July 4, 2022, 4:06 pm | Read time: 8 minutes
There are series you simply must watch–because they’re incredibly good! TECHBOOK presents the top 10 best series of all time.
Rankings are always a tricky thing. Essentially, lists can only be a snapshot in time, as we don’t know what wonderful series are yet to come. This is also true for this list, which is based on current user ratings on the renowned Internet Movie Database (IMDb). Therefore, we present to you the ten best series of all time as of now. And if your favorite series isn’t included, don’t be upset. Let’s get started!
Overview
Rank 10 – “1883”
The series “1883” premiered in the U.S. on Paramount+ at the end of 2021 and immediately made it onto the list of the best series of all time. The American Western series follows the adventures of the Dutton family. “1883” is based on the equally successful series “Yellowstone.” However, “1883” tells the stories of the Dutton ancestors. When the Western story will be available for streaming or on TV in Germany is still unknown. It might come to Germany with the launch of Paramount+.
Rank 9 – “Rick and Morty”
The animated series “Rick And Morty” regularly appears on the list of the best series of all time. The series, which started in 2013, revolves around the eccentric scientist and alcoholic Rick Sanchez. He moves in with his daughter Beth Smith’s family. Rick spends a lot of time with his grandson Morty. The adventures of Rick and Morty form the basis of the series. The two characters regularly experience dangerous and unusual adventures across the cosmos and in various parallel worlds. In Germany, you can watch “Rick And Morty” on Amazon, Apple TV, Google Play, Microsoft, Netflix, Sky Go, or WOW.
Rank 8 – “The Sopranos”
When a series has been off the air for over 15 years and still appears on the list of the best series, it’s a true cult classic. This certainly applies to “The Sopranos.” The American production aired from 1999 to 2007. Over six seasons and 86 episodes, it tells the story of the Soprano crime family. At the center of the criminal activities is the family head Tony Soprano, played by James Gandolfini. Interestingly, the mob boss is in close contact with his psychiatrist to process and manage his criminal life.
This quirky premise continues to captivate fans and critics alike. The series received 21 Emmys, the most prestigious TV award in the U.S., and five Golden Globes. “The Sopranos” is currently available on many streaming services in Germany.
Rank 7 – “Arcane”
The 2021 release “Arcane” has also recently entered the list of the best series of all time. The animated series is set in the “League Of Legends” universe. The story revolves around the divided city-state of Piltover, consisting of a wealthy and radiant part and a dark and rundown part. The two main protagonists, orphaned siblings Vi and Powder, are raised by their adoptive father Vander. The adventures begin when they break into the rich part of the city and go on a heist. In Germany, the first season of “Arcane” is available on Netflix.
Rank 6 – “Game of Thrones”
Another cult production that regularly makes it onto the list of the best series of all time is “Game of Thrones.” The U.S. fantasy series aired from 2011 to 2019 and includes 73 episodes across eight seasons. The series is based on the novel series “A Song of Ice and Fire” by American author George R. R. Martin.
“Game of Thrones” tells the story of a fictional world consisting of the continents Westeros and Essos. The world resembles medieval Europe. As in those times, it’s about power struggles and kingdoms deeply at odds with each other. The complex story is initially told in three parallel plotlines. Once you get into it, you can’t escape the unstoppable whirlpool of “Game of Thrones.” The series is currently available on various streaming services in Germany. Fans can also look forward to a spin-off, “House of the Dragon.”
Rank 5 – “Avatar: The Last Airbender”
The animated series “Avatar: The Last Airbender” also falls into the cult category and has long been on the list of the best series. The production aired from 2005 to 2008. It has nothing to do with the blockbuster of the same name by James Cameron. The story is about four nations living peacefully together, each representing one of the four elements. There are so-called benders who master one of the elements. One day, the Fire Nation declares war on the others. Only an Avatar, the sole master of all four elements, could have prevented this. However, he has disappeared without a trace.
One hundred years later, the waterbender Katara and her brother Sokka find the new Avatar–the 12-year-old airbender Aang–at the South Pole. Together with his two flying friends, bison Appa and lemur Momo, Aang tries to stop Fire Lord Ozai and end the war. The animated series is partly available on free TV in Germany, such as on Nick or Nicktoons. It can also be watched on major streaming services.
Also interesting: 15 sci-fi and fantasy series we love
Rank 4 – “The Wire”
The American series “The Wire” is set in the drug scene of Baltimore and regularly appears on the list of the best series. The focus is on drug investigator Jimmy McNulty. He not only battles dealers and drug lords but also faces many obstacles within his own ranks.
The drug scene is portrayed in “The Wire” with brutal realism. Due to the many dialogues, the series doesn’t fall into the mainstream category but still convinced many fans and critics. Some even call it a masterpiece. The series aired from 2002 to 2008. The story spans five seasons with a total of 60 episodes. “The Wire” is currently available on various streaming services in Germany.
Rank 3 – “Band Of Brothers”
The series “Band Of Brothers” also falls into the cult category and regularly appears on the list of the best series of all time. The American production is set during World War II and was conceived by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks; quality criteria enough. The focus is on the members of a U.S. paratrooper regiment. The war actions are depicted from the perspective of individual soldiers across ten episodes.
“Band Of Brothers” is not for the faint-hearted, as the series shows the horrors of war with unflinching openness. As a viewer, you empathize with the protagonists because the stories are based on historical events. The miniseries premiered in 2001 and has since received multiple awards. “Band Of Brothers” is currently available on most streaming channels in Germany.
Also interesting: What is IMDb?
The 10 Best TV Show Episodes of All Time
Which Summer Series Are Worth Watching Now
Rank 2 – “Chernobyl”
The accident at the Ukrainian nuclear reactor Chernobyl forms the basis for the miniseries “Chernobyl.” The series initially aired on HBO in 2019 and is one of the newer entries on the list. The focus is on nuclear scientist Valery Legasov and Russian government official Boris Shcherbina.
What makes “Chernobyl” so harrowing are the real backgrounds and the consequences for the countless helpers and the partly unsuspecting population. The series casts a poor light on the actions of the then-Soviet government. Therefore, Vladimir Putin is understandably one of the biggest critics of “Chernobyl.” Those who want to watch the series in Germany can find it on most streaming providers.
Rank 1 – “Breaking Bad”
The leader in our list of the best series of all time made a lightning impact upon its premiere. Of course, we’re talking about “Breaking Bad.” The series about the modest chemistry teacher Walter White and his former student Jesse Pinkman, who together produce crystal meth on a large scale and shake up the drug scene, set new standards when it debuted in 2008.
“Breaking Bad” broke with the usual viewing habits, where characters had to be either good or evil. Here, good and evil regularly mix, constantly challenging the audience. For series fans, “Breaking Bad” is naturally one of the all-time favorites and rightfully holds the top spot. If anyone hasn’t seen “Breaking Bad” yet, they can catch up on it with major streaming providers here.