Top 25 Highest-Rated TV Shows of All Time, Ranked

Television has become incredibly advanced, now offering complex stories that can unfold across countries and over many years. Today’s viewers can enjoy a huge selection of well-made dramas and stunning documentaries from around the world. This collection features some of the very best shows – both fictional and factual – as chosen by audiences worldwide. You’ll find everything from intense crime stories to charming cartoons for the whole family.

‘TVF Pitchers’ (2015)

Four friends take a leap of faith, leaving their secure jobs to start a new company. The story realistically portrays the difficulties and anxieties of being an entrepreneur in India. They struggle with things like getting funding and making personal sacrifices, pushing their determination to the limit. It’s a story many people can connect with, especially those who dream of building their own business. It’s become a popular streaming hit, known for its funny and honest portrayal of these challenges.

‘Gullak’ (2019–)

This charming series follows the everyday lives of the Mishra family in a small town in North India. Each episode shares relatable stories about the funny and challenging sides of middle-class life. The show focuses on the warm connection between family members, rather than dramatic events. It wonderfully evokes a sense of nostalgia and reminds us how important family is. The stories are simple, but offer a deep and meaningful look at everyday moments.

‘Aspirants’ (2021–)

This series follows three friends as they prepare for the incredibly competitive UPSC civil services exam in Old Rajinder Nagar. It jumps between their challenging pasts and their current lives, showing how striving for success can impact their friendships and well-being. The show offers a realistic portrayal of India’s most difficult exam, and viewers will likely connect with its themes of determination and the realities of life’s changes.

‘The Vietnam War’ (2017)

This documentary series by Ken Burns and Lynn Novick offers a detailed look at the Vietnam War. Using restored historical film and photos, it vividly recreates the period and presents a well-rounded view through interviews with people who experienced the war on all sides. Clear narration helps viewers understand the complicated political and social issues of the time. The ten-part series is a crucial historical document about a major world event.

‘When Life Gives You Tangerines’ (2025)

This series takes us back to Jeju Island in the 1950s, telling the story of two young people. IU plays a determined and spirited girl who wants to be a poet, even though she doesn’t have much. Park Bo-gum is the quiet, dependable young man who always looks out for her. The show beautifully portrays young love and strength during a difficult time in history, and it’s a moving tribute to the people of that generation.

‘Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood’ (2009–2010)

I’m a huge fan of Fullmetal Alchemist! It tells the story of two brothers, Ed and Al, who are desperately trying to fix a terrible mistake they made with alchemy. They’re searching for this legendary Philosopher’s Stone, hoping it can restore their bodies. What I really love is how closely the anime follows the original manga, and the world they’ve built is just so detailed and fascinating. As they search, they stumble onto a massive government conspiracy that could destroy everything. It’s not just action though – the show really makes you think about what it means to be human and the value of life. Honestly, it’s one of the best anime ever made, with a perfectly crafted plot and characters you genuinely care about.

‘The Chosen’ (2019–)

This historical series tells the story of Jesus Christ from the perspective of his friends and followers. It delves into the personal lives of the disciples and the world they lived in, showing religious figures as ordinary people with their own flaws and challenges. Notably, the series was made possible by a hugely successful crowdfunding campaign. At its heart, the story explores themes of forgiveness and the importance of belonging.

‘Dexter: Resurrection’ (2025)

Michael C. Hall is back as the iconic Dexter Morgan in this continuation of the series. The story follows Dexter as he faces fresh dangers and deals with the repercussions of his past actions. Viewers will see how his personal code of ethics changes in a new setting. This series builds on Dexter’s complex story, offering the thrilling suspense fans love while exploring his inner world in more detail.

‘Attack on Titan’ (2013–2023)

People live in cities protected by huge walls to keep out giant, human-eating creatures called Titans. The story centers on Eren Yeager and his friends, who enlist in the military to fight back. As the story unfolds, they uncover shocking truths about their world and the Titans themselves. The series is famous for its unexpected twists and emotionally charged moments, and it delves into serious topics like war and the endless pattern of revenge.

‘Our Planet’ (2019)

This documentary series explores the incredible variety of life and landscapes across the globe, while also highlighting the effects of climate change. Legendary naturalist David Attenborough guides viewers through stunning, far-off places and deep into the oceans. Using cutting-edge camera technology, the show reveals animal behaviors never before recorded, blending breathtaking imagery with a powerful call to protect our planet and its delicate ecosystems. It showcases both the wonder of the natural world and how vulnerable it truly is.

‘The World at War’ (1973–1974)

Narrated by Laurence Olivier, this documentary series offers a comprehensive look at World War II. It includes unique interviews with key leaders and explores both the major battles and the war’s impact on ordinary people. Praised for its honest and straightforward approach, the series is a landmark achievement in documentary filmmaking.

‘Cosmos’ (2014)

Following in the footsteps of Carl Sagan’s iconic 1980 series, Neil deGrasse Tyson guides viewers on an incredible voyage through the universe. Using stunning visuals, the show breaks down complex scientific ideas – from the smallest particles to the largest galaxies – and highlights how science works. Ultimately, it’s a celebration of discovery and a reminder of the awe-inspiring beauty of the cosmos and our connection to it.

‘Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story’ (2020)

This crime drama, set in Bombay during the 1980s and 90s, tells the story of stockbroker Harshad Mehta and his dramatic rise and fall. The series shows how he took advantage of weaknesses in the banking system to become incredibly wealthy. Pratik Gandhi gives a powerful performance, perfectly portraying Mehta’s charm and arrogance. The show offers a fascinating and intense look at the world of finance and the widespread corruption within it, and is known for its realistic depiction of the time period and clever writing.

