The 20 Best Amazon Prime Original TV Shows, Ranked by IMDb Score
Amazon Prime Video has grown into a major player in the streaming world. It offers a large and varied collection of original TV shows. From big-budget fantasy epics to sharp, witty comedies, there is something for everyone. The platform has produced critically acclaimed series and fan favorites, establishing itself as a source of quality entertainment.
This list highlights 20 of the best original series available on Amazon Prime, ranked by their IMDb scores. The shows selected span different genres and styles. They showcase the breadth of content the service has created. Whether you enjoy superhero action, crime thrillers, or character-driven dramas, this list will help you find your next favorite show.
Dead Ringers (2023) – IMDb: 6.4/10
“Dead Ringers” is a modern take on David Cronenberg’s 1988 thriller, with Rachel Weisz playing the dual lead roles of twin gynecologists. The Mantle twins are brilliant doctors who share everything, including a desire to push the boundaries of medical ethics in an effort to challenge outdated practices and bring women’s healthcare to the forefront.
The series is a dark and twisted psychological drama that explores themes of identity, ambition, and obsession. Weisz gives a stunning performance as the two very different sisters. “Dead Ringers” is a bold and unsettling show that will stay with you.
Swarm (2023) – IMDb: 7.2/10
“Swarm” is a dark and satirical horror-thriller from creators Donald Glover and Janine Nabers. The series follows Dre, a young woman whose obsession with a pop star takes a dark and violent turn. The show is a commentary on stan culture and the dark side of fandom.
Dominique Fishback gives a compelling and unsettling performance as the lead character. The series is visually distinct and uses its unique style to create a sense of unease. “Swarm” is a bold and original show that is both thought-provoking and disturbing.
The Lord of the Rings: The Rings of Power (2022) – IMDb: 7.0/10
Set thousands of years before the events of “The Hobbit” and “The Lord of the Rings,” this series brings to life the heroic legends of the Second Age of Middle-earth’s history. The show follows a large cast of characters, both familiar and new, as they confront the long-feared re-emergence of evil in Middle-earth.
“The Rings of Power” is a visually stunning production with grand landscapes and detailed sets. It builds a rich world and explores the forging of the iconic rings and the rise of the Dark Lord Sauron. The series is an epic fantasy for fans of J.R.R. Tolkien’s work.
The Summer I Turned Pretty (2022) – IMDb: 7.3/10
“The Summer I Turned Pretty” is a coming-of-age romantic drama based on the novel by Jenny Han. The series follows Isabel “Belly” Conklin during her annual summer vacation at a family friend’s beach house. The story revolves around a love triangle between Belly and two brothers she has grown up with.
The show captures the feelings of first love, heartbreak, and the transition from childhood to adulthood. It is a sweet and emotional series with a popular soundtrack. “The Summer I Turned Pretty” has resonated with younger audiences and fans of the book series.
The Wheel of Time (2021) – IMDb: 7.4/10
Based on the epic fantasy book series by Robert Jordan, “The Wheel of Time” is set in a world where magic exists, but only certain women are allowed to access it. The story follows Moiraine, a member of a powerful all-female organization, as she embarks on a dangerous journey with five young men and women, one of whom is prophesied to be the Dragon Reborn, who will either save or destroy humanity.
The series is a grand-scale fantasy with a rich and detailed world. It features a large ensemble cast and explores themes of destiny, power, and the battle between light and shadow. “The Wheel of Time” is a must-watch for fans of epic fantasy.
A League of Their Own (2022) – IMDb: 7.6/10
Inspired by the 1992 film of the same name, “A League of Their Own” follows the formation of the All-American Girls Professional Baseball League in 1943. The series focuses on a new generation of characters and their journeys as they pursue their dreams of playing professional baseball.
The show expands on the original story by exploring issues of race and sexuality in the 1940s. It is a warm and funny series with a lot of heart. “A League of Their Own” has been praised for its engaging characters and its fresh take on a beloved story.
