Generally a full season dedication appears like an excessive amount of. That’s when a superb mini-series hits the spot—quick, intense, and satisfying. These picks have the scores to again them up and are not possible to cease watching when you begin.
10
Catch-22 (IMDb Ranking: 7.7/10)
Watch Catch-22 on Hulu
Many people will keep in mind Joseph Heller’s 1961 novel from English class, however I discovered the following film variations of Catch-22 to be fairly underwhelming. This six-part 2019 transforming breathes new life into the supply materials, with standout performances from Kyle Chandler and George Clooney.
Catch-22 is taken into account by many to be the quintessential story of the futility of battle, and it really works a lot better when stretched out throughout a number of episodes. The cinematography, particularly, is spectacular, particularly in scenes of aerial fight.
9
American Primeval (IMDb Ranking: 8.0/10)
Watch American Primeval on Netflix
I really feel like American Primeval is commonly slept upon. This polished six-part drama, set on the frontier through the delivery of the American West, follows a mom and her son as they encounter corrupt Union troopers, zany missionaries, hostile Native People, and wicked trappers whereas attempting to make their solution to California.
Starring Taylor Kitsch and Betty Gilpin in sturdy main roles, American Primeval takes no prisoners in demonstrating the hardships of frontier life. Generally violent, surprising, and miserable, this mini-series is nonetheless visually gorgeous and leaves you content to be alive within the new millennium.
8
Good Omens (IMDb Ranking: 8.0/10)
Watch Good Omens on Prime Video
Followers of Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman’s fantasy novels will admire Good Omens. Initially deliberate as a restricted sequence primarily based on the authors’ 1990 collaboration, it was renewed for a second spherical, however season one stands alone as a decent and bingeable unit.
Starring heavyweights David Tennant and Michael Sheen as a demon and an angel, respectively, the sequence is plagued by irreverent humor and makes for good lighthearted viewing. A stellar supporting forged consists of John Hamm and Frances McDormand as “God.”
7
Ripley (IMDb Ranking: 8.1/10)
Watch Ripley on Netflix
I wasn’t an amazing admirer of the 1999 film The Gifted Mr. Ripley. Nevertheless, I discovered this eight-part adaptation of the crime thriller, written and directed by Steven Zaillian (author of Schindler’s Record), to be completely compelling.
The sequence is shot solely in black and white in gorgeous places round Italy’s Amalfi Coast, which lends it a movie noir aesthetic that provides to this slick manufacturing’s enchantment. Agency favourite Andrew Scott (of Sherlock) is excellent within the title function, enjoying a hard-up grifter who’s paid to retrieve a rich man’s son from paradise—earlier than issues take a really darkish flip.
6
The Queen’s Gambit (IMDb Ranking: 8.5/10)
Watch Queen’s Gambit on Netflix
The premise of a younger lady venturing into the world of chess championships could sound boring on paper, however this seven-part mini-series instantly gripped me. Anya Taylor-Pleasure is enchanting as an orphan with a prodigious expertise, and a powerful supporting forged consists of Harry Melling (of Harry Potter fame).
The Queen’s Gambit is about towards an authentic-looking Sixties backdrop, with costumes to match, which provides loads of aesthetic enchantment. In the meantime, its fast-paced storyline makes it straightforward to binge proper up till its charming finale. This can be a one-hit surprise that is effectively price a rewatch.
5
The Supply (IMDb Ranking: 8.6/10)
Watch The Supply on Paramount+
In case you’re a fan of the Godfather franchise, The Supply is important viewing. It chronicles the fascinating story of the making of the unique film from the attitude of its producer, Albert S. Ruddy, performed right here by Miles Teller.
This ten-part behind-the-scenes restricted sequence generally feels as very similar to a documentary because it does a drama, with its cool Nineteen Seventies swagger and correct units that might be straight out of The Godfather. Nevertheless, its actual enchantment lies within the wacky characters concerned within the manufacturing, a few of whom had been bona fide members of Cosa Nostra.
4
The Penguin (IMDb Ranking: 8.6/10)
Watch The Penguin on Max
I used to be drawn to The Penguin after seeing press photos of Colin Farrell’s transformation into the titular character, which have to be seen to be believed. Spectacular make-up apart, this fast-paced eight-parter has a lot to supply, particularly in case you’re a fan of the film The Batman.
Set within the Gotham Metropolis underworld, it follows Oswald “Oz” Cobb as he rises from the rank of henchman to mob boss. Cristin Milioti and Rhenzy Feliz present sturdy supporting roles as our antihero blunders and batters his solution to the highest.
3
When They See Us (IMDb Ranking: 8.8/10)
Watch When They See Us on Netflix
It could be solely 4 episodes in size, however When They See Us packs a really laborious punch. Chronicling the struggling of the “Central Park 5,” the group of youngsters wrongly accused of a brutal 1989 assault on a New York Metropolis jogger, this drama spans over 1 / 4 of a century between their conviction and exoneration.
With a powerful supporting forged, together with John Leguizamo, Michael Kenneth Williams, and Felicity Huffman, it’s the youthful forged members, spearheaded by Asante Blackk, who present probably the most highly effective performances.
2
Chernobyl (IMDb Ranking: 9.3/10)
Watch Chernobyl on Max
I’ve rewatched Chernobyl twice, as soon as in its entirety on a long-haul flight, and it stays as compelling as ever with every viewing. It follows the occasions surrounding the 1986 explosion of the eponymous nuclear energy plant, in addition to the following response and cleanup efforts, with Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson in main roles.
Chernobyl generally is a powerful watch, as we start to grasp the fact of the state of affairs and the sacrifices that needed to be made on that fateful day. This five-part drama is at occasions so intense that it’s laborious to imagine the catastrophe really occurred.
1
Band of Brothers (IMDb Ranking: 9.4/10)
Watch Band of Brothers on Max
Band of Brothers is broadly thought to be one of many biggest depictions of World Conflict II ever dedicated to celluloid. Primarily based on the novel by Stephen Ambrose and govt produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this gritty ten-part drama follows “Straightforward Firm” of the one hundred and first Airborne Division on their marketing campaign throughout Europe from earlier than D-Day to the liberation of Germany.
Derived from the letters and journals of the boys on the entrance traces, and interspersed with interviews with the survivors themselves, this beautiful drama brings the cruel realities of battle to life. It’s going to stick with you lengthy after the ultimate credit roll.
