The Ultimate Ranking of the Top 25 Netflix Miniseries That Will Leave You Begging for More!

Summary

The rise of miniseries on Netflix reflects a shift in audience preferences for binge-worthy content that can be consumed quickly.

Shorter seasons enable more precise storytelling and prioritize delivering a well-crafted narrative over prolonging it unnecessarily. Netflix provides a diverse selection of top-notch miniseries, including both original and international productions, which have garnered widespread acclaim and are ideal for a fast binge-watching session.

The best miniseries on Netflix offer a unique opportunity in today's world - they can be binge-watched and finished in just one afternoon. In this Golden Age of television, one interesting characteristic is the decrease in the number of episodes. In the past, shows would last almost an entire year with 24 episodes per season being the norm. However, with the rise of streaming, audience patience seems to have reduced. Releasing the entire series at once is a direct result of this shift. When shows were released week by week, the prolonged plotlines were not as noticeable.

Nevertheless, shorter seasons now allow for more refined storytelling. Creators focus on telling a compelling story rather than stretching it out unnecessarily. In fact, miniseries have become a defining feature of this era, especially on Netflix, which offers a larger variety of high-quality, short content. Over the past few years, Netflix has produced more limited series than ever before. Not only does the streaming service include top-notch miniseries from around the world, but they also create their own original ones that have received critical acclaim. These shows are perfect for anyone seeking a quick binge-watching session.

25 Safe (2018)

Michael C. Hall joined forces with Netflix for the miniseries Safe. Drawing inspiration from the renowned mystery writer Harlan Coben's novel, the show features Hall as Tom Delaney, a single father mourning the loss of his wife while raising two daughters. However, the tranquility of their lives is shattered when Tom's 16-year-old daughter Jenny mysteriously vanishes. Driven by an unwavering determination, Tom embarks on a relentless quest to uncover the truth behind her disappearance and bring her safely back home. Safe boasts an intricate plot filled with unexpected twists and turns, leaving critics captivated. The series received a positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes, earning praise for its shocking revelations and outstanding performances.

24 The Midnight Club (2022)

The Midnight Club, released by Mike Flanagan on Netflix, stands as one of the finest miniseries. Despite gaining recognition for his dark horror shows, such as The Haunting of Hill House, Flanagan aimed to cater to a younger audience with this series. Grounded on Christopher Pike's stories, The Midnight Club unfolds within a hospice setting, where eight terminally ill young individuals shared chilling tales every night, with the episodes enacting their narratives. The overarching plot revolves around the dying storytellers' belief in their ability to communicate beyond the grave. This Netflix miniseries garnered favorable reviews and concluded with a total of 10 episodes.

23 Treason (2022)

Charlie Cox returns to Netflix where he previously played Daredevil for the miniseries Treason. In this latest venture, Cox portrays Adam Lawrence, who takes charge in the absence of the poisoned chief of the MI6. As he unravels the truth behind the poisoning, he discovers that his former lover and ex-SVR operative is responsible. Now faced with a challenging dilemma, he must choose between aiding her and potentially jeopardizing his position and reputation if her involvement is discovered. Despite its concise five-episode duration, the series races forward with exhilarating speed, garnering positive reviews from critics, although the audience score falls short in comparison.

22 Anatomy Of A Scandal (2022)

Renowned television creator David E. Kelly, best known for producing hit shows such as Ally McBeal, Boston Legal, Big Little Lies, and Goliath, showcased his exceptional talent once again in 2022 by bringing us Anatomy of a Scandal, an outstanding miniseries exclusively available on Netflix. Sienna Miller captivates audiences with her brilliant performance as Sophie Whitehouse, the spouse of a prominent British Tory MP. When news emerges of her husband's affair with his aide, Sophie is compelled to confront the aftermath and manage the repercussions of her partner's actions. While receiving moderate ratings, the film garnered critical acclaim, with particular admiration for Kelly's compelling narrative and the exceptional ensemble cast.

21 Inside Man (2022)

20 Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story (2023)

Inside Man features renowned actors David Tennant and Stanley Tucci, and is brought to life by the creative genius of Steven Moffat, the mastermind behind Doctor Who. Moffat's collaboration with Tennant, one of the most beloved Doctors, sets the stage for an captivating series. In this gripping narrative, Jefferson Grieff (portrayed by Tucci), a former professor of criminology sentenced to death, is enlisted to aid in the investigation of a woman's sudden disappearance. The incident unravels when a vicar (played by Tennant) imprisons the woman in his basement, driven by his desire to shield a young man involved in possessing child pornography. As the plot unfolds, it takes unexpected twists and turns, culminating in a riveting crime thriller led by two remarkable actors.

