From her breakout role as Princess Mia Thermopolis in 2001’sThe Princess Diariesto her Oscar-winning performance as Fantine in 2012’sLes Misérables, Anne Hathaway has been a household name in Hollywood for decades. But Hathaway has made a point to keep her personal life private—including her nine-year marriage to Adam Shulman.
Hathaway surprised fans when she exchanged vows with Shulman, then her boyfriend of four years, in aprivate Big Sur, California, ceremony back in September 2012. She was just 29 then.
Now, nine years and two children later, the couple remains strong, committed, and largely out of the spotlight. So who is Hathaway’s longtime partner? From Shulman’s career to his history with Hathaway, here is everything you need to know about the man who stole the actress’s heart.
Anne Hathaway and Adam Shulman at Hathaway’s Hollywood Walk of Fame star ceremony on May 9, 2019.
Hathaway sensed she’d marry Shulman when she first met him.
Shulman and Hathaway met at the Palm Springs Film Festival in 2008. Hathaway later toldHarper’s Bazaar UK in its February 2013 cover story that she told a mutual friend of theirs at the time, “I’m going to marry that man. I think he thought I was a little nuts, which I am a bit, but I’m also nice.”
When asked if she faced any trust issues when they first started dating (Hathaway’s last ex Raffaello Follieri had been arrested for fraud), Hathaway was honest with the British publication. She said: “I was just very honest with him. I knew from the second I met him that he was the love of my life. I also knew that I couldn’t have met him at a worse time... I took my trust out for a ridiculous joyride with him. [I told him,] ‘I believe, because I need to believe, that what just happened to me was the exception and not the rule, and that people are good and you are a good person, because I feel it. And so I am not in a good place right now, but I’m going with this.’ And he has never hurt me. And I was right. It was scary. But as the days wore on it kept on getting better and better. I found that the love I found for him made me more trusting of everyone, and the more I started to see who I had become. I had lost track of myself during those years and I actually started to see who I had become and that’s... that’s when things got tricky and ugly. Having to forgive myself.”
The couple tied the knot in a low-key ceremony.
Hathaway and Shulman had a very California wedding weekend. According to People, more than 150 guests were invited to Big Sur in September 2012. The celebrations started Friday, with a rehearsal dinner at the Ventana Inn and Spa. The ceremony took place in a nearby estate. As far as decor goes, the couple kept it classy and rustic, with decor inspired by nature, a source told People.
Adam Shulman and Anne Hathaway at the White Fairy Tale Love Ball in Paris in 2011.
DAVE M. BENETT//GETTY IMAGES
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Hathaway says being with Shulman changed her for the better.
Hathaway credits her husband for many changes in her life, including her world view. “He changed my ability to be in the world comfortably,” Hathaway told ELLE during an interview for its Women in Washington April 2017 issue. Hathaway said she once cared too much about other people’s opinions of her. “How hard was I tryin?” the actress asked the interviewer as they read a transcript of their past interviews.
But Shulman helped her grow her own confidence: “I’m a different human than I was then,” the actress said. “I think the accepted narrative now is that we, as women, don’t need anybody. But I need my husband. His unique and specific love has changed me.”
Shulman is a “spectacular” dad, according to Hathaway.
Almost four years after the couple tied the knot, they welcomed their first son, Jonathan Rosebank Shulman. He was born in March 2016. Two months after she gave birth, Hathaway praised Shulman’s parenting skills: “As was to be expected, he is spectacular,” she told Entertainment Tonight.
The Oscar-nominated actress later surprised her fans in the summer of 2019 when she shared a rare personal Instagram post announcing her second pregnancy. “It’s not for a movie... #2,” the actress shared with her followers. The couple’s second child, a boy named Jack, was born in November of that same year.
Arguably, when it comes to the most underrated gems on Netflix, the science fiction series will certainly top the list. From legendary shows like The Flash to binge-worthy mystery Netflix original dramas like Stranger Things, science-fiction is a genre that offers complete entertainment. However, the genre has been expanding rapidly which makes picking the best sci-fi series on Netflix as hard as picking a needle from a haystack. That is precisely why this time we have done the heavy lifting for you and picked out only the finest sci-fi series on Netflix according to their IMDb rating. You’d be glad to know that we have managed to pick out shows that balance science-fiction shows with entertaining elements of romance, horror, thrill, and drama. In fact, every enlisted show is a complete package crammed with unique characters, a distinguished cast, and jaw-dropping elements to keep you on your toes.
