Amazon Prime (2023) (2024)

Table of Contents

1. To the Lake (Эпидемия)

This binge-worthy Russian sci-fi thriller hits a little too close to home these days.

When a deadly virus turns Moscow into a city of the dead, Anna, her boyfriend Sergey, and a ragtag band of relatives and neighbors decide to flee to a lake in Russia’s far north to sit out the epidemic.

But as the wave of infection expands from the capital, they encounter obstacles, hazards, and aggression, with near escapes from death as they try to survive with diminishing supplies of fuel and food.

This series reunites actors Kirill Käro and Eldar Kalimulin, who previously also costarred as father and son in Better Than Us (see below).

Based on the suspenseful bestselling novel by Russian author Yana Vagner. I read it in English and couldn’t put it down!

2. Better than Us (Лучше, чем люди)

This binge-worthy sci-fi epic is an addictive watch despite plot inconsistencies.

A family on the verge of splitting up become the owners of an escaped female companion bot being hunted by a corporation, homicide investigators, and terrorists.

The female bot is played by Paulina Andreeva, who also starred in popular series The Method.

3. Sparta (Sпарта)

^{Note: No English subtitles available for trailer, but there is not much dialogue}

The mysterious death of a teacher who throws herself out of a window at a St. Petersburg school attracts the attention of law enforcement. A local detective interrogates the students of the deceased and learns about the addictive high-stakes video game Sparta, which blurs the line between the real and the virtual world.

Did the teacher commit suicide or was she the victim of a teenaged Sparta player?

4. Masha and the Bear (Маша и Медведь)

This internationally popular Russian cartoon is loosely based on the children’s folk tale of the same name. The show follows a mischievous little girl called Masha and the fatherly bear that keeps her from disaster.

While there’s not much dialogue, there are many Russian cultural references, from the bear’s samovar and kasha to Masha’s transformation into Snegurochka, the Snow Maiden. Even the cranes from classic Soviet film Летят журавли (The Cranes Are Flying) make an appearance. Be sure to change the audio (and possibly the subtitles) to Russian.

If you enjoy this adorable animated series, there are several additional spin-off shows on Netflix.

1. The Red Queen (Красная королева)

This excellent Russian-Ukrainian drama set in the Cold War era is partially inspired byRegina Zbarskaya, the first Soviet supermodel.

Young Regina flees to Moscow to escape her tragic past. There, she encounters great kindness but also betrayal. Courage and luck eventually catapult her to international fame.

But was Regina queen of the catwalk or a KGB agent seducing foreign diplomats?

2. Gogol (Го́голь)

Intense fantasy-horror seriesbased on the work of Ukrainian-Russian writer Nikolai Gogol, often compared to Edgar Allan Poe.

In this dark Gothic tale, Gogol, a law clerk and emerging writer, encounters brilliant detective Yakov Guro. They accidentally discover Gogol has a supernatural gift for communicating with the underworld, and set off to a remote village to investigate a series of murders aided by the writer’s crime-solving visions.

Gogol was born in Ukraine, and the series is based onhis short story collectionEvenings on a Farm near Dikanka, tales of peasant life laced with demonic and fantastical elements from Ukrainian folklore.

The series was originally released as a popular film trilogy in Russia. Filming took place in St. Petersburg and the Pskov region, where the village set of Dikanka was built.

Expect gore and nudity, especially in the first episode.

3. Dead Mountain – The Dyatlov Pass Incident (Перевал Дятлова)

Suspenseful thriller based on an infamous tragedy that occurred in the Ural mountains in 1959.

In the Ural Mountains, nine students go on a ski hike, but never return. Local investigators must piece together what happened to them when their bodies are found a month later.

4. Ancestral Land (Отчий берег)

An epic historical saga set in the Russian Urals centered on the Morozov family — Aleksey, Stepan, Aliona, and Varvara — two brothers and two sisters.

As the family fights to survive the slaughter of World War II, they learn important lessons on the way, including the meaning of true love and how to cope with grief.

Also available onYouTube with English subtitles.

5. Detective Anna (Анна – Детективъ)

Amazon has finally added all episodes of Season 1 of this 19th-century murder mystery about 19-year-old Anna, who unexpectedly discovers that she possesses supernatural powers. The spirits of the dead literally haunt her, begging for help.

Aided by her visions, Anna manages to investigate and solve a number of mysterious crimes that have baffled the police.

