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Netflix is well-known for providing people with long-form entertainment. It features a library of hundreds of binge-worthy shows. However, sometimes you just want to watch something short and conclusive. Therefore, we will talk about the best mini-series on Netflix.
Netflix is the home to many mini-series. They’re dubbed as “limited series” on Netflix. Whatever you want to call them, they’re perfect for people who think movies are a bit too short and can’t commit to extremely long shows. You can watch it within a few hours, and the story will conclude in a single season.
So, if you’re one of those people, then you’ve come to the right place. In today’s list, we will be counting down the top 20+ best mini-series on Netflix. These mini-series are highly rated and will keep you entertained.
Best Mini-Series On Netflix
As we’ve mentioned earlier, Netflix uses the term “limited series” for its mini-series category. So, most of the entries we have chosen for our best mini-series on Netflix currently have one season only. However, Netflix can decide to renew it. So, by the time this article is being published, there’s no second season to these mini-series.
Now, let’s jump right into it.
22. The Pharmacist
Starting off our list of the best mini-series on Netflix, we have a documentary series called The Pharmacist. In this show, Dan Schneider, a pharmacist from a small town, launches a battle to deliver justice against the powerful individuals responsible for the nation’s horrific opioid crisis after losing his son in a drug-related killing.
The Pharmacist is a story that will restore some of your faith in humanity. It’s a story of someone who tried to bring change to the world. You can relate to Dan’s frustrations with the many circumstances and systems he had to deal with after seeing this documentary.
Overall, if you want to watch an extremely well-made documentary, I’d highly suggest you watch The Pharmacist. It is based on a very important subject matter that more people need to be educated about.
21. Flint Town
Flint Town is a documentary that follows the police force in Flint, Michigan, as it battles with limited funding and deteriorating infrastructure in a city plagued by violence and a water contamination issue.
The best part about this mini-series is that it shows you Flint’s real day-to-day hardships. You get to experience everything through the eyes of the individuals who are working to maintain communal peace.
Netflix has made sure to balance the documentary perfectly. With all the situation going on with the police, this documentary could’ve gone either way. However, thanks to its storytelling and brilliant production design, Flint Town is among the best mini-series on Netflix.
20. What/If
What/If is an anthology series created by Mike Kelley. This anthology series examines a different morality story and the ripple effect of a single decision that alters the course of a person’s life. This mini-series comprises only 10 episodes.
Not all the episodes in What/If are great. In fact, some of them are quite boring, to say the least. However, what makes these episodes worth watching are the acting performances. You will find many actors reinventing themselves through their brilliant acting.
Renee Zellweger is at the top of this list. Her acting performance is nearly flawless, and you’ll be in awe of her throughout the series. Zellweger’s performance is enough reason for us to include What/If on our list of the best mini-series on Netflix.
19. Behind Her Eyes
Behind Her Eyes is the next entry on our list of the best mini-series on Netflix. It was released in 2021. The story revolves around Louise, a single mother who works part-time at a psychiatric office. She has an affair with her employer and develops a strange connection with his wife.
Behind Her Eyes has brilliant pacing throughout (except for the first 2 episodes). Moreover, this mini-series only has 6 episodes, so it is great for people with a limited attention span.
The storytelling is the biggest plus point of Behind Her Eyes. It keeps you speculating until the very last episode. It hits you with a massive twist out of nowhere. Behind Her Eyes is an excellent option if you want to watch something quick and engaging.
18. True Story
True Story is a thriller mini-series. It stars many big-name actors such as Kevin Hart, Wesley Snipes, and Paul Adelstein. In this series, one of the most well-known comedians in the world faces life or death during a tour stop in Philadelphia.
Ever wondered what would happen if you put comedians in a suspense thriller? Well, this show answers that question. True Story is a good suspense thriller that builds on each episode with a solid pace. With just 7 episodes, you will find yourself binge-watching this show.
