The 20 Best HBO Max Original TV Series of All Time, Ranked by IMDb Score

Home Box Office, better known as HBO, has been a powerhouse in television for decades. The network is known for its groundbreaking and high-quality original programming. From epic fantasies to gritty crime dramas, HBO has consistently delivered shows that push the boundaries of storytelling. These series have not only captivated audiences but have also received critical acclaim, often being cited as some of the best television ever made.

This list explores the 20 best HBO original series of all time, ranked according to their IMDb scores. These ratings, provided by millions of viewers, reflect the immense popularity and lasting impact of these shows. The list includes a variety of genres, showcasing HBO’s diverse and impressive catalog.

Band of Brothers (2001): 9.4

This ten-part miniseries follows the story of “Easy” Company, a parachute infantry regiment of the United States Army, during World War II. The show depicts the experiences of these soldiers from their initial training to the end of the war. It is a powerful and moving portrayal of the realities of war and the strong bond between the soldiers.

Based on the non-fiction book of the same name by Stephen E. Ambrose, Band of Brothers was praised for its historical accuracy and emotional depth. The series was executive produced by Steven Spielberg and Tom Hanks, who had previously worked together on the film Saving Private Ryan. It received numerous awards and is often regarded as one of the greatest miniseries ever made.

Chernobyl (2019): 9.3

This historical drama miniseries focuses on the Chernobyl nuclear disaster of April 1986 and the cleanup efforts that followed. The show reveals the stories of the people involved in the disaster, from the firefighters who were the first responders to the scientists who tried to contain the damage. It is a grim and detailed account of one of the worst man-made catastrophes in history.

Chernobyl was praised for its attention to detail and its gripping narrative. The series highlights the human cost of the disaster and the Soviet government’s attempts to cover it up. It received widespread critical acclaim and won several awards, becoming a cultural phenomenon and sparking renewed interest in the history of the event.

The Wire (2002-2008): 9.3

Set in Baltimore, The Wire offers a realistic exploration of the drug trade through the eyes of both drug dealers and law enforcement officers. Each season focuses on a different aspect of the city, including the seaport system, the city government, the school system, and the print news media. The show is known for its complex characters and its unflinching look at urban life.

Created by former police reporter David Simon, The. Wire is often praised for its realistic portrayal of society and its institutions. While it never achieved high ratings during its original run, it has since been recognized by many critics as one of the greatest television series of all time.

The Sopranos (1999-2007): 9.2

This iconic series follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss who struggles to balance his criminal life with his family life. Feeling overwhelmed, he secretly starts seeing a therapist to deal with his panic attacks. The show provides a unique and humanizing look into the world of organized crime.

The Sopranos is widely regarded as one of the most influential television series ever created. Its complex characters, dark humor, and psychological depth helped to establish HBO as a home for premium content. The show was a massive critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards throughout its run.

Game of Thrones (2011-2019): 9.2

Based on the fantasy novels by George R. R. Martin, Game of Thrones tells the story of the noble families of Westeros vying for control of the Iron Throne. The show is known for its intricate plot, large ensemble cast, and stunning production values. It is a story of political intrigue, war, and dragons.

Game of Thrones became a worldwide phenomenon, attracting a massive and dedicated fanbase. The show was praised for its complex characters and its willingness to kill off major figures, creating a sense of constant danger. Despite a controversial final season, the series remains one of the most popular and successful shows in television history.

True Detective (2014-present): 8.9

This anthology crime series features a different cast and story each season. The first season, which was highly acclaimed, follows two Louisiana homicide detectives as they hunt for a serial killer over a 17-year period. The show is known for its dark and atmospheric tone, as well as its philosophical themes.

True Detective has been praised for its strong performances and its cinematic quality. While the reception of later seasons has varied, the first season is often cited as a masterpiece of the crime genre. The show’s anthology format allows it to explore different types of crime stories and characters.

Succession (2018-2023): 8.8

This satirical black comedy-drama follows the dysfunctional Roy family, owners of a global media and entertainment conglomerate. The story revolves around the power struggles among the family members as the aging patriarch’s health becomes uncertain. The show is a sharp and witty look at wealth, power, and family dynamics.

Succession has been praised for its clever writing, strong performances, and dark humor. It has become a critical darling and a favorite among viewers who enjoy its cynical take on the world of the super-rich. The series has won numerous awards and has been lauded as a modern classic.

Six Feet Under (2001-2005): 8.7

This drama series centers on the Fisher family, who run a funeral home in Los Angeles. After the death of the family’s patriarch, his two sons are forced to take over the business. The show explores themes of life, death, and grief with a unique blend of drama and dark humor.

Six Feet Under was created by Alan Ball, the writer of the film American Beauty. The series was praised for its originality, its complex characters, and its poignant exploration of the human condition. It is particularly remembered for its critically acclaimed series finale, which is often cited as one of the best in television history.

Rome (2005-2007): 8.7

This historical drama series depicts the turbulent period in Roman history that saw the fall of the Republic and the rise of the Roman Empire. The story is told through the eyes of two fictional Roman soldiers, Lucius Vorenus and Titus Pullo, whose lives intersect with historical figures like Julius Caesar and Mark Antony.

Rome was a co-production between HBO and the BBC and was known for its high production values and large ensemble cast. The show was praised for its historical detail and its compelling characters. Despite its critical success, the series was canceled after two seasons due to its high cost.

