Best Hulu Originals
Un's Complete Ranking
Analysis by Un the Fun Monkey | Updated: December 16, 2025
The Green Streaming Machine
Look, I used to think Hulu was just the place where TV shows went to retire. But since the full "FX on Hulu" integration, it has arguably become the strongest service for adult drama. I have spent the last month glued to my sofa (research is hard work) to bring you the definitive guide. From the high-stress kitchen of The Bear to the alien antics of Solar Opposites, I have charted the quality of every season so you know exactly what is worth your time.
1. The Heavy Hitters (Drama)
This is where Hulu shines. I've charted the ratings below so you can see the trajectory. Notice how Fargo had a massive dip in Season 4 but recovered beautifully in Season 5?
The Bear is the headliner. Jeremy Allen White captures a specific type of manic anxiety that resonates with anyone who has ever had a job they hate but love. And Shōgun? It is essentially perfect. It currently only has one season, which is why it isn't on the comparison chart, but it is a solid 10/10.
| Show Title | Genre | Un's Honest Take |
|---|---|---|
| The Bear | Stress / Drama | 10/10. It’s not just about cooking. It’s about grief, trauma, and shouting "CORNER!" loudly. Season 2 is a masterpiece. |
| Fargo | Crime Anthology | 9.5/10. Just watch it. It’s weird, violent, and darkly funny. Skip Season 4 if you are short on time, but Season 5 with Jon Hamm is brilliant. |
| The Handmaid's Tale | Dystopian | 8/10. The first three seasons are revolutionary TV. It drags a bit in Season 4, but it is still incredibly powerful. |
| Shōgun | Historical Epic | 10/10. Subtitles required. Put your phone away. The political manoeuvring here is sharper than any katana. |
2. Comedy: Cozy & Chaotic
Comedy is hard to sustain, but Hulu's originals have incredible staying power. Only Murders in the Building is my absolute comfort watch. It feels like autumn in New York wrapped in a warm blanket.
But if you want something weirder, What We Do in the Shadows documents the lives of vampires in Staten Island. As the chart shows, it is remarkably consistent—it never really has a bad season. I also must mention Reservation Dogs, which ended on a perfect note in Season 3.
Best Comfort Watch
Only Murders
(Cozy Crime Vibes)Most Consistent
WWDITS
(Vampire Mockumentary)3. Hulu Original Movies
Streaming movies usually have a reputation for being a bit... rubbish. But Hulu has dropped some absolute bangers recently that skipped cinemas entirely. Since these are standalone films, I've ranked them head-to-head below.
Prey is the best Predator movie since the original (yes, I said it). It strips away the gadgets and gives us a raw survival story. On the lighter side, Palm Springs takes the Groundhog Day time-loop concept and makes it fresh, funny, and surprisingly existential. Also, watch Rye Lane—a vibrant, colourful rom-com set in South London.
4. Animation & Docs
As a monkey, I hold animation to a very high standard. Solar Opposites is my top pick. From the creator of Rick & Morty, it follows aliens stuck in suburbia. The subplot involving tiny humans trapped in a wall terrarium (called "The Wall") is genuinely better drama than most live-action shows.
On the documentary side, Welcome to Wrexham is essential viewing. Even if you hate football, you will fall in love with the Welsh community Ryan Reynolds has adopted.
5. Limited Series (One & Done)
These shows are designed to be binged in one weekend. Since they don't have multiple seasons, I have charted the Episode Quality Trajectory below. This shows you how the quality holds up from the first episode to the finale.
Dopesick (Michael Keaton fighting Big Pharma) is the heavy hitter here. As the chart shows, it actually gets *better* as it goes along, which is rare. The Dropout is also fantastic, featuring Amanda Seyfried doing a bizarrely accurate Elizabeth Holmes voice.
Un's Top Recommendation
If you only watch one limited series, make it Dopesick. It is infuriating, heartbreaking, and brilliantly acted. It explains the opioid crisis better than any documentary I've seen. Just maybe have a comedy like Abbott Elementary lined up for afterwards.
Un's Final Verdict
We are living in a golden age of Hulu content. The "green" streaming service is no longer just for next-day replays; it is a creative powerhouse.
Un's Advice: If you find the sheer amount of content overwhelming, start with The Bear. It is short, sharp, and unlike anything else on TV. If that's too stressful, join the trio in Only Murders in the Building. You really can't go wrong. Now, if you'll excuse me, I'm off to rewatch Bluey to calm my nerves.
