Are you looking to binge on a show, but are afraid of your deadlines? Guess what – miniseries might be the thing you are looking for. Lasting only 3-5 episodes, a miniseries typically finds its base on a real-life story and compresses it into a bingeable series. Here’s what we’ve done – we pored through the Netflix archives with a fine-toothed comb to discover the best mini-series on Netflix. Sci-fi, true crime, horror – there’s a miniseries in every genre that will blow your mind. Without further ado, here are the best miniseries on Netflix, for you to start binging immediately.
Queen Charlotte (2023)
Netflix's hit Regency-era romance series "Bridgerton" is getting its first spinoff, titled "Queen Charlotte." The prequel series will follow a young Queen Charlotte as she marries King George III and navigates the challenges of her new role. Viewers will get a glimpse into the early days of their love story and marriage.
The series will also explore the backstory of the beloved character Lady Danbury, including how she became a widow. While it's unclear what other spinoffs the "Bridgerton" universe has in store, "Queen Charlotte" is sure to be a must-watch for fans craving more of the show's signature humor, drama, and steamy romance.
From Scratch (2022)
Zoë Saldaña stars in the charming romantic drama From Scratch. The eight-episode limited series follows Amy Wheeler, an American art student studying in Italy, who falls for Lino, a Sicilian chef. While their whirlwind romance is a picturesque dream, life throws unexpected health issues their way that test the strength of their new relationship. However, instead of tearing them apart, Amy and Lino grow closer as they support each other through immense challenges.
Featuring stunning Italian backdrops and palpable chemistry between Saldaña and co-star Eugenio Mastrandrea, From Scratch is an unexpectedly moving show that highlights the depth of love and resilience in the face of hardship. Though the story follows a familiar formula, Saldaña's performance elevates the series into a poignant must-watch.
Treason (2022)
The British espionage thriller "Treason" follows Adam Lawrence, the deputy chief of MI6, as he is thrust into the director's role after an assassination attempt leaves his boss incapacitated. However, Lawrence soon finds himself trapped in a dangerous game of deceit and blackmail when it's revealed that his former lover, Anna, is actually a Russian spy seeking information from MI6. She forces Lawrence to secretly work with her or risk his treasonous affair being exposed.
As Lawrence tries to extricate himself from this tangled situation, both MI6 and the CIA begin to suspect that a mole has infiltrated their ranks. Over the course of five episodes, "Treason" spins a complex tale of international espionage and personal betrayal. With its blend of mystery, action and drama, the miniseries is a gripping exploration of loyalty, love and moral ambiguity.
Gunther's Millions (2023)
The new Netflix docuseries "Gunther's Millions" chronicles the bizarre yet fascinating true story of a German Shepherd named Gunther and his supposed multi-million dollar inheritance. When Gunther's owner, a wealthy yet eccentric man with no close family, passed away and left the entirety of his fortune to his beloved dog, it set off a chain of unusual events. A group of zealous caretakers formed around Gunther to manage his lavish lifestyle and newly acquired wealth.
The series provides an inside look into the workings of this unconventional "family" and the man responsible for overseeing Gunther's fortune and welfare. While the story seems too outrageous to be real, "Gunther's Millions" reveals the surprising reality behind this peculiar tale of extreme pet pampering and a very lucky dog.
Hollywood (2020)
Set in a time when World War II has just come to a close, a few actors are determined to take Tinseltown by storm and find their way up to the top, no matter the price. Determined to change Hollywood's operation, the show charts a completely different vision of the City of Dreams in the 1940s.
With their diverse backgrounds and individual struggles because of their looks and interests, Hollywood brings to the table exciting conversations and intense themes. One thing’s for sure – the show has something to enjoy for everyone.
Clark (2022)
What is the story behind the term “Stockholm Syndrome”? We all know it as the emotional closeness a victim feels towards their captor or the person who does wrong to them. But the origin has a rather interesting history – by the name of Clark Olofsson.
With Bill Skarsgård leading the show with his spectacular performance, we’re shown the life of a man Sweden couldn’t hate, despite the notorious crimes under his name. Mainly known for his bank robberies, Clark is energetic, wild, and a show that must not be missed.
What/If (2019)
What/If is a show that shows us the extent to which we would go and the things we would sacrifice to get what we want. Oscar winner Renée Zelwegger plays the role of Anne Montgomery, a woman of wealth and unparalleled power.
