We’ve all heard of the TV series that seem to stand the test of time. From Breaking Bad to The Simpsons, these shows have earned their place in history as some of the best-rated TV series of all time. But why exactly have they been so successful?
One key factor is audience engagement, and this is something nearly every blockbuster Hollywood film consists of. These series are all notorious for their captivating storylines and attention-grabbing twists that keep viewers hooked until the end. Breaking Bad, for example, follows Walter White as he navigates his way through a criminal underworld and works to provide financial security for his family before it’s too late. This storyline draws audiences in with its suspenseful tension, making it nearly impossible to look away until (spoiler alert!) the final episode.
Furthermore, these shows have also been incredibly successful at captivating a variety of different audiences. The Simpsons appeals to adults with its witty and complex humor while maintaining an entertaining appeal for younger viewers. On the other hand, Breaking Bad has become popular among college-aged viewers due to its intense plot and dark themes.
In this article, we are going to take a look at the best TV series of all time, based strictly on the series ratings from IMDB. You can view the full list below.
15 of the Best TV Series as Rated by IMDB Scores
Ultimately, it’s clear that the success of these TV series is owed in part to their ability to engage multiple audiences with gripping storylines and suspenseful tension. With so many memorable characters and exciting plots, it’s no wonder why these series are regarded as some of the greatest of all time! See how many of the excellent TV series below you’ve been able to watch.
Planet Earth II (2016) – 9.5 IMDB Rating
This science documentary series from the BBC and narrated by David Attenborough is an exploration of our planet’s diverse habitats, including jungles, islands, deserts and savannahs. The camera work is stunning as it captures rare behaviors of animals in their natural environment. With this show, viewers will get a glimpse into how life works on Earth while also learning about its fragility.
Breaking Bad (2008) – 9.5 IMDB Rating
Vince Gilligan’s dark crime drama has become one of the most acclaimed shows ever made. Its story follows Walter White, a struggling high school chemistry teacher who turns to cooking methamphetamines to make money for his family after he is diagnosed with cancer. His journey leads him down a twisted path of crime and violence as he struggles to keep his family safe.
Planet Earth (2006) – 9.4 IMDB Rating
Another science documentary series from the BBC narrated by David Attenborough, this show is a comprehensive exploration of our planet – its land, oceans, deserts, and more. Viewers will learn about nature’s hidden wonders in this stunning visual journey that celebrates life on Earth.
Band of Brothers (2001) – 9.4 IMDB Rating
Executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, this war drama tells the story of Easy Company – a group of paratroopers who fought during World War II. After training together in the United States, the unit was sent to England before taking part in some of the most notorious battles of the war. The series provides a gripping and realistic look at the horrors of war.
Chernobyl (2019) – 9.3 IMDB Rating
A drama-documentary hybrid, this series dives into the story behind the 1986 nuclear disaster. It follows the courageous men and women who risked their lives to contain the crisis and shines a light on how human errors can have devastating consequences. The show is an intense yet important viewing experience about one of mankind’s worst mistakes.
The Wire (2002) – 9.3 IMDB Rating
One of HBO’s greatest shows, The Wire takes viewers inside Baltimore’s drug scene as it follows law enforcement officials trying to make sense of the city’s crime world. Its unflinching portrayal of life in America’s inner cities has made it one of the most acclaimed shows of all time.
Blue Planet II (2017) – 9.2 IMDB Rating
Another science documentary series from the BBC, this show takes viewers on a journey through Earth’s oceans, exploring its myriad mysteries and uncovering unique creatures from around the world. With stunning visuals and informative narration by David Attenborough, Blue Planet II is an educational adventure that will captivate viewers of all ages.
Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) – 9.2 IMDB Rating
This animated series follows Aang, a young boy who possesses the power to control air, water, earth and fire – making him the Avatar. Along with his friends Katara and Sokka, Aang embarks on an epic quest to defeat the wicked Fire Nation and restore balance to the world. The show is full of action, humor, and memorable characters that will keep viewers entertained from start to finish.
Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey (2014) – 9.2 IMDB Rating
This science documentary series from Fox features astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson as its host. It takes viewers on a journey through space and time, exploring the mysteries of our universe and how it works. With its beautiful visuals and thoughtful commentary, Cosmos is an informative and entertaining look at our place in the cosmos.
The Sopranos (1999) – 9.2 IMDB Rating
One of HBO’s most iconic shows, The Sopranos follows Tony Soprano, a mob boss struggling to balance life between his criminal activities and his home life with his wife Carmela and two children. Its complex characters, dark humor, and thought-provoking story have made it one of the most influential television shows of all time.
Cosmos (1980) – 9.2 IMDB Rating
Cosmos is a 13-episode science documentary TV series that was created by Carl Sagan. The show follows Carl Sagan as he explores the universe and its mysteries, focusing on topics such as evolution, astrophysics, space travel, and the origin of life. Over the course of the series, Carl uses visual effects to take viewers across galaxies and explain complex scientific concepts in a simple way. With an IMDB rating score of 9.2, Cosmos (1980) remains one of finest examples of educational television – it’s not only entertaining but also informative.
Our Planet (2019) – 9.2 IMDB Rating
Another science documentary series from Netflix, Our Planet takes viewers on a journey around the world to explore how climate change is affecting our planet’s ecosystems. Narrated by David Attenborough, this beautiful show packs an emotional punch as it looks at how humans are impacting nature in both good and bad ways.
Game of Thrones (2011) – 9.1 IMDB Rating
Adapted from George R.R. Martin’s bestselling book series, this fantasy drama follows the noble families of Westeros as they battle for control of the Iron Throne and ultimately, the Seven Kingdoms. With its complex characters and thrilling plot lines, Game of Thrones has consistently captivated fans across the globe since it first aired.
The World at War (1973) – 9.1 IMDB Rating
Produced by Thames Television for ITV, this series documents some of the greatest battles between 1939 – 1945 during WWII. During filming, actual veterans from both sides were interviewed to provide personal first hand accounts of their experiences.
Rick and Morty (2013) – 9.1 IMDB Rating
This animated comedy follows the misadventures of genius scientist Rick and his naive grandson, Morty. Together they explore strange dimensions and battle aliens as they try to make sense of the universe. With its hilarious dialogue and out-of-this-world plot lines, Rick and Morty is a one-of-a-kind show that has earned legions of fans around the world.
The Best TV Shows, Streaming Content and Movies
From comedy to drama, there’s something for everyone when it comes to TV series. For decades, these long-form stories have captivated audiences around the world with their unique worlds and characters, and many of them have become true classics. And with so many different TV shows, streaming series and movies out there, it’s quite hard to achieve such positive ratings in the 9 range.
However, it’s not just the story lines that makes these series great, it’s also the cast members that bring the stories to live. For more on this, be sure to check out our most attractive women in Hollywood and handsome men in movies.