From mind-numbingly intriguing futuristic plots to tripping tales that compel you to doubt your reality, this list of the best science-fiction series on Netflix is not only entertaining to watch but also entails iconic shows that you will go back to time and again. So, what are you waiting for? Scroll on for an ultimate list of the best sci-fi series on Netflix right now.
The ultimate list of the best sci-fi series on Netflix right now
1. Black Mirror (2011-2019)
Release Year: 2011
Created By: Charlie Brooker
Black Mirror Star cast: Miley Cyrus, Rory Kinnear, Jon Hamm, Daniel Kaluuya
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-fi
Episode Duration: 1h
Black Mirror IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
OTT: Netflix
When it comes to futuristic sci-fi series on Netflix, nothing beats Black Mirror. Every episode in the anthology series is a brand-new story that scrutinizes human reliance on technology. The show is a satire on how technology can be both a friend and a foe. The show was created back in 2011 and its episodes cover a number of elements along with sci-fi genres. This inventive show beautifully blends dark humor with horror that will definitely manage to make your jaw drop. Created by Charlie Brooker, the show features several cast members including Miley Cyrus, Rory Kinnear, Jon Hamm, and Daniel Kaluuya among several others. Although the show is beyond entertaining, it is pretty dark which will keep you glued to your screens.
2. Stranger Things (2016-present)
Release Year: 2016
Created By: The Duffer Brothers
Stranger Things Star cast: Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, Gaten Matarazzo
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Episode Duration: 51m
Stranger Things IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
OTT: Netflix
Another sci-fi show that’s totally worth the hype is Stranger Things. The Netflix original show is set in the 80s and is equal parts mystery and masterpiece. The eerie ambiance of the show makes you feel like you’re watching a Stephen King novel and in just a few episodes you will be obsessed with the characters and the narration. The show features several intriguing elements that entail mystery and time travel. If you have decided to binge-watch the show in one night, which is hard to resist, you are definitely going to feel like the show is one prolonged film that’s broken down into episodes. Created by The Duffer Brothers, the show features, Winona Ryder, David Harbour, Finn Wolfhard, Millie Bobby Brown, and Gaten Matarazzo. So, what are you waiting for? Go on, binge away, the show will certainly not disappoint.
3. Dark (2017-2020)
Release Year: 2017
Created By: Baran bo Odar, Jantje Friese
Dark Star cast: Louis Hofmann, Karoline Eichhorn, Lisa Vicari
Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Episode Duration: 1h
Dark IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
OTT: Netflix
Dark is another science-fiction drama that will be a hit on your sci-fi watchlist. The show is undoubtedly one of the best shows on Netflix. The show is a complete saga that has everything from family drama, suspense, time travel, supernatural twists, and mysteries of all kinds. Set in a German town, the crime-drama mystery follows an intriguing storyline where a few children suddenly disappear. Their disappearance slowly unravels dark secrets. The show can be compared with Stranger Things, only it has more suspense and thrill that will keep you on the edge of your seats. The 2017 show is created by Baran bo Odar and Jantje Friese and stars Karoline Eichhorn, Louis Hofmann, Lisa Vicari, and Maja Schöne.
4. Love, Death and Robots (2019-present)
Release Year: 2019
Created By: Tim Miller, David Fincher
Love, Death and Robots Star cast: Fred Tatasciore, Scott Whyte, Nolan North
Genre: Animation, Short, Action
Episode Duration: 15m
Love, Death and Robots IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
OTT: Netflix
This is one of the best sci-fi series on Netflix created by Tim Miller and David Fincher. The most interesting thing about this science-fiction anthology is, it is an animated series. Each episode is a storm of sci-fi elements that are written and directed by a different group of people. Anyone who loves sci-fi and is looking for a wide range of emotions concatenated to a sci-fi story; this one is for you. Right from romance to comedy, the 2019 anthology is a complete package when it comes to futuristic storytelling.
