15 Indian Web Series That You Shouldn’t Miss

Indian web series in past few years, have captured the attention of audiences not just within the country but also globally. With gripping storylines, stellar performances, and innovative storytelling, these Indian web series have carved a niche for themselves in the hearts of viewers. Here, we present a curated list of the 15 most popular Indian web series that are must-watches for any avid binge-watcher.

Top 15 Indian Web Series

IMDB recently released a list of Most Popular Indian Web Series. Here take a look at 15 Indian Web series that you shouldn’t miss:

1. Sacred Games

• IMDB: 8.5
• Stars: Saif Ali Khan, Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Neeraj Kabi, Elnaaz Noruzi
• Creator: Varun Grover
• Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

“Sacred Games” is a gripping Indian web series that unfolds in the bustling city of Mumbai, where crime and corruption thrive alongside the dreams of its inhabitants. The story revolves around two central characters: Sartaj Singh, a cynical and honest police officer, and Ganesh Gaitonde, a notorious gangster with a mysterious past.

The series kicks off with a phone call from Gaitonde to Sartaj, in which he cryptically hints at an impending catastrophe that will shake the city to its core. As Sartaj delves deeper into the investigation, he unravels a complex web of conspiracy, betrayal, and political intrigue that spans decades.

Through a series of flashbacks, we learn about Gaitonde’s rise to power and his connections to various influential figures in Mumbai’s underworld. As Sartaj races against time to uncover the truth, he must confront his own demons and navigate the murky waters of the city’s criminal underworld.

As the series progresses, the lines between good and evil blur, and Sartaj finds himself questioning his own beliefs and motivations. Along the way, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, each with their own motivations and agendas.

Filled with twists and turns, “Sacred Games” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats as they try to piece together the puzzle of Gaitonde’s cryptic message and uncover the truth behind the conspiracy that threatens to tear the city apart. With its gritty realism, stellar performances, and gripping storyline, “Sacred Games” has earned widespread acclaim and cemented its place as one of the most iconic Indian web series of all time.

2. Mirzapur

• IMDB: 8.5
• Stars: Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal, Divyendu Sharma, Shweta Tripathi
• Creator: Puneet Krishna, Karan Anshuman
• Genre: Action, Crime, Drama

“Mirzapur” is a compelling Indian web series that immerses viewers into the underworld of the town of Mirzapur. The narrative revolves around power dynamics, crime, and vengeance, primarily focusing on two influential families, the Tripathis and the Pandits.

At the core of the plot is Akhandanand Tripathi, also known as Kaleen Bhaiya, a formidable gangster who controls the illegal arms trade in Mirzapur. His son, Munna, aspires to inherit his father’s empire but often resorts to violence and impulsive decisions, causing turmoil within the family.

The story unfolds as two brothers, Guddu and Bablu Pandit, inadvertently become entangled in the Tripathis’ affairs. Initially working for Kaleen Bhaiya, they gradually rise through the ranks, facing moral dilemmas and ethical conflicts along the way.

As tensions escalate between the two families, alliances shift, betrayals occur, and bloodshed becomes inevitable. The series intricately weaves together themes of power, loyalty, and survival, keeping viewers gripped with its intense narrative and complex character dynamics.

3. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story

• IMDB: 9.3
• Stars: Pratik Gandhi, Hemant Kher, Shreya Dhanwanthary, Anjali Barot
• Creator: Hansal Mehta
• Genre: Biography, Crime, Drama

“Scam 1992” is a captivating Indian web series that meticulously chronicles the rise and fall of one of India’s most infamous stockbrokers, Harshad Mehta. Set in the backdrop of the 1992 Indian stock market scam, the series offers a gripping portrayal of ambition, greed, and power.

At its heart is Harshad Mehta, a middle-class Gujarati man with dreams of making it big in the world of finance. With his sharp intellect and unwavering confidence, he quickly rises through the ranks of the stock market, earning the nickname “The Big Bull” for his bold and unconventional trading strategies.

