One Of Netflix’s Best Crime Thriller Series

Netflix has countless action-packed thrillers, but none come close to Lupin. Inspired by Maurice Leblanc’s Arsène Lupin series, the French drama originally premiered in 2021, with episodes split between two parts. A third part, released in 2023, only drew in more fans. As Lupin season 4‘s 2026 premiere draws near, however, now is the perfect time to tune in.

For nearly five years, Lupin has been a must-watch thriller on Netflix, garnering acclaim from critics, fans, and award ceremonies alike. The entrancing first season built a solid foundation, but each additional installment of Lupin has been better than the rest. As such, the upcoming fourth season is poised to be the best entry yet for Netflix’s international crime mystery.

Lupin Is The Perfect Heist Thriller

Netflix’s Hidden Gem Is A Gripping Mystery

The hit heist drama centers on Assane Diop (Omar Sy), a typical man who models his secret life of crime after famed fictional thief Arsène Lupin. Assane’s exploits start out as a revenge plot, aiming to take down a corrupt mogul named Hubert Pellegrini (Hervé Pierre)— who, years prior, was responsible for the wrongful imprisonment and death of Assane’s father.

As time passes, however, Assane grows into a bigger and better criminal mastermind. Lupin‘s signature trait that sets Assane apart from other petty robbers, however, is that he’s a gentleman thief. Every move Assane makes is carefully calculated, adding equal parts swagger and skill to his grand heists, clever deceptions, and personal vendettas that fuel his illicit alter ego.

Lupin season 3 raised the stakes even further, both on personal and professional fronts. As Assane prepared to steal the infamous Black Pearl, his role as a husband and father grew strained. Despite the danger his work poses to his family, however, Assane is in far too deep to quit, which sets the stage for a monumental season 4.

Lupin Deserves Its Critical Acclaim

The French Drama Is A Modern Classic

​​​​​​​Furthermore, Lupin has built a reputable legacy among critics. Crime thrillers are usually either enjoyed by the audience or praised by critics, but rarely do those opinions overlap when it comes to heist stories. Nevertheless, each installment of Lupin has been a resounding success, with a 98% average on Rotten Tomatoes and an avid fanbase that sings its praises.

Beyond a captivating hook, Lupin is a show that gets better with every episode. Whether it’s tension around the central mystery growing tauter, interpersonal relationships crumbling, or a high-risk, high-reward heist commencing, Lupin has mastered the art of suspense, intrigue, and an invaluable human aspect that keeps the main character grounded in spite of his wild schemes.

Omar Sy’s work as Assane is nothing short of magnificent, but Lupin gives each member of its ensemble cast their time to shine. Plus, the storytelling is rich in emotion, while the high-octane visuals add contrast. At that, few main characters are as delightfully complicated: Assane is far more than an Arsène Lupin replicator, but his crimes can’t be overlooked.

What Makes Lupin Even More Impressive

Its Storytelling Transcends Language

Without question, many would consider Lupin to be one of the best non-English shows on Netflix. That in and of itself is an accomplishment, but Lupin managed an even greater feat. Following its 2021 premiere, Lupin climbed the charts internationally, peaking at number three on the United States top ten list amidst a crowd of English titles.

Additionally, Lupin‘s premise is inherently risky. The crime drama takes a well-known French literary figure— the eponymous Arsène Lupin— and constructs an entire narrative surrounding his impact. Comparatively, a dark thriller about a man becoming a master criminal after reading about Robin Hood, for instance, likely wouldn’t have reached the same heights as Lupin.

Yet, that’s precisely what makes the thriller such a special show. There are hordes of Sherlock Holmes wannabes and detective dramas, but it is deceptively difficult to create a thief that the average viewer will root for. When it comes to Lupin, cheering on Assane comes naturally, which makes the French drama all the more entertaining.