The English (2022) – IMDb: 7.8/10
“The English” is a Western series starring Emily Blunt and Chaske Spencer. Set in 1890, it follows an English aristocrat who travels to the American West seeking revenge on the man she sees as responsible for her son’s death. She joins forces with a Pawnee ex-cavalry scout, and together they discover a shared history that must be defeated if either is to survive.
The series is a visually beautiful and gritty Western with a compelling story of revenge and unlikely alliances. It features strong performances from its lead actors and explores the harsh realities of the American West. “The English” is a powerful and well-crafted revisionist Western.
The Man in the High Castle (2015) – IMDb: 8.0/10
Based on Philip K. Dick’s novel, “The Man in the High Castle” explores an alternate history where the Axis powers won World War II. The series is set in 1962 in a divided America, with the eastern part controlled by Nazi Germany and the western part by the Japanese Empire. The story follows a group of characters who discover a series of mysterious films that show a world where the Allies won the war.
The show is a thought-provoking and suspenseful thriller with impressive world-building. It delves into themes of oppression, resistance, and the nature of reality. “The Man in the High Castle” offers a compelling and dark look at a world that could have been.
Good Omens (2019) – IMDb: 8.0/10
“Good Omens” is a fantasy-comedy series based on the novel by Terry Pratchett and Neil Gaiman. It follows the fussy angel Aziraphale and the fast-living demon Crowley, who have grown fond of life on Earth. When they learn that the Apocalypse is coming, they team up to prevent the end of the world.
The show is known for its clever humor, imaginative storytelling, and the fantastic chemistry between its lead actors, Michael Sheen and David Tennant. “Good Omens” is a charming and whimsical series that explores themes of friendship, free will, and the nature of good and evil.
Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan (2018) – IMDb: 8.0/10
“Tom Clancy’s Jack Ryan” stars John Krasinski as the famous CIA analyst. The series follows Ryan as he is pulled from his desk job and thrust into the field. Each season presents a new global threat that Ryan must work to uncover and stop.
The show is a modern take on the classic spy thriller, with high-stakes action and a global scope. It’s a suspenseful and entertaining series that has been popular with audiences. “Jack Ryan” delivers the political intrigue and action that fans of the genre expect.
Gen V (2023) – IMDb: 8.1/10
“Gen V” is a spin-off of “The Boys,” set at Godolkin University, a prestigious college for young adult superheroes. The series follows a group of competitive students as they put their moral boundaries to the test, vying for the university’s top ranking and a chance to join The Seven, the elite superhero team.
The show explores the lives of these young Supes as they navigate school, friendships, and the discovery of a dark conspiracy at the university. “Gen V” maintains the dark humor and satirical edge of its predecessor while focusing on a younger cast of characters. It has been praised for expanding the world of “The Boys” in a compelling way.
Undone (2019) – IMDb: 8.2/10
“Undone” is a unique and visually stunning animated series. It follows Alma, a young woman who discovers she has a new relationship with time after a near-fatal car accident. She uses her ability to travel through time and space to find out the truth about her father’s death.
The series uses rotoscoping animation, a technique where animators trace over live-action footage, to create its distinctive look. “Undone” is a surreal and emotionally resonant show that explores themes of mental health, family, and grief in a creative and powerful way.
Reacher (2022) – IMDb: 8.1/10
Based on the popular book series by Lee Child, “Reacher” follows Jack Reacher, a former U.S. Army military police officer. Reacher is a drifter who travels the country and often finds himself in dangerous situations. The first season sees him wrongly arrested for murder in a small town, where he uncovers a deep-rooted conspiracy.
The show is praised for its faithful portrayal of the character from the books and its hard-hitting action sequences. Alan Ritchson’s performance as the physically imposing and intelligent Reacher has been well-received. “Reacher” is a straightforward and satisfying action-thriller.