As Mehta amasses wealth and influence, he becomes embroiled in a web of deceit and corruption, manipulating the stock market to his advantage and orchestrating one of the largest financial scams in Indian history. Along the way, he forms alliances with powerful politicians, brokers, and bankers, exploiting the loopholes in the system for personal gain.

The series also sheds light on the efforts of journalist Sucheta Dalal and her colleague Debashis Basu, who uncover the truth behind Mehta’s fraudulent activities and expose the extent of corruption in the Indian financial sector.

4.  The Family Man

• IMDB: 8.7
• Stars: Manoj Bajpayee, Samantha Ruth Prabhu, Priyamani, Sharib Hashmi
• Creators: Krishna D.K, Raj Nidimoru
• Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama

“The Family Man” is an enthralling Indian web series that intricately weaves together the worlds of espionage and domestic life. The story revolves around Srikant Tiwari, a middle-class man leading a double life as a seemingly ordinary government employee and a highly skilled intelligence officer for the Threat Analysis and Surveillance Cell (TASC), a fictional branch of the National Investigation Agency (NIA).

On the surface, Srikant appears to be a typical husband and father, juggling the demands of his high-pressure job with the responsibilities of family life. However, behind closed doors, he grapples with the challenges of keeping his profession a secret from his wife and children while navigating the dangerous and unpredictable world of counter-terrorism.

As Srikant and his team work tirelessly to thwart terrorist plots and safeguard the nation, they encounter a myriad of threats and adversaries, ranging from militant groups to foreign intelligence agencies. Amidst the adrenaline-fueled missions and high-stakes operations, Srikant must also contend with the everyday challenges of maintaining a work-life balance and preserving the sanctity of his family.

5. Aspirants

• IMDB: 9.2
• Stars: Naveen Kasturia, Shivankit Singh Parihar, Abhilash Thapliyal, Sunny Hinduja
• Creators: Deepesh Sumitra Jagdish, Arunabh Kumar, Shreyansh Pandey
• Genre: Drama

“Aspirants” is a poignant Indian web series that follows the lives of three friends who are preparing for the Civil Services Examination (CSE), one of the toughest competitive exams in India. The story primarily revolves around the aspirations, struggles, and personal journeys of these aspirants as they navigate the complexities of the exam preparation process and the challenges of life.

The central character, Abhilash Sharma, aka Abhi, is a dedicated and determined young man from a small town with dreams of becoming an Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officer. Alongside him are his friends and fellow aspirants, Guri and SK, each with their own motivations and aspirations.

As they immerse themselves in the rigorous preparation for the CSE, the trio grapples with a multitude of obstacles, including academic pressure, financial constraints, and personal setbacks. The series delves deep into the intricacies of their lives, exploring themes of friendship, ambition, sacrifice, and resilience.

Interwoven with their journey towards their goals are glimpses into their pasts, revealing the formative experiences and motivations that drive them to pursue careers in the civil services. Along the way, they encounter a diverse cast of characters, including mentors, rivals, and love interests, who shape their perspectives and influence their decisions.

Through its realistic portrayal of the ups and downs of the CSE preparation journey, “Aspirants” offers viewers a heartfelt and insightful reflection on the aspirations and struggles of India’s youth. With its compelling storytelling, relatable characters, and emotional depth, the series has struck a chord with audiences, earning widespread acclaim and sparking conversations about the challenges faced by aspirants in the pursuit of their dreams.

6. Criminal Justice

• IMDB: 8.1
• Stars: Vikrant Massey, Pankaj Tripathi, Jagat Rawat, Rucha Imamdar
• Creators: Tigmanshu Dhulia, Vishal Furia
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

“Criminal Justice” is a gripping Indian web series that unfolds as a compelling courtroom drama intertwined with a riveting crime thriller. The story revolves around Aditya Sharma, a mild-mannered cab driver whose life takes a drastic turn when he finds himself accused of a brutal murder.

