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 fall 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 up 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 on September 3rd, 2023, by Sean Shuman: This article has been updated with additional content to keep the discussion fresh and relevant with even more information and new entries.
20 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 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.
19 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 recently 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.
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.
18 A League of Their Own (2022)
Amazon Studios
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.
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 have never otherwise known about.
17 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.
Bundy himself is given less of a focus instead of 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.
16 Good Omens (2019)
Yes, Good Omens technically received a second season in 2023. However, the original 2019 run of this Prime Video limited series is still just as good in a vacuum. Co-produced by Amazon Studios and BBC Studios, David Tennant and Michael Sheen star as a demon and angel who reside on Earth. Despite being opposites, the two are fond of each other’s company. But, when word comes from above and below that Armageddon is set to begin, the two must work together to maintain their pleasant existence on Earth.
A critical darling for its ensemble cast, terrific comedic chemistry between Tennant and Sheen, and brilliant production designs, Good Omens is an essential miniseries from Prime Video’s vast library of content. If one season wasn’t enough, you can even catch a second season that expands upon what made the original miniseries so good.
15 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.
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 her performance, with Swarm as a whole also receiving an Emmy nomination for the quality of its writing.
14 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 started traveling together, unaware that their pasts may intertwine in ways they never expected. 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.
13 Them (2021)
Them is a horror anthology created by Little Marvin. Similar to American Horror Story, each “season” tells a unique story that’s isolated from the events that come before and after. In Them, the series followed Deborah Ayorinde (True Detective), Ashley Thomas (24: Legacy), and Shahadi Wright Joseph (Us) as a black family named the Emorys who moved to North Carolina in the early 1950s.
Not long after they arrive, something evil starts to fester behind closed doors, leading them into a tense fight for survival. Though the series tackles a controversial subject, most would agree that the lead performances and underlying script make Them a limited series worth checking out.
12 Dead Ringers (2023)
Dead Ringers took an already unconventional horror film and twisted it into an intriguing horror-themed limited series. 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. 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.
11 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.
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.
10 Informer (2018)
A thrilling six-part drama series created by BBC, Informer is set against London’s gritty underworld. It packs a lot of suspense and plot twists to keep fans hooked till the very end. The series follows Raza, a second-generation British-Pakistani man who reluctantly becomes an informant for the counter-terrorism police after a fateful encounter with the police.
His desperate attempts to turn his life around for the better are often hindered by the personal cost of betraying his friends and the constant threat to him and his loved ones from the crime lords he is informing on. What begins as a humble, riskless plot to trap a low-level drug dealer soon turns into a deadly race to prevent a major terrorist attack. Starring Paddy Considine, Bel Powley, Jessica Raine, and Nabhaan Rizwan in his impressive debut, Informer is an excellent drama.
9 Class Of ‘07 (2023)
The premise of Class Of ‘07 isn’t novel, but it sure is lighthearted and fluffy as it followed a group of women who go to an all-girls high school as they band together for a 10-year reunion. However, the series picked up the pace when fans realized that the characters were somehow stuck in the past after a tidal wave hit the island, leaving them in a post-apocalypse situation.
Imagine a subtle twist on the show Lost and the dread and innovation of Yellowjackets blended into one. This comedic variation on the survivalist genre is hard not to get addicted to. The show may begin with a bunch of problematic characters with unresolved high school drama, but as the mystery of the incident settles in, the plot thickens, and each multi-layered character captivates the audience more and more. Overall, Class of ‘07 is a binge-worthy blast for Prime Video subscribers.
8 I’m A Virgo (2023)
This coming-of-age comedy series 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 off the public 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, as well as a vigilante superhero.
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 almost no usage of CGI. The social commentary, riotous laughter, and adorable main character also help elevate the series.
7 Little Women (2017)
The beloved Louisa May Alcott novel has attained classic status not just for its groundbreaking originality and impact on the literary world but also for the many modern adaptations it has earned over the years. There is no consensus on which version is the best, but this 2017 limited series, which charts the lives of the March sisters as they grow from teenagers to adults in post-Civil War America, is filled with honey-sweet visuals and timeless elements.
The premise of Little Women is nothing new. We see Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy face challenges common to all growing girls – love, loss, job prospects, marriage – but also the complexities of living in a world that dictates women’s roles in society. Also, the world is introduced to Maya Hawke in her debut role as Jo March, and the renowned Emily Watson stars as Marmee March, the family matriarch. While Little Women is no longer available on Prime Video, it is streaming on the PBS Masterpiece Prime Video channel.
