New 8-Part Crime Thriller Becomes Instant Top 3 Hit

The best shows to binge on Netflix this weekend, May 15–17, 2026, include three hit thriller series that have dominated global streaming charts this month. Between a reboot of a Denzel Washington-led modern classic, a remarkable true crime story finally brought to light, and a brand new heist thriller co-developed by the creator of Power, Netflix has plenty of action-packed streaming shows worth your time right now.

Last week, Netflix dropped a flurry of new releases across all major genres and mediums, including the viral comedy special The Roast of Kevin Hart and the return of the popular reality series Perfect Match hosted by Nick Lachey. Additionally, the overlooked comedy series Everyone Is Doing Great returned for its second season after getting canceled by Hulu, and the anticipated video game adaptation Devil May Cry also debuted its second season. That said, these three high-octane thrillers are ScreenRant’s top 3 shows to binge on Netflix this weekend.

Man On Fire

Man on Fire premiered weeks ago on Netflix and still remains one of the most-watched shows on the streaming platform worldwide. Even though it only achieved a 60% Rotten Tomatoes score, it has held a spot in Netflix’s top 5 global viewership chart since its release, making it one of the top-performing new series this Spring. While Man on Fire is expected to cool off heading into the second half of May 2026, it is still worth watching this weekend if you haven’t already, due to its massive popularity.

Like the 2004 film, the series follows an ex-CIA operative named John Creasy who is hired as a bodyguard for a young girl, the daughter of his fallen colleague. After the girl is kidnapped, Creasy goes on a vengeance-fueled rampage to get her back. Spanning 7 episodes, Man on Fire is far from perfect, but it could be the best choice on Netflix for you this weekend if you love non-stop action thrillers.

Legends

After making its world premiere last week, Legends has surged in popularity and critical acclaim, ranking #2 on Netflix’s worldwide chart at the time of writing, while also earning a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes score of 96%. Featuring one of the strongest casts ever assembled for a Netflix show, led by Steve Coogan and Tom Burke, Legends tells the incredible true story of a group of Customs officials who dedicate their lives to going undercover and stopping an illegal drug trade in 1990s England.

Burke plays Guy, who gets in deep with Turkish heroin suppliers, while other characters infiltrate a powerful kingpin based in Liverpool. Coogan plays Don, who organizes the top-secret operation and ensures that each of his agents keeps their heads on straight and avoids falling too deeply into their alter-egos, called “Legends.” Naturally compelling, Legends is worth every second of its lean six episodes this weekend on Netflix.

Nemesis

The most exciting new release on Netflix heading into this weekend is Nemesis, an 8-part heist thriller that is like if Power met Heat. Already a top 3 streaming hit in the United States, as well as top 6 worldwide and climbing, Nemesis centers on a cat-and-mouse chase between an elusive thief posing as a respectable businessman and a virtuous LAPD detective determined to bring him to justice. The series was co-created by Courtney A. Kemp, who is best known for launching the Power franchise.

Bryan Cranston’s ‘Breaking Bad’ Follow-Up Thriller Is Officially Leaving Netflix Soon – Last Chance To Binge

Bryan Cranston’s follow-up thriller series after Breaking Bad ended is officially leaving Netflix soon, making this month the last chance to binge it.

Apart from being an overnight streaming sensation, Nemesis earned a strong Rotten Tomatoes score of 89% and is looking to be the most-watched new Netflix series this weekend. Led by what some may call career-best performances by Y’lan Noel (Insecure) and Matthew Law (Abbott Elementary), and featuring supporting roles from Domenick Lombardozzi (Tulsa King), Michael Potts (The Wire), Cleopatra Coleman (Clipped), and more, Nemesis is the #1 new show to check out right now, only on Netflix.