Ranked roundup
The best series of the 2010s
25 ranked · updated July 2026
The 2010s redefined television through a bold blend of high-stakes historical gravity, existential animated inquiry, and deeply personal character studies. These selections capture the decade's obsession with moral ambiguity, the burden of legacy, and the relentless search for human connection amidst both supernatural chaos and cold, calculated reality.
How this ranking works
Ranked by a Bayesian-weighted score combining each title's average rating and rating count (minimum 100 ratings to qualify, weighted toward titles with more votes), filtered to series released in the 2010s.
Chernobyl
Craig Mazin
Chernobyl earns its top position by masterfully balancing historical accuracy with a harrowing, claustrophobic exploration of systemic failure and the profound weight of individual sacrifice.
Explores: Nuclear Disaster, Government Cover-Up, Sacrifice.
Attack on Titan
Attack on Titan secures its place through a relentless, grim narrative that masterfully deconstructs the psychological toll of existential horror and the fragility of human survival.
Explores: Survival, Existential Horror, Loss of Innocence.
Better Call Saul
Vince Gilligan
Better Call Saul stands as a definitive character study, capturing the tragic, inevitable transformation of a desperate man into a morally compromised icon of legal deception.
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, Transformation, Redemption.
Rick and Morty
Dan Harmon
Rick and Morty pushes the boundaries of adult animation by utilizing interdimensional chaos to examine the nihilistic humor inherent in a dysfunctional and fractured family dynamic.
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Existentialism, Dark Humor.
Anne with an E
Moira Walley-Beckett
Anne with an E earns its spot for its evocative, heartfelt portrayal of resilience, proving that the search for belonging and identity remains a timeless human endeavor.
Explores: Orphanhood, Found Family, Female Empowerment.
Stranger Things
Ross Duffer
Stranger Things captures the essence of 1980s nostalgia while grounding its supernatural conspiracy thriller in the authentic, coming-of-age bonds of a small-town group of friends.
Explores: Government Experiments, Telekinesis, Monsters.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia revitalizes the superhero genre by focusing on the earnest, disciplined journey of a student striving to define heroism within a structured academic system.
Explores: Superpowers, Coming of Age, Hero Training.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
Demon Slayer stands out for its visually stunning commitment to the themes of vengeance and sisterhood, elevating the traditional shonen structure through its emotional narrative core.
Explores: Demon Hunting, Sisterhood, Revenge.
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is recognized for its intricate world-building and the sophisticated way it challenges its protagonists to overcome adversity through intellectual and physical growth.
Explores: self-discovery, overcoming adversity, friendship.
Gravity Falls
Alex Hirsch
Gravity Falls masterfully blends supernatural mystery with the warmth of sibling relationships, creating a small-town experience that perfectly captures the fleeting magic of childhood summers.
Explores: Summer Adventure, Small Town Secrets, Sibling Relationships.
The Originals
Julie Plec
The Originals commands attention by exploring the complex interplay of power, loyalty, and redemption within a family of immortal beings struggling to reclaim their past glory.
Explores: Power struggles, Family loyalty, Redemption.
Goblin
Kim Eun-sook
Goblin offers a unique take on the fantasy romance genre, weaving a poignant tale of fate and immortality that explores the weight of centuries-old emotional burdens.
Explores: Immortal Being, Fate vs. Free Will, Forbidden Love.
Peaky Blinders
Steven Knight
Peaky Blinders serves as a visceral gangster epic, utilizing the backdrop of post-WWI Britain to explore the brutal intersection of class conflict and individual criminal ambition.
Explores: Post-WWI Trauma, Ambition, Class Conflict.
Regular Show
J.G. Quintel
Regular Show succeeds by grounding its surreal, high-concept adventures in the relatable, mundane frustrations of a workplace comedy shared between two lifelong best friends.
Explores: Friendship, Escapism, Nostalgia.
The Chosen
Dallas Jenkins
The Chosen provides a distinct perspective on biblical drama, focusing on the human experiences and personal transformations of those who encountered Christ during his historical life.
Explores: Faith, Redemption, Discipleship.
Sherlock
Mark Gatiss
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Genius detective, High-functioning sociopath, Unconventional crime solving.
The Umbrella Academy
Steve Blackman
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Apocalypse, Superpowers.
BoJack Horseman
Raphael Bob-Waksberg
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Existentialism, Depression, Celebrity Culture.
The Rookie
Alexi Hawley
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Second Chance, Midlife Crisis, Ageism.
Primal
Genndy Tartakovsky
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Survival, Unlikely friendship, Human-animal bond.
Haikyu!!
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Teamwork, Rivalry, Overcoming adversity.
Game of Thrones
David Benioff
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Power Struggles, Moral Ambiguity, War and Politics.
The Good Doctor
David Shore
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Outsider Perspective, Overcoming Prejudice, Professional Growth.
Over the Garden Wall
Patrick McHale
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Brotherhood, Lost in the Woods, Nostalgia.
The Boys
Eric Kripke
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Anti-Hero, Corporate Corruption, Abuse of Power.
Common questions
What are some highly-rated animated series from the 2010s?
The 2010s produced several acclaimed animated series, including the sci-fi comedy Rick and Morty, the superhero-themed My Hero Academia, the dark fantasy Demon Slayer, the adventure-focused Hunter x Hunter, the supernatural mystery Gravity Falls, and the surreal workplace comedy Regular Show.
Are there any good historical dramas released between 2010 and 2019?
Yes, several notable historical dramas from that decade include Chernobyl, which depicts the 1986 nuclear disaster, Anne with an E, set in the late 1890s, Peaky Blinders, which explores post-WWI England, and The Chosen, which focuses on the historical life of Christ.
Which series from the 2010s focus on supernatural themes?
Many top-ranked series from the decade explore the supernatural, such as Stranger Things, The Originals, and the Korean drama Goblin. These shows incorporate elements like monsters, vampires, and immortal beings to drive their narratives regarding mystery, family loyalty, and fate.