Even though Kevin Hart is known for his comedic roles and comedy specials, he also proves that he can do serious acting. Wesley Snipes is another great addition to this show. He doesn’t need an introduction. Their chemistry on the screen is fabulous.
17. Maniac
Maniac is the next entry on our list of the best mini-series on Netflix. This sci-fi mini-series stars Jonah Hill and Emma Stone in lead roles. The story of this show revolves around Two strangers that are lured to a strange pharmaceutical trial for a medicine that would fix all their issues forever with no difficulties or side effects.
It has 10 episodes in total. The plot is interesting. The acting is superb, notably by Emma Stone, who is as wonderful as ever, and Sally Field, who appears to be having a great time playing, among other things, a celebrity therapist.
Overall, Maniac is a unique and thought-provoking show. It’s kind of bizarre, but that’s what makes it unique. You won’t find anything like this on Netflix. It is one of the best mini-series on Netflix.
16. The English Game
The English Game is a sports mini-series that revolves around Football (or Soccer for American audiences). This series tells us the origins of football and how it soon ascended to become the world’s most popular sport by bridging social divisions.
If you’re in the mood to watch something light-hearted and enjoyable, then The English Game is the best Netflix mini-series for you. This show features beautiful cinematography and amazing production design. In addition to the brilliant production, the show also has thrilling sequences involving Football matches.
The English Game is made by the creators of Downton Abbey, which is apparent throughout the show thanks to its pleasant visual style. The show may not be entirely historically accurate, but it is extremely entertaining and will get you hooked.
15. Tales Of The City
Tales of the City is a drama mini-series on Netflix. It is a revival of the 1993 serial of the same name. The story revolves around a young, unmarried lady who travels to San Francisco in the 1970s and discovers an unexpected community among her eccentric neighbors.
Many actors reprise their roles from the original Tales of the City. It is surely a nostalgic trip for many people who have watched the original. It is certainly not the show for everyone, but if you’ve read the novels and watched the original show, then it’ll be among your best mini-series on Netflix.
The show has a rough start, but it gradually grows on you and becomes extremely enjoyable. It isn’t perfect, but it is still something beautiful. Overall, Tales of the City is a heartwarming mini-series that will uplift you in one way or the other.
14. Wild Wild Country
Wild Wild Country is a mini-series that follows Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh (Osho), his one-time personal helper Ma Anand Sheela, and his community of followers in the Rajneeshpuram community in Wasco County, Oregon, United States.
This series is the right pick if you enjoy docuseries like Tiger King. This series investigates the bizarre cult created by a prominent religious figure known as Osho and makes the subject matter extremely intriguing.
This mini-series is fantastic because it never takes sides, instead showing everyone stating their side and allowing you to figure out who’s lying and who’s speaking the truth. It is what more documentaries should be like. In the end, you’ll learn a lot about how weird cults operate and what pushes people towards this madness.
13. The Forest
The Forest is a French crime drama mini-series. This series revolves around Jennifer, a sixteen-year-old girl from the Ardennes who vanishes one night. Captain Gaspard Deker, assisted by local officer Virginie Musso, heads the inquiry. Eve, a lonely and strange woman, assists them.
The Forest is one of those series that requires your utmost attention. The plot is excellent, with enough depth to keep things intriguing. Moreover, the acting and character development are quite well done too.
Each of the six episodes had some sort of reveal or cliffhanger that would keep you watching. Once you start watching this show, it will be hard for you to stop. You might even finish it in one day. This quality makes it one of the best mini-series on Netflix.
12. Midnight Mass
Next up on our list of best mini-series on Netflix is Midnight Mass, a horror mystery show. After serving four years in jail for murdering someone in a drunk-driving accident, a young man returns to his lonely birthplace on Crockett Island, wanting to restart his life. He comes simultaneously as a strange, charismatic young priest who begins to rekindle the town’s dwindling faith.
Usually, horror mini-series aren’t my cup of tea. However, Midnight Mass stands out from the rest. It is extremely well-shot and well-acted. This show is more of an unsettling drama than horror. The show is very thought-provoking.
