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We all have leveraged our leisure time with quality entertainment on HBO Max as the channel has been a hub of high quality content – obsessed with James bond action scenes or are you in love with the classic and unique range of James bond weapon – action movie lovers must know the hard work that any action movie cast put into it because it’s the action scenes that keep us hooked until the movie ends. You can now watch tons of shows and bless yourself with quality content whenever you want without even having to wait for the weekend. Despite our hectic routines, HBO Max shows never disappoints to give us a chance to get together and spend some quality time with our beloved family and pals.
Though movies, shows and other entertainment content in HBO Max most-watched shows, it seems like people want to watch HBO Max shows with the highest IMDB ratings. Therefore, this article highlights all those shows which have earned great recognition and good ratings worldwide. We have curated the list of most watched HBO series of all time.
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1. Band of Brothers (2001)
| Created by: | Tom Hanks and Steven Spielberg |
| Main cast | Scott Grimes, Ron Livingston, Shane Taylor, Damian Lewis, Matthew Leitch, Peter Youngblood Hills, Donnie Wahlberg, Philip Barantini, Rick Gomez, Dexter Fletcher and more. |
| IMDb Rating | 9.4/10 |
War-thrill lovers are encouraged to watch this hit war series ever produced. The storyline illustrates the struggles of American men who courageously fight for their freedom. The story revolves around the U.S. Army 101st Airborne division and the movie environment is set up as World War II on the Western Front in Europe. This HBO Max show features a mixture of brief interviews with real-life World War 2 survivors who tell the story about the horrified war. So, if you are looking for a series to acquire spine-chilling thrill as well as gain information about the dreadful past, then Band of Brothers should be your must-watch series.
2. Chernobyl (2019)
| Created by: | Craig Mazin |
| Main cast | Jessie Buckley, Stellan Skarsgard, Jared Harris, Emily Watson, Paul Ritter, Robert Emms, Sam Troughton, Karl Davies, Laura Elphinstone, Jan Ricica, Michael Socha, Alan Williams, Con O’Neill, Douggie McMeekin and more. |
| IMDb Rating | 9.4/10 |
The story reminds the true incident that occurred in April, 1986. When a dreadful explosion at the Chernobyl nuclear power plant in the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics shook everything severely and became the world’s worst man-made catastrophes. The storyline dictates the true story of the innocent people who’s lives were at the risk.
3. The Wire (2002-2008)
| Created by: | David Simon |
| Main cast | Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn |
| IMDb Rating | 9.3/10 |
Recognized as one of television’s finest achievements, “The Wire” stands as a crime drama masterpiece that unveils a harsh reality of police corruption, institutional oppression, and societal injustice in Baltimore. Created by ex-police reporter David Simon, the series aired for five seasons from 2002 to 2008, gaining its well-deserved acclaim post-conclusion. Even two decades after its debut, it remains an essential work of dramatic television, frequently hailed among the top HBO series.
4. Game of Thrones (2011-2019)
| Created by: | David Benioff, D.B. Weiss |
| Main cast | Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Lena Headey, Peter Dinklage, Sophie Turner, Masie Williams, Mikolaj Coster-Waldau, Iain Glen, Alfie Allen, Isaac Hempstead, Nathalie Emmanuel and more. |
| IMDb Rating | 9.2/10 |
Who owns the throne is the theme of the entire series. When nine noble families fight to get a hold over Westeros as well as the dead bodies (White Walkers) arise in the winters. The story becomes interesting when the king dies and every individual in power becomes hungry for other tribes’ blood. The main story revolves around Targaryen, Stark, Lannister and Baratheon while we have seen Daenerys Targaryen being the most successful queen (with her dragon children) until the last season when Jon snow forcefully killed her and she despite of being the most powerful queen couldn’t make it to own the throne.
However, we’ve also seen how all these families unite with each other, thanks to Jon Snow and fight with courage and bravery with the white walkers in the winters. But who owns the throne in the end? To know this, watch the most successful fantasy-filled series of the past decade which is based on eight seasons. Game of Thrones has earned huge recognition from all over the world.
