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HBO Max has recently appeared in more countries, but even before that, it was one of the most notable streaming services available. HBO Max offers a lot of content, from original shows and movies to those created by other production companies.
While it's of course possible to watch long-running series with multiple seasons on the streaming service, not everyone has the time to do that. A good alternative is to focus on miniseries instead as the great ones provide a strong story in a relatively small amount of time, making it ideal for people who are busy but still like to relax and stream a great show on HBO Max.
5 Chernobyl
Some of the best dramatic series are based on real events. And the more dramatic and impactful the events were, the better. Even though the Chernobyl disaster happened in 1986, it still remains relevant and shouldn't be forgotten. The miniseries from 2019 did an excellent job in bringing more information about it to the general audience in an accessible and captivating way. Chernobyl builds an intense atmosphere, making it a hard pill to swallow for those who are looking for more light-hearted series to watch.
But the viewers who want to know how things happened and don't mind that Chernobyl doesn't sugarcoat reality are in for a memorable experience. Chernobyl has only five episodes, making it even easier to watch in a short amount of time than other miniseries on HBO Max. If the story wasn't enough, the series also has a talented cast with some well-known names, such as Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, and Emily Watson in the leading roles.
4 I Know This Much Is True
Lately, Mark Ruffalo primarily drew attention to himself thanks to his role as Bruce Banner aka Hulk in the MCU. However, those that would like to see Ruffalo in two very different roles should pay attention to the drama miniseries I Know This Much Is True from 2020. Ruffalo took on the uneasy task of playing two twin brothers who are very different, character-wise. One of them, Thomas, is dealing with schizophrenia and his brother Dominick is trying to help him. Mark Ruffalo gives an unforgettable performance in the miniseries, one that won him an Emmy.
The supporting cast includes other known names as well, such as Imogen Poots, or Ruffalo's MCU colleague Kathryn Hahn. The series flew under the radar a bit but is a must-watch for everybody who enjoys intelligent and surprising drama series about people whose lives are difficult but still contain a sliver of hope. The miniseries has six episodes in total and was based on a book by Wally Lamb.
3 Mare Of Easttown
Of all the recent HBO Max miniseries, Mare of Easttown is one of the most successful ones, having attracted a large audience as well as critical acclaim. It helps that the series stars Kate Winslet, one of the most talented living actresses. However, it would be a mistake to underestimate other aspects of the show, from the remaining cast (that includes names such as Julianne Nicholson, Evan Peters, or Angourie Rice), to the captivating story of a detective who's trying to solve a murder in a small city and stop her life from breaking apart at the same time.
The series doesn't spare its heroes and has a serious, dark atmosphere. The viewers grow more and more interested in it as the mystery at the heart of the show develops and Mare dives deeper and deeper into the investigation. Even those who don't normally watch and enjoy criminal dramas might like Mare of Easttown considering its overall high quality.
2 Sharp Objects
One of the advantages that miniseries have in comparison to classic shows is that they can employ well-known actors who wouldn't have agreed to do a show running for years. But a miniseries is a different case since its filming won't take as much time. Sharp Objects use this rule to its advantage and have Amy Adams play the leading part. The series is a must-watch for all those who liked the movie Gone Girl (2013) since the book versions of Sharp Objects and Gone Girl were written by the same author, Gillian Flynn. The series combines multiple genres, most notably crime and psychological thriller.
Amy Adams gives an excellent performance as a reporter who returns to her hometown and is working on the case of the murder of two teenage girls, as well as trying to reconnect with her mother and a younger sister she barely knows. The series will keep the audience guessing what will happen next and the actors in the supporting roles (such as Patricia Clarkson) also don't disappoint. Sharp Objects have eight episodes in total, making it one of the longer miniseries.
1 Watchmen
More often than not, superhero series get to run for multiple seasons. Watchmen is one of the exceptions to this rule. Based on the well-known graphic novel by Alan Moore, the series has only nine episodes. It's set in an alternate history in which superheroes have been banned, mixes drama and action, and has the power to make the audience think.
At first, the audience might be a bit confused considering the larger number of characters, but they soon learn who's who and become invested in the characters' destinies. The series offers both a strong atmosphere and acting performances, not just from Jeremy Irons. Those who have seen the 2009 movie Watchmen by Zack Snyder or read the graphic novel can compare all three versions, each of which offers its own view of the story.