5. Sense8 (2015-2018)
Release Year: 2015
Created By: The Wachowski Sisters & J. Michael Straczynski
Sense8 Star cast: Tuppence Middleton, Bae Doona, Jamie Clayton, Brian J. Smith
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-fi
Episode Duration: 1h
Sense8 IMDb Rating: 8.2/10
OTT: Netflix
Sense8 is another American sci-fi series on Netflix that was created by Lana and Lilly Wachowski and J. Michael Straczynski. The 2015 show featured cast members that included Tina Desai, Jamie Clayton, Aml Ameen, Doona Bae, Tuppence Middleton, Max Riemelt, Brian Smith, and Miguel Ángel Silvestre. Just like the show’s name represents, these actors play the role of eight people who are from diverse regions of the globe but all of them suddenly uncover that they are all "sensates." The title of the show comes from the word sensates which refers to humans who are emotionally and mentally linked. Along with the intriguing concept of sensates the show also features issues like sexuality, gender, politics, and most importantly empathy regardless of the differences. Trust us, the show will have you hooked in just one episode.
6. Travelers (2016-2018)
Release Year: 2016
Created By: Brad Wright
Travelers Star cast: Eric McCormack, MacKenzie Porter, Nesta Cooper, Patrick Gilmore
Genre: Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi
Episode Duration: 45min
Travelers IMDb Rating: 8/10
OTT: Netflix
Another sci-fi series on Netflix that’s worth your time is Brad Wright’s Travelers. With time travel as its prime plot, this brilliant show also incorporates drama, mystery, and adventure. Starring Eric McCormack, Nesta Cooper, Patrick Gilmore, and MacKenzie Porter, this show features a group of people who travel back in time to protect the world from a world-ending occurrence. Interestingly, these Travelers travel back in time in the bodies of people in the present and are forced to live their lives as they strive to alter their destiny to save the world from ending. You must watch the show for a creative outlook on time travel and science fiction.
7. The Umbrella Academy (2019-present)
Release Year: 2019
Created By: Steve Blackman and Jeremy Slater
The Umbrella Academy Star cast: Elliot Page, Tom Hopper, David Castañeda, Emmy Raver-Lampman
Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy
Episode Duration: 1h
The Umbrella Academy IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
OTT: Netflix
Another Netflix original series we highly recommend for sci-fi lovers is The Umbrella Academy. The 2019 superhero show is a breath of fresh air. The show is created on the storyline of a graphic novel by Gerard Way and Gabriel Ba that follows a tale of seven kids with remarkable powers. Interestingly, the seven kids are adopted by a man who equips and trains their powers to be superheroes. The show also features how unsettling upbringing separates them only to get back together. Watch the show for the best of science fiction elements along with time travel, mystery, drama, action, adventure, comedy, and so much more.
8. iZombie (2015-2019)
Release Year: 2015
Created By: Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero
iZombie Star cast: Rose McIver, Malcolm Goodwin, Rahul Kohli, Robert Buckley, David Anders
Genre: Comedy, Crime, Drama
Episode Duration: 42 min
iZombie IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
OTT: Netflix
iZombie is a 2015 zombie show created by Rob Thomas and Dianne Ruggiero and stars Rose McIver, David Anders, Malcolm Goodwin, Rahul Kohli, and Robert Buckley. The storyline of the series is based on Chris Roberson and Michael Allred comic that follows the story of Liz played by Rose McIver. Liz is a medical resident with just the right professional and personal life until one unfortunate night when she transforms into a zombie. Interestingly, in spite of looking like a zombie, she feels, walks, talks, functions, thinks, and feels like a human but there is just one condition - she needs to keep feeding on human brains. Interestingly, since Liz is studying to become a medical professional she has quick access to the local morgue which gets her a steady supply. Watch the show to witness how by feeding on different human brains she temporarily incorporates different memories and personalities as well.
