Best Limited Series on Prime Video

There’s no better place for binge-watching great stories fit for one-time viewing than Prime Video. The streaming giant has banked majorly on the trend of limited series that are self-contained but so satisfying to watch. The convenience of devouring these series from home makes bingeing a whole lot easier and fun.

Unlike long-running shows filled with episodic arcs over multiple seasons, miniseries provide audiences with a beginning, middle, and end, that never falls short of packing the punches required to make them memorable. Prime Video has given us gripping crime thrillers, harrowing tales of survival, nostalgic sci-fi adaptations, and compelling period dramas to keep fans bingeing through the night. For a sophisticated and quick dash of entertainment, press play and Prime Video will take fans on an incredible adventure.

Updated June 14, 2024 by Soniya Hinduja: This collection of Prime Video’s best limited series has been updated with additional entries and brand-new content.

27 Delete (2013)

Delete is a two-part science fiction miniseries set against a fragile world that is way too dependent on technology and artificial intelligence. While the premise is unoriginal – it sees artificial intelligence gain self-awareness, and in an attempt to protect and perfect itself, it would go to the most extreme lengths and enslave humanity – the resolution to the threat makes for a compelling narrative.

An AI-Powered Thriller

Directed by Steve Barron, Delete seamlessly blends sci-fi concepts with the anticipation of total extinction and immerses viewers into its short but suspenseful storyline. The sudden plot twists are confounding but carefully placed, making the events that occur seem more plausible now than ever. The limited series features Keir Gilchrist, Erin Karpluk, Ryan Robbins, and Seth Green, all of whom deliver amazing performances. Overall, it is an entertaining thriller that mixes tech intrigue with noir conspiracies.

26 Harlan Coben’s Shelter (2023)

Adapted from the best-selling mystery author’s young adult novel of the same name, Harlan Coben’s Shelter is a limited series that follows Mickey Bolitar, who moves to Kasselton, New Jersey, after his father’s sudden death. With his mother in rehab, he deals with his overbearing aunt and makes friends at school. Mickey also gets embroiled in the mysterious disappearance of Ashley Kent, a fellow student, and learns that his father might not be dead after all.

Plot Twists That Keep You Guessing

YA contemporary is a genre that always delivers. And because Harlan Coben’s Shelter is adapted from a genuinely engrossing work, there’s no denying that it only exemplifies the suspense and drama that has made Coben’s books worldwide bestsellers. Each episode peels back new layers of deception and throws the most shocking twists at you. Standout performances from Jaden Michael, Constance Zimmer, and more turn even the most unlikely characters into three-dimensional ones.

25 River (2015)

An original police thriller, River stars Stellan Skarsgård as Detective Inspector John River, who is hardened by his profession but still psychologically traumatized by visions of the past. When one of his colleagues dies before solving the case she was working on, John begins seeing visions and decides to finish what she started. But the investigation is too demanding, and at one point, John is forced to confront if he has more to do with the crimes than it seemed.

Critically Acclaimed Psychological Mystery

With Skarsgård in the lead, River plays out as a subtle exposition of facts. Critics praised him for being “extraordinarily expressive” and noted that his capacity to be “sad and soulful in one scene, sardonically spiky and manically energetic in the next,” leaves interpretations open for the entire show. The globally acclaimed limited series is spread across six episodes, and while it explores themes of guilt and grief, it also really urges viewers to guess what’s real and what’s simply a reflection of River’s troubled mind.

24 Beat (2018)

Beat is a German-language thriller series that premiered on Prime Video back in 2018. The plot is centered around Robert “Beat” Schlag, a young man who works as a promoter in Berlin’s most famous techno club and is known to be the life of every party. When he is enlisted by the European Secret Service for a mission, Beat’s personal limits are tested and he discovers the corruption that is rampant in his inner circle.

Features an Outstanding Cast

The captivating characters in Beat are its biggest draw. Jannis Niewöhner owns the role of the titular character, and he is supported by Karoline Herfurth, Alexander Fehling, Christian Berkel, and more. The main character is seen facing impossible moral dilemmas, and while it is extremely enthralling to watch him navigate the gripping world around him, it’s the brutal, realistic, and edgy Berlin clubland setting that really makes the series more powerful and unforgettable.

23 Aftershock: Earthquake in New York (1999)

The four-hour miniseries is divided into two parts. Like the title suggests, Aftershock: Earthquake in New York is a disaster drama that provides a fictionalized account of the devastating earthquake that struck New York City without warning. The story focuses particularly on four families struggling to fight for their lives amid flooding, fires, and buildings collapsing around them.

