In of critical acclaim and mainstream impact, HBO has had a hugely successful record with its shows, and the best HBO miniseries are just as exciting. Even though FX, Showtime, and now Netflix and Amazon Prime Video pose as worthy competitors in this regard, HBO hasn't lost its charm, with Emmy-winning miniseries including the likes of Watchmen, Chernobyl, and more. Even in the early 2000s, HBO limited series like Angels In America, John Adams, and Band of Brothers are all considered some of the best shows of all time.

Most of these miniseries fall under the category of drama, with occasional stylistic influences from other genres, and they make for some of the most harrowing tales on TV and streaming. The network is so good at delivering impressive miniseries that it's hard to just cap them out at 10. The history of HBO miniseries dates back decades, but the network hit its stride in the past few years. In fact, some of them will go down as a few of the best HBO series ever crafted. Some are twisted mysteries, most feature some of the most respected actors around, and all received critical acclaim across the board.

20 Parade's End (2012)

Parade's End is one of the best HBO miniseries in of production value and its cast. The show stars Benedict Cumberbatch, Rebecca Hall, and Stephen Graham, and has a period setting, as it takes place during World War I. The series is about Christopher Tietjens (Cumberbatch), an aristocrat in a toxic marriage with Sylvia (Hall), it has remarkable character development for a limited series, and as it intertwines the suffragette movement, the developing world, and the war, it's a powerful and unbelievable powerful drama. Parade's End is not only resonant on an emotional level, but it's full of timeless messages too.

19 Show Me A Hero (2015)

If Show Me a Hero proves anything it's that HBO continues to be just as committed to profound storytelling as ever. The series has a mouthwatering ensemble cast that includes Oscar Isaac, Catherine Keener, Alfred Molina, and Winona Ryder, and they all give Emmy-worthy performances. The show follows Nick Wasicsko (Isaac), a politician who becomes conflicted over a federally mandated public housing plan for a community that he represents. It delicately tackles social issues as well as tells extremely personal stories. Show Me a Hero is based on the non-fiction book of the same name, and HBO did an incredible job at turning the non-fiction material into a riveting drama.

18 Mildred Pierce (2011)

Of all the best HBO miniseries, Mildred Place doesn't get the credit it deserves. Relative to other limited series that are endlessly talked about, Mildred Place is overlooked despite having a great cast led by Kate Winslet and a tasteful screenplay. The show is set during the Great Depression and follows the titular character (Winslet) who faces the challenges of being a single mother in the troublesome era whilst trying to build a restaurant empire. Winslet disappears into the role, as does Evan Rachel Wood, who plays Mildred's manipulative daughter. The series masterfully depicts the struggles women faced at the time to become successful, and it's just as relevant today.

17 Elizabeth I (2005)

Elizabeth I is another period series that tells the story of one of history's most famous monarchs and how she became the Queen of England. Helen Mirren reigns supreme in the lead role, depicting the struggles of being a female ruler, and the show features a just as incredible ing cast including Jeremy Irons. The series might pale in comparison to its much more successful peer, The Crown, which also follows the British monarchy much later, but the 2005 miniseries is still a rich look at a fascinating and important part of British history that doesn't hold back on the period designs.

16 Sharp Objects (2018)

Based on Gillian Flynn's novel of the same name, 2018's Sharp Objects proved to be another hit for HBO. The show followed Camille Parker (Amy Adams), a troubled reporter who returns to her hometown and looks into the murder of two local young girls. Though the audience returned every week for the twists and turns of the story, the performances of the fantastic cast grabbed everyone. Adams scored multiple award nominations, Patricia Clarkson won a Golden Globe as her mother, and the likes of Eliza Scanlen and Sydney Sweeney cemented themselves as future stars.

15 Years And Years (2019)

While many of the best HBO miniseries have depicted England in some capacity, most of them have had period settings and haven't explored modern-day Britain. However, Years and Years makes up for it, as it's set in the near future and has a dystopian narrative that spans 15 years. The series follows the Lyons family and how the family's opinions differ and change due to rapid technological advancements and political maneuvering. Years and Years sounds ambitious, and it totally pays off, as it paints a chilling picture of the future by focusing on the economic inequality and dynamics of an everyday family.

14 Angels In America (2003)

Arguably one of the best stage play adaptations, Angels In America was conceptualized by the original's Pulitzer-winning writer Tony Kushner, while Mike Nichols took charge of the directorial duties. The AIDS epidemic, the subsequent increases in homophobia, Reagan-era politics, and magical realism collide in this monumental miniseries that swept all major Emmys it was nominated for, including all four acting categories. Even though the titular plot is centered around Prior Walter (Justin Kirk), a gay man who encounters an angel, the star-studded ensemble is utilized for other parallel storylines.

13 I May Destroy You (2020)

2020's I May Destroy You isn't entirely an HBO original, considering it was produced by both BBC and HBO. However, the British drama is the brainchild of writer, creator, and leading lady Michaela Coel, and it delves into a traumatizing incident from her past. The story shifts between past and present as the protagonist seeks to rebuild her life and career. At times, the realistic tone also gives way to a satirical take on today's internet-driven socio-political climate. Heavily praised by critics all over, I May Destroy You has helped launch Coel's international career and was another HBO limited series hit.

12 Olive Kitteridge (2014)

Starring s McDormand, Richard Jenkins, and Bill Murray, Olive Kitteridge is an interesting character study of a misunderstood protagonist. McDormand sinks her teeth into the character, a strict teacher dealing with depression and familial issues. Winning eight Emmys, Olive Kitteridge is also quite faithful in its adaptation of Elizabeth Strout's novel of the same name. To capture the novel's biography-like approach, the show is presented in four parts, with each part covering a particular aspect of Kitteridge's life. It makes for a worthy watch, especially for those who are interested in consuming slow-burning human dramas.

11 I Know This Much Is True (2020)

Adapted from the novel of the same name, I Know This Much Is True was going to be as successful as the performance of Mark Ruffalo. He pulled double-duty, playing both Dominick and Thomas Bradley, a pair of twin brothers. Thomas's schizophrenia leads him to cut off his own hand and Dominick attempts to help him through the follow-up. Thankfully, Ruffalo delivered great work that helped him win an Emmy award. Though not as high profile as some other HBO miniseries, I Know This Much Is True was a grim watch bolstered by the impressive cast including Imogen Poots, Kathryn Hahn, and Melissa Leo.