The finale of the show was incredible. Midnight Mass features some of the best writing in any of the modern Netflix shows. You should give it a watch if you’re looking for something short yet extremely thought-provoking.
11. Bodyguard
If you can’t sit through gut-wrenching thrillers, then Bodyguard isn’t for you. This series revolves around David Budd, a courageous but temperamental war veteran who now works as a Specialist Protection Officer with London’s Metropolitan Police Service’s Royalty and Specialist Protection Branch.
Budd is divided between duty and principles when he is ordered to defend the powerful and dominant Home Secretary Julia Montague, whose views represent everything he despises. This concept makes this show one of the best mini-series on Netflix.
Bodyguard will keep you on the edge of your seat till the very last episode. It can be addictive, but the show has some slow sections. You must hand it out to all the actors attached to this show, including Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes, Gina McKee, and Paul Ready.
10. Godless
Godless is a western mini-series that was released in 2017. In the 1880s American West, outlaw murder gang leader Frank Griffin is searching for former protégé Roy Goode. Frank’s pursuit leads him to Lovell, New Mexico. A town made almost entirely of women after a mining disaster.
Godless plays out like a 7-hour movie. It is basically a female-driven western. You won’t find it anywhere. This is a concept that hasn’t been done like this before. The production design, writing, and acting are top-notch.
If you like westerns, give it a try. If not, check it out anyway because you may find it different from other westerns. Godless deserves a spot on our list of the best mini-series on Netflix, thanks to its brilliant writing and acting.
9. The Queen’s Gambit
The next entry on our list of the best mini-series on Netflix is The Queen’s Gambit. Its story revolves around Beth Harmon, an orphan. She finds a purpose when the school janitor starts teaching her how to play chess. She is a genius at chess. However, she becomes addicted to drugs since they appear to improve her play.
The Queen’s Gambit is a genius show. We have covered this show extensively in our The Queen’s Gambit review. This show’s visuals are incredible. In addition, Anya Taylor-Joy’s performance as Beth is remarkable.
The chess matches are portrayed quite perfectly. These matches are full of tension and suspense. You should watch this show even if you don’t like chess. The cinematography, acting, and storyline will make you fall in love with this show.
8. Maid
Maid is one of Netflix’s most recent offerings in terms of mini-series. In this show, a young woman who leaves an abusive relationship struggles to support her daughter by working as a house cleaner. She must work hard to make ends meet while fighting the world for the sake of her daughter.
Maid is a beautiful mini-series. The mini-series is based on a real-life memoir, “Maid: Hard Work, Low Pay, and a Mother’s Will to Survive.” It depicts the harsh realities of poverty and how trauma passes on from one person to another.
Margaret Qualley gives a brilliant performance in the lead role. Her performance can sometimes make you cry, laugh, and even both. The creators have tackled multiple social issues through this show without making it feel like an agenda. Overall, Maid is one of the best mini-series on Netflix.
7. The Serpent
The Serpent is the next entry on our list of the best mini-series on Netflix. This show is based on the real life of Charles Sobhraj. The story follows his tenure in the 1970s. Charles Sobhraj was a hidden shadow on Asia’s hippie trail in the middle of the 1970s. He was a killer, robber, and charming master of disguise.
This drama keeps moving forward at a remarkable rate. It has superb production values and a really engaging aesthetic. Jenna Coleman keeps surprising us with her remarkable acting range. The creators have managed to compile so much information within just eight episodes.
The Serpent portrays an incredible narrative of a highly dangerous and cunning individual and those who were most affected by his behavior. Moreover, Tahar Rahim as Charles Sobraj will give you chills through his performance.
6. The Stranger
The Stranger follows Adam Price, who appears to be living the ideal life with two fantastic boys and a solid marriage. It all changes when a stranger approach him at a pub and shares a startling story about Price’s wife, Corinne.
The Stranger is one of the best mini-series on Netflix, thanks to its intriguing storyline. It consists of 8 episodes. They may not be consistent with the quality, but the show manages to keep you on the edge of your seat.