There is no doubt that the Bridgerton franchise stands out as one of the top-notch productions on Netflix. The undeniable proof lies in the immense popularity and resounding success of Queen Charlotte: A Bridgerton Story, which swiftly claimed the title of one of the most-watched and best miniseries on Netflix. This captivating spinoff, centered around Queen Charlotte, takes us on a mesmerizing journey through two significant periods in her life: her quest for a new heir in 1817 and her marriage to King George in 1761. Upon its release, the miniseries effortlessly soared to become one of the ten most-watched English-language TV shows during its first week. Furthermore, it garnered widespread critical acclaim, earning a remarkably high score on Rotten Tomatoes.

19 Alias Grace (1996)

Alias Grace has an extraordinary lineage, being adapted from the novel written by Margaret Atwood, the renowned author of The Handmaid's Tale. While The Handmaid's Tale reached the big screen and gained immense acclaim through a Hulu series, Alias Grace stands as one of the most remarkable miniseries in Netflix's history, particularly when considering critical reviews. Under the brilliant direction of Mary Harron (renowned for American Psycho), the miniseries stars the talented Sarah Gordon in the role of Grace Marks, a woman accused of murdering her employer and his mistress. Sporting an outstanding 99 percent critical rating on Rotten Tomatoes, as well as an exceptional audience score, this show has surely proved its excellence.

18 True Story (2021)

One of the top-notch Netflix miniseries to watch is True Story, featuring the remarkable duo of Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes. In this captivating series, Hart portrays a renowned comedian (similar to himself in real life) who unexpectedly finds himself in a life-or-death situation while in Philadelphia. It is interesting to note that while critics had mixed reviews, applauding the chemistry between Snipes and Hart, some found the plot a bit lackluster. Nevertheless, the series garnered a favorable response from audiences, resulting in impressive viewership numbers despite a few disappointing reviews.

17 Gilmore Girls: A Year In The Life (2016)

16 Beef (2023)

Gilmore Girls, a beloved show from the 2000s, still captivates fans today as they continue to revisit the series from start to finish. The exciting news of Netflix's revival miniseries, Gilmore Girls: A Year in the Life, brought immense joy to the audience. This four-episode series serves as a sequel to the original show, revealing the current lives of the characters. Despite its limited episode count, each installment provides a cinematic experience, running approximately 90 minutes. The devoted fan base embraced the Gilmore Girls revival, receiving praise from critics and leaving them eagerly yearning for more.

The year 2023 brought a thrilling and captivating experience to Netflix viewers with the release of Beef. Starring the talented duo of Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, the show revolves around two individuals who find themselves caught in a heated road rage incident, leading them down a path of relentless vengeance and chaos. As the stakes escalate, their lives hang in the balance, making for a gripping narrative. Garnering critical acclaim, Beef achieved a remarkable 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and even had its premiere at South By Southwest before joining the Netflix catalog. Produced by A24, the possibility of a second season for Beef is not out of reach.

15 Midnight Mass (2021)

Netflix subscribers seem to have a strong affinity for horror series, and it's not surprising to see why they are often considered among the best miniseries on Netflix. The latest sensation from creator Mike Flanagan, Midnight Mass, once again delivers spine-chilling thrills. This gripping series revolves around a secluded community that becomes the stage for both miracles and ominous events following the arrival of a captivating and enigmatic priest. Flanagan expertly pays homage to his previous works, incorporating impeccable performances throughout the show, which quickly became the talk of the internet upon its release. The exceptional quality of Midnight Mass was duly recognized, earning it five Saturn Award nominations and securing a well-deserved victory in one category.

14 Maniac (2018)

Renowned director Cary Joji Fukunaga takes the helm of each and every episode of this intriguing and mind-bending science fiction series, True Detective. Set in an alternate reality where the internet does not exist, the show centers around two outcasts, portrayed by Jonah Hill and Emma Stone, who willingly participate in a revolutionary drug trial intended to heal their emotional scars. The storytelling in Maniac is exemplary, complemented by captivating production design and immersive world-building. The show's unique format allows for exhilarating shifts in genre with every installment. Moreover, Hill and Stone deliver outstanding performances, with Stone even earning accolades and nominations at esteemed award ceremonies such as the SAG and Satellite Awards.

