There aren't many things more fun than binging a good TV show in one sitting. But then, what arises is the problem of what to watch next. There are several ways of figuring that out, but what many television fans will turn to is IMDb. The website has a handy list of the 250 highest-rated shows on the platform, and the top 10 are all a must-see for those who love the medium.
Thankfully, for those who like to keep their television-watching diverse, there's a surprisingly wide variety of shows on IMDb's top 10 TV shows list. From kid-friendly animated series like Avatar: The Last Airbender to revolutionary crime dramas like The Sopranos, these are shows whose quality is backed up by the incredibly high ratings they have received from users on IMDb.
30 'Şahsiyet' (2018–2024)
IMDb Rating: 8.9/10
Şahsiyet, which translates to "Persona," is a Turkish crime psychological thriller that deserves far more recognition from mainstream audiences. After all, it takes something truly special to join the ranks of the highest-rated TV shows on IMDb; and, as it happens, those who give Şahsiyet a shot will find that it's fully worth the hype.
Indeed, this is one of the highest-rated crime shows on IMDb, with terrific performances, top-tier writing, and great pacing. It takes its time with plenty of story beats and character arcs, but that's precisely what makes it such an enrapturing show. For those looking to get into some great non-American dramatic television, this is a phenomenal place to start.
29 'One Piece' (1999–)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
A close-up of Luffy powered-up in One Piece
Universally recognized of the greatest anime series in history, One Piece is based on Eiichiro Oda's manga of the same name. With well over a thousand episodes, it's one of the most prolific shows that have ever aired on television, and its quality lives up to that level of productivity. Its level of imagination is almost unparalleled, and reason enough to make it a must-see for fans of anime.
Fans on IMDb praise the show's intricate world-building, richly layered storytelling, and memorable characters. Only a show this beloved could ever hope to achieve such longevity, and IMDb reviewers prove that. One Piece is absolutely timeless, and with no definitive end in sight, it's anyone's guess whether it'll manage to get even better and keep climbing the IMDb rankings.
28 'As If' (2021–)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Gibi, a.k.a. As If, is yet another show that proves that Turkish television has tons to offer, except that this one is a sitcom. It's one of the most creative and enjoyable ones in years, too. Touted as the Turkish Seinfeld, this buddy comedy certainly requires some level of familiarity with Turkish culture in order for its sense of humor to fully work, but it's surprisingly universal in its enjoyability.
Delectably absurd, with plenty of sharp social critiques, and irresistibly funny throughout, As If is a triumph for Turkish television. Checking out other countries' comedy series tends to be a daunting task, as this genre is usually particularly prone to getting lost in translation, but As If is too good to let that get in the way of its being a must-see for international audiences who love comedy.
27 'Only Fools and Horses' (1981–2003)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
One of the best British TV comedies of all time, Only Fools and Horses is a sitcom far funnier and more enjoyable than most, as well as far more long-lasting. Analogous to Turkey's As If, viewers would benefit from having some level of familiarity with British culture and humor before diving into Only Fools, but it's absolutely not a necessity.
Although it doesn't usually get as much mainstream recognition as other legendary sitcoms, Only Fools absolutely deserves it, as proved by its astronomical IMDb rating. It's absolutely hilarious, and although later seasons weren't quite up to the high standard set up by the earlier ones, it's still a nearly flawless sitcom full of fun characters, memorable performances, and iconic episodes.
26 'Hunter x Hunter' (2011–2014)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Gon-Hunter-X-Hunter.
The complex, subversive, exquisitely entertaining Hunter x Hunter is usually agreed to be one of the best anime series of the 21st century. It's about a boy who aspires to become a Hunter, an exceptional being capable of the utmost greatness. With the help of his friends, he sets out to find his father, who left him when he was younger.
There are plenty of things that make this many people's favorite anime show, to the point that it's one of the highest-rated of the medium on IMDb. The characters are richly constructed and always fun to follow, the villains are both formidable and layered, and the action is always vividly animated and an awful lot of fun.
