The film world is being taken over by streaming platforms used worldwide, and with it comes a great new addition of miniseries. Great stories that have dynamic plots, fleshed-out characters, and gorgeous scriptwriting are boiled down into just a few episodes for audiences to enjoy all in one go. Without the need for long-term commitment to multiple seasons and episodes, miniseries are targeted for those who need something to binge.

Within the world of miniseries are some of the best works of the thriller genre that TV has to offer. The best limited series streaming right now include some fantastic thrillers from recent years, whether that be thrillers with undertones of horror or drama, they have it all. The best thriller miniseries to binge will keep audiences on the edge of their seats, but not for too long.

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‘Secret Invasion’ (2023)

Shape-shifting Skrulls are hatching a plan to take over the world in the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe series, Secret Invasion. In the miniseries, Nick Fury (Samuel L. Jackson) returns to earth after learning of the potential invasion that could lead to the end of humanity, but his post-Blip version can’t seem to keep up with the barrage of threats.

As a spy thriller series, Secret Invasion does a great job of keeping audiences guessing and building a tense atmosphere. That said, it hasn’t managed to impress fans and critics alike with its dull storytelling, which hasn’t earned it a spot among the best MCU shows released in recent years. Ending not with a bang but a whimper, Secret Invasion won’t appeal much to non-Marvel fans, as even the most hardcore followers of the franchise may find it disappointing.

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‘The Clearing’ (2023)

The Clearing is a chilling psychological thriller inspired by a true story of a female-led cult. It draws from J.P. Pomare‘s book In The Clearing to tell its tale of a woman who must confront her past to stop a cult from kidnapping more kids in the not-so-distant future.

The Clearing boldly depicts the Australian New Age group known as The Family and explores the kind of long-lasting psychological effects it has on its members. While the pacing may be too slow for some, those who enjoy piecing together an intriguing mystery will find themselves coming back for more. It’s one of the best modern Australian TV shows worth watching today, with the fact that it draws from a real-life cult making it even more gripping.

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‘Pieces of Her’ (2022)

Based on Karin Slaughter’s novel of the same name, Pieces of Her follows Andrea “Andy” Oliver (Bella Heathcote), a 30-year-old 911 responder, and her mother, Laura (Toni Collette), who get caught in a violent shooting at a local diner, where Laura skillfully eliminates the shooter. As Andy tries to dig deeper into her seemingly simple mother’s actions, Laura’s past begins to come to light, and Andy is forced to escape while piecing together her mother’s dark past.

Pieces of Her shines mostly in Toni Collette’s fascinating performance as a cancer survivor and speech therapist, but who holds a long, dangerous history. Andy’s desperation to seek the truth about her mother is well reflected in Heathcote’s delivery, even if her character falls short in further development. However, the show’s narrative has well-executed, shocking twists that drive enough suspense and drama. Overall, Pieces of Her is a fine enough thriller miniseries to binge. —Maddie P

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‘Behind Her Eyes’ (2021)

A show that puts the “thrill” in “thriller” features Louise (Simona Brown), a divorced single mother who works as a secretary. One night she meets David (Tom Bateman), a man with whom she begins an affair. It just so happens that he is her new boss in the office. As they fall for each other, fate brings Louise’s path in connection to David’s wife, Adele (Eve Hewson). Louise is faced with many new twists and must find what is hidden behind David and Adele’s relationship.

Within this six-part show based on the eponymous 2017 novel by Sarah Pinborough, viewers’ minds are never at rest. It has you thinking about what the twisted love triangle could be hiding the entire time. With twists and mysteries you won’t see coming, Behind Her Eyes is a prime example of a psychological thriller series at its best.

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‘The Crowded Room’ (2023)

Set in 1979 and inspired by Daniel Keyes‘ 1981 non-fiction novel The Minds of Billy Milligan, The Crowded Room tells the story of Danny Sullivan (Tom Holland), who is arrested following his alleged role in a New York City shooting. The series depicts his interrogations conducted by Rya Goodwin (Amanda Seyfried), whose questions soon begin to unravel Danny’s mysterious and troubled past.

Holland’s raw and evocative performance makes the Apple TV+ series a must-see for fans of the actor, who stands out in this refreshingly different role. While the miniseries has been criticized for being somewhat repetitive, fans of slower-paced stories and complex character studies mixed with true crime will likely find it worth watching.

