Limited series are kind of all the rage these days thanks to the recent popularity of releases like Obi-Wan Kenobi and the upcoming Netflix show The Watcher. These miniseries basically work as long, episodic versions of movies, which is why they are included on the film lovers' website Letterboxd.
With so many great miniseries being consumed in recent years, it's hard to pick which one to start. Thankfully, a look at the most popular ones among Letterboxd users can help. It should be noted that shows like Squid Game and Loki rank high on the site but with new seasons announced, they no longer count as miniseries so they won't be included.
Obi-Wan Kenobi (2022)
Stream On Disney+
A recent miniseries to captivate millions around the world was Obi-Wan Kenobi. There was no doubt that it would be a hit since it focuses on the untold story of one of the most iconic characters from a franchise with a passionate and loyal fanbase.
On the five-star scale, the show holds a 3.29 rating with most of the praise going towards the production value and the performances of the cast, specifically Ewan McGregor as the titular Obi-Wan. Any fan of Star Wars should add this to their watchlist, though it doesn't work well as a standalone tale.
Normal People (2020)
Stream On Hulu
In a world where so many successful movies and TV shows are centered on superheroes and extraordinary characters, seeing something like Normal People do well was a breath of fresh air. The BBC series was a hit upon its release on Hulu.
Based on a novel of the same name, Normal People follows Marianne (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and Connell (Paul Mescal) as they romantically go in and out of each other's lives over the years. It was a critical darling that ended up nominated for four Emmys and saw Mescal win a BAFTA.
The Haunting Of Hill House (2018)
Stream On Netflix
One of the most prominent names in horror right now is Mike Flanagan. Along with several films like Gerald's Game and Hush, he's the mind behind shows like The Haunting of Hill House and Midnight Mass (which is in the top 20 miniseries on Letterboxd). This 2018 show is one of the most rewatchable miniseries in history.
Viewers have spent countless hours watching it back to find the hidden ghosts sprinkled in throughout the episodes. The story of a fractured family's experiences in a haunted house chilled audiences everywhere and made for a perfect binge with cliffhangers and some breathtaking episodes.
Over The Garden Wall (2014)
Stream On HBO Max
There is only one animated miniseries to rank among the top 10 and it's totally different from everything else. For starters, besides the animated aspect, this is the oldest show to rank this high and it's also the shortest, clocking in at under two hours despite being 10 episodes.
Over the Garden Wall follows two brothers on a journey home through a forest where they encounter several fantastical creatures and elements. With voice acting from Elijah Wood, Tim Curry, Melanie Lynskey, and more, it's easy to see why it was popular. Plus, it makes for a quick binge.
Hawkeye (2021)
Stream On Disney+
By the time Hawkeye rolled around at the end of 2021, the MCU had established itself as a place to go for dynamite miniseries. However, given the end of the Infinity Saga and multiverse aspects of Loki, Spider-Man: No Way Home, and even WandaVision, it was time for something with smaller stakes.
Hawkeye worked wonderfully in that respect, telling a street-level story set during the holiday season. Those aspects combined with the delightful chemistry between Hailee Steinfeld and Florence Pugh as Kate Bishop and Yelena Belova made the show into a hit that is among the MCU's breeziest watches.
The Falcon And The Winter Soldier (2021)
Stream On Disney+
One MCU series to not have the grandest of stakes was The Falcon and the Winter Soldier, though it did deal with some serious subject matter. Sam Wilson struggled to accept whether or not he should be Captain America as a Black man in the United States.
That was a high point of the show, as was the story of Bucky Barnes' time in Wakanda. That said, criticism was brought up for the show's inconsistent writing and lackluster conclusion, though it did work to set the tone for the future of the title characters who will appear in Captain America: New World Order and Thunderbolts.
Moon Knight (2022)
Stream On Disney+
For the most part, projects in the MCU have to connect to each other and be a big part of the greater franchise. For example, not watching WandaVision likely means you won't grasp everything in Doctor Strange in the Multiverse of Madness. However, Moon Knight was different.
So far, it has no notable connection to the rest of the MCU. That actually works in its favor in terms of popularity for a lot of casual fans. They can check out this story about a vigilante with dissociative identity disorder without worrying about having to watch anything else. On top of that, Oscar Isaac gives a remarkable lead performance.
Chernobyl (2019)
Stream On HBO Max
As easy as it is to consume lighthearted stories, people everywhere seem to gravitate toward heavy drama. That's likely why shows about serial killers are so popular and it's a major reason why HBO's Chernobyl was such a success.
The miniseries deals with the 1986 nuclear plant disaster in the Soviet Union and the cleanup efforts that followed. Chernobyl was showered with accolades, winning Outstanding Limited Series among the 19 Emmys it was nominated for, along with taking home multiple Golden Globes.
WandaVision (2021)
Stream On Disney+
After getting so many movies each year from the MCU, the drought of 2020 was felt by longtime fans. 2019's Spider-Man: Far From Home was the franchise's last release until WandaVision arrived in early 2021, meaning fans had over a year with nothing new.
That is a big part of why this miniseries is so popular, as Disney+ subscribers flocked to it each week and spent days theorizing about the trippy series. Elizabeth Olsen, Paul Bettany, and Kathryn Hahn all delivered tremendous performances to help boost an already stunning show.
The Queen's Gambit (2020)
Stream On Netflix
It came as a shock to pretty much everyone that a TV show about chess ended up being such a massive hit for Netflix. The Queen's Gambit still ranks among the streaming service's biggest successes and it stands alone as the most popular miniseries
Based on a novel of the same name, The Queen's Gambit follows the rise to fame of a chess prodigy named Beth Harmon. Along with being beloved by audiences, critics adored it as it won 11 Emmys and Anya Taylor-Joy took home a Golden Globe for her performance.
Source:gamerant.com