Just two days after its release, Netflix’s latest true-crime miniseries has exploded to the top of global charts. The four-episode thriller, inspired by one of Italy’s most haunting criminal cases, is already captivating audiences from São Paulo to Seoul.
A chilling Italian crime story takes centre stage
On October 22, 2025, Netflix quietly dropped its new Italian production — and it’s safe to say it didn’t stay quiet for long. “The Monster of Florence”, directed by Stefano Sollima, the filmmaker behind “Gomorrah” and “Suburra”, has stormed into the number-one spot across 62 countries, according to FlixPatrol. That includes France, Spain, Brazil, South Africa, and of course, Italy itself.
The series digs deep into one of Italy’s most infamous crime stories. Between 1968 and 1985, a serial killer terrorised the region of Florence, targeting young couples and leaving the nation in fear. Over the years, the case spawned wild theories, false leads, and a media frenzy that lasted decades. It’s precisely the kind of tangled real-life mystery that lends itself perfectly to the screen.
Sollima’s take doesn’t sensationalise the crimes — instead, it examines the messy, human side of the investigation. Through a mix of tense pacing, atmospheric visuals, and finely drawn characters, the show walks the line between psychological thriller and courtroom drama.
Why viewers can’t stop watching
There’s something about true crime that grips audiences like nothing else. Whether it’s the moral complexity, the slow unraveling of clues, or the sheer horror of what really happened, it taps into a collective fascination with the darker corners of human nature.
Netflix has leaned heavily into this genre in recent years — from Dahmer to The Ted Bundy Tapes — and “The Monster of Florence” feels like a natural successor. Yet, what sets it apart is its short format. With just four tightly written episodes, it’s perfectly crafted for binge-watching. You can finish it in one evening and still spend the next day thinking about it.
One viewer described the experience on social media as “like watching an Italian noir unfold in real time”. And that’s precisely the magic of it — the combination of gritty realism, emotional performances, and that suffocating tension that never quite lets you breathe.
A global success with universal appeal
According to FlixPatrol’s latest rankings, the series has already overtaken major hits like Boots and The Diplomat — a remarkable feat for a non-English-language production. Its success speaks volumes about how international storytelling has evolved on streaming platforms.
Gone are the days when subtitled shows were niche. Viewers now crave authenticity, and the world of The Monster of Florence delivers that in spades — the cobbled streets, the rural landscapes, the oppressive atmosphere of a community paralysed by fear.
Critics have also praised Francesca Olia, Valentino Mannias, and Giacomo Fadda for bringing raw, emotional depth to their roles. Their performances anchor the story in humanity, reminding us that behind every headline, there are real people — victims, investigators, and families forever changed.
The power of true crime on screen
There’s no denying it: Netflix has once again struck gold with true crime. The genre’s popularity isn’t just about blood and mystery; it’s about understanding how ordinary lives can spiral into the extraordinary. Psychologists from the American Psychological Association (APA) have even suggested that our fascination with crime stories helps us process fear in a safe, controlled way — like riding a rollercoaster, but with more clues and fewer seatbelts.
In “The Monster of Florence”, that fascination is amplified by the show’s cinematic craft and emotional intelligence. It’s not just a story about a killer; it’s a story about obsession, justice, and the lengths people will go to find the truth.
So if you’re scrolling through Netflix tonight wondering what to watch, you might want to give this four-part Italian gem a try. Just don’t plan on sleeping easily afterward — this one lingers.