9. The OA (2016-2019)
Release Year: 2016
Created By: Brit Marling, Zal Batmanglij
The OA Star cast: Brit Marling, Scott Wilson, Emory Cohen, Phyllis Smith, Alice Krige
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Mystery
Episode Duration: 1h
The OA IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
OTT: Netflix
Another sci-fi show that’s definitely worth a watch is The OA. The trippy show will definitely make you want to binge-watch the entire show in one sitting. The storyline of the show revolves around a woman, Prairie Johnson, who suddenly disappeared only to come back after seven long years. The woman was blind when she disappeared but has somehow recovered her vision. Prairie calls herself the Original Angel which explains the title of the show The OA. Watch the show to witness how she enters another dimension with a number of mysteries and twists. It is the best sci-fi series on Netflix.
10. Alice in Borderland (2020-present)
Release Year: 2020
Created By: Shinsuke Sato (Director)
Alice in Borderland Star cast: Tao Tsuchiya, Nijirô Murakami, Kento Yamazaki,
Genre: Action, Drama, Mystery
Episode Duration: 50min
Alice in Borderland IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
OTT: Netflix
Alice in Borderland is one of the finest science fiction thriller shows available on Netflix to stream. The intriguing storyline of the action drama is based on Haro Aso’s manga also called Alice in Borderland. Set in Tokyo, it revolves around a few young people in their twenties who compete in perilous games. If you liked Squid Games, you are going to love Alice in Borderland. Featuring a star cast that includes Kento Yamazaki, Nijirô Murakami, and Tao Tsuchiya, the show features the best cinematography and effects as well. We like to call it one of thebest Netflix sci fi series.
11. Maniac (2018 Limited Series)
Release Year: 2018
Created By: Patrick Somerville
Maniac Star cast: Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, Justin Theroux
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Sci-fi
Episode Duration: 6h 26m (TV Mini-Series)
Maniac IMDb Rating: 7.7/10
OTT: Netflix
Starring Emma Stone, Jonah Hill, and Justin Theroux, this 2018 Limited Series called Maniac is one of the most innovative sci-fi series on Netflix. Although it is a science fiction show it’s crammed with a myriad of entertaining elements like adventure, dark comedy drama and so much more. The iconic show is created by Patrick Somerville, where Emma Stone plays the character of Cruella while Jonah Hill plays Superbad. The storyline of the show follows a tale of two strangers who are caught amidst a mysteriously mind-bending trial. The show is set in a futuristic New York City that’s stunningly created with mind-blowing visuals and intricate themes like mental illnesses, mortal interactions, and alternate realities. Watch the show if you are on the lookout for a thought-provoking science fiction show.
12. The 100 (2014-2020)
Release Year: 2014
Created By: Jason Rothenberg, based on the novel by Kass Morgan
The 100 Star cast: Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco, Bob Morley, Marie Avgeropoulos
Genre: Drama, Fantasy, Horror
Episode Duration: 43 min
The 100 IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
OTT: Netflix
Another show that boasts sci-fi elements in its storyline is CW 2014 show titled The 100. Set in a post-apocalyptic premise the show will surely hook you in a few episodes. The fantasy drama follows a story of 100 young delinquents who arrive on a post-nuclear earth
after being rescued from a dying spaceship with the aim to check if the earth is inhabitable once again. The interesting storyline follows a brand-new microcosmic world that begins to grow. The show is created by Jason Rothenberg and is based on a novel by Kass Morgan. It features a stellar cast that includes actors like Eliza Taylor, Paige Turco, Bob Morley, and Marie Avgeropoulos. It is one of thebest sci fi shows on Netflix.
13. The Flash (2014-present)
Release Year: 2014
Created By: Greg Berlanti, Geoff Johns, Andrew Kreisberg
The Flash Star cast: Grant Gustin, Danielle Panabaker, Candice Patton, Rick Cosnett
Genre: Action Adventure, Drama
Episode Duration: 43m
The Flash IMDb Rating: 7.6/10
OTT: Netflix
When it comes to sci-fi series, this one’s certainly a classic. The show is heavily based on the infamous comic book called The Flash. This iconic CW superhero show features plenty of elements like time travel, alternate universes, and so much more. The show’s theme is the perfect blend of fun and light elements along with dark and complex themes. Watch the show to witness the best of Barry Allen played by Grant Gustin. Allen aka The Flash has the power of super speed which helps him fight a myriad of superpowered villains. If you like superheroes and sci-fi, this show has to be on your watchlist.