25 'Clarkson's Farm' (2021–)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Jeremy Clarkson on Clarksons Farm
Jeremy Clarkson rose to prominence by hosting the revival of the beloved car-centric show Top Gear. After that came Prime Video's The Grand Tour, and with that adventure now over, what's next for Clarkson? Well, farming, of course. Clarkson's Farm is a reality comedy that follows Clarkson as he attempts to run a farm in the countryside.
The show is often hysterical, mainly due to its lead being pretty much completely useless on a farm, but it's also a loving celebration of the profession, putting all manner of real farmers under the spotlight and shining a light on their importance. Clarkson's Farm will likely not convert those who already didn't love the titular host's sense of humor in Top Gear or Grand Tour, but for those craving more of the same kinds of hijinks, this is a must-see.
24 'Better Call Saul' (2015–2022)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Bob Odenkirk as Saul Goodman in Better Call Saul sitting with his arms in front of him clasped together.
Prequels in general have a so-so history on the big screen, but every now and then, they turn out well. Nowadays, they can only hope to turn out as phenomenally as Better Call Saul, which may just be the greatest TV prequel of all time. It follows the trials and tribulations that lead criminal lawyer Jimmy McGill to eventually become the infamous Saul Goodman.
As the show progresses, it keeps getting better and better. Its balance between the sometimes-comedic law-related misadventures that Jimmy gets himself into and the crime plotlines that initially mostly involve Mike Ehrmantraut and Nacho Varga, but eventually start pulling in Jimmy more and more frequently, is pitch-perfect. It's one of the best drama shows of the 2010s, packed with phenomenally written characters, unforgettable performances, and all sorts of fascinating stories.
23 'Arcane' (2021–2024)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Jinx and Vi fighting in Arcane Season 2.
Video game adaptations in general don't exactly have a great track record. So, who would have thought that a game like League of Legends would provide more than enough material for Netflix to make one of their best originals ever? Indeed, Arcane is a nearly-perfect animated sci-fi fantasy show set amid the stark discord of a pair of cities. Here, two sisters fight on rival sides of a war between magic technologies and clashing convictions.
The series' first season was shockingly great, and the second and last season really sealed the deal: This is one of the greatest animated shows ever made. The characters are complex and engaging, the music and animation are absolutely flawless, the story is consistently entertaining, and the many twists and turns that the writers keep in store never fail to change the game.
22 'The Office' (2005–2013)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Pam (Jenna Fischer) wearing a note on her head that says "Jewish" and looking uncomfortable while Michael (Steve Carell) stands nearby wearing a note that says "Martin Luther King Jr." in the "Diversity Day" episode of The Office
Few sitcoms can come close to genuine perfection, and The Office is most definitely one of them. The rare TV show remake that actually surpassed its predecessor in success and popularity is a mockumentary about a group of typical office workers in a Pennsylvania paper company. Their workdays usually consist of ego clashes, inappropriate behavior, romance, and hilarious hijinks.
An immensely talented cast playing a huge ensemble of iconic characters, the kind of hilarious sense of humor that's very rarely seen on television these days, and nine seasons of pure laughter, emotion, and just a healthy dose of cringe are all elements that make The Office so beloved. There's a good reason why it's the highest-rated live-action sitcom on IMDb: It's just that good.
21 'Batman: The Animated Series' (1992–1995)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Batman's shadow standing atop a rooftop in front of buildings in Batman The Animated Series.
It was Tim Burton with 1989's Batman who proved that superheroes in general, and the Caped Crusader in particular, deserved to be taken seriously. So, darker and more complex explorations of the character started taking shape—including the '90s classic Batman: The Animated Series. It follows various stories that see the Dark Knight battling crime in Gotham City, featuring multiple of the most legendary characters from the Batman mythos, from Robin and Commissioner Gordon to the Penguin and Joker.
