Epic Weekend Binge: Uncover the Ultimate 50 Miniseries That Will Leave You Begging for More!

Television and streaming platforms have become dominant in the entertainment industry, providing easy access to captivating miniseries. Unlike long-term commitments, miniseries offer the same captivating storytelling, intense moments, and satisfying conclusions that traditional TV shows provide. The most engaging miniseries captivate viewers from the beginning till the end, maintaining a concise and thrilling narrative. As a result, the best miniseries are often only a few episodes long, allowing viewers to watch them over a weekend.

Some viewers argue that miniseries available on platforms like Netflix surpass traditional television because they stay true to their original concept and minimize the departure of beloved characters. These binge-worthy miniseries manage to deliver intricate plots and captivating characters within a surprisingly short time frame, leaving viewers with a sense of fulfillment as the story wraps up neatly. With the continuous addition of miniseries to the offerings of streaming giants like Netflix and HBO Max, the options for viewers continue to expand.

50 Get Even (2020)

Streamable on Netflix, Don't Get Mad, Get Even is an adaptation of the book series. Initially produced for BBC iPlayer, the show garnered international attention and was picked up by Netflix. Centered around a group of teenage girls, the series delves into the bullying culture of their British school. Taking matters into their own hands, they form a secret group called DGM to exact revenge on their tormentors. However, when they find themselves implicated in a murder, they must navigate a treacherous path to clear their names. With its constant twists and turns, the show stands out as a captivating and intense modern mystery. It skillfully develops and breaks stereotypes, resulting in a dynamic and gripping short series.

49 The Dropout (2022)

Streamable on Hulu, The Dropout is a captivating miniseries featuring Amanda Seyfried. Based on true events, this series delves into the journey of Elizabeth Holmes and her company, Theranos, as she navigates the challenges of turning her vision into a tangible product. However, the story also unravels the deceptive tactics she employs, manipulating data to maintain the trust of investors despite her inability to deliver on her ambitious aspirations. Seyfried's portrayal of Holmes is a departure from her usual cheerful roles, showcasing her versatility as an actress in this gripping and intense narrative.

48 Mrs. America (2020)

Now available for streaming on Hulu, this miniseries starring Cate Blanchett showcases a shift in the entertainment landscape. Just a few years ago, it would have been hard to imagine a star of Blanchett's caliber taking on a TV series. However, with the rise of streaming platforms and the resurgence of miniseries, this dynamic has changed. Set in the 1970s, the show revolves around the movement to pass the Equal Rights Amendment and the subsequent backlash it faced. Alongside Blanchett, the series showcases a remarkable ensemble cast portraying real-life historical figures, including Uzo Aduba as Shirley Chisholm and Rose Byrne as Gloria Steinem. While not entirely historically accurate, Mrs. America delivers captivating performances that are truly outstanding.

47 I Am The Night (2019)

Stream I Am The Night on Hulu. The miniseries is based on Fauna Hodel's memoir and explores the potential link between a young adopted woman and the notorious Black Dahlia murder. India Eisley portrays Fauna Hodel, while Chris Pine takes on the role of a journalist who is investigating her grandfather, George Hodel, a suspect in the Black Dahlia case. Although some of Hodel's book may be debated, the miniseries takes creative liberties to fill in gaps in historical knowledge, blurring the line between fiction and fact. Pine's portrayal as a determined investigator who is desperate for the truth is a standout element of the miniseries, deviating from his usual charismatic roles and captivating his fans.

46 From The Earth To The Moon (1998)

Streamable on Max, From The Earth To The Moon captivated viewers when it first aired in 1998. Its groundbreaking visual effects garnered numerous technical award nominations across various film societies and guilds. Moreover, this exceptional miniseries secured both the Golden Globe and Primetime Emmy for Outstanding Miniseries. Spanning 12 episodes, the series delves into the awe-inspiring journey of the American space program's mission to land astronauts on the moon. What sets it apart is its unique approach of presenting untold perspectives, such as portraying the media's narrative in the Apollo 13 episode, as the movie had already depicted the astronauts' account. Tom Hanks, who played a pivotal role in the series as a writer, director, producer, and narrator, also made a memorable appearance in the grand finale. Clearly, this project was a labor of love for Hanks.

