As a passionate cinema enthusiast, I've spent countless hours immersed in the world of English web series and shows. With a treasure trove of incredible content available, I've compiled a list of the top 20 shows that you absolutely must not miss. These series have enthralled audiences worldwide and have set new standards in storytelling, performance, and direction.

1. Friends

• Actors: Jennifer Aniston, Courteney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, Matt LeBlanc, Matthew Perry and David Schwimmer.

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: "Friends" is the epitome of the classic sitcom, offering timeless humor, unforgettable characters, and a heartwarming depiction of friendship that resonates with audiences of all ages.

2. Black Mirror

• Actors: Various

• Creator: Charlie Brooker

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: "Black Mirror" presents thought-provoking, dystopian tales that delve into the dark side of technology and human nature. It's a mind-bending journey through the impact of innovation on society.

3.Game of Thrones

• Actors: Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, and more.

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: HBO

• Why You Should Watch: Epic battles, complex characters, and intricate political intrigue make "Game of Thrones" a must-see fantasy series. It's a tale of power, ambition, and dragons that will keep you hooked.

4. Sherlock

• Actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: This modern adaptation of the iconic detective offers brilliant storytelling, masterful performances, and a fascinating take on Sherlock Holmes.

5. Money Heist (La Casa de Papel)

• Actors: Álvaro Morte, Úrsula Corberó

• Directors: Álex Pina

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: "Money Heist" is a thrilling rollercoaster of heists, betrayals, and emotional drama. It's a nail-biting journey into the world of robbers and the Mint.

6. Peaky Blinders

• Actors: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: This crime drama offers a gripping tale of a post-World War I gang, with sharp writing, strong performances, and an engrossing period setting.

7. Stranger Things

• Actors: Millie Bobby Brown, Finn Wolfhard

• Directors: The Duffer Brothers

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: "Stranger Things" is a nostalgic trip to the '80s with supernatural mysteries, endearing characters, and a strong sense of camaraderie.

8. Breaking Bad

• Actors: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul

• Directors: Vince Gilligan

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: Witness the transformation of a mild-mannered chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug lord in this intense, character-driven crime drama.

9. Sex Education

• Actors: Asa Butterfield, Gillian Anderson

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: "Sex Education" is a coming-of-age dramedy that navigates the complexities of teenage life, sexuality, and relationships with humor and heart.

10. Dark

• Actors: Louis Hofmann, Maja Schöne

• Directors: Baran bo Odar

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: This German science fiction series explores the intricacies of time travel, family, and the consequences of our actions in a gripping, mind-bending narrative.

11. Loki

• Actors: Tom Hiddleston, Owen Wilson

• Directors: Kate Herron

• Streaming Platform: Disney+

• Why You Should Watch: "Loki" adds a dash of mischievous charm to the Marvel Cinematic Universe, with a unique, time-twisting storyline and compelling character development.

12. Ted Lasso

• Actors: Jason Sudeikis, Hannah Waddingham

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Apple TV+

• Why You Should Watch: "Ted Lasso" is a heartwarming comedy that celebrates optimism, kindness, and the power of belief in oneself, offering a refreshing take on sports and life.

13. The Boys

• Actors: Karl Urban, Jack Quaid

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Amazon Prime Video

• Why You Should Watch: This dark and satirical take on superheroes explores the corrupt underbelly of the hero industry, delivering a violent and thought-provoking narrative.

14. Chernobyl

• Actors: Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson

• Directors: Johan Renck

• Streaming Platform: HBO

• Why You Should Watch: "Chernobyl" is a harrowing and meticulously crafted historical drama that provides a haunting look at the 1986 nuclear disaster and its aftermath.

15. Lucifer

• Actors: Tom Ellis, Lauren German

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: Mixing crime-solving with supernatural elements, "Lucifer" is a devilishly entertaining series with charismatic leads and a witty sense of humor.

16. The Crown

• Actors: Olivia Colman, Helena Bonham Carter

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: "The Crown" offers a regal and well-acted portrayal of the British monarchy, exploring the personal and political lives of the royals across different eras.

17. Narcos

• Actors: Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: This crime drama series delves into the history of drug cartels, offering a gritty and gripping look at the drug trade and its consequences.

18. Better Call Saul

• Actors: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: A prequel to "Breaking Bad," "Better Call Saul" provides a deeper understanding of the morally ambiguous lawyer, Saul Goodman, in a compelling character-driven narrative.

19. The Umbrella Academy

• Actors: Ellen Page, Tom Hopper

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: A dysfunctional family of adopted super-powered individuals must come together to solve the mystery of their father's death in this offbeat, genre-blending series.

20. House of Cards

• Actors: Kevin Spacey, Robin Wright

• Directors: Various

• Streaming Platform: Netflix

• Why You Should Watch: "House of Cards" is a gripping political drama that delves into the ruthless world of Washington, D.C. Follow the cunning and power-hungry Frank Underwood as he navigates the corridors of power, making it a must-watch for those who enjoy political intrigue, manipulation, and suspense.

These 20 English web series and shows cover a wide range of genres and themes, ensuring there's something for every viewer. Whether you're a fan of drama, comedy, sci-fi, or crime, these shows have something exceptional to offer, making them a must-watch for any cinephile. So, grab your popcorn and start binge-watching your way through this captivating list of series that have left an indelible mark on the world of television.