Indian web series have become a significant part of the global entertainment landscape, captivating audiences with their gripping plots and complex characters. In this list of the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time, we highlight the shows that have become cultural phenomena. These series span across various genres, from action-packed thrillers to emotional dramas, and have earned a permanent spot in the hearts of viewers.
1. Mirzapur
Release Date: November 16, 2018
Genres: Crime, Action, Thriller
Director: Karan Anshuman, Gurmeet Singh
Cast: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Vikrant Massey
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
A monumental entry in the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time list, Mirzapur takes viewers into the lawless world of power, crime, and vengeance. The series follows two brothers, Guddu (Ali Fazal) and Bablu (Vikrant Massey), as they get drawn into the brutal underworld of Mirzapur, controlled by the ruthless Akhandanand Tripathi (Pankaj Tripathi). With its sharp writing and gripping performances, Mirzapur is an unmissable crime thriller.
2. Aarya
Release Date: June 19, 2020
Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Ram Madhvani
Cast: Sushmita Sen, Chandrachur Singh, Namit Das
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Aarya is a gripping crime drama that made waves with Sushmita Sen’s powerful comeback to the screen. The show follows Aarya Sareen (Sushmita Sen), a wife and mother who is forced to enter the dangerous world of drug cartels after her husband’s death. As she navigates the murky underworld to protect her family, Aarya explores themes of betrayal, vengeance, and resilience, with high-octane drama and suspense.
3. The Family Man
Release Date: September 20, 2019
Genres: Action, Thriller, Drama
Director: Raj & DK
Cast: Manoj Bajpayee, Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
The Family Man is a perfect blend of espionage and family drama, making it one of the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time. Srikant Tiwari (Manoj Bajpayee) is a middle-class man who secretly works for a government intelligence agency. As he tackles national security issues while balancing his personal life, the show delves into the nuances of duty, loyalty, and the complexities of modern life.
4. Sacred Games
Release Date: July 6, 2018
Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Anurag Kashyap, Vikramaditya Motwane
Cast: Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saif Ali Khan, Radhika Apte
Where to watch: Netflix
Sacred Games is one of the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time due to its exceptional storytelling, unforgettable characters, and intense plot. The series follows Sartaj Singh (Saif Ali Khan), a cop caught in a dangerous game when he uncovers the dark secrets of the infamous gangster, Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui). The series masterfully blends crime, mystery, and drama, offering powerful performances and unforgettable moments.
5. Paatal Lok
Release Date: May 15, 2020
Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Avinash Arun, Prosit Roy
Cast: Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi, Gul Panag
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Paatal Lok is a dark, gripping crime thriller that makes its mark as one of the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time. The show follows Hathi Ram Chaudhary (Jaideep Ahlawat), a disillusioned cop who is assigned to investigate a high-profile case involving a failed assassination attempt. As he uncovers layers of corruption and betrayal, the show explores themes of power, morality, and class division, with outstanding performances and shocking twists.
6. Kota Factory
Release Date: April 16, 2019
Genres: Drama, Coming-of-Age
Director: Raghav Subbu
Cast: Mayur More, Ahsaas Channa, Ranjan Raj
Where to watch: Netflix
Kota Factory stands out as one of the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time due to its realistic portrayal of the pressures faced by students in India. The series follows Vaibhav (Mayur More), a young student who relocates to Kota to prepare for India’s toughest entrance exams. The show sensitively portrays the mental and emotional challenges of students, capturing the essence of life in one of the country’s most competitive educational hubs.
7. Made in Heaven
Release Date: March 8, 2019
Genres: Drama, Romance
Director: Zoya Akhtar, Reema Kagti
Cast: Arjun Mathur, Sobhita Dhulipala, Kalki Koechlin
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Made in Heaven is a standout drama series that has earned a spot among the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time. The show follows wedding planners Tara and Karan as they navigate extravagant weddings while dealing with their own personal struggles. The series addresses themes of love, infidelity, and social class while offering a modern and compelling look at Indian society.
8. Breathe
Release Date: January 26, 2018
Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Mayank Sharma
Cast: R. Madhavan, Amit Sadh, Neena Gupta
Where to watch: Amazon Prime Video
Breathe explores the emotional complexities of a father’s love and the lengths he will go to for his child, earning its place in the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time. Danny (R. Madhavan) is a father desperate to save his son, and when he gets involved in the dark world of organ trafficking, the series becomes a thrilling ride full of twists and turns, exploring moral dilemmas and the depths of human sacrifice.
9. Asur
Release Date: March 2, 2020
Genres: Thriller, Mystery, Crime
Director: Oni Sen
Cast: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Sharib Hashmi
Where to watch: Voot
Asur is a psychological thriller that cleverly combines Indian mythology with a modern-day crime story. The show follows Nikhil Nair (Barun Sobti), a former CBI officer, who is drawn into a gruesome murder case with connections to ancient mythology. Asur is one of the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time due to its intriguing premise, intense narrative, and unpredictable twists that keep viewers hooked.
10. Special OPS
Release Date: March 17, 2020
Genres: Action, Thriller, Spy
Director: Neeraj Pandey
Cast: Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Vipul Gupta
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Special OPS is a high-octane spy thriller that has gained widespread popularity among fans of action-packed narratives. The series follows Himmat Singh (Kay Kay Menon), an intelligence officer tasked with tracking down a mastermind behind terrorist attacks. Filled with action, suspense, and drama, Special OPS is one of the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time for its nail-biting moments and well-crafted plot.
11. Criminal Justice
Release Date: April 5, 2019
Genres: Crime, Thriller, Drama
Director: Tigmanshu Dhulia, Vishal Furia
Cast: Vikrant Massey, Pankaj Tripathi, Anupriya Goenka
Where to watch: Disney+ Hotstar
Criminal Justice delves into the complexities of the Indian legal system, making it a noteworthy entry in the Most Popular Indian Web Series of All Time list. The show follows Aditya (Vikrant Massey), a young man accused of a crime he may not have committed. As the story unfolds, the series explores themes of justice, morality, and the legal process, with a stellar performance from Pankaj Tripathi that elevates the drama.
