7 Best HBO Miniseries You Can Stream on Max Now, Ranked by IMDb
Over the many years of its existence, HBO has built a reputation for producing many shows that have become classic gems. We think you need no introduction to shows like Oz and The Sopranos, or The Wire and Game of Thrones.
However, the company also focuses on producing miniseries, as they seem to attract even more viewers due to the fact that they follow a specific story and can offer a deeper look into the premise.
So here are the top 7 HBO miniseries you can stream on Max in just one day, ranked by their IMDb score.
1. Band of Brothers (2001)
IMDb: 9.4
We'll start with this old gem because it's really considered the gold standard for the limited series format. The show's absolutely stunning visuals left fans speechless as the story of the hardships of World War II unfolded.
The miniseries focuses on the real lives of members of Easy Company of the U.S. Army's 101st Airborne Division and their experiences fighting in Europe during the war.
The series was released in 2001, but is still one of the best limited series ever created on television. The cast of the show is great, including Scott Grimes, Damian Lewis, Ron Livingston, Shane Taylor. Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks have literally created a masterpiece in the war genre.
2. Chernobyl (2019)
IMDb: 9.3
Another series that has left viewers in their deepest thoughts is this comparatively recent gripping drama. Despite the fact that it only lasts for 5 episodes, HBO's Chernobyl manages to leave a huge impact on its viewers, not only by using a powerful real-life story of the Chernobyl nuclear power plant disaster, but also by recreating the grim atmosphere of the time.
It's important to note that sometimes you can't help but close your eyes because of how devastating the show is, and the mysterious monotonous music even makes it hard to perceive the sounds of the show. But we guarantee that it's still worth your time if you love deep, thought-provoking dramas.
3. John Adams (2008)
IMDb: 8.5
What draws viewers to this drama first is probably its brilliant cast, which includes Paul Giamatti and Laura Linney. Giamatti plays the role of the second president of the United States and frankly gives an uncanny portrayal of the complicated political figure.
The show focuses on the story of his life and the impact that one of the founding fathers of the United States had on the nation. Over the course of seven episodes and 8 hours, viewers get a deep look into the life of the man and his decisions.
4. The Night Of (2016)
IMDb: 8.4
The gripping miniseries follows a young Pakistani-American man named Nasir after he becomes the prime suspect in the brutal murder of a young woman he spent the night with.
Naz was on his way to a party in his father's cab, but his journey was interrupted by a young, mysterious woman who ended up being his companion for the night. They had a lot of questionable fun together, including alcohol and drugs, and then went back to his place. When he woke up in the morning, he discovered that she had been killed...
The series revolves around the hard case he's become a part of as he tries to convince everyone that he's innocent, although it seems like he doesn't believe that either...
5. The Young Pope (2016)
IMDb: 8.3
The Young Pope is Paolo Sorrentino's masterpiece, starring Jude Law in perhaps his most enigmatic role to date. In the miniseries, he plays the fictional Pius XIII, who becomes the first American pope. The story itself is quite sharp and edgy as it tackles a lot of forbidden topics within the Vatican universe.
There are a lot of political scandals at the center of the series and storylines that are so provocative that they border on delirium. However, once you start the first episode, it's impossible to stop and you'll only come to your senses when the show is over and it's 5am on your watch.
6. The Pacific (2010)
IMDb: 8.3
This gripping miniseries about World War II is in some ways a sequel to 2001's Band of Brothers, because while the first series portrayed the European side of World War II from an American perspective, The Pacific follows American soldiers participating in the Pacific Theater.
The intense limited series recreates the horrors of the time, leaving the viewers speechless.
“I wasn't drawn to it immediately I must admit but 10 episodes later I was completely blown away. I've been thinking about it a lot ever since I finished the last episode a week ago. I watched BoB about 8 years ago and I do remember I was the same when finishing that show but I don't recall I was as mentally affected by it as by The Pacific,” Redditor jessieron said.
7. Olive Kitteridge (2014)
IMDb: 8.3
Olive Kitteridge is one of the most popular miniseries on Max, and since its release ten years ago, the series has managed to attract more and more viewers. This is mainly due to the intense storyline that follows the 25-year marriage of a schoolteacher and her husband.
The detailed drama offers a deep look into the couple's life and is actually very different from anything HBO usually creates, and it is definitely worth your time.