If you enjoy espionage, check out our picks for the best Netflix Spy Movies.
What Is A Limited Series On Netflix?
Before we list the best Netflix limited series available, we must understand what the term “limited series” means. What is it? Moreover, why are some shows on Netflix limited series? How are they different from the regular shows Netflix releases? Firstly, a limited series on Netflix also referred to as an “event series” or “mini-series,” simply means a short show. These Netflix series only run for one season, aiming to finish their plot and overall story within a short period. The brevity of a series is truly what makes a Netflix limited series. These usually come in less than 10 episodes, with each episode not lasting longer than an hour or so. They’re made as a decent alternative to movies that are too short and regular shows that are typically too long. In other words, a Netflix limited series serves as a good middle ground. It offers storytellers more room to add detail without the pressure of producing too many episodes.
20 Best Limited Series On Netflix
1. Alias Grace
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 No. Of Episodes: 6 episodes Runtime: 44-45 minutes After immigrating from Ireland to Canada, Grace Marks finds herself as a maid for Thomas Kinnear. However, this seemingly placid life takes a turn when, not long after beginning her new job, Thomas Kinnear dies. As a result, Grace has had to face charges for the murder of her employer and the housekeeper, Nancy Montgomery. Unfortunately, Grace doesn’t remember the day of the incident, earning her a life imprisonment sentence at 16 years old. Meanwhile, Dr. Simon Jordan, an American psychologist, takes it upon himself to fill in the gaps in Grace’s memories. With that said, this Netflix limited series is certainly one of the best Netflix shows available. It has high ratings on both IMDB and Rotten Tomatoes and is worth watching for crime/mystery genre fans. Moreover, the fact that it’s based on a true story makes it all the more compelling. Alias Grace
2. Behind Her Eyes
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 No. Of Episodes: 6 episodes Runtime: 47-53 minutes If you want the best thriller mini-series on Netflix, Behind Her Eyes should be a top choice. It falls under the noir genre, with supernatural, thriller, and psychological threads and undertones. The story follows Louise, a single mother who has a fling with her boss, David. However, what makes Louise’s life interesting isn’t this strange new affair. Nor is it the unlikely new friendship she formed with David’s spouse, Adele. It’s the dark and mysterious secrets that she uncovers along the way, as she discovers nothing is what it seems. Overall, Behind Her Eyes is an entertaining Netflix limited series if you like thriller and mystery. It does have its flaws in terms of character development and could use a bit more fleshing out. Nevertheless, it’s certainly a thrilling experience, especially because of all the unexpected twists. Behind Her Eyes
3. Clickbait
IMDB Rating: 7.2/10 No. Of Episodes: 8 episodes Runtime: 42-52 minutes Clickbait on Netflix is one of the best Netflix limited series if you like thriller dramas. It’s unique in that it examines one of the more modern inventions of mankind — social media — and its perils. The story starts when Nick Brewer, a family man, is abducted for a malicious online event. His loved ones then set off on a race to unmask the perpetrator and discover the motives behind it. Clickbait
4. The English Game
IMDB Rating: 7.6/10 No. Of Episodes: 6 episodes Runtime: 43-55 minutes The English Game is an English mini-series on Netflix that follows an unconventional story. It details the creation of football, the beloved English sport, and how it rose to popularity on the world stage. However, what makes it interesting isn’t the fun facts about the sport, but how it bridged people across class divides. The Netflix limited series is set in England in 1879 when football was still a budding game for amateurs. The English Game
5. Godless
IMDB Rating: 8.3/10 No. Of Episodes: 7 episodes Runtime: 41-80 minutes Godless is a Netflix limited series set in 1884, following a young lad named Roy Goode. However, unlike most young boys, Roy Goode is running from his vindictive instructor, Frank Griffin, and his band of criminals. While fleeing, he finds himself landing in a tiny New Mexico town, called La Belle, full of mostly women. He ends up living in hiding from Frank and his goons with Alice Fletcher, a village outcast and widow. Godless
6. The I-Land
IMDB Rating: 4.6/10 No. Of Episodes: 7 episodes Runtime: 90 minutes (finale — 200 minutes) If you like sci-fi and thriller, then the Netflix limited series called The I-Land should be a perfect fit. It follows an ensemble cast of 10 people who mysteriously awaken on a dangerous island. Suspiciously, none of the members remember their identities nor how they arrived there. Of course, each one sets off to do the only thing they can: find their way back home. However, they’re about to be shocked by what they find as nothing is what it seems on the mysterious I-Land. The I-Land
7. Inventing Anna
IMDB Rating: 6.8/10 No. Of Episodes: 9 episodes Runtime: 59-82 minutes Inventing Anna is one of the most-watched Netflix limited series and it’s unsurprising why. That’s because the show’s plot, while not particularly mysterious, is exciting to watch unfold. Inventing Anna follows Anna Sorokin, a Russian-born woman who’s changed her name to Anna Delvey. Anna is determined to earn money — lots of it — by conning the upper-class members of New York City. She spins a tale that she’s a German heiress who will inherit great wealth. Her persona works, allowing her to earn hundreds in cash, in kind, and services. As the series progresses, we watch Anna slowly try to achieve her goal of launching an exclusive art club. Inventing Anna