45 Stay Close (2021)

Stream Stay Close on Netflix, a gripping adaptation of the Harlan Coben novel. This exciting series is just one of the 14 novels that Coben has partnered with Netflix to bring to life. In Stay Close, an intriguing missing person's case connects the paths of a jaded detective, a former dancer, and a skilled photographer. Unveiling a series of unexpected twists, this character-driven drama delivers exceptional performances that will keep you hooked.

44 Devs (2020)

Stream Devs on Hulu and prepare to question the moral implications of scientific and technological progress. The gripping storyline follows a woman's investigation into her boyfriend's mysterious death, which occurred shortly after his secretive promotion. As the plot unfolds, viewers are confronted with a terrifying technological breakthrough and the ensuing battle between governments vying for control. This thought-provoking series offers a captivating exploration of the future of technology and stands out as one of Hulu's top miniseries.

43 The Stand (2020)

The Stand, a chilling miniseries based on Stephen King's renowned novel, can now be streamed on Paramount+. With a new extended ending penned by King himself, viewers are offered a glimpse into the aftermath of the story's gripping events. Set in a world devastated by a deadly disease, humanity faces a constant temptation from a malevolent force. This timeless tale of the battle between good and evil is executed in King's signature bone-chilling fashion.

42 Lost Ollie (2022)

Streamable on Netflix, Lost Ollie showcases a range of Southern accents, albeit not flawlessly executed. Nevertheless, the performances brim with emotion. Based on the children's book Ollie's Odyssey, this combination of live-action and animation narrates the tale of a lost toy named Ollie residing in an antique store's lost and found section. Though Ollie grapples with gaps in his memory, his ultimate goal remains finding his beloved best friend. While some initially drew comparisons between this series and the beloved Toy Story franchise, the inclusion of live-action elements imbues Lost Ollie with a distinct realism absent from Pixar's movies. Featuring a narrative that tugs at the heartstrings akin to Pixar's projects, this series offers a captivating watch suitable for viewers of all ages.

41 Looking For Alaska (2019)

You can purchase it via Apple TV or Google Play. John Green's novel, Looking For Alaska, has been adapted into a captivating miniseries. Unlike other movies based on Green's novels, this format allows for a deeper exploration of the characters. The story follows a teenager who finds himself in a boarding school, where he encounters the mysterious and captivating Alaska. However, their story ends tragically, sparking a thoughtful discussion about mental health without sensationalizing it like many other teen stories do. This makes it a must-watch miniseries for both teenagers and adults.

40 Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes (2019)

Streamable on Netflix, true-crime podcasts, docuseries, and dramas based on real cases have experienced a surge in popularity since 2017. The convenience of binge-watching on streaming platforms has contributed significantly to this trend, allowing enthusiasts to delve deep into famous cases. Among Netflix's Conversations With A Killer series, the Ted Bundy Tapes stands out as the catalyst for this phenomenon. This gripping miniseries offers captivating interviews with a serial killer, shedding light on his psychology through previously unreleased footage. By providing a fresh perspective, it has become a must-watch for avid true-crime enthusiasts eager to delve into these intriguing cases.

39 National Treasure: Edge Of History (2023)

Now streaming on Disney+, if National Treasure: Edge Of History had a second season, it wouldn't be categorized as a miniseries. This Disney+ show, taking place after the events of the first two National Treasure movies, introduces new characters on the search for a lost treasure in South America. While the initial two films focus on the history of the United States, this series raises questions about the gaps in knowledge regarding indigenous peoples of South and Central America and also sheds light on the overlooked contributions of women in that history. Despite its concise season, it stands as one of the top miniseries available on Disney+.

38 Mind Over Murder (2022)

Streamable on Max, filmmaker Nanfu Wang became intrigued by the fallibility of memories after noticing discrepancies in the recollections of individuals she interviewed for previous documentaries. This fascination led her to delve into the realm of memory, and the compelling case of the Beatrice 6 served as a platform for her exploration. Convicted of a sexual assault with the influence of a psychologist coercing repressed memories, five of the individuals eventually confessed to the crime. However, they were all exonerated two decades later through DNA evidence. Beginning her investigation in 2019, Wang's meticulous attention to detail in this docuseries offers a captivating exploration into the mechanisms behind such a miscarriage of justice.

