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Like choice-driven games that have become popular over the years, interactive Netflix specials also allow people to immerse themselves in the story. Viewers get to decide what actions the characters will take, which in turn helps shape the narrative. As most interactive Netflix specials have multiple endings, there's also a sense of anticipation, as viewers don't quite know how the story will end.
In terms of subject matter, interactive Netflix specials have tackled everything from light-hearted children's stories to dark and mature narratives. However, as it is a relatively new concept, Netflix still seems to be in the process of fine-tuning the experience which is why not all specials allow viewers the same kind of control over the story.
Viewers looking for a truly immersive experience should make a point to check out the interactive Netflix specials on this list wherein the choices really matter.
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Disclaimer: This list contains information from various sources. It contains some spoilers.
You vs. Wild, Choose Love and four other interactive Netflix specials that are easy to get hooked on
1) Black Mirror: Bandersnatch (2018)
Black Mirror has become known for its thought-provoking dark narratives, which is why when Black Mirror: Bandersnatch came out in 2018, it generated considerable interest among fans of the show. Even though there were plenty of rumors about the film being interactive in nature, the same was confirmed by Netflix only at the time of its release.
In this interactive Netflix special set in 1984, viewers have to guide the main protagonist, Stefan Butler, a young programmer attempting to adapt a "choose your own adventure" book into a video game.
Directed by David Slade, Black Mirror: Bandersnatch does a good job of balancing the interactivity and the storytelling. When it comes to the choices, not all of them lead to drastic changes but there are several important ones that will alter the direction significantly.
While this special is not without its flaws and clichés, it's still captivating enough to keep fans interested to see it through till the end.
2) You vs. Wild (2019)
There's no doubt that Bear Grylls is a skilled survival expert who knows almost everything there's to know about the great outdoors.
In a lot of ways, the show is similar to Man vs. Wild, as Grylls is back amidst harsh environments where he has to use his wits to survive. However, there's one key difference. In this interactive Netflix special, the viewers get to choose his actions.
Grylls is no stranger to dangerous situations but he usually finds some way to turn the tables. However, in this show, viewers can see him follow through on poor choices and see exactly how and why they don't work.
Yes, it's entertaining, but more than that, this interactive Netflix special by Ben Simms helps viewers pick up important survival hacks that may come in handy in desperate situations.
3) The Boss Baby: Get That Baby! (2020)
Like Boss Baby himself, this interactive Netflix special looks deceptively commonplace at first, but there's more than what meets the eye.
Get That Baby! gives viewers plenty of options to choose from, and best of all, they aren't arbitrary. Actions have clear consequences in this interactive Netflix special which can lead to different scenarios.
In Get That Baby!, three villains are looking to get revenge on Boss Baby, and viewers have to make the right choices in order to help him and his brother Tim thwart their evil plans.
The special is formatted like a training simulation aimed at finding the most compatible Baby Corp department for the player at hand, which means every endgame is satisfying and enjoyable.
4) Escape the Undertaker (2021)
This is an interactive Netflix special that doesn't take itself too seriously, and viewers shouldn't either. At the center of the narrative are Kofi Kingston, Xavier Woods and Big E, all of whom are well-known wrestlers.
They enter a creepy mansion to steal a magical urn from none other than The Undertaker. Viewers get to pick one character, and each path leads to a different ending.
The visual effects are cheesy instead of spooky, and the acting isn't exactly top-notch, given that they aren't professional actors, but that's what makes it so much fun.
Escape the Undertaker is definitely not the best choice for viewers who want a cinematic experience but is perfect for WWE fans who want to watch something silly and have some laughs.
5) Cat Burglar (2022)
Out of all the interactive Netflix specials on this list, Cat Burglar by James Bowman may just be the most challenging one.
Viewers play as Rowdy, a cat burglar who wants to steal a valuable piece of artwork from a museum. However, he has to first figure out a way to get past Peanut, a security guard dog, who has been assigned to protect the item in question.
Viewers have to answer trivia questions correctly to help Rowdy steal the artwork successfully without getting caught. Wrong answers lead to fatality. As Rowdy has only three lives left because of prior mishaps, viewers only get three chances to get it right before Rowdy runs out of lives.
This will especially appeal to viewers who enjoy quizzes. While the questions vary in difficulty, some being easier than others, what really amps up the challenge is the ticking clock which may cause viewers to slip up, costing Rowdy his life. Apart from the interactivity, viewers will also appreciate the old-school style of animation that has a nostalgic feel.
6) Choose Love (2023)
It's quite surprising that it took Netflix quite a while to come out with a romance-oriented interactive special even though rom-coms are usually so popular on the platform.
However, like they say, better late than never. In this interactive Netflix special by Stuart McDonald, Laura Marano plays Cami who adores her boyfriend Paul, portrayed by Scott Michael Foster.
But when two charming men enter her life and seem interested in being more than friends, Cami starts to doubt whether she's completely content with Paul. Viewers help Cami make tough choices and figure out what she actually wants. There are six possible endings to the story.
Given the premise, viewers can expect the usual rom-com cliches, but it's still fun to see where certain choices lead. The fact that all three love interests are charming in their own ways is an added plus.
Viewers looking to dive into the world of interactive Netflix specials should start with these interesting titles that promise hours of entertainment.