A Must-Watch Disaster Drama

A little overwhelming in its portrayal of chaos and carnage, the limited series created by Mikael Salomon, tries to plunge viewers into the pure terror and suffering of the people of New York City. The scope of the disaster is unrelenting, and Salomon captures it all using genuinely praiseworthy camera effects. But where Aftershock lacks is realism. Instead of focusing on raw human drama, it sensationalizes the devastation and darkness of it all. For its compelling characters though, it is ultimately worth a watch.

22 Long Strange Trip (2017)

Debuting at the 2017 Cannes Film Festival, Long Strange Trip is a documentary film split into a six-part miniseries about the rock band, Grateful Dread. With Martin Scorsese as executive producer, the series includes new interviews with living band members, and their friends and associates. Martin Scorsese served as an executive producer, with director Amir Bar-Lev originally seeing acclaim for his 2000 documentary film Fighter.

A Grateful Documentary for the Grateful Dead

It provides viewers with some revealing insights into the life and times of the band and its members. Hailed for its serious take as a documentary that never tried to become indulgent, it’s received widespread critical acclaim. Among this acclaim, the series was nominated for a Grammy for Best Music Film. The miniseries would even receive a companion soundtrack album a few months after its original release.

21 This Is Going to Hurt (2022)

Charting young physicians’ personal and professional lives, This Is Going to Hurt provides stark insights into the stresses they face. It follows the journeys of junior doctors who all work in the obstetrics and gynecology ward of a National Health Services hospital. Specifically, it focuses on Adam Kay (Ben Whishaw) – who doubles as the creator of the series and as the author of the book it was based on – alongside Shruti Acharya (Ambika Mod).

A Dramatic Retelling of True Events

Based on a memoir of the same name, the British miniseries This is Going to Hurt provides a humorous take on the critical environment of the British healthcare sector. Sometimes told in a lighthearted way with dramatic undertones, the show effectively manages to engage viewers while showcasing the ups and downs that real doctors go through every day in Britain’s infamous public health system. Its emphasis on breaking the fourth wall is a unique trait that you’ll rarely find in other miniseries.

20 War and Peace (2016)

War & Peace follows the lives of three young Russian characters from the book of the same name: Pierre (Paul Dano), Natasha (Lily James), and Andrei (James Norton). Beginning in 1805 during the reign of the Russian Empire, the show follows the protagonists as Napoleon’s forces edge closer to their homeland. Across four two-hour episodes, you’ll also see Stephen Rea, Callum Turner, Jack Lowden, and Brian Cox, among others, filling out the ensemble cast.

A Classic Story Brought to Life

Certified “Fresh” on Rotten Tomatoes, the show has been hailed as a brilliant adaptation of a sweeping tale that has earned it a lot of critical acclaim. Drawing from the acclaimed novel, you can expect a story of grandiose proportions, one that tackles love and tragedy against the backdrop of wartime efforts and familial drama. Creator Andrew Davies was previously responsible for a plethora of impressive adaptations, including To Serve Them All My Days and Bleak House.

19 The Consultant (2023)

Combining the genres of dark comedy and thriller, Tony Basgallop’s 2023 series, The Consultant, is nothing short of a whirlwind. The story focuses on a gaming company called CompWare, whose workers see a drastic change when their young CEO is murdered and an ominous figure steps in to help out. Regus Patoff (Christoph Waltz) is the company’s new consultant, but his demands not only raise concerns but also turn seriously life-threatening.

Christoph Waltz Is Incredibly Talented

With Christoph Waltz taking on the main role, The Consultant offers significant space to admire the actors’ incredibly versatile talent. Apart from Waltz’s mind-bending acting skills, the series’ storyline can be compared to a trip overflowing with absurdity and suspense, but in the best way possible. There is never a dull moment, as the deeper look at the ethics inside a business and the lengths many are willing to go to get what they desire is highly captivating and often unsettling.

18 The Gryphon (2023)

Have you ever wanted to see the Germans try their hands at Stranger Things? We’re being facetious as The Gryphon‘s source material has been around since 1989. Based on the German novel Der Greif, an ordinary teen finds his purpose in life when it’s revealed that he and his family are meant to defend a nightmarish fantasy world. The nefarious Gryphon and his army are making their approach, and they mean business.

