Top 10 Miniseries With Rotten Tomatoes Scores Above 90%

Miniseries have become increasingly popular, letting television create high-quality, big-budget productions that aren’t limited by the demands of a full movie release. Many of the best miniseries have even surprised audiences with surprisingly high ratings on sites like Rotten Tomatoes. Over the past ten years, this format has allowed for unique stories that fall somewhere between traditional TV shows and films to be told.

Miniseries aren’t bound by typical TV formulas, giving them a unique flexibility. They offer the high-quality storytelling you’d expect in a movie, but in an easily accessible TV format. This has allowed them to carve out a popular and distinctive space in entertainment, pushing creative limits without upsetting the established television landscape.

The rise in miniseries has given a variety of stories a chance to connect with viewers, whether by becoming hits or finding the right niche audience. These series explore everything from the lives of individuals and families to specific historical events, often using strong themes and compelling acting to create a lasting impact.

Miniseries frequently delve into real-world events and trends, using them as the basis for expansive stories that offer insights into society and culture. Presenting this kind of thoughtful commentary in a cinematic format on television broadens its reach, allowing more people to connect with and be moved by the story. A miniseries’ impact often stems from its length and the positive reviews it receives.

Lately, miniseries have been capturing viewers’ attention in a way that regular TV shows and movies often don’t. Whether it’s due to famous actors, compelling storylines, or a combination of factors, certain miniseries have consistently earned higher praise from critics than others.

10. The Narrow Road To The Deep North

Okay, so I just heard about this movie, The Narrow Road To The Deep North, and it’s getting amazing reviews – a perfect 100% on Rotten Tomatoes! It’s based on a really acclaimed book, actually, a Booker Prize winner. It centers around this guy, Dorrigo Evans, played by Jacob Elordi, and it’s about how he’s still dealing with the trauma of being a prisoner of war in Japan during World War II. Sounds pretty intense, honestly.

The series jumps between different time periods, showing Evans’ difficult experiences as a prisoner of war, a secret love affair with Amy Mulvaney during the war, and his struggles to cope with the emotional aftermath later in life. Known for its powerful and complex emotions, The Narrow Road To The Deep North offers a unique perspective.

9. Chernobyl

HBO’s Chernobyl is a dramatization of the 1986 nuclear disaster in the Soviet Union. It tells the story through the eyes of the scientists, government officials, and workers who dealt with the crisis and its consequences. The series explores how systemic problems, political cover-ups, and the spread of false information contributed to the disaster and its devastating human impact.

The series Chernobyl is widely praised for its careful attention to detail and realistic portrayal of events. With a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, it’s a critically acclaimed show that has won numerous Emmy Awards. Beyond entertainment, Chernobyl sparked important conversations worldwide about nuclear safety and responsibility, having a far-reaching impact.

8. Alias Grace

The Netflix miniseries Alias Grace is based on Margaret Atwood’s novel and a true 19th-century murder case involving Grace Marks, played by Sarah Gadon. The story follows Dr. Simon Jordan (Edward Holcroft) as he interviews Grace to assess her mental state and determine if she should be granted mercy after being found guilty of murder. The series delves into themes of memory, truth, and how power imbalances affect men and women.

Similar to The Handmaid’s Tale, this adaptation of Margaret Atwood’s work is a compelling psychological drama set in the past. With a 99% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, Alias Grace is celebrated for its subtlety and nuanced storytelling, as well as Sarah Gadon’s powerful performance as Grace. The series deliberately avoids easy resolutions, which makes it even more emotionally impactful.

7. The Night Of

Starring Riz Ahmed, the HBO miniseries The Night Of is a compelling drama about a college student named Nasir “Naz” Khan who discovers a woman murdered in his apartment. The show offers a detailed look at the criminal justice system—from the initial arrest through the trial—and explores issues like systemic problems, racial prejudice, and the emotional impact on everyone involved.

The HBO miniseries The Night Of has earned widespread acclaim, boasting a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics have especially praised its compelling narrative, as well as the captivating performances of Riz Ahmed and John Turturro. The show is known for feeling realistic in its depiction of the criminal justice system and for building suspense gradually.