5. The Sopranos (1999-2007)
| Created by: | David Chase |
| Main cast | James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, Edie Falco |
| IMDb Rating | 9.2/10 |
A true crime drama icon, “The Sopranos” boasts one of TV’s all-time best characters, Tony Soprano, contributing to its status as one of the greatest shows ever produced. In the early 2000s, it set a new standard for character-focused TV excellence, shaping the landscape for subsequent hits like “Breaking Bad” and “House of Cards.” Led by the remarkable James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano, the show’s exceptional cast delivers outstanding performances. With its enduring legacy, “The Sopranos” remains a top-tier offering on HBO Max, showcasing its prominence among the best HBO series IMDB ranking in history.
6. True Detective (2014-Present)
| Created by: | Cary Joji Fukunaga |
| Main cast | Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams, Mahershala Ali, Jodie Foster |
| IMDb Rating | 8.9/10 |
True Detective, an anthology series, achieved tremendous success in its debut season. The storyline revolves around two Louisiana State Police detectives probing the 1995 murder of a prostitute, Dora Lange, with the case resurfacing 17 years later, forcing them to confront their past.
Season 2 introduced fresh characters and a new enigma, yet didn’t attain the same acclaim as the first. Season 3 premiered in 2019, and an upcoming fourth season, titled “True Detective: Night Country,” is scheduled for 2023. It is one of HBO Max most-watched shows.
7. Friends (1994-2004)
| Created by: | David Crane, Marta Kauffman |
| Main cast | Jennifer Aniston, Matthew Perry, David Schwimmer, Courtney Cox, Lisa Kudrow, and Matt LeBlanc. |
| IMDb Rating | 8.9/10 |
Friends, the most iconic sitcom, aired for a decade from 1994 to 2004. Centered on a close-knit group of six individuals in their late 20s, the show intricately weaved tales of love and camaraderie, illuminating life’s richness beyond work. With a comedic lens, it delved into diverse aspects of their lives, from the elation of new romances to the trials of parenting and the heartache of divorce or job loss. It is among the HBO Max most-watched shows.
8. Succession (2018)
| Created by: | Jesse Armstrong. |
| Main cast | Brian Cox, Kieran Culkin, Nicholas Braun, Peter Friedman, Alan Ruck, Jeremy Strong, Matthew Macfadyen, Sarah Snook, Justine Lupe, Dagmara Dominczyk, David Rasche and more. |
| IMDb Rating | 8.8/10 |
Best known for efficiently controlling the biggest entertainment and media company in the world, the Logan family faces a difficult time and sees their world turning upside down when their father says goodbye to the company. Moreover, the Succession series is based on three good seasons while the fourth season is currently in progress. It is a must-watch American black comedy-drama and family saga TV series which reflects that how a professional family deals with hardships in a light-hearted way and overcome.
9. The Last of Us (2023)
| Created by: | Neil Druckmann, Craig Mazin |
| Main cast | Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Anna Torv |
| IMDb Rating | 8.8/10 |
Regarded as HBO’s imminent success, “The Last of Us” is currently airing and receiving exceptional acclaim from both viewers and critics. While its rating may fluctuate with increased viewership, it’s presently a dominant contender. With Joel and Ellie, the show depicts their journey in a post-apocalyptic world plagued by a quasi-zombie crisis.
The Last of Us is an adaptation of Naughty Dog’s cherished 2013 video game, with its sequel also set for adaptation in the upcoming second season. Neil Druckmann, the original game’s creator, co-writer, and executive producer, along with Craig Mazin of “Chernobyl,” are at the helm as co-creators, writers, directors, and executive producers of the series. It is one of the best among HBO series IMDb ranking list.
10. Oz (1997-2003)
| Created by: | Tom Fontana |
| Main cast | Ernie Hudson, J.K. Simmons, Lee Tergesen |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
HBO drama, Oz holds significance as the network’s inaugural hour-long drama, setting a precedent that defines HBO today. Loosely named after “The Wizard of Oz,” the series unfolds within an unconventional prison, delving into the daily lives and inter-group conflicts of its inmates. Featuring compelling writing, intense violence, and explicit content, “Oz” emerged as a major HBO success, solidifying its status as one of the network’s finest TV shows. Its impactful storytelling and raw portrayal continue to contribute to its legacy as a top HBO series. Watch this great addition to the HBO series IMDb ranking.