14. Lost in Space (2018-2021)
Release Year: 2018
Created By: Matt Sazama, Burk Sharpless
Lost in Space Star cast: Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, Maxwell Jenkins
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Family
Episode Duration: 1h
Lost in Space IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
OTT: Netflix
With an IMDb rating of 7.3/10, this 2018 show is a modern take on the classic 1965 TV series also titled Lost in Space. The storyline features a fascinating tale of the Robinson family who attempts to inhabit a new planet. The show takes an interesting turn when the family is stranded on a strange planet which is where they uncover a robotic unfamiliar creature who was bizarre at first but gradually begins to bond with the family. Created by Matt Sazama, and Burk Sharpless, the show features actors including Molly Parker, Toby Stephens, and Maxwell Jenkins. If you like space and science fiction, this show has to be your next pick. It is indeed the best space sci-fi series on Netflix.
Manifest is a 2018 Netflix show that would literally keep you on your toes with its storyline. The show is created by Jeff Rake and features stars like Melissa Roxburgh, J.R. Ramirez, Athena Karkanis, and Josh Dallas. With a rating of 7.1, the show features a story of a set of passengers on a flight. The storyline takes the most interesting turn when their flight experiences sudden turbulence. While the people on the flight feel they landed in a couple of minutes, everyone on earth believes they have been missing for over five years. True to the fact, the people on the flight did not age at all while the people on earth are five years ahead. Watch the show to uncover the mystery behind this supernatural occurrence. Go on, binge on the show for the best weekend of your life.
16. Legends of Tomorrow (2016-2022)
Release Year: 2016
Created By: Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, Phil Klemmer
Legends of Tomorrow Star cast: Victor Garber, Brandon Routh, Arthur Darvill, Caity Lotz, Franz Drameh
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Episode Duration: 42m
Legends of Tomorrow IMDb Rating: 6.8/10
OTT: Netflix
Starring Victor Garber, Brandon Routh, Arthur Darvill, Caity Lotz, and Franz Drameh, this action-adventure drama is created by Greg Berlanti, Marc Guggenheim, Andrew Kreisberg, and Phil Klemmer. CW’s Legends of Tomorrow has the best storyline ever. With the perfect blend of jaw-dropping adventures and overarching anti-heroes, the magical show features elements like time travel, action, adventure, drama and so much more. Go on stream this show on Netflix right away for a dynamic storyline that keeps you hooked.
17. The Imperfects (2022-present)
Release Year: 2022
Created By: Shelley Eriksen, Dennis Heaton
The Imperfects Star cast: Morgan Taylor Campbell, Rhianna Jagpal, Iñaki Godoy, Italia Ricci
Genre: Action, Adventure, Drama
Episode Duration: 45m
The Imperfects IMDb Rating: 6.4/10
OTT: Netflix
Created by Shelley Eriksen and Dennis Heaton with a star cast including Morgan Taylor Campbell, Rhianna Jagpal, Iñaki Godoy, and Italia Ricci, The Imperfects is one of the best sci-fi shows that feature quirky elements like action, adventure, and whatnot. The storyline of the show features the tale of three young characters who strive to preserve human civilization from monsters, all that while looking for a scientist whose experiments gave rise to the monsters. One of the best sci-fi series that features monsters. We highly recommend The Imperfects if you enjoyed watching The Boys or The Umbrella Academy.
18. Black Lightning (2017-2021)
Starring Cress Williams, China Anne McClain, Nafessa Williams, and Christine Adams, the show is created by Salim Akil. Black Lightning is another CW series that features the story of a black family. Yes, it also boasts another superhero tale but it’s beyond basic. The show features extraordinary elements like race and politics which don't seem forced or preachy. The first season of the sci-fi series highlights the character of Jefferson Pierce who is the principal of Garfield High School in Georgia. Interestingly, he used to be a superhero called Black Lightning around nine years ago. The show features the life of a retired superhero which is definitely a novel concept.
