The northern region of Spain has become a magnet for film and television, with its rugged shores, dense forests, and misty mornings lending a cinematic intensity to every scene. From Netflix dramas to regional productions, the Galician landscape provides more than scenery; it shapes mood, characters, and stories. This overview gathers eight notable productions that showcase Galicia’s beauty and its darker, more mysterious side, inviting viewers to see the region through a new lens.
1. The mess you left behind.
Carlos Montero contributed to shaping a global appetite for high-stakes drama through Elite and also brought a Primavera Novel Award-winning work rooted in Galicia to the screen. The series blends thriller elements with intimate relationships, tracing a web of secrets and hidden passions that culminate in a suspenseful mystery surrounding Viruca, a luminous high school teacher whose fate remains enigmatic. The production is available on Netflix and anchors itself in the emotional weight of its provincial setting, where every doorway could conceal a motive.
2. Rapa
A combative literature professor, portrayed with sharp wit and tenacity, partners with an undercover security expert to probe the murder of a mayor in Cedeira, a coastal town in A Coruña. The series, produced by Movistar Plus+, follows a duo whose contrasting methods uncover layers of corruption and motive. Building on the momentum of Hierro, it promises a second season set against the familiar drama of local politics and the stark beauty of the coast, with a third installment anticipated by fans.
3. The taste of daisies.
Originally a Galician TVG hit from 2011, this beloved series later found new life on Netflix, with both seasons available for streaming. The film unfolds primarily in Galician and features Civil Guard Lieutenant Rosa Vargas as she travels to Muriás to investigate the disappearance of a young woman. The case unsettles the town, as many suspect the person vanished rather than ran away, and Vargas navigates a labyrinth of truth that tests her resolve.
4. Dry water
A cross-border collaboration between Galicia and Portugal, this drama lands on both sides of the border, mirroring the shared cultural and linguistic ties. The plot follows a woman who leaves Lisbon for Vigo after her brother’s death is ruled a suicide. As investigators and family members weigh evidence, it becomes clear that appearances can mislead, and a series of secrets comes to light. The series streams on HBO Max, reflecting both regions’ appetite for moody, character-driven storytelling.
5. Neboa
Starring Emma Suárez, this series draws on Galician mythology to build a haunting narrative on a secluded island named Neboa. The sudden appearance of a dead teenager adds a chilling layer to an island already steeped in lore. The cast confronts legends and modern anxieties in a story that blends supernatural mystery with intimate human stakes. Available on RTVE Play.
6. The operation is called Operation Black Wave
Director Daniel Calparsoro frames the true narrative of Europe’s first narco-submarine case off the Galician coast. The mini-series traces the perilous voyage of three crew members aboard a semi-submersible vessel arriving from Brazil, with a young Galician, Alex González, rising through the ranks. The production is available on Amazon Prime Video and revisits a chapter of regional history with palpable tension and authentic maritime atmosphere.
7. Fariña
Based on Nacho Carretero’s investigative work, this film chronicles Galicia during the 1980s as drug trafficking takes root. The portrays a period of rapid change, showing how criminal networks evolved and how local actors navigated danger and opportunity. With a cast that reflects the region’s talent, the story unfolds with a grounded realism. It can be streamed on Atresplayer Premium and Netflix, continuing to resonate with audiences curious about the region’s darker past.
8. Live without permission
The Galician coastline serves as a visual heartbeat for this Mediaset series. Under showrunner Aitor Gabilondo, the drama navigates themes of family power and corporate control. When a patriarch’s battle with Alzheimer’s reshapes leadership, his successors, including a young protégé, contend with rival ambitions and the fragility of legacy. The series captures the rugged coastal ambiance while probing questions of loyalty, memory, and the cost of ambition.
These eight productions collectively demonstrate how Galicia’s landscapes—rocky cliffs, emerald forests, and mist-draped shores—not only frame stories but drive them. They reveal a regional cinema and television ecosystem that blends local authenticity with global storytelling, inviting viewers to explore Galicia beyond its reputation as a picturesque backdrop. In every title, the coast and countryside aren’t mere scenery; they are characters in their own right, shaping fate, mood, and motive across a spectrum of genres.