6 The ABC Murders (2018)
Roughly based on Agatha Christie’s 1939 novel, The ABC Murders is a phenomenal crime thriller set around a murder mystery that will have you on the edge of your seats throughout its three episodes. It follows Hercule Poirot as he investigates a mysterious serial killer stalking England in the 1930s.
Someone is murdering random victims in alphabetical order, taunting the police by signing each crime with the letters ABC. As the victims pile up, the police come back from every investigation empty-handed. Panic grows within the force and the media while the killer seems to delight in his own little game. The catch? Poirot must race to solve the mystery before the killer reaches the letter Z. If you’re a fan of the classic whodunit trope, this John Malkovich-led miniseries is a must.
5 Small Axe (2020)
Small Axe is a British anthology series that tells five different stories focused on the West Indian community in London from the 1960s to the 1980s. Each movie-length episode explores personal dramas reflecting British West Indian history and culture during a formative period.
Even though they’re not connected on the surface, when brought together, these individual stories offer a sublime viewing experience. Director Steve McQueen (12 Years a Slave, Shame) explored a variety of experiences around culture, racism, and society shaped by shared history. Powered by a terrific cast and beautiful cinematography, this anthology, which takes its name from a West African proverb about the greatness of small deeds, is a monumental achievement in showcasing often overlooked stories.
4 A Very English Scandal (2018)
This British comedy-drama miniseries tells the unbelievable yet true story of British politician Jeremy Thorpe, who stood trial in 1979 for conspiracy and incitement to murder his former gay lover Norman Josiffe. A Very English Scandal follows Thorpe as he climbs the political ranks on the path toward becoming Prime Minister, but he is also threatened by his secret relationship with Josiffe and its potential to end his career. When Josiffe begins blackmailing Thorpe, he formulates a sinister plan against Josiffe that would “stop him forever.”
Starring Hugh Grant, Ben Whishaw, and Alex Jennings, the show sparks to life important subjects about class divides, politics, and compromises people make for power. Also, the witty script and subtle gravitas do absolute justice to John Preston’s novel of the same name, allowing the audience a glimpse into 1970s British society and politics.
3 ANZAC Girls (2014)
ANZAC Girls is another brilliant miniseries made of six episodes that tells an appalling true story of a group of young Australian and New Zealand women who serve as nurses near the frontlines during World War I. Portrayed through the eyes of these women, we see the unfathomable horrors of war, the infectious and glorious spirit of brotherhood that binds troops together, and the tragic personal sacrifices made in the name of patriotism and duty.
From the period details to the stunning performances by the stars, the show puts to screen the many hardships, sexism, and limited career choices women had at the time. As it goes, the Anzac nurses were among the first women to be admitted into the military on equal terms with men. So the storylines revolve around the highs and lows experienced by them through their years of service, shedding light upon an overlooked chapter in history.
2 The Underground Railroad (2021)
Historical dramas have a distinct allure about them; they pull fans in and educate them on events that shaped the world into what it is today. Such is the story of The Underground Railroad. Although fictional, this alternative history series follows Cora, an enslaved girl who escaped from a Georgia plantation and comes to know that the Underground Railroad is no mere metaphor.
Engineers constructed a system of tracks, runners, and rail lines beneath the Southern soil. The series focuses on the harsh realities of slavery as well as Black resistance to oppression. Created by Oscar-winning director Barry Jenkins, the limited series renders the physical, emotional, and psychological toll of slavery through haunting performances, excellent production design, and an unflinching storyline.
1 Daisy Jones And The Six (2023)
A pure sensation that recently dropped on Prime Video, Daisy Jones And the Six recounts the fictional oral history of a 1970s band as they rise from underground success to superstardom. Of course, they then tragically break up at their creative and personal peak. Riley Keough stars as Daisy Jones, a gifted singer discovered by Teddy Price to eventually team up with Billy Dunne, frontman of the already legendary rock group The Six.
When Daisy joins their group, there is a riff but also an instant chemistry. Their combined musical genius and intense on-again-off-again relationship produce a harmony that slingshots them to new heights of fame. But as their debut album is released, the band deals with personal conflicts and addiction – particularly Daisy and Billy’s explosive relationship. With gripping storytelling and incredible performances from Sam Clafin, Sookie Waterhouse, Camila Morrone, and the rest of the cast, Daisy Jones and The Six detail the drama through present-day interviews.
This story originally appeared on Movieweb