The series begins with a seemingly ordinary night for Aditya, who picks up a passenger and ends up spending the night with her. However, when he wakes up the next morning, he discovers her lifeless body in his apartment, leading to his arrest and subsequent trial for her murder.

As Aditya navigates the complexities of the criminal justice system, he is thrust into a world of uncertainty, fear, and betrayal. With the help of his legal counsel, he must prove his innocence and uncover the truth behind the crime, all while facing the harsh realities of prison life and the stigma of being labeled a murderer.

The narrative unfolds through a series of twists and turns, as Aditya’s journey intertwines with the lives of various characters, including his family, friends, and fellow inmates. Along the way, he grapples with moral dilemmas, confronts his own demons, and fights to reclaim his freedom and dignity.

7. Breathe

• IMDB: 8.3
• Stars: R Madhavan, Amit Sadh, Sapna Pabbi
• Creators: Mayank Sharma, Abhijeet Deshpande
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

“Breathe” is a thrilling Indian web series that delves into the dark and complex world of crime, morality, and desperation. The story revolves around Danny Mascarenhas, a single father who will go to any lengths to save his terminally ill son, Josh.

When Josh’s condition deteriorates rapidly and he urgently needs a lung transplant, Danny finds himself facing a seemingly impossible dilemma. Desperate to save his son’s life, he embarks on a dangerous journey that leads him to commit a series of calculated murders, targeting organ donors who he believes are not utilizing their organs effectively.

As Danny’s actions draw the attention of the law enforcement authorities, Inspector Kabir Sawant is assigned to investigate the mysterious deaths. Kabir, grappling with his own personal demons and haunted by his past, becomes determined to unravel the truth behind the killings and apprehend the elusive perpetrator.

The series unfolds as a tense cat-and-mouse game between Danny and Kabir, with each episode building suspense and intrigue as the stakes escalate. As Danny’s desperation grows and Kabir closes in on his trail, the lines between right and wrong blur, forcing both men to confront their own moral compasses and the lengths they are willing to go to achieve their goals.

8.  Kota Factory

• IMDB: 9
• Stars: Jitendra Kumar, Mayur More, Ranjan Raj
• Creator: Saurabh Khanna
• Genre: Comedy, Drama

“Kota Factory” is a compelling Indian web series that offers a poignant portrayal of the lives of students preparing for competitive exams in Kota, a renowned coaching hub in Rajasthan, India. The story follows Vaibhav, a bright but unmotivated student who moves to Kota with dreams of cracking the notoriously difficult Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) entrance exam.

Set against the backdrop of the intense academic pressure and cutthroat competition prevalent in Kota, the series explores the struggles, aspirations, and relationships of Vaibhav and his fellow students. From grueling study schedules and demanding coaching classes to personal setbacks and self-doubt, the characters navigate the challenges of preparing for one of the most prestigious exams in the country.

Amidst the academic rigors, Vaibhav forms friendships with his roommates and classmates, finding camaraderie and support in the shared pursuit of their dreams. Along the way, he encounters mentors, teachers, and fellow students who leave a lasting impact on his journey and shape his perspective on success and happiness.

Through its realistic portrayal of the education system and the pressures faced by students, “Kota Factory” offers a nuanced exploration of ambition, resilience, and the pursuit of excellence. The series sheds light on the sacrifices made by students and their families in the pursuit of academic success, while also highlighting the importance of mental health and personal well-being.

9. Panchayat

• IMDB: 8.9
• Stars: Jitendra Kumar, Raghubir Yadav, Neena Gupta
• Creator: Deepak Kumar Mishra
• Genre: Comedy, Drama

“Panchayat” is a heartwarming Indian web series that provides a delightful glimpse into rural life and governance in India. The story revolves around Abhishek Tripathi, a young graduate who reluctantly accepts a job as the secretary of the Phulera village panchayat in Uttar Pradesh.