The series was filmed in the State History Museum-Reserve Gorky Leninskiye near Moscow, where an entire movie town was constructed with streets, shops, mansions, and a police station.

Also available on YouTube with English subtitles.

6. Ekaterina: The Rise of Catherine the Great (Екатерина)

Lavish production that traces the sensational rise of one of the most famous women in history, Catherine the Great.

Ekaterina begins her journey as an innocent young German princess who came to Russia to marry Peter III. Once she ascended the throne, this brilliant leader transformed the Russian empire. Spectacular sets and costumes.

7. Sophia (Софи́я)

This historical drama set in 15th-century Russia follows Sophia, the last Byzantine princess, as she moves from Rome to Moscow to marry Czar Ivan III.

Destined to become the first influential female figure of the Russian Empire, Sophia overcomes court intrigue and betrayals and helps Ivan consolidate the fragmented country, push Mongolian invaders out, and build the Kremlin.

This lush production does suffer from some factual inaccuracies and is best viewed as historical fiction.

8. Catherine The Great (Екатерина Bеликая)

Another popular version of the Catherine story. This sumptuous production was filmed in Saint Petersburg and the Leningrad Oblast.

9. The Attackers (Истребители)

Important note: Amazon has split this series’ two seasons into separate listings, The Attackers (Season 1) and Attackers: The Last Flight (Season 2). Be sure to watch them in order.

World War II buffs will enjoy this series about two young air force pilots who arrive at flight training school only to find themselves going immediately to the frontline. Unfortunately the young pilots fail in their first mission, and are to be tried and executed.

On their way to the place of execution, however, the commander of the attacker wing petitions personally for their release, and our heroes are given one last chance. Now they become attackers and will have to courageously execute the most complex of orders without hesitation or fear for their own lives.

The Attackers (Season 1) and Attackers: The Last Flight (Season 2) also available on YouTube with English subtitles.

10. The Golden Horde (Золотая Орда)

Fun fictionalized story set at the end of the thirteenth century when Russia was under Tatar-Mongol rule.

Grand Prince Yaroslav dreams of uniting the scattered Russian principalities and getting rid of the hated Tataro-Mongols, but his own brother, the disgraced Prince Boris, and his eldest son Vladimir stand in the way.

11. Anna Karenina (Анна Каренина)

This newly visioned retelling of Leo Tolstoy’s classic novel is set in the late 19th century, centered around the aristocratic Anna Karenina. Watch Anna’s fatal story unfold after falling in love with the dashing Count Vronsky.

12. Love In Chains (Крепостная)

Tragic, engrossing melodrama set in 1850s Ukraine.

Kateryna was raised as a noblewoman, but to the rest of the world she’s a serf, property of the richest landowner in Nizhyn. She falls in love with a nobleman who knows nothing of her origins. The young bondmaid faces terrible trials in her search for freedom and love.

The sad*stic abuse endured by the serfs may be too dark and depressing for some.

The story was inspired by popular Brazilian soap A Escrava Isaura.

Season 2 is available for purchase only on Amazon.

If you enjoy this show, also try Life of a Mistress below.

13. Life of a Mistress (Вольная грамота)

^{Note: No English subtitles available for trailer}

Addictive period drama about Polina, born a lady but who becomes a slave.

After the death of her benefactor, Polina learns she is a serf and will be auctioned along with the other property of the deceased nobleman. The cruel and vicious Count Andrei becomes her new owner.

14. The Sniffer (Нюхач)

Fun Russian-language detective series shot in the Ukraine but set in an unnamed Russian city.

This popular show has been removed from US Netflix, but Season 1 is available for free with ads on Amazon. Seasons 2 and 3 are available ad-free on Prime Video. Season 4 is for purchase only.

An extraordinary sense of smell gives a crime investigator unique insight into solving mysteries, but his gift takes a toll on his personal life.

Seasons 1-2 are on YouTube with English subtitles.

15. The Dawns Here Are Quiet (А зори здесь тихие)

A 2015 TV series remake of the beloved Soviet film based on Boris Vasilyev’s novel of the same name.

In late spring of 1942, the Great Patriotic War is in full swing. A long way off from the front line, the Germans make an air landing operation in an attempt to mount asurprise attack on Russian positions. The only thing in their way is the anti-aircraft artillery unit of Corporal Vaskov and five female anti-aircraft gunners.

Also available on YouTube with English and Russian subtitles.