37 Tiny Beautiful Things (2023)

Tiny Beautiful Things, available for streaming on Hulu, stands out among the best miniseries on streaming platforms as it draws inspiration from a series of essays rather than novels. Starring Kathryn Hahn as a writer turned anonymous advice columnist, the show explores the complexities of her own troubled life as she offers guidance to others. With a delicate balance between relatable emotions and tailored advice for unique situations, the series showcases Hahn's exceptional skills in both dramatic and comedic acting, portraying a character on the brink of keeping her life from falling apart.

36 Star Wars: Visions (2021-)

Streamable on Disney+, Star Wars is an expansive franchise encompassing movies, animated series, comic books, novels, and games. Enter Star Wars: Visions, an anthology series that seamlessly integrates its stories into the universe's main timeline, without the need to watch them to fully appreciate the movies. Each episode of this animated series showcases a distinct animation style from various studios, revitalizing the well-known Star Wars mythology for dedicated fans.

35 Cruel Summer Season 1 (2021)

Stream Cruel Summer on Hulu now.

Cruel Summer is an anthology series with multiple seasons, each featuring new characters and set in different summer locations. The first season revolves around the story of two teenage girls in the 1990s. One of them is abducted and held captive by someone she trusted. After managing to escape, she accuses the other girl of knowing about her situation. The show cleverly tells the story through dual timelines, delving into the events before and after the abduction, as well as showcasing the circumstances of the captivity. As the series progresses, the mystery unfolds, revealing who is telling the truth and the extent of each person's knowledge. With its skillful use of suspense and cliffhangers, Cruel Summer keeps viewers captivated.

34 Julie And The Phantoms (2020)

Streamable on Netflix, Julie and the Phantoms was initially intended to be Netflix's prominent teen series in 2020. Despite its expensive production, the musical dramedy ended up being cancelled after its first season. However, this cancellation elevated it to one of Netflix's top-notch miniseries, not solely appealing to kids. The plot revolves around Julie, whose life takes an unexpected turn when she gains the ability to see and hear the ghosts of a 1990s band. With their untimely deaths just before their big breakthrough, Julie joins them as their new lead singer. Together, they discover that people can interact with the ghosts during their performances. Boasting phenomenal music, exceptional performances from the main cast, and an engaging storyline, this series offers a truly captivating experience.

33 Guillermo Del Toro’s Cabinet Of Curiosities (2022)

Now streaming on Netflix

Two episodes of this miniseries are written and directed by Guillermo del Toro, who also curated the entire collection by carefully selecting the horror stories to be told. From spiritual tales and haunting stories to creature features and accounts of alien life forms, this anthology series covers a wide range of themes. Each story is brought to life by different writers and directors, resulting in a unique feel for each one, while still being part of the overall horror genre. With its visually stunning visuals, including a blend of practical effects, makeup, and computer-generated work, Cabinet of Curiosities stands out as one of the most creatively captivating miniseries to watch.

32 Midnight Mass (2021)

Currently available for streaming on Netflix, Midnight Mass is an intriguing miniseries produced by Mike Flanagan, who has established a successful partnership with the streaming platform. This particular story idea has been brewing for a while, with Flanagan subtly hinting at its existence in previous projects. Now, audiences finally get to witness the exploration of grief, faith, and their intricate relationship. Taking place on a small island, the arrival of a new priest and a former resident coincides with the occurrence of miraculous events. However, as the residents delve deeper into these wonders, they begin to question their authenticity. Impressive performances from the cast and well-developed characters, free from the constraints of small-town stereotypes, contribute to making Midnight Mass one of the standout miniseries currently offered on Netflix.

31 Normal People (2020)

Stream Normal People on Hulu. Daisy Edgar-Jones and Paul Mescal star as the two leads, portraying a pair who meet in secondary school and embark on a secret relationship filled with misunderstandings and hurt. The series follows their journey as friends and romantic partners throughout college, blending romance, drama, and coming-of-age elements. The characters' struggles to express their desires are superbly portrayed by both actors, making it effortless to connect with them. Normal People received numerous nominations at the Irish Television Awards and Primetime Emmys after its release.