Ranked roundup
The best series of the 2010s
25 ranked · updated August 2026
The 2010s redefined television through complex character studies, high-stakes historical dramas, and inventive genre-bending narratives. This collection highlights the definitive series that mastered moral ambiguity, existential depth, and immersive world-building, leaving an indelible mark on the landscape of modern prestige storytelling and global animation alike.
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.
Better Call Saul
Vince Gilligan
This series earns the top spot for its unparalleled exploration of moral decay and the tragic, inevitable transformation of a man into a compromised legal hustler.
Explores: Moral Ambiguity, Transformation, Redemption.
Chernobyl
Craig Mazin
Its position is secured by a harrowing, unflinching commitment to historical accuracy that transforms a nuclear catastrophe into a profound study of government institutional failure.
Explores: Nuclear Disaster, Government Cover-Up, Sacrifice.
Attack on Titan
This anime dominates through its relentless pacing and a bleak, existential approach to survival that forces characters to confront the true cost of their humanity.
Explores: Survival, Existential Horror, Loss of Innocence.
Rick and Morty
Dan Harmon
The show succeeds by pairing high-concept interdimensional science fiction with a biting, nihilistic examination of family dysfunction and the absurdity of the human condition.
Explores: Dysfunctional Family, Existentialism, Dark Humor.
Anne with an E
Moira Walley-Beckett
It stands out for its delicate, emotionally resonant portrayal of an outsider seeking belonging, grounding historical period drama in the universal struggle for self-acceptance.
Explores: Orphanhood, Found Family, Female Empowerment.
My Hero Academia
This series earns its place by revitalizing the superhero genre through a structured, character-driven focus on the rigorous psychological and physical training of young heroes.
Explores: Superpowers, Coming of Age, Hero Training.
Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba
The show excels by blending visceral sword-fighting action with a deeply moving narrative about the protective bonds of sisterhood and the pursuit of vengeance.
Explores: Demon Hunting, Sisterhood, Revenge.
Hunter x Hunter
Its inclusion is justified by a sophisticated subversion of shonen tropes, prioritizing complex character growth and personal adversity over standard adventure archetypes.
Explores: self-discovery, overcoming adversity, friendship.
Stranger Things
Ross Duffer
This pick defines the decade by expertly weaving nostalgic supernatural horror with a grounded, conspiracy-driven mystery centered on a small town's hidden government secrets.
Explores: Government Experiments, Telekinesis, Monsters.
Gravity Falls
Alex Hirsch
It earns its spot for perfectly capturing the essence of summer adventure while balancing surreal supernatural comedy with a genuinely compelling mystery for its protagonists.
Explores: Summer Adventure, Small Town Secrets, Sibling Relationships.
The Originals
Julie Plec
The series earns its reputation through an intense focus on the power dynamics of an ancient vampire family struggling with loyalty and the burden of history.
Explores: Power struggles, Family loyalty, Redemption.
Goblin
Kim Eun-sook
This drama stands out for its poetic exploration of fate and immortality, weaving a complex romantic narrative that spans centuries of human experience and tragedy.
Explores: Immortal Being, Fate vs. Free Will, Forbidden Love.
Peaky Blinders
Steven Knight
The show earns its place for its stylized, gritty depiction of post-WWI class conflict and the ruthless ambition driving a powerful criminal family in England.
Explores: Post-WWI Trauma, Ambition, Class Conflict.
Regular Show
J.G. Quintel
Its success lies in the clever utilization of surreal, workplace-based humor to create a sense of escapism that relies heavily on the strength of character friendship.
Explores: Friendship, Escapism, Nostalgia.
The Chosen
Dallas Jenkins
This series earns its spot by offering a unique, faith-based perspective on historical drama, focusing on the human experiences of those surrounding the life of Christ.
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.
Game of Thrones
David Benioff
A standout among the best series of the 2010s.
Explores: Power Struggles, Moral Ambiguity, War and Politics.
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.
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 the best anime series of the 2010s?
Highly regarded anime from this decade include Attack on Titan for its existential horror, My Hero Academia for its superhero training, Demon Slayer for its sword-fighting action, and Hunter x Hunter for its focus on self-discovery and overcoming adversity.
Are there any good historical dramas from the 2010s?
Yes, standout historical dramas include Chernobyl, which covers a nuclear disaster; Anne with an E, which depicts late 1890s life; Peaky Blinders, a post-WWI gangster epic; and The Chosen, which provides a unique perspective on the life of Christ.
Which television shows feature strong moral ambiguity?
Better Call Saul is a primary example, as it chronicles the transformation of Jimmy McGill into a morally compromised lawyer. Other series like The Originals also explore complex themes of redemption and power struggles within a supernatural family context.