8. Maid
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10 No. Of Episodes: 10 episodes Runtime: 47-60 minutes Battling poverty is a difficult thing. It’s even more so when you’re a single mother who’s recently fled an abusive relationship. That’s the situation for Alex, who manages to provide for herself and her child by cleaning houses under Value Maids. However, Alex’s situation won’t be easy as she has to face her ex-boyfriend while dealing with her challenging family life. Having to deal with restrictions and limitations put on government aid and assistance also adds to her troubles. Can she overcome all these struggles while still holding onto her dreams of becoming a writer? Find out by watching this recent limited series on Netflix. Maid
9. Maniac
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 No. Of Episodes: 10 episodes Runtime: 26-47 minutes Pharmaceutical trials are a gold mine. After all, you only give your body while hoping that a magical new drug will solve all your issues, right? That’s certainly an enticing promise for Annie Landsberg and Owen Milgrim, two unsuspecting strangers who sign up for the test. It’s especially convincing, given that Neberdine Pharmaceutical Biotech (NPB) promises them that nothing can go wrong. However, life doesn’t always work that way and things don’t often go according to plan. Now both participants must contend with the risks they took and the consequences that follow. If you like psychological dramas with darkly comedic undertones, you’ll certainly like this Netflix limited series. It’s certainly worth recommending, especially if you want something that’s both exciting and funny. Maniac
10. Midnight Mass
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 No. Of Episodes: 7 episodes Runtime: 60-71 minutes Midnight Mass is a Netflix limited series that revolves around a young ex-convict. However, what’s interesting about the show isn’t his adjustments while returning to his small hometown in Crockett Island. Neither is it the fact that he served a four-year sentence for killing someone while driving under the influence. What gives Midnight Mass its compelling twist is that this young man’s return coincides with a charming young priest. Now, as he adjusts to his new life, he witnesses how this priest reinvigorates the town’s dying faith. However, things aren’t what they seem as puzzling events begin to ensue while the priest’s acts divide the community further. Midnight Mass
11. The Pharmacist
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 No. Of Episodes: 4 episodes Runtime: 47-60 minutes If you’re fond of true crime documentaries, then The Pharmacist is the Netflix limited series for you. This one follows Dan Schneider, an activist living in a small town who practices pharmacy in Poydras, Louisiana. The plot closely follows his efforts to pursue and uncover his son’s killer. Of course, as true crime documentaries go, there’s more beneath the surface to Dan Schneider’s case. That’s because his investigations lead him to collect proof relating to a pill mill in New Orleans. The Pharmacist
12. The Queen’s Gambit
IMDB Rating: 8.6/10 No. Of Episodes: 7 episodes Runtime: 46-67 minutes The Queen’s Gambit is widely regarded as one of the best-limited series on Netflix. It’s set in the 50s and 60s, following the story of Beth Harmon, an orphaned chess prodigy. However, like many geniuses, she’s plagued by her dependence on alcohol and drugs. After being adopted by her new parents, Beth rises to fame in the chess world. Unfortunately, she must also battle her worsening addictions while winning the various tournaments she enters. It might not seem like an interesting story at first glance. Nonetheless, the Netflix limited series is well-executed, propelling it to fame while winning several Emmy awards. Queen’s Gambit
13. Self-Made: Inspired By The Life Of Madam C.J. Walker
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10 No. Of Episodes: 4 episodes Runtime: 45-49 minutes The Netflix limited series Self-Made may have earned criticisms for historical inaccuracies and liberal use of artistic license. Nonetheless, it’s one of the best you can find on the platform if you want something interesting. The story depicts the tale of Madam C.J. Walker, a black hair care tycoon and pioneer. It showcases how she defeated the antagonistic forces in America, bested her rivals, and handled a turbulent marriage. The Netflix limited series is a success story depicting the first self-made Black female millionaire in the United States. Self-Made
14. Seven Seconds
IMDB Rating: 7.7/10 No. Of Episodes: 10 episodes Runtime: 54-80 minutes Peter Jablonski, a white man in the New Jersey Police Department, is your average Polish-American narcotics detective. However, things turn upside down when he hits — and kills — Brenton Butler, a black adolescent from Jersey City, New Jersey. Instead of facing the consequences, Peter calls for fellow detectives, who help him cover up his crime. The story depicts the consequences of Peter’s actions, the racial conflicts that follow, and the injustices of the US police. Seven Seconds
15. The Spy
IMDB Rating: 7.9/10 No. Of Episodes: 6 episodes Runtime: 47-62 minutes The Spy is the best Netflix mini-series you can watch if you like spy films based on true stories. This one follows Eli Cohen, a spy for the Mossad a few years before the six-day Syrian-Israeli war in 1967. It depicts his past as a rejected army man in Egypt and goes on to his Syrian military infiltration. Eli makes waves in Syrian and Israeli history, as he successfully installs himself in the Syrian high society. He befriends many influential people and even becomes the Deputy Defense Minister and a close companion of the future president. The Spy
