All 8 seasons of Netflix drama ‘Elite' ranked
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: As 'Elite' premieres its highly anticipated final season on July 26, 2024, it's the perfect moment to reflect on the remarkable journey this Spanish crime drama has taken its viewers on.
Since its debut in 2018, the series has captivated audiences with its compelling portrayal of three scholarship students from modest backgrounds navigating the treacherous social landscape of a prestigious high school, Las Encinas, where wealth and power create a volatile environment.
Directed by Darío Madrona and Carlos Montero, 'Elite' has become renowned for its intricate storytelling, rich character development, and exploration of themes such as corruption, secrets, revenge, and desire. With a stellar cast including Omar Ayuso, Itzan Escamilla, Mina El Hammani, and others, each season has offered a fresh dose of drama and suspense.
As we prepare for the epic conclusion, let's take a look back at all eight seasons of 'Elite', ranked from its gripping beginnings to its dramatic highs, to see how the series has evolved and what has made it a standout hit on Netflix.
8. 'Elite' Season 4
Season 4 ranks eighth for its dynamic introduction of fresh elements at Las Encinas, including a strict new principal, Benjamin, and his children Ari, Mencía, and Patrick. This season is notable for its exploration of romantic entanglements and intense rumors, adding depth to the ongoing drama.
The arrival of these new characters injects new energy into the series, revitalizing the show with intriguing plotlines. The narrative kicks off with a gripping new mystery involving Ari, who is found on the brink of death and is revealed through flash-forwards.
As Benjamin’s kids and Phillipe, a French prince embroiled in scandal, join the existing cast of Samuel, Guzmán, Rebeka, Ander, and Omar, the dynamics between the new and veteran students shift dramatically.
Mencía’s involvement in prostitution under Armando’s influence ties into the central mystery, connecting Ari’s attempted murder and Armando’s death in a complex web of intrigue.
7. 'Elite' Season 6
Season 6 ranks seventh for its exploration of various personal and societal issues at Las Encinas, including love, revenge, and social media influence. Three months after the dramatic events of the previous season, the new school year begins with a mix of returning and new students: Iván and Isadora enter their final year, while Ari, Patrick, and Mencía repeat theirs.
The arrival of Nico, Rocío, Dídac, Sonia, and Sara, along with Sara's abusive boyfriend Raúl, brings fresh tensions. The season is noted for its complex character arcs and high stakes surrounding each character’s quest for personal fulfillment. The tension between personal goals and navigating the turbulent social environment provides a compelling narrative.
However, the focus shifts more toward character-driven stories and less on the overarching mystery, leading to a slight dip in suspense compared to earlier seasons. The dramatic flash-forward event of Iván’s accident and subsequent coma highlights the season’s emotional depth but reflects a slight decrease in overall suspense.
6. 'Elite' Season 7
Season 7 of 'Elite' is ranked sixth for its continuation of the series' core themes and its focus on evolving personal struggles and conflicts. Omar returns to Las Encinas for an internship while battling depression from Samuel's death, and his relationship with Joel becomes a central storyline.
Iván is recovering from an accident, and Isadora faces challenges in her relationship with Didàc, while Sara navigates a toxic connection with Raúl.
The season introduces new characters like Chloe and her mysterious mother, Carmen, and Nico's cousin, Eric. The dynamics among returning characters, including Patrick, Ari, and Mencía, who have moved from Madrid, contribute to the drama.
Despite its engaging elements, the season is seen as a transitional phase, with some storylines feeling less impactful compared to earlier seasons. It features a notable flash-forward event in the final episode, focusing on Raúl's eventual murder, setting the stage for the final season.
5. 'Elite' Season 5
Season 5 of 'Elite' is ranked fifth for its focus on evolving dynamics and challenges at Las Encinas. Following Armando's death at Guzmán's hands, he and Ander decide to leave school and travel the world, while Samuel and Rebeka opt to keep the truth hidden from their peers Omar, Cayetana, Ari, Mencía, and Patrick.
This decision sets off a chain of events that disrupts their relationships and changes their lives forever. The arrival of new students, Isadora and Iván adds fresh layers of drama, particularly as they form connections with upperclassmen like Phillipe and Patrick. However, some of these new relationships prove dangerous.
