HBO has produced some of the most iconic series of all time — millions have heard of Game of Thrones. However, according to IMDb, neither this fantasy epic nor the legendary The Sopranos holds the top spot. Here are the three highest-rated HBO series of all time!
Band of Brothers (2001) – 9.4
This ten-episode adaptation of Stephen Ambrose’s book tells the real-life story of Easy Company, 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, U.S. Army. The action begins in 1942 at Toccoa training camp, where a group of young volunteers undergoes brutal training under the command of the harsh and demanding Lieutenant Sobel. The war will transform them into not just elite soldiers, but true brothers in arms.
The Wire (2002–2008) – 9.3
One of the most realistic crime series ever made, The Wire follows the Baltimore Police Department as they use cutting-edge surveillance techniques — wiretaps, hidden cameras, and data analysis — to investigate drug-related crime. But their battle against crime is far from simple: officers must navigate not only the cunning of drug lords but also the corruption within their own system.
Chernobyl (2019) – 9.3
This gripping miniseries chronicles one of the worst man-made disasters in history — the Chernobyl nuclear explosion on April 26, 1986. At the center of the story is scientist Valery Legasov, tasked with uncovering the cause of the catastrophe. However, the deeper he digs, the clearer it becomes that the disaster was inevitable due to lies, bureaucracy, and the suppression of truth.
HBO Continues to Set the Standard
These series are not just high-rated projects; they are milestones in television history. Each one is groundbreaking in its own way — whether through realistic war drama, crime storytelling, or historical tragedy.
If you’re looking for powerful, deeply engaging, and masterfully crafted series that leave a lasting impact, these three should be at the top of your must-watch list.
