The 5 Best Netflix Originals To Watch Now

So this documentary isn't completely fresh off the shelf, but The Guardian has described it as 'essential viewing' and the issues it explores of sexual assault and the failings of the justice system are as timely and relevant as ever. It examines three separate cases of sexual assault in the US and the vilification that the victims received on social media, as well as the ripple effects it had on the families, friends and communities, and shows just how vitriolic social media bullying is. 

Named after the 13th constitutional amendment which abolished slavery except as a 'punishment for crime', this documentary by Ava Duvernay, director behind Selma, gives a powerful and sobering insight into the mass incarceration epidemic in the US since the 1970s and exposes, through the use of archival footage and expert analysis, the reality of modern-day slavery in these run-for-profit prison complexes.

Charlie Brooker's Black Mirror returns but this time with a whopping budget, American cast and twelve episodes as opposed to the usual four. However, although Brooker has tried not to alienate mainstream watchers by varying the episodes in tone and genre, with some lighter than the usual mood, the show will still remain loyal to its original premise of serving up tech-based dystopia. And just in time for Halloween.

Legendary 74-year old filmmaker Werner Herzog shows no sign of slowing down with his latest documentary, exclusively for Netflix. Brimming with incredible visuals and more solemn and philosophical Herzogian narration, Into The Inferno sees Herzog follow Dr Clive Oppenheimer around the world in search of the most powerful volcanoes, meeting fascinating characters along the way. 

The first Netflix drama to be filmed in the UK, The Crown will sate all the period drama cravings of Downtown Abbey fans. It charts the life of Her Royal Majesty prior to ascending to the throne and examines the personal and political intrigues in the first ten years of her reign. Starring Claire Foy as Queen Elizabeth and Matt Smith as Prince Philip, the drama is rumoured to have cost a whopping £100 million, so expect some e-x-t-r-e-m-e-l-y opulent period costumes.