As Abhishek navigates the challenges of adapting to life in a rural setting, he encounters a colorful cast of characters, including the eccentric villagers and the village headman, Pradhan Pati Shukla. Despite his initial reluctance and disdain for the job, Abhishek gradually begins to find meaning and purpose in his role as he becomes more involved in the daily affairs of the village.

Through a series of comedic misadventures and heartwarming moments, “Panchayat” explores themes of community, tradition, and the importance of grassroots governance. From resolving disputes over water supply to organizing village festivals and elections, Abhishek learns valuable lessons about leadership, empathy, and the power of collective action.

The series also touches upon contemporary issues affecting rural India, such as access to education, healthcare, and infrastructure. As Abhishek strives to make a positive impact on the lives of the villagers, he forms deep connections and forges friendships that transcend social and cultural barriers.

10.  Paatal Lok

• IMDB: 8.1
• Stars: Jaideep Ahlawat, Neeraj Kabi, Ishwak Singh
• Creator: Sudip Sharma
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

“Paatal Lok” is a gripping Indian web series that takes viewers on a dark and gritty journey through the underbelly of society. The story revolves around Hathiram Chaudhary, a disillusioned Delhi Police officer who is assigned to investigate a high-profile assassination attempt on a well-known journalist.

As Hathiram delves deeper into the case, he uncovers a complex web of corruption, violence, and deceit that spans across various strata of society. From the slums of Delhi to the corridors of power, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, each with their own motivations and secrets.

At the center of the investigation is a group of four suspects from the lower rungs of society, who are linked to the crime in unexpected ways. As Hathiram and his team piece together the puzzle, they find themselves drawn into a world of crime syndicates, political intrigue, and moral ambiguity.

Through its gritty realism and multi-layered narrative, “Pataal Lok” offers a searing critique of contemporary Indian society, exploring themes of power, privilege, and social inequality. The series shines a spotlight on the darker aspects of human nature, exposing the complexities of identity, morality, and justice in a rapidly changing world.

11. Special OPS

• IMDB: 8.6
• Stars: Kay Kay Menon, Karan Tacker, Gautami Kapoor
• Creator: Neeraj Pandey
• Genre: Action, Crime, Thriller

“Special Ops” is a riveting Indian web series that dives deep into the world of espionage, counter-terrorism, and international intrigue. The story revolves around Himmat Singh, a seasoned intelligence officer with the Research and Analysis Wing (RAW), who is convinced that there is a mastermind orchestrating a series of terrorist attacks across India over the past two decades.

As Himmat delves into the investigation, he assembles a team of talented agents to track down the elusive terrorist mastermind known only as “Ikhlaq Khan.” The series unfolds across multiple timelines and locations, spanning from India to the Middle East and Europe, as Himmat and his team embark on a high-stakes mission to uncover the truth behind the attacks and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Through a series of meticulously planned operations, undercover missions, and close encounters with danger, the agents navigate a complex web of conspiracies, betrayals, and double-crosses. Along the way, they face formidable adversaries, including rogue intelligence agents, corrupt politicians, and ruthless terrorists, who will stop at nothing to achieve their goals.

As the investigation intensifies, Himmat and his team must race against time to prevent another devastating attack and unravel the mysteries surrounding “Ikhlaq Khan.” With its pulse-pounding action, gripping suspense, and intricate plot twists, “Special Ops” keeps viewers on the edge of their seats, delivering an adrenaline-fueled thrill ride from start to finish.

12. Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side

• IMDB: 8.5
• Stars: Arshad Warsi, Barun Sobti, Anupriya Goenka, Ridhi Dogra, Vishesh Bansal
• Creator: Gaurav Shukla
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery

“Asur: Welcome to Your Dark Side” is a gripping Indian web series that delves into the murky world of forensic science, mythology, and serial murder investigations. The story follows Nikhil Nair, a brilliant forensic expert and former FBI agent who returns to India to assist the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in solving a series of gruesome killings that seem to be inspired by ancient Hindu mythology.