16. Stay Close
IMDB Rating: 6.9/10 No. Of Episodes: 8 episodes Runtime: 45 minutes Stay Close follows the lives of three individuals: Megan Pierce, Ray Levine, and Michael Broome. Megan is a mother of three kids with a mysterious past who’s found the love of her life, Dave. Meanwhile, Ray Levine is a former documentary photographer who’s now a paparazzi for hire, mainly catering to wealthy teens. His life changed when his lover died, and now he’s stuck in a dead-end job. Finally, Michael is a detective still mentally stuck on a 17-year-old cold case of a missing man named Stewart Green. He now attempts to move on by taking another missing person’s case. However, the story takes its twists and turns as the investigation puts lives and relationships at stake. As the tale unfolds, we discover a few sociopaths who tie the story of these three seeming strangers together. Stay Close
17. The Stranger
IMDB Rating: 7.3/10 No. Of Episodes: 8 episodes Runtime: 42-51 minutes The Stranger follows an unsuspecting Adam Price who’s approached by a peculiar woman in her 20s wearing a cap. However, as she discloses a secret to Adam, his wife disappears as a result, changing the course of his life. The story unfolds more and more in this mystery-thriller Netflix limited series, revealing secret after secret related to the stranger. The Stranger
18. Unbelievable
IMDB Rating: 8.4/10 No. Of Episodes: 8 episodes Runtime: 43-58 minutes If you like true crime TV, then Unbelievable is one of the best Netflix limited series you can watch. It depicts a story set from 2008 to 2011 in Washington and Colorado. The series showcases multiple rape cases, following two detectives who investigate Marie, an adolescent charged with a false rape report. Their investigations lead them to a series of twisting trails that lead to the truth of this terrifying tale. Unbelievable
19. Unorthodox
IMDB Rating: 8/10 No. Of Episodes: 4 episodes Runtime: 52-54 minutes Unorthodox is one of the best series on Netflix if you like drama TV. It follows Esty, a Jewish woman who’s at the cusp of adolescence at the tender age of 19. She’s upset, having to deal with an arranged marriage in the Samtar sect of an ultra-Orthodox community. In an attempt to escape her misery, Esty flees to Berlin and reconvenes with her estranged mother. She tries to live a nonreligious life that’s outside what her former community has led. As you might expect, Esty begins to reject her roots the more she discovers the world. However, upon hearing of her pregnancy, her husband and his cousin head to Berlin to find her. Unorthodox
20. When They See Us
IMDB Rating: 8.9/10 No. Of Episodes: 4 episodes Runtime: 64-88 minutes The Central Park jogger case of 1989 is well-documented in When They See Us, a crime drama Netflix limited series. It follows the story of five people, whose lives change after being prosecuted for sexual assault charges. These five men of color were split into two clusters for trial. Four received rape charges and, except for Korey Wise, they all received the highest sentences for juvenile sexual assault. The story depicts the tragedy of false accusations and the lawsuit that followed after an unjust conviction. When They See Us
How Long Are Limited Series On Netflix?
There’s no set number of episodes or runtimes for a Netflix limited series to be classified as such. However, generally speaking, most of the Netflix limited series you’ll find will run from four to 10 episodes. Most average at around the six-episode mark. In addition, each episode usually consists of 40-50 minutes worth of content. Some shows do exceed one hour in their runtime. For example, Godless has had some episodes run nearly an hour and a half. Likewise, The I-Land has a runtime of 90 minutes per episode, with the finale being 200 minutes long. Nonetheless, the majority of the Netflix limited series doesn’t exceed one hour per episode. Hence, you should finish most Netflix limited series within six hours, give or take a few depending on the show. They’re perfect for long weekends, mini-vacations, and the holiday season.
Netflix Limited Series Alternatives
HBO Max
HBO Max might not have as many miniseries to watch as Netflix does. Nonetheless, the ones you find there are compelling enough to make people subscribe, even just for a month. That’s because the streaming platform has Pulitzer Prize-winning stage play-based exclusives like Angels in America. It also has several other notable titles like Watchmen, Station Eleven, and Mare of Easttown. However, HBO Max doesn’t have many other advantages over Netflix. Apart from exclusive titles from Warner Brothers and related brands, the pricing is fairly similar to Netflix. It’s slightly worse, as the $10 base tier subscription comes with ads. You’d need to pay $5 more to get rid of them. Regardless, it’s worth subscribing to even for a while if you want to watch the best miniseries on the market.
Hulu
Like Netflix, Hulu has several wonderful miniseries in its collection. These include fan favorites like Looking for Alaska and Emmy-award-winning shows like The Act. What’s more, Hulu has a generous library of original content that you can’t watch anywhere else. However, Hulu does pale in comparison to Netflix in some aspects. For example, while its basic tier is cheaper than Netflix, you must pay $7 more to remove the ads. It also doesn’t have as large a library compared to the streaming pioneer.
Final Word
There are several Netflix limited series you can watch on the platform. There are a plethora of them if you know where and how to look. Most of them are popular or highly regarded, too. We suspect the biggest problem you’ll have is finding the time to go through and enjoy all of them.