Fallout (2024) – IMDb: 8.4/10
Based on the popular video game franchise, “Fallout” is set in a post-apocalyptic world. Over 200 years after a nuclear war, the residents of luxury fallout shelters are forced to return to the irradiated hellscape their ancestors left behind. The show follows Lucy, a cheerful and idealistic vault-dweller, as she ventures into the dangerous and bizarre wasteland of what was once Los Angeles.
The series captures the dark humor and retro-futuristic style of the games. It tells a new story within the established world of “Fallout,” introducing new characters while remaining true to the source material. The show has been praised for its world-building and engaging narrative.
The Expanse (2015) – IMDb: 8.5/10
“The Expanse” is a science fiction series set hundreds of years in the future, where humanity has colonized the solar system. The show follows a diverse cast of characters, including a detective, a ship’s officer, and a politician, as they uncover a vast conspiracy that threatens peace and the survival of humanity.
Praised for its realistic depiction of space travel and its complex political narrative, “The Expanse” is a smart and gripping sci-fi show. It explores themes of class struggle, war, and the human condition in a detailed and believable future world. The series has a dedicated fanbase and has received critical acclaim for its writing and world-building.
Bosch (2014) – IMDb: 8.5/10
“Bosch” is a police procedural drama based on the novels by Michael Connelly. It follows Harry Bosch, a homicide detective in the Los Angeles Police Department. The series is known for its gritty realism and complex, season-long cases. Each season adapts material from several of Connelly’s novels.
Titus Welliver’s performance as the relentless and justice-driven Bosch is central to the show’s success. The series has a grounded and authentic feel, exploring the dark side of Los Angeles. “Bosch” is a compelling and well-crafted detective show that has been consistently praised by critics.
The Boys (2019) – IMDb: 8.7/10
“The Boys” presents a dark and cynical take on the superhero genre. In this world, superheroes, known as “Supes,” are owned by a powerful corporation and are often corrupt and arrogant. The show follows a group of vigilantes, the titular Boys, who are determined to expose the truth and take down the Supes.
Led by the gruff Billy Butcher, The Boys fight against the seemingly invincible and popular superheroes. The series is known for its graphic violence, dark humor, and social commentary. It explores themes of power, celebrity, and corporate greed in a bold and often shocking way.
Fleabag (2016) – IMDb: 8.7/10
“Fleabag” is a witty and emotionally raw comedy-drama created by and starring Phoebe Waller-Bridge. The show follows a young woman, known only as Fleabag, as she navigates life and love in London while dealing with recent tragedy. She often breaks the fourth wall, speaking directly to the audience and sharing her inner thoughts.
The series is celebrated for its sharp writing, dark humor, and poignant portrayal of grief and family dynamics. Over its two seasons, “Fleabag” received widespread critical acclaim and won numerous awards. It is a unique and unforgettable show that is both hilarious and heartbreaking.
Invincible (2021) – IMDb: 8.7/10
“Invincible” is an animated superhero show for adults, based on the comic book of the same name. It follows Mark Grayson, a normal teenager who is also the son of the most powerful superhero on the planet. As Mark develops his own powers, he begins to learn that his father’s legacy may not be as heroic as he once believed.
The series is praised for its compelling story, complex characters, and intense action sequences. It balances a coming-of-age story with a darker, more violent superhero narrative. “Invincible” offers a fresh and engaging take on the well-known superhero story.
The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (2017) – IMDb: 8.7/10
Set in the late 1950s and early 1960s, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” tells the story of Miriam “Midge” Maisel. After her husband leaves her, Midge discovers she has a talent for stand-up comedy and pursues a career in the male-dominated field. The show is known for its fast-paced dialogue, vibrant costumes, and detailed period setting.
Midge’s journey from a housewife to a professional comedian is both funny and inspiring. The series explores themes of feminism, ambition, and the challenges of breaking societal norms. With its charming characters and witty script, “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel” is a delightful and award-winning show.
