15 Best Netflix Miniseries, Ranked According to Rotten Tomatoes

June 19, 2023 By Admin

Netflix continues to dominate the streaming landscape, captivating audiences and maintaining their loyalty with a vast library of original and acquired content. While other competitors offer alternatives, Netflix remains the go-to choice for viewers, especially with its highly acclaimed limited series that have become cultural phenomena and garnered critical acclaim. Here are some of the best limited series on Netflix, showcasing the streaming giant’s prowess in captivating storytelling.

‘Maniac’ (2018) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 85%

Starring Emma Stone and Jonah Hill, ‘Maniac’ is a 2018 limited series that follows two troubled strangers who participate in an ambitious drug trial. The series garnered positive reviews from critics, praising its originality, the performances of Stone and Hill, and its bold approach to mental health. Despite being somewhat underrated, ‘Maniac’ takes audiences on a daring and trippy journey that is worth their time.

‘Midnight Mass’ (2021) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

‘Midnight Mass,’ created by Mike Flanagan, presents a horror masterpiece set in a small town. As a young man returns to his hometown, mysterious occurrences coincide with the arrival of a charismatic priest. The series received positive reviews for its tone, exploration of themes like grief and guilt, and Hamish Linklater’s performance as the enigmatic priest. ‘Midnight Mass’ solidifies Flanagan as one of Netflix’s strongest assets.

‘The Haunting of Bly Manor’ (2020) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 88%

The second installment in Mike Flanagan’s ‘Haunting’ anthology, ‘The Haunting of Bly Manor,’ is a chilling adaptation of Henry James’ novella ‘The Turn of the Screw.’ Victoria Pedretti stars as a young au pair who suspects supernatural forces are possessing the children she cares for. While considered inferior to its predecessor, ‘Bly Manor’ received positive reviews for its unique vision, performances by Pedretti and Oliver Jackson-Cohen, and newcomer T’Nia Miller.

‘From Scratch’ (2022) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

‘From Scratch’ features Zoë Saldaña in a captivating story of love and tragedy. Saldaña’s charming performance as Amy Wheeler, an American student in Italy, who falls for an Italian chef, earned critical praise. The series, while somewhat formulaic, stands out with its beautiful Italian scenery and empathetic approach, becoming an unexpected success on Netflix.

‘Stay Close’ (2021) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 92%

Based on Harlan Coben’s novel, ‘Stay Close’ stars Cush Jumbo, James Nesbitt, and Richard Armitage in a gripping British mystery. The lives of a suburban housewife, a tortured paparazzi, and an obsessed police detective intersect following a man’s disappearance. The miniseries received highly positive reviews for its performances, effective tense atmosphere, and binge-worthy quality.

‘Lost Ollie’ (2022) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

‘Lost Ollie’ tells the heartwarming story of a toy rabbit’s journey to reunite with his owner. With elements comparable to Pixar’s ‘Toy Story,’ the series received acclaim for its plot, animation, and depiction of adult issues. Although deemed mature for younger audiences, ‘Lost Ollie’ presents a delightful and touching experience.

‘The Haunting of Hill House’ (2018) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Mike Flanagan’s first Netflix project, ‘The Haunting of Hill House,’ offers a terrifying loose adaptation of Shirley Jackson’s horror novel. The series follows the Crain family and their haunting experiences in the eerie Hill House. With its exceptional storytelling, atmospheric cinematography, and stellar performances from the ensemble cast, ‘The Haunting of Hill House’ became an instant hit and received widespread critical acclaim.

‘Alias Grace’ (2017) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Based on Margaret Atwood’s novel, ‘Alias Grace’ is a captivating historical drama that delves into the true story of Grace Marks, a young Irish immigrant accused of murder in 19th-century Canada. The series masterfully explores themes of memory, identity, and the social constraints faced by women of that era. With Sarah Gadon’s compelling portrayal of Grace Marks and director Mary Harron’s meticulous attention to detail, ‘Alias Grace’ delivers a thought-provoking and visually stunning narrative.

‘Godless’ (2017) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

Set in the Wild West, ‘Godless’ follows the residents of the town of La Belle, predominantly inhabited by women after a mining accident claimed many of the men’s lives. When a notorious criminal, played by Jeff Daniels, comes to town, the community must band together to defend themselves. The series boasts stunning cinematography, strong performances, and a captivating story that blends traditional western elements with fresh perspectives.

‘Unbelievable’ (2019) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 98%

‘Unbelievable’ is a gripping true-crime limited series that sheds light on the flawed nature of the criminal justice system. Inspired by real events, the series follows the story of a young woman who reports her rape but faces disbelief and doubt from investigators. The series tackles sensitive subject matter with sensitivity and nuance, earning acclaim for its exceptional performances, meticulous storytelling, and its exploration of trauma, resilience, and the power of empathy.

‘When They See Us’ (2019) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Directed by Ava DuVernay, ‘When They See Us’ is a powerful and heartbreaking miniseries based on the true story of the Central Park Five. The series chronicles the lives of five Black and Latino teenagers wrongfully convicted of a brutal assault in New York City in the late 1980s. With its compelling performances and emotionally charged narrative, ‘When They See Us’ confronts issues of racial injustice and highlights the personal toll of systemic racism.

‘Chernobyl’ (2019) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Although not a Netflix original, ‘Chernobyl’ gained significant popularity on the streaming platform. This British-American co-production dramatizes the events surrounding the catastrophic Chernobyl nuclear disaster of 1986 in Soviet Ukraine. The series received critical acclaim for its historical accuracy, gripping storytelling, and remarkable performances, notably Jared Harris and Stellan Skarsgård. ‘Chernobyl’ is a haunting and thought-provoking exploration of the human cost of one of the world’s worst nuclear disasters.

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ (2020) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

‘The Queen’s Gambit’ took the world by storm, captivating audiences with its compelling story of an orphaned chess prodigy, played by Anya Taylor-Joy. Set in the 1950s and 1960s, the series explores themes of addiction, genius, and resilience as the protagonist battles personal demons while pursuing her dream of becoming the world’s greatest chess player. With its stylish visuals, engaging performances, and gripping narrative, ‘The Queen’s Gambit’ became a cultural phenomenon.

‘Stranger Things’ (2016-present) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Set in the 1980s, ‘Stranger Things’ combines elements of sci-fi, horror, and nostalgia to create an irresistible and binge-worthy series. The show follows a group of kids in the small town of Hawkins as they encounter supernatural mysteries and government conspiracies. With its endearing characters, nostalgic references to 80s pop culture, and thrilling storytelling, ‘Stranger Things’ quickly became a global phenomenon and continues to captivate audiences with its ongoing seasons.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008-2013) – Rotten Tomatoes Score: 96%

Although ‘Breaking Bad’ originally aired on AMC, the critically acclaimed series found a massive following on Netflix. Chronicling the transformation of Walter White (Bryan Cranston) from a high school chemistry teacher to a ruthless methamphetamine kingpin, ‘Breaking Bad’ is widely regarded as one of the greatest television series of all time. With its exceptional writing, impeccable acting, and intense character development, ‘Breaking Bad’ delivers a gripping and morally complex narrative that explores the consequences of one man’s descent into the criminal underworld.

These are just a few examples of the exceptional limited series available on Netflix. Whether you’re in the mood for suspense, historical drama, true crime, or gripping character studies, Netflix offers a wide range of high-quality limited series to keep you entertained.