Thanks to excellent direction and scripts, a more in-depth exploration of these popular characters than fans had ever seen outside the comic book medium, and some of the most impressive visuals of any animated show, Batman: The Animated Series is one of the greatest adaptations of the character thus far. The late Kevin Conroy is typically considered the most iconic Batman actor ever, and the show that birthed that legendary performance is every bit as deserving of praise.
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20 'The Twilight Zone' (1959–1964)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Steve Forrest wearing an astronaut uniform while sitting in a spacecraft in The Twilight Zone
The best anthology series ever made, as well as perhaps the best-known and most influential, Rod Serling's The Twilight Zone puts ordinary people in extraordinarily strange and scary situations, moving through sci-fi, horror, and dark fantasy. With the occasional appearance of actors of the stature of William Shatner and Leonard Nimoy, the show set the standard for future sci-fi shows, and that's the way it's remained ever since.
TV fans on IMDb call the series a pioneer in both anthology-form television and the sci-fi genre on the small screen, praising it not just for its immeasurable impact and legacy, but for being a terrific show in its own right. With themes, stories, and production values far ahead of its time, The Twilight Zone has aged like the finest wines. It's creepy, technically outstanding, and with some of the most gripping episodes of any show from its era.
19 'Sherlock' (2010–2017)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman in 'Sherlock'
The works of British writer Arthur Conan Doyle have defined the detective genre for generations. Without the creation of Sherlock Holmes, who knows how many other characters and stories that were influenced by him would also not exist today. In a fascinating way, the BBC's Sherlock takes those legendary stories and transports them to modern-day London, where "high-functioning sociopath" Sherlock Holmes solves all sorts of dangerous cases alongside Afghanistan War vet John Watson.
One of the best crime TV shows of the 2010s, this brilliant miniseries is a nearly perfect modernization of Sherlock and Watson, as well as the detective genre in general. Enthralling thrills, surprisingly emotional character moments, and an unexpected sense of humor populate each of the show's thirteen one-and-a-half-hour-long episodes—a runtime perfectly long enough to hook any viewer.
18 'Rick and Morty' (2013–)
IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
Rick and Morty climbing out of the Fear Hole in the Season 7 finale "Fear No Mort"
It has somewhat gone down in quality as time has passed, but Rick and Morty is evidently still one of the animated shows that are held in the highest regard by general audiences. It's the story of the title characters, one of the most iconic duos in animation. One is a nihilistic mad scientist, the other is his anxious grandson. Together, they go on a number of intergalactic and interdimensional misadventures that often involve their dysfunctional family.
With its particular brand of intellectual humor and clever meta-commentary on the sci-fi genre and the televisual medium as a whole, Rick and Morty has a loyal fanbase that prides itself on appreciating the fact that it's much smarter than your typical adult animated show. Full of hilarious episodes and highly creative stories, it may no longer quite be what it used to be, but it still has plenty of gas left in the tank.
17 'TVF Pitchers' (2015–2022)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
India produces lots of TV shows every year, and plenty of them are of such high quality that a decent portion of IMDb's highest-rated series are Indian. One of the highest-rated is TVF Pitchers, a Hindi-language web series that tells the story of four young entrepreneurs who quit their day jobs in order to pursue their startup venture.
It's one of the highest-rated international shows on IMDb, praised by users for its fun portrayal of entrepreneur culture, its quirky sense of humor, its endearing characters, and its excellent performances. As inspiring as it is purely entertaining, it's a show that's worth watching even for viewers outside of India.
16 'Aspirants' (2021–)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Another Indian web series produced by The Viral Fever (TVF), Aspirants is a drama about the journey of three UPSC (public service competitive exams in India) aspirants and their unlikely friendship. Praised by some critics and IMDb users as the single greatest Hindi-language web series ever, it's yet another gem of Indian television that cements TVF as a cutting-edge media service.Endlessly creative and benefiting from a surprisingly cinematic foundation of high-quality production values, from excellent cinematography to top-tier performances, Aspirants is absolutely exceptional. It's easily accessible on Prime Video for users outside of India, so there's really no excuse to check it out and see what all the fuss is about.