Oz (1997-2003): 8.7

This gritty drama was HBO’s first one-hour original series and set the stage for many of the network’s later shows. The series is set in a fictional men’s prison and explores the lives of the inmates and staff in an experimental unit called “Emerald City.” The show is a brutal and realistic depiction of prison life.

Oz was groundbreaking for its time, with its graphic violence and complex, morally ambiguous characters. The series was praised for its powerful performances and its unflinching look at the prison system. It developed a loyal following and is considered a landmark series in the history of television.

Deadwood (2004-2006): 8.6

Set in the 1870s, this Western drama takes place in the lawless town of Deadwood, South Dakota, during a period of rapid growth and change. The series features a mix of historical and fictional characters and explores themes of civilization and corruption.

Deadwood is known for its rich character development and its distinctive, profanity-laden dialogue. The show was praised by critics for its authenticity and its complex portrayal of the American frontier. Though it was abruptly canceled after three seasons, a follow-up film was released in 2019 to conclude the story.

Curb Your Enthusiasm (2000-2024): 8.8

This comedy series stars Seinfeld co-creator Larry David as a fictionalized version of himself. The show follows Larry’s life as a semi-retired television writer and the many social faux pas and awkward situations he gets himself into. Much of the dialogue is improvised by the actors.

Curb Your Enthusiasm is beloved for its cringe-worthy humor and its clever observations about the small annoyances of everyday life. The show has been a long-running critical success and has maintained a loyal fanbase for over two decades.

Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014): 8.6

Set in Atlantic City during the Prohibition era, this crime drama centers on Enoch “Nucky” Thompson, a powerful political figure who controls the city’s illegal alcohol trade. The series features a mix of historical and fictional characters and explores the rise of organized crime in the 1920s.

Boardwalk Empire was executive produced by Martin Scorsese, who also directed the pilot episode. The show was praised for its period detail, its strong performances, and its complex storyline. It was a critical and commercial success, winning numerous awards during its five-season run.

Silicon Valley (2014-2019): 8.5

This comedy series satirizes the tech industry and the culture of Silicon Valley. The show follows a group of young programmers who found a startup company and navigate the competitive and often absurd world of venture capitalists, rival companies, and their own social awkwardness.

Silicon Valley was created by Mike Judge, the creator of Beavis and Butt-Head and King of the Hill. The show was praised for its sharp writing, its clever satire, and its endearing cast of characters. It was a popular and critical success throughout its six-season run.

Flight of the Conchords (2007-2009): 8.5

This musical comedy series follows the adventures of a two-man novelty folk band from New Zealand as they try to make it big in New York City. The show features the real-life comedy duo of Jemaine Clement and Bret McKenzie, and each episode includes original songs that parody various musical styles.

Flight of the Conchords was beloved for its quirky humor, its clever songs, and the charming chemistry between its two leads. The show developed a cult following and was praised for its originality and its gentle, deadpan comedy.

Veep (2012-2019): 8.4

This political satire follows the career of Selina Meyer, the Vice President of the United States, and her staff as they navigate the absurd world of American politics. The show is a biting and hilarious look at the ambition and incompetence that can be found in Washington, D.C.

Veep was created by Armando Iannucci, who also created the British political satire The Thick of It. The series was praised for its sharp writing and the tour-de-force comedic performance of its lead actress, Julia Louis-Dreyfus. It won numerous awards throughout its run and is considered one of the best comedies of its time.

Entourage (2004-2011): 8.4

This comedy-drama series follows the acting career of Vincent Chase, a young A-list movie star, and his group of childhood friends from Queens, New York City, as they navigate the highs and lows of life in Hollywood. The show offers a glimpse into the world of celebrity, friendship, and the entertainment industry.

Entourage was known for its fast-paced storytelling, its celebrity cameos, and its depiction of the lavish Hollywood lifestyle. The series was a major commercial success for HBO and developed a large and loyal fanbase.

The Leftovers (2014-2017): 8.3

This mystery drama series begins three years after a global event called the “Sudden Departure,” in which 2% of the world’s population disappeared without a trace. The show follows the lives of the people who were left behind and their attempts to cope with the unexplainable loss.

The Leftovers was co-created by Damon Lindelof, one of the creators of Lost. The show was praised for its emotional depth, its complex characters, and its willingness to tackle difficult themes of faith, loss, and grief. While it was never a ratings hit, it developed a passionate following and is considered by many critics to be one of the best shows of the 21st century.

Barry (2018-2023): 8.3

This dark comedy stars Bill Hader as a former Marine turned low-rent hitman who travels to Los Angeles for a job and ends up finding an unexpected new passion in an acting class. The show follows his attempts to leave his violent past behind and start a new life as an actor.

Barry has been praised for its unique blend of comedy and drama, as well as for its strong performances, particularly from Hader. The series has received critical acclaim and has won several awards for its writing, directing, and acting.

Treme (2010-2013): 8.3

Set in New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, this drama series follows a diverse group of residents as they try to rebuild their lives, their homes, and their city’s unique culture. The show focuses on the city’s musicians, chefs, and other residents who are determined to preserve their traditions.

Treme was co-created by David Simon and Eric Overmyer, who both worked on The Wire. The show was praised for its authentic portrayal of New Orleans culture, particularly its music and food. While it never achieved a large audience, it was a critical success and is celebrated for its rich characterizations and its love letter to an American city.