19. The I-Land (2019 Mini-Series)
Release Year: 2019
Created By: Anthony Salter
The I-Land Star cast: Natalie Martinez, Ronald Peet, Kate Bosworth, Sibylla Deen
Genre: Adventure, Drama, Mystery
Episode Duration: 4h 41m (Mini-Series)
The I-Land IMDb Rating: 4.6/10
OTT: Netflix
Created by Anthony Salter, The I-Land features Natalie Martinez, Ronald Peet, Kate Bosworth, and Sibylla Deen. The science-fiction show is a Netflix miniseries that features the best of adventure, drama, and mystery. The storyline of the show features 10 people who are stuck on a deserted island. However, the interesting part is none of them actually remembers their identity and how they reached the island. Watch the show to witness how a group of strangers with no memories at all survive on the island and reach back to their normal lives.
20. Resident Evil (2022-present)
Release Year: 2022
Created By: Andrew Dabb
Resident Evil Star cast: Ella Balinska, Tamara Smart, Siena Agudong
Genre: Action, Horror, Sci-fi
Episode Duration: 1h
Resident Evil IMDb Rating: 4.1/10
OTT: Netflix
One of the best sci-fi shows ever created, Resident Evil features a storyline with multiple timelines that are interestingly connected. One of the timelines features the year 2022 and narrates the story of twins Billie played by Siena Agudong and Jade played by Tamara Smart. The fourteen-year-olds move to New Raccoon City where they begin to uncover a dangerous secret about a deadly virus. The other timeline is set in the year 2036 that features a world that the virus destroyed.
The above list of best sci-fi series on Netflix features the best of superheroes, action-adventure, mystery, suspense, horror, and even a touch of dark comedy. We promise there is something for everyone. In fact, from classics like The Flash to Netflix originals like Dark and Stranger Things, the above list will serve as the perfect inspiration for a binge party. All you need is a big bucket of popcorn and you are good to go because this list of sci-fi series is not only a must-watch but it includes shows that you will definitely go back to time and again. We highly recommend that you bookmark this page for next time, to satisfy the sci-fi lover that resides in you. If you have read so far, you are going to be glad because we have also curated a bonus list of the best sci-fi series on Amazon Prime, Hotstar, and Hulu.
1. The Last of Us (2023– ) IMDb rating: 9.2
2. Star Trek: Picard (2020–2023) IMDb rating: 7.3
3. Arcane (2021– ) IMDb rating: 9
4. The Boys (2019– ) IMDb rating: 8.7
5. The Mandalorian (2019– ) IMDb rating:8.7
6.Three-Body (2023– ) IMDb rating: 7.9
7. Severance (2022– ) IMDb rating: 8.7
8. Andor (2022– ) IMDb rating: 8.4
9. Star Wars: The Bad Batch (2021– ) IMDb rating:7.8
10. Doctor Who (2005– ) IMDb rating: 8.6
11. My Dad the Bounty Hunter (2023– ) IMDb rating: 7
12. Westworld (2016–2022) IMDb rating:8.5
13. Extraordinary (2023– ) IMDb rating:7.9
14. American Horror Story (2011– ) IMDb rating:8
15. Lost (2004–2010) IMDb rating:8.3
16. The X-Files (1993–2018) IMDb rating:8.6
17. The Ark (2023– ) IMDb rating: 3.7
18. Star Trek: The Next Generation (1987–1994) IMDb rating: 8.7
19. The Book of Boba Fett (2021– ) IMDb rating: 7.3
From Harry Styles to Bad Bunny, who's on Europe's most listened to list? - Copyright Samuel Rios
By Tim Gallagher Spotify wrapped has become an annual mainstay for even the least discerning of music lovers. The mass data gathering enabled by our app culture allows companies like Spotify to identify trends and spy, ahem sorry, surprise us with our most listened to bops, and now every December cutting edge tastemakers and basic Top 40-listeners alike flock to social media to share their top tracks. No matter how smug or embarrassing they are. In 2022 Bad Bunny came out top as the most listened to artist onSpotifyfor the third year in a row whileTaylor Swiftreached number two, rounding out a year which saw her release both Midnights andRed (Taylor’s Version).
The other top five contenders are Canadians Drake and The Weeknd along with k-pop sensationBTS.
The most streamed song of 2022 was Harry Styles’s “As It Was” with “Heat Waves” by British indie rock band Glass Animals coming second.