From the Studio Behind Netflix’s Dark

From the same studio that brought the acclaimed German series Dark to Netflix, The Gryphon features a grungy ’90s setting, fantastic costume designs, and a brilliantly paced story in as little as six episodes. If you’ve been disappointed by other shows being suddenly cut short, you can expect The Gryphon to wrap up its story in a conclusive fashion. If you’re a Metallica fan, you’ll be able to appreciate The Gryphon‘s utilization of licensed music as well.

17 Expats (2024)

Director Lulu Wang’s limited series, Expats, which reflects the happenings in Janice Y. K. Lee’s 2016 novel The Expatriates, unveils the hidden facets of three women living in the vibrant city of Hong Kong. When a tragic death brings them together, each of them fails to uphold the facade of their seemingly perfect lives. Deep regret and the heavy pain of grief take center stage, as Margaret (Nicole Kidman), Hilary (Sarayu Blue), and Mercy (Ji-young Yoo) try to navigate their struggles.

A Thought-Provoking Slow-Burner

Apart from the overall captivating cinematic shots, which allow the viewers to immerse themselves into the world of the series, Expats stands out through its compelling story. Unlike many other shows, this one allows for a natural development of the heavy topics, which results in a bit of a slow burn, but in the most positive way. Even though it doesn’t make use of a sitcom pace, there is never a dull moment. Expats is as thought-provoking as it is touching, which definitely makes it worth a watch.

16 LuLaRich (2021)

Multi-level marketing (MLM) companies can’t seem to catch a break. Every so often, you’ll see one of them popping up in the news cycle for either shady business dealings or predatory practices. One of the largest MLM companies, LuLaRoe, was the subject of a colorful documentary series on Prime Video. This limited series, titled LuLaRich, investigates the company following accusations of their operations being in line with a pyramid scheme.

An Examination of MLM Schemes

Without spoiling anything, you’d be surprised to see some of the evidence provided. Former employees, sellers, and even the owners of the company themselves chime in on LuLaRoe’s operations, in addition to an expert who specializes in MLM research. Despite the colorful patterns found on the company’s leggings, the testimonials provided by those who worked with them may paint a different picture of LuLaRoe as a whole.

15 A League of Their Own (2022)

While its additional second season has unfortunately been canceled, A League of Their Own‘s original run still works just as well as a terrific limited series. Based on the movie of the same name, A League of Their Own follows the formation of a women’s professional baseball team amid World War II, with lead performances from both Abbi Jacobson (Disenchantment) and Chanté Adams (Roxanne Roxanne). The show was critically beloved for its multiple perspectives, its incorporation of LGBTQ+ elements, and its magnificent performances.

A Reimagining of a Classic

As an alternative take on the 1992 film, this series is perfect if you’re looking for something closer to the actual experiences had by the Rockford Peaches. Its dedication to historical accuracy is easily its most significant asset, and in only eight episodes, it chronicles a surprising story that you may never have known about. The on-screen chemistry between Jacobson and Adams, as well as other major players like D’Arcy Carden and Roberta Colindrez, make for an incredible journey.

14 Swarm (2023)

Swarm initially made headlines for more than a few reasons. This grim limited series stars Dominique Fishback as Andrea “Dre” Greene, a pop-star fan who harbors a dark secret. Her fanaticism takes her across the entirety of the United States, plunging her into the depths of obsession in a fascinating examination of parasocial relationships.

Janine Nabers and Donald Glover Team Up

Created by Janine Nabers (Watchmen, Atlanta) and Donald Glover (30 Rock, Atlanta), Swarm saw equal praise for its psychological horror elements and intriguing premise. Its vivid presentation contrasts brilliantly against the murderous plots that take place throughout, and Fishback’s performance was subject to universal praise from a variety of press outlets. Fishback would even receive an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Limited Series, with Swarm as a whole also receiving an Emmy nomination for Outstanding Writing for a Limited Series.

13 Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer (2020)

True crime is all the rage, but for every few documentaries, there’s one that stands out above the rest. Prime Video’s examination of infamous serial killer Ted Bundy, Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer, opts to do something both unique and intriguing. Instead of focusing on Bundy himself, we get a portrait of him through the perspectives of those he interacted with.

A Respectable True Crime Miniseries

Bundy himself is given less of a focus, instead focusing on Elizabeth and Molly Kendall, a long-time girlfriend of Bundy and her daughter respectively. Others who interacted with Bundy, including other victims, police officers, and more, lend their experiences to the series’ five episodes. If you want a crime miniseries that doesn’t glorify its subject, Ted Bundy: Falling for a Killer may be the one for you.