6. Olive Kitteridge

HBO’s miniseries Olive Kitteridge is another critically acclaimed show, earning a 94% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Based on Elizabeth Strout’s Pulitzer Prize-winning novel, it tells the story of Olive (played by Frances McDormand) and her complex life over several decades in a small town in Maine.

Olive Kitteridge is a story about the complexities of marriage, dealing with depression, the challenges of getting older, and finding inner strength, all seen through the eyes of a woman who is both blunt and emotionally layered. The show was praised for its subtle storytelling and realistic characters, and Frances McDormand won an Emmy for her portrayal of Olive.

5. The Little Drummer Girl

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Inspired by John le Carré’s novel, The Little Drummer Girl is a miniseries from BBC and AMC set in the 1970s. It tells the story of a young actress, played by Florence Pugh, who gets involved in a dangerous Israeli intelligence operation. Michael Shannon stars as the spymaster Martin Kurtz, and Alexander Skarsgård plays Gadi Becker, a mysterious man she encounters while working.

This series skillfully combines thrilling spy action with deep psychological insights, delving into themes of performance, self-identity, and the powerful effects of political maneuvering. It received widespread praise, earning a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with particular acclaim directed towards Florence Pugh’s performance and the show’s fresh perspective.

4. Dying For Sex

I was completely captivated by FX’s Dying For Sex! It’s a limited series based on the incredibly popular Wondery podcast, and critics seem to agree it’s fantastic – it has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes! The story centers around a woman, brilliantly played by Michelle Williams, who receives a devastating terminal diagnosis. It’s a really moving and brave story as she decides to explore her sexuality and rediscover herself after leaving her marriage.

The series is known for its unique blend of dark humor and honest emotion. It fearlessly explores difficult topics like death, intimacy, and control over one’s own body, handling them with both sensitivity and a direct, unflinching approach. Critics have praised its willingness to address these sensitive subjects with both empathy and a sharp, straightforward style.

3. Mare Of Easttown

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With a 95% rating on Rotten Tomatoes, the HBO miniseries Mare of Easttown features Kate Winslet as Mare Sheehan, a detective in a small Pennsylvania town. The show follows Mare as she investigates a local murder while also dealing with personal struggles and grief, combining a compelling crime story with a deeply personal drama.

With its realistic characters and strong sense of place, Mare of Easttown expertly combines its storylines, showcasing exceptional writing and acting. Kate Winslet delivers a phenomenal performance, making this series essential viewing for mystery and crime drama enthusiasts.

2. Baby Reindeer

In 2024, Netflix released Baby Reindeer, a gripping drama created by and starring Richard Gadd, based on his own experiences with being stalked. The show, which has received overwhelmingly positive reviews (99% on Rotten Tomatoes), follows Donny Dunn, a comedian and bartender, and how a simple act of kindness towards a woman named Martha (played by Jessica Gunning) escalates into a stalking situation.

The series delves into themes of obsession, emotional vulnerability, and the long-term psychological effects of abuse, presenting Donny’s story in a strikingly honest and personal way. Upon release, Baby Reindeer generated significant conversation and was celebrated for its emotional truthfulness and willingness to push viewers beyond their comfort zones.

1. When They See Us

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Ava DuVernay’s highly-rated miniseries, When They See Us, tells the true story of the Central Park Five – five teens wrongly accused of a 1989 attack. The series, which has a 96% score on Rotten Tomatoes, follows their journey from arrest and imprisonment to their eventual release, and powerfully illustrates the racial biases present in the justice system. It has been praised for its compelling narrative and sparked renewed discussion about wrongful convictions and unfair institutions.

The miniseries When They See Us retells the true story of the Central Park Five, and its depiction of their wrongful conviction and later release deeply affected viewers. For some, it brought back memories of the original trials, while for others, it was a first look at the injustice of the case. The series powerfully and accurately captured the intense emotions surrounding the events.

2025-12-19 17:01