If you're a fan of gripping stories, thrilling twists, and unforgettable characters, then you're in for a treat! Some of the best series on Hotstar that are sure to keep you hooked from the very first episode. Whether you're into intense dramas, edge-of-your-seat thrillers, or heartwarming comedies, there's something for everyone.
Imagine watching a detective unravel a complex mystery in the dead of night, or being on the edge of your seat as a battle for survival unfolds in a post-apocalyptic world. These are just a few examples of the incredible series you'll find. With powerful performances, stunning visuals, and compelling plots, these shows stand out in the crowded world of online streaming. Ready to dive into some binge-worthy content? Here’s a list of the best series on Hotstar that you should definitely check out!
1. The Night Manager
IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
Ex-soldier Shaan (played by Aditya Roy Kapur), tormented by his past, assumes the position of an undercover night manager to penetrate the inner circle of the ruthless arms dealer Shelly Rungta (depicted by Anil Kapoor).
The stress intensifies as Shaan participates in a risky cat-and-mouse chase, navigating dangerous alliances and alluring diversions, all in his quest for justice for a personal loss. This story is inspired by the 2016 British television show that shares the same name. The original series, developed by David Farr, starred Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Laurie in the main roles.
The Night Manager offers a thrilling experience with its well-crafted narrative of espionage and high-stakes action. The story follows Jonathan Pine, a former soldier who becomes the night manager at a luxury hotel. Soon, he finds himself entangled in a web of international arms dealing and deception.
What makes this series stand out is its blend of suspense, danger, and unexpected twists. The storytelling keeps you guessing, as every move Pine makes could either bring him closer to success or ruin everything he holds dear. The excellent pacing and the gripping plot make it one of the best series on Hotstar.
2. Aarya
IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
Aarya (played by Sushmita Sen), who seems like an average housewife at first, is thrust into a world of drugs and violence after the death of her husband, Tej (portrayed by Singh). Faced with urgent dangers to her family's well-being, Aarya resists her intrinsic disposition and transforms into a powerful entity, taking over her deceased husband's illegal drug operations. This profound change is driven by a strong maternal instinct, seeking to protect her children and exact revenge. 'Aarya' takes cues from the Dutch crime drama 'Penoza,' aired from 2010 to 2017.
Aarya is a compelling crime drama about a woman who finds herself in the midst of the underworld after her husband’s death. Aarya, played by Sushmita Sen, goes from being a simple, family-oriented woman to someone who must confront crime and danger to protect her loved ones.
The storytelling beautifully balances family drama with crime, and Aarya’s journey of transformation keeps the audience hooked. The series is filled with emotional depth, suspense, and unexpected twists, making it one of the best series on Hotstar for fans of powerful female leads and intense storytelling.
3. Criminal Justice
IMDb Rating: 8.1/10
‘Criminal Justice’ is an Indian legal drama web series featuring crime thriller elements, made for Hotstar Specials. This series in Hindi is based on the 2008 British TV show of the same title, with the screenplay written by Shridhar Raghavan. Helmed by Tigmanshu Dhulia and Vishal Furia, the series boasts an impressive cast featuring Pankaj Tripathi, Vikrant Massey, Jackie Shroff, Anupriya Goenka, and Mita Vashisht in significant roles.
The plot centers on people maneuvering through the intricacies of the criminal justice system, offering a captivating story. The series covers several seasons, with each one emphasizing unique cases.
Criminal Justice is a captivating courtroom drama that delves deep into the complexities of the legal system. The series revolves around a man named Aditya, who is accused of a crime he doesn’t remember committing. As the story unfolds, we see the different layers of the justice system, including the challenges faced by the accused, the defense, and the law enforcement.
The gripping narrative and intense courtroom scenes keep the viewer engaged, and the series masterfully reveals dark secrets with every episode. With its powerful performances and tight storytelling, Criminal Justice is definitely one of the best series on Hotstar for crime and thriller lovers.
Also Read: Ultimate List Of Movies To Watch On OTT For Endless Entertainment
4. Special Ops
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
The show, starring Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, and Vinay Pathak, focuses on Himmat Singh, an experienced agent of the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW). Himmat Singh strongly holds the view that a singular mastermind is coordinating various terrorist attacks. Together with his team, he initiates secret missions to uncover the reality behind these events.
For fans of espionage and thrill, Special Ops is a must-watch. The story follows a group of Indian intelligence officers as they track down a terrorist mastermind behind several attacks on India. The storytelling of Special Ops is fast-paced and packed with action, making it one of the most exciting series on Hotstar.
With its intense plot and high-stakes mission, the series takes you through numerous twists and turns, keeping you guessing until the very end. The blend of suspense, action, and intelligent writing makes it one of the best series on Hotstar for anyone who loves a good spy thriller.
5. Prison Break
IMDb Rating: 8.3/10
This captivating thriller series, covering five seasons, encountered bans in 13 prisons throughout the United States. The ban was probably put in place to stop inmates from finding ideas for escape. The plot centers on Michael Scofield (portrayed by Miller), an ingenious engineer who deliberately places himself in prison to help his innocent brother, Lincoln Burrows (played by Purcell), evade execution.
Michael utilizes his detailed tattoo and sharp intellect to devise a complex escape strategy from the tightly-secured Fox River State Penitentiary, revealing a conspiracy that exceeds their greatest fantasies. Prison Break is one of the most iconic shows in the genre of escape thrillers. The story follows Michael Scofield, a man who plans to break his brother out of prison after he is wrongfully convicted of a crime.
The storytelling in Prison Break is fast-paced and full of tension, with each episode bringing a new challenge for the characters. The series cleverly mixes action, suspense, and emotional depth, making it one of the most addictive shows to watch. The twists and turns in the plot keep viewers at the edge of their seats, making it one of the best series on Hotstar for fans of escape thrillers.
These five shows—The Night Manager, Aarya, Criminal Justice, Special Ops, and Prison Break—offer some of the most exciting and engaging storytelling on Hotstar. Whether you're into crime thrillers, spy dramas, or emotional family sagas, these series provide something for everyone. With their compelling plots, strong characters, and unpredictable twists, they truly deserve a spot among the best series on Hotstar. So, grab your popcorn and start watching!