12 The English (2022)

The English is one of several Westerns on Prime Video that won’t disappoint. Starring Emily Blunt (Edge of Tomorrow, A Quiet Place) and Chaske Spencer (Twilight, Banshee), The English takes a revisionist edge on the classic genre. When Lady Cornelia headed to the frontier in search of revenge, as one typically does, she encountered a Pawnee veteran by the name of Eli Whipp. The duo start traveling together, unaware that their pasts may intertwine in ways they never expected.

A Rare Example of a Western Miniseries

A co-production between Amazon and the BBC, The English would see multiple award nominations for Blunt and Spencer’s respective performances, as well as its extensive production design. In as little as six episodes, fans were treated to a Western that rivaled even the glossiest productions in Hollywood, while also featuring its slick sense of style. Incredible Western miniseries aren’t all that plentiful, meaning you’ll find plenty to enjoy in this impressive adventure.

11 Dead Ringers (2023)

A re-interpretation of David Cronenberg’s film of the same name, Dead Ringers, sees a pair of twins played by Rachel Weisz (The Mummy, Black Widow) as they dived into the world of unethical science. While they may make headway in the world of gynecology, the means they utilize to accomplish their goals may not justify their illicit success.

A Reimagining of David Cronenberg’s Classic

Dead Ringers took an already unconventional horror film and twisted it into an intriguing horror-themed limited series. Taken less as a remake and more of a “what if” story, this intriguing spin on Cronenberg’s work is a tense journey spread across six episodes, with Weisz doing most of the series’ heavy lifting throughout. The creator of this series, Alice Birch, previously worked on projects like Lady Macbeth, Succession, and The Wonder.

10 The Power (2023)

Just like the title already reveals, this limited series, which is based on Naomi Alderman’s bestseller of the same name, is all about power dynamics. However, The Power, does not focus on the well-known patriarchal power structure, but much rather puts women at the center of the story. While the world in the series is based on reality, women are suddenly given the ability to electrocute whatever, or whoever, they want. With this unusual skill, a shift in the power hierarchy isn’t far.

Examining Shifting Power Dynamics

This series stands out with a stellar cast, delivering a thrilling performance and conveying the feeling as though each and every woman watching is just as much a part of the power movement. Additionally, the storyline ensures that many of the very real injustices women all around have to face are portrayed, and, simultaneously, awareness is raised. The Power brings the portrayal of a world that empowers women onto the screen and works as a reminder that no one has the right to belittle someone.

9 Vanity Fair (2018)

Initially released in 2018, Vanity Fair is less about the popular magazine and more about something wholly different. Set during the Napoleonic Wars, Olivia Cooke stars as Becky Sharp, a woman determined to climb the ranks of society any way she can. Through a white lie, she finds herself in the company of Amelia Sedley (Claudia Jesse), a bubbly but naive counterpart to Sharp’s wit. The two find themselves living their days as best they can, as the surrounding wars impact them in a variety of ways.

Putting a Classic Novel on Streaming

Based on the 1848 novel by William Makepeace Thackeray, Vanity Fair was unfortunately overshadowed by other prominent serials during its original release. However, you can catch all seven episodes of this dramatic story on Prime Video. Gwyneth Hughes, the creator of this adaptation, would also work on the Tom Jones miniseries that aired on PBS in 2023. Director James Strong also has a particularly strong background in television, having worked on early episodes of Doctor Who and Torchwood.

8 I’m a Virgo (2023)

Read Our Review

The coming-of-age comedy series, I’m a Virgo, was created by Boots Riley, and it stars Jharrel Jerome as the unusual main character navigating life as a 13-foot-tall man. Cootie is a 19-year-old Black man who has stayed out of the public eye for quite a while, and now that he’s come out to join the beauties and conventions of the real world, he must navigate love, loss, and relationships in the face of his unusual appearance.

Boots Riley’s First Miniseries

Boots Riley brings his signature absurdist humor, as seen in Sorry to Bother You, with the help of a protagonist who is often perceived differently because of his tall demeanor. But Cootie has some real friends who got his back throughout the show. Moreover, it is incredible what I’m a Virgo achieves with little if any utilization of CGI. The social commentary, riotous laughter, and captivating main character also help elevate the series.