‘The Sopranos’ (1999–2007)

I’ve been completely hooked by Tony Soprano’s story. It’s fascinating watching him try to manage being a powerful mob boss while also dealing with all the chaos in his family. He’s a really complex guy, and I was surprised to see him start seeing a therapist to cope with panic attacks and just, you know, everything going on in his head. The show really changed TV, I think, because Tony isn’t your typical hero – he’s flawed and does bad things, but you still end up feeling for him. It makes you think about what it means to be American and how things are changing, especially for people involved in organized crime. Plus, the writing is brilliant – it’s both really funny and surprisingly insightful about the characters’ minds.

‘Game of Thrones’ (2011–2019)

I’m completely hooked on this series about the noble families of Westeros battling for the Iron Throne. It’s an amazing story with so many different plots all tangled together – there’s politics, war, and even magic! What really grabbed me was how well it was made and how you never see the twists coming. It’s a really tough world they live in; being honorable often gets you killed, and the people who are sneaky and backstabbing are the ones who end up winning. Honestly, it changed everything I thought fantasy TV could be.

‘Blue Planet II’ (2017)

This documentary series dives back into the world’s oceans, revealing incredible new underwater environments and the fascinating lives of marine creatures. Filmed over years, the series showcases stunning footage of life in the deep sea and vibrant coral reefs. Narrated by David Attenborough, the show tells powerful stories of survival – moments of both heartbreak and hope. It also brings attention to the growing problem of plastic pollution and its devastating impact on ocean life. Prepare to be amazed by the breathtaking visuals and deeply moved by the stories you’ll see.

‘Cosmos: A Personal Voyage’ (1980)

As a total movie buff – and science lover – I always recommend Carl Sagan’s series. It’s like he takes you on a personal trip to really understand the universe. He covers everything from how life began to how intelligence developed, and he does it in a way that’s just…beautiful. His narration is so poetic and he’s clearly passionate about the subject, which makes even the most complicated ideas easy to grasp. What really stuck with me is how he shows that everything is connected, and how important it is to value knowledge. Honestly, it’s a classic for a reason – a real milestone in how science is communicated.

‘Bluey’ (2018–)

Bluey is a playful Blue Heeler puppy who loves to use her endless energy for imaginative games with her family. The show is popular with both kids and adults because it feels like a real look at modern family life and celebrates children’s creativity. Each episode gently teaches important social and emotional skills with smart writing and lots of heartwarming scenes. Plus, the animation is bright, colorful, and uniquely Australian.

‘Avatar: The Last Airbender’ (2005–2008)

Aang, a young boy, wakes up after being asleep for 100 years to discover the world is at war. As the Avatar, he has to learn to control water, earth, fire, and air to defeat the Fire Nation and bring peace back to the world. The show is full of exciting martial arts, but also focuses on the characters’ development and explores spiritual ideas. It tackles serious topics like genocide and the dangers of power in a way that’s easy for kids to understand, and is widely considered one of the best animated shows ever made.

‘Chernobyl’ (2019)

This miniseries tells the story of the 1986 Chernobyl disaster at the nuclear power plant in the Soviet Union. It focuses on the courageous people who risked everything to control the damage and reveals the government’s attempts to hide the truth, and the consequences of those lies in a country with strict control. The series powerfully shows the devastating impact of the accident on both people and politics, and has been praised for its realistic and unsettling depiction of events.

‘The Wire’ (2002–2008)

This series offers a gritty look at the drug trade in Baltimore, showing things from the perspectives of both dealers and the police. Over time, it broadens its scope to explore how other parts of the city – like the docks and schools – are affected. The show is known for its realistic conversations and its unwillingness to provide easy answers to complex issues. It’s essentially a detailed, visual commentary on the shortcomings of American systems. While it requires a bit of commitment, the show ultimately delivers a complex and rewarding story.

‘Planet Earth’ (2006)

This innovative series was the first nature documentary shot completely in high definition. It offers viewers a journey through Earth’s many environments, from towering mountains to hidden caves. The stunning visuals showcase both the vastness of nature and the personal stories of animals. It redefined how wildlife films are made and shared around the world, and serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible diversity of life on our planet.

‘Planet Earth II’ (2016)

This new series builds on the original with stunning ultra-high-definition visuals, bringing the natural world to life like never before. It includes iconic moments, such as the globally popular iguana chase, and offers a fascinating look at how animals adapt to living in cities. The powerful music, composed by Hans Zimmer, enhances the emotional connection to the incredible footage. Ultimately, the show is a celebration of life’s ability to overcome adversity.

‘Band of Brothers’ (2001)

This miniseries tells the true story of Easy Company, following the soldiers from their initial training through the end of World War II. It powerfully depicts the strong friendships forged between them during wartime. The series features realistic and intense battle scenes, capturing the confusion and brutality of war. Before each episode, viewers hear from the actual veterans whose experiences inspired the story, adding to its authenticity. Many consider it to be one of the best war dramas ever made.

‘Breaking Bad’ (2008–2013)

When a high school chemistry teacher named Walter White receives a devastating cancer diagnosis, he makes a desperate choice: he starts cooking meth to provide for his family. This decision dramatically changes him, turning a quiet, unassuming man into a dangerous drug lord. The show centers around his complicated partnership with a former student, Jesse Pinkman, and delves into difficult questions about right and wrong, the impact of our choices, and how power can change a person. Many consider it to be one of the greatest TV dramas ever made.

Share your favorite show from this list and tell us what we missed in the comments.

2025-12-10 00:17