Australian artist The Kid LAROI’s collab with Justin Bieber on “STAY” came third with Bad Bunny’s “Me Porto Bonito” feat. Chencho Corleon and “Tití Me Preguntó” took fourth and fifth place respectively. Although Taylor Swift only came second globally swifties inIreland, the UK andSloveniamanaged to get her to the top spot in their homelands, leading us to ask; what are the variations in top fives between different European countries?
In an age of soft power, what can we tell from a country’s Spotify Wrapped? Let’s take a look.
UK
In theUKthey kept it simple. The dominance of English-language music may account for the number of anglophone artists in the global top spots and would also explain why so many UK listeners enjoyed top artists Swift, Drake, and Styles. The basic Brits also have a taste for Ed Sheeran but it’s not all bad news with down-to-earth northern boy Sam Fender placing fifth and a resurgence for Queen of surrealKate Bushthanks to a star turn for her song ‘Running Up That Hill’ in Netflix hit‘Stranger Things’.
The UK’s most listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 Taylor Swift 2 Drake 3 Ed Sheeran 4 Harry Styles 5 Kanye West The UK’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 were: 1 Harry Styles, As It Was 2 Glass Animals, Heat Waves 3 Dave, Starlight 4 Kate Bush, Running Up That Hill (A Deal with God) 5 Sam Fender, Seventeen Going Under
France:
The French are a people obsessed with their heritage from the way they make bread to their language, but the popularity of French rappers is often overlooked.
French music may not often crossover into other countries but the fraternité of French rap stars like Jul, Damso, and PNL along with Gazo and Ninho who both features top artists and songs dominate their domestic music market all the same.
France’s top listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 Jul 2 Ninho 3 Gazo 4 Damso 5 PNL France’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 were: 1 Ninho, Jefe 2 Alonzo, Tout Va Bien (feat. Ninho & Naps) 3 Tamil, Filtré 4 Ninho, VVS 5 Gazo, DIE
Switzerland :
TheSwissare famously neutral and it seems they apply this bland approach to conflict to their music taste as well. Ed Sheeran made the top spot with fellow generic white guy Justin Beiber coming in third. Globally popular Drake and The Weeknd make two and four respectively with a local nod for Swiss-Chilean music producer Luciano at number five. When it comes to most popular songs the Swiss play it safe again with ‘Heat Waves,’ ‘As it Was,’ and ‘Shivers’ all looming large, while club bop ‘Pepas’ by Puerto Rican singer Farruko brings a more international flavor.
Switzerland’s most listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 Ed Sheeran 2 Drake 3 Justin Bieber 4 The Weeknd 5 Luciano Switzerland’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 were: 1 Glass Animals, Heat Waves 2 Harry Styles, As it Was 3 Calum Scott and Lost Frequencies, Where are you Now 4 Farruko, Pepas 5 Ed Sheeran, Shivers
Poland
The Poles gave plenty of aid to Ukrainians fleeing war this year but their nationalistic streak definitely came through on their Spotify wrap. There’s lots of love for Polish artists with all of the top five musicians and songs hailing from the eastern European homeland.
Poland’s thriving rap and hip-hop scene get a boost in the form of nods for White 2115, SB Maffija, Oki, and Mata. The only non-rapper to make the Polish top five top artists was indie pop artist Sanah whose lyrical piano music landed number two. The top five listened to were similarly locally sourced with a slight deviation in the form of German-Polish rapper ofAfghanorigin Malik Montana whose track ‘jetlag’ won over listeners from Warsaw to Lublin. Poland’s most listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 White 2115 2 Sanah 3 Mata 4 SB Maffija 5 Oki Poland’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 were: 1 SB Maffija, Lawenda 2 Mr. Polska, Złote Tarasy 3 Malik Montana, Jetlag (feat. The Plug) 4 Sanah, Ostatnia Nadzieja 5 Mata, Szafir
Turkey
Music and pop culture have become a battleground in Turkey, where pop stars and reality TV shows are accused of blasphemy and novelists are tried for treason.