The show loses some of its momentum in the middle episodes. However, it picks right back up if you don’t give up on it. Overall, The Stranger is a great binge-worthy mini-series on Netflix that requires your utmost attention.
5. Alias Grace
Alias Grace, adapted by Sarah Polley from Margaret Atwood’s historical book and helmed by Mary Harron, has earned a spot on our list of the best mini-series on Netflix. It takes place in 19th century Canada. A doctor considers whether to grant a murderer’s pardon on the grounds of insanity.
Even though Alias Grace has only 6 episodes (which translates to just over 4 hours of content), it may feel a bit slow. However, this doesn’t mean that the show is boring. Alias Grace is very interesting, thanks to its narrative and clever writing.
Sarah Gadon is brilliant and perfectly cast in the lead role. Her expressions are remarkable. However, the finale seems a bit rushed, but it isn’t anything deal-breaking. You should watch this mini-series on Netflix.
4. The Spy
The Spy takes place in Jerusalem in 1959. Eli Cohen, an extremely patriotic accountant, is chosen by Mossad because they are anxious to plant a spy in Syria. This series is based on real-life incidents.
After receiving instruction, Eli Cohen adopts the persona of a Syrian citizen residing in Argentina and utilizes this to gain access to Syria. Sacha Baron Cohen portrays the role of Eli, and he’ll surprise you with his acting chops. You are familiar with his comedic roles, but this is a complete turn, and he pulls it off effortlessly.
Apart from Cohen’s acting, The Spy features a thrilling storyline. The show doesn’t revolve around Israel’s mission. Instead, it is a character study of Eli Cohen and how difficult it is to live a dual life. The Spy is one of the most exciting and best mini-series on Netflix.
3. When They See Us
When They See Us is another show on our list of best mini-series on Netflix, which is based on a true story. After five Harlem teenagers are wrongfully accused of carrying out a vicious attack in Central Park, they are plunged into a nightmare.
This is the show that will keep you up at night. It can sometimes be tough to watch, thanks to its disturbing and emotional subject matter. However, a show like this is extremely important in today’s day and age.
It’s not only about race; it’s also about our society’s intelligence and unity. This series isn’t your typical propaganda show. Instead, it puts genuine research over each incident. In addition, the acting is almost perfect throughout the series. Overall, this show is a solid mini-series that everyone should watch.
2. Unorthodox
Unorthodox is a drama mini-series. In this show, a Hasidic Jewish girl named Etsy leaves Brooklyn to begin a new life overseas after running away from an arranged marriage, but her history finds and begins haunting her.
Just like all good realistic dramas, there are no genuinely evil characters in Unorthodox. Even if everyone is striving to do what they believe to be right, conditions are still exceedingly difficult. Shira Haas, an Israeli performer who portrays Esty, is talented.
Overall, Unorthodox is an extremely well-made and interesting show. This four-episode series is based on Deborah Feldman’s autobiography “Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots.” It is sensitive yet beautiful, which makes it one of the best mini-series on Netflix.
1. Unbelievable
We are concluding our list of the best mini-series on Netflix with Unbelievable, a series based on true events. This eight-part drama investigates the case of a 16-year-old from Washington who initially reported being raped in her bedroom but changed her story after being aggressively questioned by police.
Later, a similar occurrence that occurs elsewhere reinforces her first statement. This series is extremely addicting, thanks to its very suspenseful storyline. It keeps you guessing till the very end.
Not only is this series great in terms of its storyline, but it also propagates a message involving rape and how the victim is treated. The physical and emotional cruelty depicted in the first two episodes might make them hard to watch. If you manage to get past them, you’ll be able to witness one of the best mini-series on Netflix.
Conclusion
Finally, this was our list of the best mini-series on Netflix. This list isn’t ranked in a particular order. We have focused more on the shows that fly under most people’s radars when they decide to watch a mini-series. These are the best choices if you’re looking for an interesting and addictive mini-series.
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