13 The Haunting Of Bly Manor (2020)

12 From Scratch (2022)

: With the success of horror maestro Mike Flanagan's first miniseries, audiences were in for a treat with The Haunting of Bly Manor. Based on various chilling tales by Henry James, this adaptation follows the story of an American woman who takes on a nanny job in a haunted house. Prepare yourself for a consistently terrifying experience as The Haunting of Bly Manor dives into the scares right from the start, sparing you from any lengthy exposition. While it may not have reached the same levels of fear and quality as its predecessor, it still managed to secure an Emmy nomination.

From Scratch premiered on Netflix in 2022, featuring Zoe Saldana in the lead role of an American student who falls in love with an Italian chef. The storyline takes a turn when the chef faces health issues, forcing the couple to confront pain and uncertainty. This captivating romantic drama consists of eight episodes and has garnered critical acclaim, boasting an impressive 94% positive rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Zoe Saldana's outstanding performance in this exceptional Netflix miniseries even earned her an NAACP nomination.

11 The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)

Mike Flanagan, renowned for his exceptional horror projects like Hush and Gerald's Game, achieved his greatest triumph in The Haunting of Hill House. This Netflix miniseries, adapted from Shirley Jackson's novel, has emerged as a pinnacle of excellence within the horror genre. Audiences have been enthralled by the show's captivating storytelling, prompting them to revisit it time and again to uncover its hidden Easter eggs. Notably, genuine apparitions sporadically haunt the background of scenes in Haunting of Hill House, further enhancing its rewatch value. The series received widespread acclaim and garnered five nominations, ultimately winning a prestigious Saturn Award.

10 Maid (2021)

Occasionally, a Netflix miniseries emerges and captivates audiences worldwide. In 2021, Maid accomplished just that. This compelling series centers around a young mother who escapes an abusive relationship with her daughter, resorting to working as a cleaning lady to support them both. Margaret Qualley's portrayal of the lead character is nothing short of remarkable, earning her numerous prestigious award nominations, including at the Golden Globes. This latest role further solidifies Qualley's rising star status in Hollywood.

9 Unbelievable (2019)

8 Inventing Anna (2022)

Nominated for multiple Emmy awards, this compelling crime drama captivates with its masterful writing and exceptional performances. It delves into a disturbing and chilling story, made all the more infuriating by its basis in real-life events. Kaitlyn Dever skillfully portrays Marie Adler, a young woman who suffers a horrific sexual assault and is then falsely accused of fabrication by the authorities. The series seamlessly switches between Marie's harrowing journey and the tireless efforts of two female detectives conducting an independent investigation. Despite its distressing subject matter, the show maintains a thrilling pace, solidifying its status as one of Netflix's finest miniseries, albeit not without its challenging moments.

Scheduled to debut on Netflix in 2022, Inventing Anna emerged as a captivating drama miniseries as part of Shonda Rhimes' partnership with the renowned streaming platform. Centered around a true story, the talented Julie Garner takes on the role of Anna Sorokin, a Russian-born woman who remarkably managed to deceive New York City's affluent elite into believing she was a prosperous heiress from Germany. Exploiting this ruse, she cunningly acquired a substantial amount of money, merchandise, and services from her unsuspecting victims. The series garnered immense success on Netflix, captivating an astounding 511.92 million viewers within its initial 28 days of release (via What's On Netflix). Additionally, it garnered six esteemed Emmy nominations.

7 Halston (2021)

6 Bodyguard (2018)

Ewan McGregor has undoubtedly established himself as a remarkable and versatile actor throughout his career. This was perhaps most evident in his outstanding portrayal of the main character in Netflix's Halston. Based on Steven Gaines' novel, the series recounts the captivating life story of Halston, one of the fashion industry's most iconic figures. Despite its concise five-episode length, this miniseries unquestionably leaves a lasting impact. McGregor's exceptional performance in one of Netflix's finest miniseries earned him an Emmy, further solidifying his talent.

When most individuals think of Bodyguard, their minds automatically recall the early '90s Whitney Houston film. However, this BBC original, which was later picked up by Netflix for international distribution, features a war veteran who uncovers a perilous conspiracy while safeguarding a prominent politician. Richard Madden's acting prowess truly shines in this series, surpassing even the popularity of Game of Thrones and Eternals. The show garnered glowing reviews and received nominations for Outstanding Drama Series and Outstanding Writing at the Emmy Awards.