11. Six Feet Under (2001-2005)
| Created by: | Alan Ball |
| Main cast | Peter Krause, Michael C. Hall, Frances Conroy |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
Crafted by Alan Ball for HBO, Six Feet Under delves into the lives of a profoundly dysfunctional family managing a funeral home in Los Angeles. The series spanned five seasons, totaling sixty-three episodes, from 2001 to 2005, and has solidified its position as one of HBO’s top-rated TV shows. Over its duration, the show garnered widespread acclaim, securing major accolades including Emmy Awards, Golden Globes, and a Peabody award. Its triumph stemmed from exceptional writing, acting that lent remarkable depth to characters, and a unique brand of humor. It is the best HBO series IMDb.
12. Rome (2005-2007)
| Created by: | Bruno Heller, William J. MacDonald, John Milius |
| Main cast | Kevin McKidd, Ray Stevenson, Polly Walker |
| IMDb Rating | 8.7/10 |
Rome, encompassing two seasons and a total of twenty-two episodes, presents a grand historical saga against the backdrop of Rome’s shift from Republic to Empire in the 1st century BC. While the series garnered acclaim from critics and audiences, it met cancellation after its second season due to its substantial budget, resulting in hurried storylines, notably the Egypt narrative involving Mark Antony and Cleopatra. Despite periodic discussions about a revival or potential film, no concrete fruition materialized. Rome is a great addition to HBO Max Shows with highest IMDb Ratings.
13. House of Dragon (2022)
| Created by: | Ryan J. Condal, George R.R. Martin |
| Main cast | Matt Smith, Graham McTavish, Jefferson Hall, Emma D’Arcy, Bill Paterson, Eve Best, Paddy Considine, Steve Toussaint, Gavin Spokes, Rhys Ifans, Fabien Frankel, Sonoya Mizuno, and more. |
| IMDb Rating | 8.5/10 |
House of the Dragons lies among the tops of the list of the best HBO Max series IMDb ranking. Those who didn’t get enough of Game of Thrones should get ready to watch this new series. The series illustrates the situations and events that lead to the decline of House Targaryen. House of Dragons is based on the story 172 years before the birth of Daenerys Targaryen. However, we will see two Lannisters, Jason and Tyland Lannisterin the series. Moreover, the Starks are likely to feature at the end of the civil war called “Dance of Dragonsâ€. It is indeed a fantasy-filled action-adventure thrilling series with a dose of romance which makes its viewers become addicted to it.
14. Abbott Elementary (2021)
| Created by: | Quinta Brunson |
| Main cast | Quinta Brunson; Tyler James Williams; Janelle James |
| IMDb Rating | 8.2/10 |
Centered around a tight-knit circle of educators brought together by their passion for teaching, Abbott Elementary unfolds within the confines of a notoriously mismanaged state-owned school. Undoubtedly, it stands among the best HBO Max series IMDb, making it a must-watch choice for the Holiday Season. With its compelling narrative and dedicated cast, this series has the potential to earn a spot in the realm of the most-watched HBO series of all time, showcasing why it’s considered a prime example of the best in HBO programming.
15. Velma (2023)
| Created by: | Charlie Grandy |
| Main cast | Mindy Kaling, Glenn Howerton, Constance Wu, Nicole Byer, Yvonne Orji, Sam Richardson, Mindy Kaling, Jane Lynch, Wanda Sykes, Charlie Grandy, and more. |
| IMDb Rating | 1.6/10 |
People who have watched Scooby Doo animated series must be aware of the level of mysterious cases in those episodes. To that end, being a successful series, we have seen Scooby Doo movies and games being created and now, we will be able to watch people’s most-demanded Velma series on HBO Max. The series attracts its fanbase with secretive, mysterious yet suspenseful and thrilling scenarios in which Velma faces some difficult situations regarding her romantic life, pitfalls of high school as well as her budding sexuality issues. Velma also portrays the threatful situations in the town as an unknown serial killer targets children. Velma is an 2D animated adult series which shares a mix genre of extreme thriller, mystery, and comedy. So, don’t forget to watch this series which is based on ten-episodes and indeed, you will find each episode worthy of your time.
Wrap Up
There is no doubt that every good series bless your screens with unique content that add value to the watching experience of entertainment lovers. HBO Max has always promised to bring exciting content with a wide range of genre be it action adventure genre with unique weapons, dreadful apocalyptic environment, secret missions or joyful comedy series that you would like to watch with your family.
Enjoy the best HBO series IMDb ranking wise. We have curated this list of most watched HBO series of all time! Happy Watching!