15 'Gullak' (2019–)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Yet another reason to vouch for the quality of Indian television and TVF in particular, Gullak is a web sitcom that essentially functions as a love letter to the modern Indian nuclear family. Though the majority of the show's reviews on IMDb come from India, there's clearly something universally endearing here.
Gullak is nostalgic and impeccably written, with a perfect balance between quirky comedy and surprisingly effective and dark dramatic elements. Though its humor and relatable elements are, by design, guaranteed to work for Indian viewers better than for anyone else, its great jokes and well-written family dynamics should be a hit with pretty much anyone who loves sitcoms.
14 'Attack on Titan' (2013–2023)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Armin attaches himself to the Colossal Titan in Attack on Titan
One of the most popular anime shows of modern times, Attack on Titan is worth every last bit of the hype. It's an action-adventure epic where, after his hometown is destroyed by giant humanoid Titans who have brought humanity to the brink of extinction, young Eren Jaeger vows to cleanse the Earth of their existence. It's a dark, intense, visually jaw-dropping show, and each of its four seasons is a work of art.
Attack on Titan is one of the best shonen anime series (anime aimed at teenage boys) ever, and it's not even close. With epic, often absolutely stunning action sequences, and morally grey characters that make the experience of following their arcs deeply engrossing, it's the kind of show that one can't take one's eyes off of at any point during any of its exceptional 98 episodes.
13 'The Chosen' (2017–)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
A poster from The Chosen Season 5: The Last Supper
There aren't very many Christian shows out there, at least compared to secular television. Certainly, there is perhaps none better than The Chosen. That's precisely the thing that has allowed this drama about the life and works of Jesus Christ to soar to the tremendous levels of success that it has achieved: More than anything else, it's a genuinely well-crafted show.
Exceptional in its production qualities, refreshingly dedicated to world-building, loving and sincere yet never preachy, and with some exceptional performances, this is a period piece that's so excellent that it should be able to appeal to just about anyone, no matter their spiritual inclinations. For people looking for a good show with Christian themes, The Chosen is about as great as they could ever hope to get.
12 'Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood' (2009–2010)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Edward Elric prepares to use Alchemy with a new arm in Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood.
With its awesome steampunk aesthetic and some of the highest-rated episodes on IMDb, it's no wonder that Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is by a significant margin the most acclaimed anime series on the platform. It's about two brothers searching for a Philosopher's Stone after an attempt to revive their deceased mother goes awry and leaves them in a damaged condition.
Even those who don't typically like anime series — or even those who have never even gotten into the art form — will find that Brotherhood is nevertheless the kind of show that they would love. After all, who could say no to an addictive and commendably well-written narrative? To a stacked ensemble of fascinating characters? To some of the best animation on IMDb's top 250? Chances are, not many TV fans.
11 'When Life Gives You Tangerines' (2025)
IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Couple on a boat in 'When Life Gives You Tangerines'.
Korean television has been under production for a long, long time, but it wasn't until around the '90s that K-dramas truly became the global cultural phenomenon that they are today. Throughout the 2020s, some truly great ones have been made, and When Life Gives You Tangerines is one of the best.
With not just its exceptional 9.2 rating on IMDb, but also an admirable 100% approval from critics on Rotten Tomatoes, When Life Gives You Tangerines is nuanced and bittersweet; about as poignant as it is hopeful. It's a complex, beautifully shot roller coaster of emotions that all fans of K-dramas should check out as soon as they can. It's bound to go down as one of the best international shows of 2025.
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10 'Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story' (2020)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
A man in a business suit walks through a cheering crowd in Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story.