The season maintains the series' signature intensity, but its placement reflects that while it rejuvenates the show with new conflicts and relationships, it doesn’t quite match the excitement of earlier seasons. A key plot twist reveals Samuel's lifeless body found floating in a pool, with each plot thread leading to the truth behind this shocking event.
4. 'Elite' Season 8
Season 8 of 'Elite' ranks fourth for its thrilling conclusion to the series, marked by high stakes and dramatic twists. The season begins with Nadia’s unexpected return, reigniting past conflicts and introducing new tensions. Isadora and Chloe’s fierce competition for a coveted spot in the exclusive Alumni adds a fresh layer of intrigue, while Joel’s complicated interactions with Héctor and Iván heighten the emotional stakes.
The season excels in suspense with its intricate plotlines, including Chloe’s heartbreaking choices and Carmen’s shocking revelation. The drama escalates with Joel and Isadora facing increasing danger, Dalmar’s scheming, and a potential new venture for Joel.
The revelation of a major murder and the ensuing investigation by Omar drives the narrative forward. Personal struggles, from Sara’s evolving relationship with Nico to Isadora’s quest for justice, enrich the story. The season concludes with a powerful climax, delivering a satisfying and engaging resolution to the series.
3. 'Elite' Season 3
Season 3 of 'Elite' ranks third for its gripping continuation of the show's narrative, introducing a new murder investigation that elevates the suspense. The students enter their final semester at Las Encinas, with a future flash-forward showing them being interrogated by police about Polo’s death at a graduation party.
The season deftly explores the aftermath of past events, including Samuel and Guzmán's quest for revenge and Ander’s battle with leukemia. As Lu and Nadia vie for a Columbia University scholarship, their rivalry turns into an unexpected friendship. The drama escalates when a drunken Lu accidentally stabs Polo, who falls to his death.
The group decides to cover up the incident, leading to Polo's death being ruled a suicide, with his parents later claiming he confessed to Marina's murder. Season 3 excels in balancing new mysteries with deepened character arcs, making it a standout in the series.
2. 'Elite' Season 1
The debut season of 'Elite' earns its second-place ranking for its compelling introduction to the series' core themes of class conflict and mystery. After their school building collapses, three working-class friends Samuel, Nadia, and Christian are offered scholarships to Las Encinas, the most exclusive private school in Madrid, Spain, to finish their junior year.
The scholarships are sponsored by the construction company responsible for the collapse. At Las Encinas, the trio faces initial ostracism from the wealthy students, but their lives soon intertwine amid a clash of lifestyles, resentments, envy, and sexual attraction.
The season effectively establishes the show’s signature blend of drama, suspense, and high-stakes intrigue. It lays the groundwork for the character dynamics and conflicts that will evolve throughout the series. The engaging plot combines the excitement of a murder mystery with the emotional depth of personal and social conflicts, making it a strong and memorable start.
1. 'Elite' Season 2
Season 2 of 'Elite' secures its top spot due to its masterful escalation of drama and intrigue. Following the shocking death of Marina and the disappearance of Samuel, the season delves into the fallout as the students return to school for their senior year.
New characters Rebeka, Cayetana, and Valerio join the mix, each with their own dark secrets that stir up the existing dynamics. The introduction of these characters intensifies the drama, as they befriend the returning students, who are grappling with the aftermath of Marina's death and Samuel’s quest to clear his brother Nano's name.
The season is notable for its intense focus on shifting allegiances and the unearthing of dark secrets. Polo struggles with guilt and contemplates suicide, finding solace only through Cayetana's support. Ander’s mental health declines under Polo’s secret, while Carla, under the mistaken belief that Samuel is dead, confesses to Polo’s crime.
This season excels in intertwining emotional depth with suspenseful plot twists, keeping viewers engaged with its unpredictable narrative and rich character development. The blend of fresh tensions and deepened storylines makes it a standout, placing it at the top of the rankings.
How to stream 'Elite' Season 8?
'Elite' Season 8 is exclusively available on Netflix from Friday, July 26, 2024. Don't have Netflix? Worry not!
Access to the film requires a Netflix membership, available starting from $6.99/month for the standard plan with ads.
The standard plan without ads is priced at $15.49/month, while the Premium plan costs $22.99/month.
'Elite' Season 8 trailer