As Nikhil and his team delve deeper into the investigation, they uncover a web of dark secrets, hidden agendas, and personal vendettas that lead them down a path of intrigue and danger. Along the way, they must confront their own inner demons and wrestle with the moral complexities of their profession.

The series weaves together elements of forensic science, psychology, and mythology to create a gripping narrative that keeps viewers on the edge of their seats. As the mystery unravels, Nikhil and his team must race against time to decipher the cryptic clues left behind by the killer and prevent further bloodshed.

Through its intricate plot twists, complex characters, and thought-provoking themes, “Asur” explores the eternal battle between good and evil, the nature of human depravity, and the thin line between justice and vengeance. With its gritty realism and spine-tingling suspense, the series offers a chilling glimpse into the darker recesses of the human psyche, leaving viewers questioning their own capacity for darkness.

13. Farzi

• IMDB: 8.4
• Stars: Shahid Kapoor, Vijay Sethupathi, Raashi Khanna, Kay Kay Menon
• Creator: Krishna D.K, Raj Nidimoru
• Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller

Raj and DK have established a standard in narrating tales involving government intelligence agencies with astute humor, infused with elements of satire and black comedy. This approach prompts viewers to chuckle at the irony presented within the narrative.

Farzi revolves around Sunny, portrayed by Shahid Kapoor, a youth who resorts to printing counterfeit currency in a bid to rescue his grandfather’s struggling magazine and printing press. The narrative tracks his quest to dismantle the system that has unfairly treated him, leading him to collaborate with the counterfeit money kingpin Mansoor Dayal, portrayed by Kay Kay Menon.

The series reaches its climax in a thrilling finale, as Sunny seeks retribution against those who have betrayed him. It is a finely crafted series with a captivating plotline, thrilling action scenes, and commendable performances from the ensemble cast. Enthusiasts of crime-comedy genres are sure to find delight in this offering.

14. Dhindora

• IMDB: 8.8
• Stars: Bhuvan Bam, Gayatri Bhardwaj, Jeeveshu Ahluwalia, Anup Soni
• Creator: Bhuvan Bam
• Genre: Comedy, Drama

The storyline kicks off when Bhuvan’s father, Mr. Babloo, unexpectedly wins a lottery worth Rs. 10 crores. However, tragedy strikes when he meets with a sudden accident, plunging his family into a whirlwind of unforeseen challenges. Indeed, the accident itself is already a harrowing ordeal.

The ordeal ensued when Mr. Babloo suffered from amnesia due to the incident, and Bhuvan’s mother, Janki Ji, spread the news among the neighbors (we can say she is “making a ruckus” about this stroke of fortune). Given that their family was genuinely middle-class, such a substantial amount could significantly alter their circumstances, particularly when Bhuvan was striving to achieve career success and leave his mark.

15. Inside Edge

• IMDB: 7.9
• Stars: Tanuj Virwani, Sayani Gupta, Richa Chadha, Vivek Oberoi
• Creator: Karan Anshuman
• Genre: Sports Drama

“Inside Edge” is a thrilling Indian web series that provides a gripping glimpse into the world of professional cricket, showcasing the behind-the-scenes drama, politics, and corruption that often accompany the sport. The series follows the Mumbai Mavericks, a fictional cricket team in the Powerplay League (PPL), as they navigate the cutthroat competition and personal vendettas that threaten to derail their ambitions.

At the heart of the story is Arvind Vashishth, the team’s captain, who is determined to lead his squad to victory despite facing numerous obstacles, both on and off the field. As the series unfolds, viewers are introduced to a diverse cast of characters, including team owners, players, coaches, and administrators, each with their own motivations and agendas.

“Inside Edge” explores a wide range of themes, including ambition, greed, loyalty, and betrayal, as the characters grapple with the pressures of professional sports and the temptations of wealth and fame. From match-fixing scandals to power struggles within the team management, the series pulls back the curtain on the darker side of cricket, revealing the lengths to which some individuals are willing to go to achieve success.

Also Read: 15 Best Web Series of All Time and Their IMDB rating