Turkish language rap maintains a stranglehold on the music scene in Europe’s bridge to theMiddle Eastwith all top five artists, UZI, Cakal, Ezhel, Label C5, and Sefo, masters of the genre. The top five listened-to tracks are similarly dominated by native rappers although electronic act KÖFN and singer Güneş evening out the field. Turkey’s most listened-to artists of 2022 are: 1 Uzi 2 Cakal 3 Ezhel 4 Lvbel C5 5 Sefo Turkey’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 are: 1 KÖFN, Bi' Tek Ben Anlarım 2 Uzi, Arasan Da 3 Cakal, İmdat 4 Uzi, Paparazzi 5 Güneş, Suçlarımdan Biri Portugal
Looking at Portugal’s top five listened to artists it would seem that they’ve fallen under an English-speaking spell. American Taylor Swift, Brit Ed Sheeran, and Canadians Drake and The Weeknd dominate the list with Brazilian singer-songwriter Luan Santana the only Portuguese speaker.
However, the list of the top songs features Portuguese-speaking artists PEDRO SAMPAIO, Xamã, and Ivandro alongside, of course, Harry Styles’s ‘As It Was’. The primacy ofBrazil’smusic industry for the Portuguese listening public holds a certain irony for the country’s former colony-turned-G20-presidency-holder. Portugal’s most listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 The Weeknd 2 Drake 3 Taylor Swift 4 Luan Santana 5 Ed Sheeran Portugal’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 were: 1 PEDRO SAMPAIO, DANÇARINA 2 Xamã, Malvadão 3 3 Harry Styles, As It Was 4 Ivandro, Lua 5 PEDRO SAMPAIO, GALOPA
Sweden
The Scandinavian countries may be known for a melancholy love of heavy metal. Still, Sweden is the home of recently resurrected ABBA and gay club favorite Robyn, and the nation’s Spotify wrap reflects this rich tradition of pop music.
Bolaget, Miss Li, and Veronica Maggio all loom large as pop vocalists while Swedish rappers 23 and Einár also feature. British artists Harry Styles and Ed Sheeran sneak into the top proving Swedes’ love of pop extends further south too. Sweden’s most listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 Einár 2 Hov1 3 Ed Sheeran 4 Veronica Maggio 5 23 Sweden’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 were: 1 Bolaget, Kan Inte Gå 2 Victor Leksell and Einár, Din låt 3 Miss Li, X 4 LOAM and ADAAM, FAKKA UR 5 Harry Styles, As It Was
Germany
Germany’s music taste is a mixed picture with Ed Sheeran, Glass Animals and Harry Styles all making it into their top listened artists and songs.
However, homegrown rappers Cro and Bonez MC dominate the top artist list along with Austrian rap artist RAF Camora. Meanwhile, Luciano features on both the top artists and most listened to songs with ‘Beautiful Girl’. The Swiss-Chilean also madeAustria’smost listened-to artist list proving his popularity in the German-speaking world. Germany’s most listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 Luciano 2 RAF Camora 3 Bonez MC 4 CRO 5 Ed Sheeran Germany’s most listened-to songs of 2022 were: 1 Luciano, Beautiful Girl 2 Miksu / Macloud and t-low, Sehnsucht 3 DJ Robin and Schürze, Layla 4 Glass Animals, Heat Waves 5 Harry Styles, As It Was
Spain
Spanish speakers are never short of music with the language the fourth most spoken in the world. Needless to say, the enduring popularity of Puerto Rican Bad Bunny is a testament to this, with two of his tracks on the top five listened-to list in Spain this year.
Fellow Puerto Ricans Rauw Alejandro and Anuel AA came in second and fifth respectively whileArgentineBizarrap made both the top artists and top songs list. Quevedo is the only native Spaniard to make either of the most listened-to top fives. Spain’s most listened-to artists of 2022 were: 1 Bad Bunny 2 Rauw Alejandro 3 Quevedo 4 Bizarrap 5 Anuel AA Spain’s most listened-to tracks of 2022 were: 1 Bizarrap and Quevedo, Quevedo: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 52 2 Bad Bunny, Tití Me Preguntó 3 Manuel Turizo, La Bachata 4 Bad Bunny and Chencho Corleone, Me Porto Bonito
5 Bizarrap and Tiago PZK, Tiago PZK: Bzrp Music Sessions, Vol. 48
