Letterboxd has carved out a unique niche as the go-to platform for movie lovers, but it also embraces miniseries—those compact, often cinematic TV events that unfold over a single season. Unlike IMDb, which lets you rate everything from TV episodes to video games, Letterboxd keeps its focus tight: movies, short films, and miniseries. That means if a show runs for just one season, it likely qualifies, and many of these feel like extended films. Below, we dive into the highest-rated miniseries on Letterboxd, excluding documentaries and anime that ran for one season (sorry, Cowboy Bebop and Monster fans—those aren't quite what we mean by 'miniseries').
10. 'Brass Eye' (1997) — 4.4/5
This cult British satire from Channel 4 only aired a handful of episodes, but its sharp, uncomfortable humor has earned it a devoted following. Brass Eye skewers current affairs TV with fearless, often controversial takes on sensitive topics. It's very much a product of its time, yet its biting critique of media sensationalism remains oddly timeless. If you can handle cringe comedy that pushes boundaries, this one's a gem.
9. 'Okupas' (2000) — 4.5/5
An Argentine slice-of-life crime drama, Okupas follows four young men squatting together and struggling to survive. It's raw, realistic, and unflinching in its portrayal of gang violence, drug addiction, and social injustice. Though its early-2000s production values may feel dated, the storytelling holds up powerfully. This is a miniseries that doesn't glamorize hardship—it just shows it as it is.
8. 'The Penguin' (2024) — 4.5/5
Martin Scorsese once criticized superhero movies, but The Penguin feels like a bridge between his crime epics and comic book adaptations. This HBO spin-off from The Batman follows Oz Cobb (Colin Farrell) as he claws for power in Gotham's underworld. Darker and more violent than its predecessor, it's a gangster saga that expands the world of the 2022 film while keeping fans eager for the sequel. For more on epic storytelling, check out our list of the best epic fantasy movies ever.
7. 'I May Destroy You' (2020) — 4.5/5
Michaela Coel's tour de force—she wrote, co-directed, and starred in all 12 episodes—is a searing dramedy about a writer piecing together the night she was sexually assaulted. It's grim but balanced, informed by the Me Too movement without being preachy. Coel's performance and the show's tonal tightrope walk make it one of the most powerful miniseries of the decade.
6. 'When They See Us' (2019) — 4.6/5
Ava DuVernay's four-part Netflix series feels like a long movie—nearly five hours—about the Central Park Five, five young men falsely accused of a brutal assault. It's a gut-wrenching true story that exposes systemic racism and injustice. The emotional weight and meticulous storytelling have made it a modern classic. For more gripping true stories, see our ranking of the most beloved American movies.
5. 'Chernobyl' (2019) — 4.6/5
HBO's harrowing dramatization of the 1986 nuclear disaster is a masterclass in tension and dread. With meticulous historical detail and a focus on human fallibility, Chernobyl turns a catastrophe into a gripping thriller. It's not just a miniseries—it's a cautionary tale that lingers long after the credits roll.
4. 'Band of Brothers' (2001) — 4.6/5
Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks' WWII epic remains the gold standard for war miniseries. Following Easy Company from training through D-Day and beyond, it's a visceral, emotional journey that honors the soldiers' sacrifice. Its 4.6 rating on Letterboxd is well-earned, and it continues to set the bar for historical drama.
3. 'The Pacific' (2010) — 4.6/5
A companion piece to Band of Brothers, this HBO series shifts focus to the Pacific Theater, offering a grittier, more brutal look at war. It follows three Marines through some of the bloodiest battles of WWII. While less celebrated than its predecessor, it's equally powerful and earns its place among the best.
2. 'Over the Garden Wall' (2014) — 4.6/5
This animated gem from Cartoon Network is a whimsical, eerie fairy tale about two brothers lost in a mysterious forest. With only 10 short episodes, it's a perfect autumnal watch that blends humor, heart, and a touch of horror. Its cult following has only grown, and it's a testament to how miniseries can be both compact and profound.
1. 'Scenes from a Marriage' (2021) — 4.7/5
HBO's remake of Ingmar Bergman's classic, starring Oscar Isaac and Jessica Chastain, tops the list. This intimate, devastating exploration of a crumbling relationship is raw, honest, and brilliantly acted. It's a masterclass in emotional storytelling, proving that sometimes the most powerful stories are the smallest in scale. For more on powerful storytelling, check out our ranking of the best supernatural thriller endings.
Whether you're into historical epics, dark comedies, or emotional dramas, these miniseries represent the best of what the format can offer. And if you're looking for more binge-worthy content, don't miss our weekend watchlist for Netflix.