16. Can You Dream of More (Разве можно мечтать о большем)

Ukrainian melodrama in Russian about Ksenia, a nurse whose mother becomes seriously ill. To pay for treatment, she starts a job as a nurse in the home of a wealthy widow. The house and its residents scare Ksenia at first, but gradually she gets used to them. But Ksenia doesn’t understand the dangerous game she has been drawn into.

Also available on YouTube (no English subtitles).

17. The Romanovs (Романовы)

This docudrama covers the 300-year history of the Romanovs, the dynasty that ruled Russia from 1613 until the October Revolution of 1917.

Who were the Russian tsars? How did they come to power and what did they leave behind?

The series was produced in 2013 to mark the 400th anniversary of the Romanov dynasty.

Also available on YouTube with English, Russian, and Spanish subtitles.

1. The Kitchen (Кухня)

Subtitles: After the first episode, English subtitles become spotty.

This fun comedy follows young Maksim, who dreams of becoming a great chef. But after landing a job at Moscow’s fanciest restaurant, Max finds the kitchen isn’t the place for an easy career.

Кухня was a huge hit in Russia and the post-Soviet states. It inspired several films and a spin-off.

No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the glowing reviews.

All six seasons are available here on YouTube.

2. Spies (Разведчицы)

Subtitles: English

Suspenseful Russian drama with great acting and interesting storytelling.

In World War II, Arina and Zoya are recruited by NKVD to become spies behind enemy lines in Riga, Crimea, Poland, and Germany. Their mission: to infiltrate the Germans by seducing senior military officers.

No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

3. Seventeen Moments of Spring (Семнадцать мгновений весны)

Subtitles: English

Classic 12-part espionage thriller from 1973 that became one of the most popular television series in Soviet history. Based on the novel of the same name by Yulian Semyonov.

The series portrays the exploits of Maxim Isaev, a Soviet spy operating in Nazi Germany. He is planted in 1927, well before the Nazi takeover. Maxim then enlists in the NSDAP and rises through the ranks, becoming an important Nazi foreign intelligence officer.

A subtle, multilayered psychological drama despite its Soviet propaganda.

4. The Brigade (Бригада)

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

This classic crime miniseries from 2002 was highly popular in Russia and the post-Soviet states. The story takes place from 1989 to 2000. It follows the transformation of four childhood friends from Moscow from petty thugs into a powerful gang.

While the series was criticized for glorifying violence and organized crime, it features great acting and an interesting soundtrack including classical music.

5. Snow and Ashes (Снег и пепел)

^{Note: No English subtitles available for trailer}

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

Suspenseful four-part thriller set in 1942. With the Germans about to mount an attack, there is a dangerous saboteur in the Russian camp. It’s up to a KGB major and his team to expose the Nazi saboteur before it’s too late.

No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

6. TheMaster and Margarita (Мастер и Маргарита)

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

This ten-episode adaptation of Mikhail Bulgakov’s The Master and Margarita was a huge success in Russia in 2005.

Three storylines are interwoven, including a visit by the devil to the officially atheist Soviet Union. The series combines supernatural elements with satirical dark comedy and Christian philosophy. Bulgakov wrote the novel 1928-1940 in the Soviet Union during Stalin’s regime.

More about the series.

7. Night Swallows (Ночные Ласточки)

Subtitles: English, auto-translated Russian

In 1941, Stalin issued a secret order forming the first female aviation unit, the 46th “Taman” Guards Night Bomber Aviation Regiment. The most highly decorated female unit in the Soviet Air Force, each pilot had flown over 1000 missions by the end of the war with 23 pilots awarded the Hero of the Soviet Union.

Similar in theme to Spies, although not quite as well-made.

No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

8. Three Days in the Life of Lt. Kravtsov (Три дня лейтенанта Кравцова)

Subtitles: English

When 18-year-old Lt. Kravtsov reports for active duty as a platoon commander, the average survival time for this position is only three days. During this time, he must lead his troops in a hopeless attack. The question is, can he survive these three days?

No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

9. The Adventures of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson (Приключения Шерлока Холмса и доктора Ватсона)

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian (sadly, the version with English subtitles has been removed from YouTube).

This series of Soviet television films portrayed Arthur Conan Doyle’s fictional English detective, starting in 1979.

The series became a cultural phenomenon and remains a legendary masterpiece of Soviet television. Actor Vasily Livanov was awarded the Order of the British Empire (MBE) for his masterful portrayal of Sherlock Holmes.

A street in old Riga, Latvia doubles as Baker Street.