When young scientist Lisa approaches her for funding for her research that could save millions of lives, she’s asked for a strange request – that Anne get to spend one night with Lisa’s husband. But this strange demand becomes the puppet string, as Anne manipulates the lives of those around Lisa to achieve her ulterior motives.
True Story (2021)
Starring Kevin Hart and Wesley Snipes, the duo take True Story from a doubtable series to one that offers much behind the scenes. Kevin Hart plays the role of Kid, one of the biggest celebrities who rose from the bottom to the top of the world.
A tour stop by chance has him reuniting with his brother Carlton, and the night meant to be a happy reunion turns out for the worse. The kid has become the most scandalous celebrity overnight, and his years of hard work threaten to crash unless he and his brother find a solution together.
The Serpent (2021)
Based on true events, The Serpent depicts the story of the local law enforcement agencies trying to bring Charles Sobhraj, nicknamed The Serpent, to justice. Notorious for masquerading as a wealthy gem dealer, he was known to be the most notorious killer in South Asia.
Spearheaded by Tahar Rahim, this show has you rooting for both sides – you want Herman Knippenberg (the police officer) to catch the killer, but you also want him to escape. This true-crime story is written masterfully, without losing touch with the original facts. Charles’s depiction and actions can shake you down to the core with his bloodthirstiness.
Stay Close (2021)
Written by Harlan Coben, Stay Close brings together a photojournalist, a homicide detective, and a soccer mom by tying them to a terrible event from the past. Megan Pierce, played by Cush Jumbo, has a past that her current family and friends are unaware of.
But the death of someone from her past forces her to contact people from her previous life so that she can prepare for anyone or anything that threatens to harm her new life. With sharp writing that makes it a hit mystery thriller, Stay Close is a show you would not mind binging in one sitting.
The OA (2016)
Prairie Johnson is back home after disappearing seven years ago. Her friends and family are also shocked to know she is no longer blind. This stirs interest among family and local law enforcement, who had been trying to track her whereabouts for yours. But to no success, because she won’t talk about it.
The only indication of what she’s been through is the scars on her back that she won’t talk about. A show with a plot that offers much entertainment potential, The OA takes long-format stories and shows that they can succeed among today's viewers.
The Stranger (2020)
Adam Price is a man who seemed to have everything that a happy man could want until a spiral of secrets kept hidden from him until now demolished everything, he believed to be accurate. In a quest to find the truth about the people closest to him, Adam must ask questions he never thought of before.
With the right balance of mystery, pace and a cast that seems perfect for their roles, The Stranger is the rabbit hole a man can find himself falling through when his world shatters and nothing he believed was true remains the same.
When They See Us (2019)
Featuring a star cast of Michael K. Williams, John Leguizamo, Felicity Huffman, and Blair Underwood, When They See Us is the real-life story of the Central Park Five. Who are they? The five young men were wrongfully convicted of rape and assault charges by the city of New York in 1989.
The show takes us back to the start when these boys were questioned through their 25 years in prison for a crime they were innocent of. The most outstanding thing about this show is how the director brings out the hopelessness these boys felt during their time behind bars.
Behind Her Eyes (2021)
A mysterious set of games unfolds when Louise, a single mother works as a maid for the married couple Adele and David. She starts to have an affair with David but also finds herself becoming best friends with Adele. In her words, both enjoy being with her more than each other.
But this love triangle goes for a toss when Louise finds herself almost losing her mind but can’t point to what is causing it. Behind Her Eyes, a show that imbibes an air of mystery in every scene is by far the scariest show we’ve found.
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Inventing Anna (2022)
What would you do when you find out that the perfect life you see on social media falls like a house of cards? Positioning Inventing Anna is the true story of Anna Delvey, who frauded the elite class and banks to give her millions by putting up the perfect image of a socialite.
While this sounds too wacky to be accurate, her scheme worked because of the influence of social media in our decisions, until it all can crash down. Starring Julia Garner, who plays the real-life character of Anna Delvey impeccably, this shows reminds you not to take everything you see on social media at face value.
Clickbait (2021)
Clickbait is possibly the scariest representation of what can happen when you don't know what you're doing online but keep at it anyway. When Nick Brewer, a man with a wonderful family, close friends and a decent job, is suddenly found missing in an online mystery, his family is baffled.
But as they venture out to rescue him, they uncover secrets worse than anything they could've imagined. A show that keeps you asking questions, 5 is a stark reminder of how we need to be careful about our internet usage.
Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker (2020)
Building on the real story of Madame CJ Walker, the first African American self-made millionaire in the nation's history, Self-Made: Inspired by the Life of Madam C. J. Walker is an inspiring show. With Octavia Spencer playing the role of Madame CJ Walker, you'll find it hard to better portray the real person.
The effort put into recreating the exact environment of her growth is impressive, and Spencer manages to take us along on this challenging but historical ride - something everyone will remember.
Unbelievable (2019)
The true story behind Unbelievable is heartbreaking but at the same time inspires us with hope to look for the people around us who want genuine good for us. When Marie Adler comes out with a rape accusation but then suddenly recants it, two detectives suspect something has gone wrong and decide to get down to the bottom.
While this may be a hard concept to swallow, Unbelievable holds back the curtain to show the hurt of the victim and their rise in a graceful manner. Spectacular is one word we would use to describe it.
The I-Land (2019)
You wake up one day to find yourself getting up from a completely different location. The place where you woke up defies all normal expectations from the world we know. How would you react? Tune your screens to The I-land and join this adventure with ten people, who are set to discover that the new world they inhabit is far more treacherous than appears at first glance.
They must do whatever it takes to survive. An entertaining watch may not be suitable for all audiences, but it’s the perfect weekend binge.
Godless (2017)
Frank Griffin and his crew of outlaws are out for blood – to take down Roy Goode, a former member of their crew who betrayed the gang and absconded. Roy is in pursuit of haven, and he lands in the ghost mining town of La Belle, where he has found temporary shelter under the roof of widower Alice Fletcher.
La Belle is a town governed by women, and when they hear that the notorious Griffin and gang are headed their way, they plan to stop their onslaught once and for all. Godless is one of our favorite shows to watch this season.
The Eddy (2020)
How difficult can it be to run a live music venue in Paris, one of the most happening cities in the world? It is quite the challenge when you look at it through the eyes of Elliot Udo, a jazz club owner who juggles money problems, tensions between the band members, and the sudden entrance of his teenage daughter into his life.
The Eddy settles in like the ideal soundstage from a speaker, it gives the audience time to discover what they would want from this. One of 2020’s best shows. We’re still big fans of how Elliot finds his voice and returns on stage.
Maniac (2018)
Maniac follows the lives of Annie Landsberg and Owen Milgrim - two people who meet at the unlikeliest places – in the final stages of a pharmaceutical drug trial. The three-day-long drug trial holds a personal allure for all 12 subjects who agree to participate.
But unbeknownst to all, this trial that claims to repair anything about the mind and solve all its problems has a shady aura. It isn’t long before they realize that the miracle drug comes with its problems.
Unorthodox (2020)
How far can you run away from the past, until it catches up with you? Esther Shapiro faces this question, as she escapes her arranged marriage in Brooklyn to start a new life overseas. But it doesn’t take too long for her past to catch up with her, delivering an intimate and urgent need to find her path in life.
Unorthodox has a superb cast led by a spectacular performance from Shira Haas, and the details of this exploratory journey are presented in an intriguing coming-of-age format. It is an influential miniseries that will stay on top of your mind for a long time.
Seven Seconds (2018)
The tension between the races in Jersey City reaches the tipping point when 15-year-old black cyclist Brenton Butler is killed in a hit-and-run accident and the police couldn’t care more about getting to the bottom of it. In Seven Seconds, we see a city’s law and order crumbling when things are not properly kept in check.
The show actively represents political and social commentary, brought to life by a stellar cast. Special mention has to be made for Regina King, who molds the show with her performance as Brenton’s mother, Latrice.
Maid (2021)
Maid is a show that shows the stark contrast between the lives of the socially affluent and those who work for them. Alex is a single mother who needs to make ends meet, so she takes up the job of housecleaning. Escaping from her past, Alex deals with what she gets not to get evicted from her home.
With a powerful performance from Margaret Qualley, there’s nothing you will not like about Maid, even if the subject matter is complicated. The show excels in portraying what poverty looks like, and in some sense the lives of poor people in America.
Midnight Mass (2021)
Faith can lift our souls, even the life of a town, as portrayed in Midnight Mass. Riley Flynn returns to his hometown of St. Patrick’s to find a new priest who commands a religious fervor not seen in the dying town before.
While new miracles seem to occur more frequently than before, many mysteries that can’t be explained also crop up. With a deep connection to Gothic tradition, the show succeeds in talking to the primal parts of us that respond to fear and delivers a horror-filled performance meant to be remembered.
