The five best cerebral shows to dive into on Netflix now

Before we dive into this riveting list of cerebral shows you need to dive into, it is pivotal to understand the meaning of this new and budding subgenre. Cerebral is a mix of psychological, dark comedy, and thriller. When something you see will claw its way into your life and crawl under your skin. Netflix has got you covered if you have never caught something similar.  

With all cerebral content, not only is your mind challenged but the very essence of reality is questioned. With how the shows or movies have been edited, or the content presented, every show should challenge the mind. However, these entries go a step further.

These aren’t just films with an intellectual edge or the kind of titles deemed to be smart by Hollywood big-wigs; these are movies which are designed to challenge your thinking and elicit thought. We have entries from Jonah Hill, Emma Stone and Anya Taylor-Joy, as well as some high-class documentaries.

See the five best cerebral shows on Netflix below.

Five best cerebral shows on Netflix:

5. Maniac (2018)

The psychological thriller, Maniac, was released in 2018, starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill. Owen Milgrim has been institutionalised as strange hallucinations haunt him, and he weirdly perceives what is going on in other people’s minds.

Caught in a web of espionage in the corporate world, Owen works through his mental illness right when he meets someone new! Any psychological thriller fans have found their must-watch series starting from intense visuals to a riveting plot! 

4. Abstract: The Art of Design (2017)

Following the paths of some of the world’s most well-celebrated designers, Abstract: The art of Design is here to serve. Each episode focuses on a different designer from a different field. From photography to architecture, each episode is sure to make you look at the world with a whole new perspective.

What does it bring to the table? Some of the most unique designers giving the viewer’s a little peep into their world. Inspiring, interesting, intriguing, everything you are looking for in one episode. 

3. Unnatural Selection (2019)

Living in 2023, everyone has heard of the term gene editing at least once in their lifetimes. This documentary explores the potential for gene editing to help humanity, similar to how scientists have used animals. What are the ethical complications? Where does it stop?

The beginning of a new era is covered. From food industries to daily lives, learn how gene editing can potentially affect it all. Find out more. 

2. Pretend It’s a City (2021)

Get to know the streets of New York City with Fran Lebowitz and show creator Martin Scorsese. This is a love story aimed at you. To make you fall in love with the city of New York right from the brilliant story writers themselves. Talking of their experiences and a series of questions and answers being shot back and forth amongst the visual authors.

With a populist Netflix style covering a cluttered and busy atmosphere. Catch this visual beauty of the documentary now!

1. The Queen’s Gambit (2020)

Based on a fictional character called Elizabeth Harmon, played by Anya Taylor-Joy, The Queen’s Gambit is a novel about a young orphaned girl who discovers and masters the game of chess in the 1960s. When Beth moves into the Methuen Home, Kentucky, she meets the janitor, Mr Shaibel, who teaches her the art of chess. When she starts to beat him at his own game, she decides to enter Kentucky State Chess Championship and wins.

Eventually, she goes through a frenzy of winning everything until she faces one of her first matches. This allows her to learn more than lose. A dashing limited story which will surely gift you a new hobby.