Based on a true story, the Indian Hindi-language web miniseries Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story is about the rise and fall of the titular character, a stockbroker who almost single-handedly took the stock market to great heights and was then partly behind the infamous 1992 Indian stock market scam. India has plenty of shows on IMDb's top 250 list, and this is the highest-rated.
The series is phenomenally written, transporting viewers straight into the greedy psyche of Mehta and his peers, no matter how uncomfortable it gets. Pratik Gandhi is phenomenal in the lead role, too, anchoring an already fascinating story even more in relatability and well-earned shock value. The directing is fantastic, and the production qualities are just as well, making it easy to breeze through the show's ten episodes.
9 'Dexter: Resurrection' (2025–)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Dexter has a complex history. What started out as one of the best and most creative crime shows that had ever aired on television eventually ended in a finale that, plain and simple, was an insult to the whole show. Dexter: Original Sin came to right the wrongs of its predecessor's ending, but what started out like an alright follow-up ended in a finale that was every bit as awful. Now, Dexter: Resurrection has brought the murderer-killer back to fans' living rooms, and he's better than ever before.
Though a second season hasn't yet been announced, it's just a matter of time—at least judging from viewers' delighted reactions. Resurrection is the comeback that both Dexter and his fans always deserved, with some incredibly satisfying story arcs, a magnetic Michael C. Hall, and some fascinating characters. Whether the show manages to stick the landing once it actually comes to its ending remains to be seen, but so far, it might be even better than the original.
8 'Game of Thrones' (2011–2019)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Daenerys Targaryen (Emilia Clarke) on a beach with her advisors and allies behind her in Game of Thrones.
Universally panned final season notwithstanding, HBO created in Game of Thrones (an adaptation of George R.R. Martin's seminal work) what might just be the most acclaimed adult fantasy show in the history of television. It's an epic about nine noble families fighting over control of the land of Westeros, while an ancient enemy returns from a millennia-long slumber.
With its iconic characters, legendary action scenes, and wide variety of awesome dragons, Game of Thrones is a masterclass in TV fantasy done right, even in spite of its nosedive in quality toward its end. Its technical aspects are of the most elite quality, its story is a gripping drama of betrayals and alliances, and its triumphantly epic tone is the kind of thing that fans of the genre would never want to miss.
7 'The Sopranos' (1999–2007)
IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
Paulie (Tony Sirico) and Tony (James Gandolfini) sit outside in the finale of The Sopranos.
In more ways than one, The Sopranos gave birth to prestige television as audiences know it today. This drama, about a New Jersey mob boss dealing with personal and professional issues in his home and business, proved that the medium could push the envelope in ways never seen before. It could look and sound just like the highest-quality Hollywood films, it could tell complex stories full of moral ambiguity, it could show violence and sex in ways that had only been considered taboo before. In other words, there's TV before The Sopranos and after The Sopranos.
The characters are complex and layered; often despicable, but never any less fascinating to follow as a result. The stories are gripping, subtle, powerful. The series holds some of the highest-rated seasons on IMDb, and even after just watching a little bit of a Sopranos episode, it's abundantly easy to see why. There has never been a show like this one since, and there probably never will be.
6 'Avatar: The Last Airbender' (2005–2008)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Aang looks worried as he loses control of Firebending in Avatar The Last Airbender.
Seeing as it's the highest-rated animated TV show on IMDb, it's clear that Avatar: The Last Airbender has more than earned its quintessential place as a pillar of the genre in modern pop culture. Set in a war-torn world of elemental powers, this globetrotting adventure is about a young boy who reawakens to undertake a mystic quest to fulfill his identity as the Avatar, the one meant to bring peace to the world.
The show has eye-popping animation, deeply compelling characters with complex arcs, and one of the best series finales in the history of television. This is far more than just a children's show about magical martial arts. It's an epic story with philosophical themes and life lessons that are valuable even for adults, with some of the most fun action scenes, storylines, and characters that audiences can find.