10. Irredeemables (Неисправимые)

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

In this engaging Ukrainian crime drama, Police Colonel Stadnik dreams of repeating the nineteenth-century experiment of legendary French detective Eugène Vidocq, who staffed a plainclothes police force with former criminals.

Once given the chance, Stadnik creates a special investigative unit of convicted felons who use their unique skills to solve baffling cases.

No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

11. Once upon a Time in Odessa (Однажды в Одессе)

Subtitles: English

Russian series about the Jewish mafia set in Odessa, Ukraine during and after the czar. Mishka Yaponchik was a Ukrainian gangster, Jewish revolutionary, and Soviet military leader.

Soviet Jewish writer Isaak Babel based his character Benia Krik in The Odessa Tales on this legendary criminal, Odessa’s Robin Hood.

12. On the Edge (На краю)

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

This political thriller follows three innocent young women tricked by terrorist recruiters who find themselves aboard the same plane to Turkey. After being smuggled into the most dangerous region of the Middle East, their destinies in captivity take different turns until one day an accident brings them together.

13. Moscow Hound (Московская борзая)

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

Popular detective series set in Nizhny Novgorod, east of Moscow.

Major Alevtina Borzova, an experienced criminal investigator in Moscow, is forced to take a job in a provincial city after her affair with a married man goes public. However, the new close-knit male team is unwilling to work under the leadership of a woman. Every day the heroine has to struggle to prove herself. But the unshakable Alevtina intends to defend her right to the new position.

Season 2 available here.

Many thanks to brilliant polyglot Dr. Gareth Popkins for his recommendation of the above two series. Don’t miss his tips on How to Learn Russian Fast.

14. Never Let Me Go (Только не Отпускай Меня)

Subtitles: English, Russian

This four-episode Ukrainian melodrama follows Natasha, a hard-working nurse who lives a modest existence with her mother. Meanwhile wealthy, spoiled Lera lives in another part of the city.

One day, when a desperate Lera is about to jump from her balcony, Natasha saves her life. Fate has thrown these two young women together, giving them an opportunity to help each other.

15. Rasputin (Григорий Р)

Subtitles: None

Russophiles shouldn’t miss thisseries about the mad monk Grigoriy Rasputin, who became a hugely influential figure at the court of Tsar Nicholas II.

No longer available for free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

16. Tatiana’s Night (Татьянина ночь)

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

Life seems great for 20-year-old university student Tanya as Moscow prepares to host the 1980 Summer Olympics, until one dark night when everything falls apart.

No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

17. Neophyte (Отличница)

Subtitles: English

Well-acted police procedural set in 1957 Russia. Brilliant young law graduate Maria Krapivina starts working for the Leningrad criminal investigation office. None of her colleagues take her seriously, and Masha is ready to quit.

Suddenly, she discovers a criminal is working undercover in the department. Masha conducts a private investigation to bring them to justice.

No longer available free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

18. Ash (Пепел)

Subtitles: None

Compelling drama with excellent acting.

One fateful day, Igor Petrov, the commander of a Red Army unit, is forced to exchange ID papers with a thief known as Ash. The incident leads both men to start their lives completely anew. Within 10 years, one will achieve acts of bravery while the other becomes a violent outlaw leader.

No longer available free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

19. 1812. Napoleonic Wars in Russia (1812)

Subtitles: English, auto-generated Russian

Docudrama about the Napoleonic wars from a Russian perspective.

On August 26, 1812, two huge armies prepared for one of the bloodiest battles of the epoch near the village of Borodino, 124 kilometers from Moscow. A quarter of million soldiers, over a thousand cannons. The fate of Russia was being decided.

20. Run! (Беги!)

^{No English subtitles available for trailer}

Subtitles: English, auto-generated Russian

This action-packed Russian crime thriller reunites co-stars Pavel Priluchnyy and Denis Shvedov from Silver Spoon (Мажор).

Suspenseful storyline with many twists and turns that follows a wrongfully imprisoned computer programmer forced to escape a Siberian penal colony to save his girlfriend and child.

No longer available free on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

21. Peter the Great: The Testament (Пётр Первый. Завещание)

^{Note: No English subtitles available for trailer}

Subtitles: Only auto-generated Russian

Another lush Russian historical drama that charts 18th-century czar Peter the Great’s demise, as his ambitions to seize greater power and influence in Europe lead to the threat of warfare.

No longer available on Amazon US, but you can read the reviews.

Based on the novel Evenings with Peter the Great by Daniil Granin.

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