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‘The Cry’ (2018)

The disappearance of a newborn from a small Australian seaside town serves as the starting point for an investigation into the crumbling psychology of a young couple as they cope with an unimaginable catastrophe both in the open eye of the public and behind closed doors.

Nominated for an International Emmy for Best Actress, Jenna Coleman leads The Cry with her character of devastated mother Joanna. Coleman’s portrayal of grief over a lost child is a wonder to behold. As you watch the three-part series adapted from the eponymous 2013 by Helen FitzGerald, you feel pity, hatred, and justice. It’s all cleverly played out in this engrossing show about dealing with grief, with its overarching narrative of the ongoing investigation entertaining any thriller fan.

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‘Love & Death’ (2023)

Based on the true story of a housewife from Wylie, Texas named Candy Montgomery, Love & Death is a popular miniseries on Max. It portrays Candy’s (played by Elizabeth Olsen) seemingly mundane experiences as a housewife during the 1970s, which soon take a dark turn after an affair with her neighbor becomes deadly.

Much can be said about the stellar casting, suspenseful atmosphere, and well-written lines in the series, but it’s Elizabeth Olsen’s outstanding performance in Love & Death that makes it truly incredible. She somehow breathes humanity into the twisted character, making it impossible to turn away as Candy’s life begins to unravel. The show’s story overall is well-crafted, with Love & Death succeeding in its portrayal of the gruesome case and ensuing media circus.

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‘The Undoing’ (2020)

The HBO original miniseries reunites creator David E. Kelley and star Nicole Kidman from Big Little Lies, launching another intense mystery psychological thriller. Based on Jean Hanff Korelitz’s novel, You Should Have Known, The Undoing follows Grace Fraser (Kidman), a wealthy New York therapist, whose life is upended when her oncologist husband, Jonathan (Hugh Grant), is accused of a brutal murder. As the investigation proceeds, the family has shocking revelations about Jonathan, unraveling her seemingly perfect life.

The Undoing is a remarkable, contemporary take on a classic whodunnit trope, with strong psychosexual and psychosocial elements in its narrative, which brings out unexpected plot twists. Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant’s performances are the biggest highlights of the show, with strong supporting performances by Donald Sutherland, Edgar Ramirez, and Noma Dumezweni. Exploring themes of class privilege, deception, and the fragility of trust, The Undoing makes for a gripping mystery drama. —Maddie P

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‘Ripley’ (2024)

Ripley is a neo-noir odyssey based on Patricia Highsmith‘s gripping novel that explores the psyche and brilliance of a conman. Lured by a shipping magnate’s offer, Tom Ripley (Andrew Scott) embarks on a mission to Italy, tasked with retrieving the magnate’s wayward son. But Ripley’s intentions are far from pure. Captivated by the son’s opulent lifestyle and a mysterious woman named Marge Sherwood (Dakota Fanning), Ripley’s descent into moral ambiguity is as captivating as it is chilling.

Directed and written by Steven Zaillian, the miniseries undoubtedly captures the essence of Highsmith’s novel. Ripley takes its time as it dives deep into the characters’ psychology, building suspense with each written scene. But it’s the stunning black-and-white that takes the experience to the next level, as light and shadow are used to amplify the moral ambiguity around Ripley’s character. It’ll surely leave viewers questioning who, if anyone, can be trusted.

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‘The Sympathizer’ (2024)

HBO’s new thriller show The Sympathizer offers a unique perspective on the aftermath of the Vietnam War. The story follows The Captain (Hoa Xuande), a half-French, half-Vietnamese communist spy. After years within the South Vietnamese army, the Captain became a refugee in Los Angeles after the fall of Saigon in 1975. While grappling with cultural adjustment alongside his General and fellow refugees, the Captain remains a sleeper agent, relaying information back to his communist handlers.

His relationships with fellow spy Bon (Fred Nguyen Khan) and captivating professor Sofia Mori (Sandra Oh) threaten to expose his carefully constructed world. Praised for its bold storytelling and satirical edge, The Sympathizer offers a fresh take on the legacy of the Vietnam War. The show’s delicate and nuanced portrayal of the Captain’s dual life was also praised, which was further elevated by Xuande’s captivating performance. It’s a thrilling show that acts as a commentary on American perspectives of the war and the Vietnamese refugee experience.