5 'The Wire' (2002–2008)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Another prestige HBO show that left an indelible impact on television as a whole, The Wire is easily one of the best TV drama shows of all time. It's a cop drama that puts a spotlight on the Baltimore drug scene, seeing it through the eyes of drug dealers and law enforcement. Dark, mature, and with a rivetingly layered portrait of the city that it's set in, it's without a doubt one of the best shows HBO has ever made.
For those who enjoy gritty police procedurals, The Wire is a must-see. For those who don't, The Wire is still a must-see. There aren't many shows with writing and directing as impeccable as the one found here, paying close attention to even the slightest details and expanding on even the most tertiary characters in ways that work surprisingly well.
4 'Chernobyl' (2019)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
Stellan Skarsgard (left) Jared Harris (right)
Gut-wrenching but an obligatory watch, the docudrama miniseries Chernobyl is about the Soviet Union's titular city and the atrocious disaster that it suffered in 1986, labeled as the worst nuclear disaster in the history of mankind. The show follows the many heroes who put their lives on the line in the following months, anchored by a star-studded cast featuring the likes of Jared Harris and Stellan Skarsgård.
Chernobyl was very highly praised at the time that it came out, and five years later, it's still considered one of the best thriller miniseries ever made. It's not for the faint of heart, but its accurate and devastating retelling of the events of this infamous moment in humanity's history is admirably well executed. It's not long at all, either, leaving no excuses for anyone not to watch this impeccable show.
3 'Bluey' (2008–)
IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
The family from Bluey
With its growing popularity even (perhaps especially) among adults, it's clear that Bluey is the kind of truly special children's show that only comes along once in a generation. It follows the slice-of-life adventures of an Australian Blue Heeler Cattle puppy as she has fun with her family and friends in all sorts of everyday situations. It's not often that shows aimed at little kids get such a high rating on IMDb, which is how one can tell that there's something different about Bluey.
Of course, it's perhaps the best show for the little ones currently airing on television, full of valuable lessons, good role models, and colorful animation and humor. The reasons why it also resonates so much with the older IMDb users, though, are too many to mention. Perhaps it's the nuanced and well-developed characters, or the subtle treatment of adult themes like miscarriages and aging, or the surprisingly smart humor, but the fact is that this is one of the website's most praised shows for a reason.
2 'Band of Brothers' (2001)
IMDb Rating: 9.4/10
John McGrath Senior (Stephen Walters) and William J. Guarnere (Frank John Hughes) in Band of Brothers.
Created by none other than Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, the HBO miniseries Band of Brothers has for many years been the highest-rated miniseries on IMDb. King among TV war dramas, the show follows the history of the U.S. Army 101st Airborne Division's Easy Company and their mission in World War II, from Operation Overlord to V-J Day.
The show won a whopping six Emmys, and not one of them was undeserved. Its stacked cast plays a number of enthralling characters, paying loving respect to Easy Company. Those who aren't history buffs and don't care about historical accuracy in their WWII dramas as long as they're gripping, though, will also be fully satisfied. Band of Brothers is virtually flawless, displaying the strength of TV as a medium to tell powerful war stories that resonate with audiences even decades later.
1 'Breaking Bad' (2008–2013)
IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Bryan Cranston in Breaking Bad
Nothing can be said about Vince Gilligan's Breaking Bad that hasn't been said before. No amount of praise for its actors, its writing, its directing, or its visuals could ever live up to the amount of admiration that they truly deserve. This masterful show tells the story of a chemistry teacher who, after receiving a deadly diagnosis, turns to manufacturing and selling methamphetamine to secure his family's financial future.
Ever since it ended over a decade ago, Breaking Bad has been considered by many as the single greatest TV show ever created. Its IMDb numbers certainly vouch for that. With its many fascinating characters, its suspenseful and highly dramatic stories, and its very emotional series finale, it's about as close as TV dramas come to perfection.
