No movie or TV show has ever received a perfect 10/10 score. According to the IMDb Top 250, the film that came the closest is The Shawshank Redemption, with a rating of 9.3 and almost 3 million votes. Meanwhile, the TV series that almost did it is Breaking Bad, with a 9.5 and over 2 million polls.
Even though no motion picture was given the golden standard, there are still a lot of films and series that are 10/10 in fans’ hearts. Today we’re featuring plenty of such examples curated by Bored Panda and visualized by Episode Hive, so people looking for something to binge-watch next can easily find it. Scroll down to discover some of the must-watch TV series out there, and be sure to leave your own recommendations below!
While you’re at it, don’t forget to check out a conversation with writer, producer, and director Chris Presswell, who kindly agreed to share his insights on flawless movies.
Chernobyl (2019)
This five-part miniseries captures the chilling horror and human bravery surrounding the 1986 nuclear disaster. Chernobyl excels in its attention to detail, combining tension, fear, and political intrigue to create a harrowing exploration of man-made catastrophe and the cost of lies.
The Queen’s Gambit (2020)
A period drama centered around a young chess prodigy’s rise to the top while battling personal demons, The Queen’s Gambit captivated fans with its stunning cinematography, stylish period detail, and Anya Taylor-Joy’s compelling performance. It’s a rare blend of intellectual intensity and emotional depth.
Band Of Brothers (2001)
A moving and gritty portrayal of Easy Company during WWII, Band of Brothers is not just about war, but about camaraderie, sacrifice, and survival. Fans praise its intense realism and emotional depth, as it offers a harrowing glimpse into the bonds formed on the battlefield.
To find out more about movie ratings and the perfect ten, we reached out to writer, producer, and director Chris Presswell, who just released the movie The Whip, out now in UK cinemas.
He believes that no movie or TV series has been able to receive a 10/10 rating because such a medium is very subjective, and agreeing on one that would appeal to everyone is quite impossible. “Something like Die Hard may seem universally beloved, but it isn’t going to resonate with somebody who just doesn’t enjoy action cinema.”
He also notes that it might be the case that “no matter how good something is, we can always do better.”
Mare Of Easttown (2021)
A gripping crime drama set in a small Pennsylvania town, Mare of Easttown follows a detective unraveling a local [crime] while dealing with her own personal trauma. Fans praise its emotional weight, masterful character development, and Kate Winslet’s award-winning performance as a complex, flawed lead.
Dark (2017–2020)
A mind-bending German series that expertly weaves together time travel, existential dread, and family drama, Dark is a puzzle box of intricate plotlines. Fans are drawn to its dense storytelling, atmospheric tension, and the way it forces viewers to grapple with the concept of fate and free will.
The Last Of Us (2023–)
Based on the critically acclaimed video game, The Last of Us combines emotional storytelling with post-apocalyptic survival, focusing on the bond between Joel and Ellie as they navigate a world ravaged by a deadly fungus. Fans appreciate its fidelity to the source material and its exploration of love, loss, and hope in a world teetering on the edge.
Presswell suggests that in order to appeal to a wide audience, a movie or TV series has to have engaging storytelling and investable characters. “That’s not to dismiss the value of its technical brilliance, but a wider audience at large is tuning in to be told a story. It won’t matter to them that a TV show is beautifully shot if they don’t care about what’s going on screen.”
He also kindly agreed to share his own 10/10, which is The Apartment (1960). He described it as “flawless a film as has ever been made.”
Peaky Blinders (2013–2022)
With stylish visuals, razor-sharp dialogue, and intense performances, Peaky Blinders follows the rise of the Shelby family’s criminal empire in post-WWI Birmingham. Fans are drawn to its gritty atmosphere, epic story arcs, and the magnetic presence of its lead, Tommy Shelby.
Sherlock (2010–2017)
A modern reimagining of the classic detective, Sherlock stands out for its sharp writing, fast-paced plots, and charismatic lead performances. Each episode feels like a high-stakes game of wit and deduction, with the chemistry between Sherlock and Watson bringing the iconic partnership to life.
Breaking Bad (2008–2013)
This crime drama redefined the anti-hero genre with Walter White’s transformation from a mild-mannered teacher into a ruthless [illegal substances] kingpin. Its flawless pacing, shocking twists, and unforgettable character arcs make it a pinnacle of modern TV, with each episode ratcheting up the tension to nearly unbearable levels.
Preswell signed off by saying, “There’s no shame in enjoying a show that sits at 3/10 on IMDb, and it’s okay to dislike a film that everybody else seems to think is a masterpiece. But it’s important to take storytelling risks, and not everything will work for everyone. That’s actually a good thing and makes for a much healthier landscape of storytelling and attitude towards art in general.”
Ted Lasso (2020–2023)
This heartwarming comedy about an American football coach managing an English soccer team continues to win hearts with its blend of kindness, optimism, and laugh-out-loud humor. Fans adore its uplifting tone and positive outlook, with its emphasis on human connection and emotional growth making it a standout in modern TV.
Severance (2022–)
This dystopian workplace thriller explores the eerie concept of separating work and personal memories through brain surgery. Severance captivates fans with its haunting atmosphere, slow-burn suspense, and sharp critique of corporate culture. The unique premise is a fresh take on sci-fi, blending psychological horror with dark humor.
Fleabag (2016–2019)
Fleabag combines dark humor with profound emotional depth, as it follows a young woman navigating grief, love, and existential crisis. Its witty fourth-wall breaks, sharp writing, and the raw vulnerability of its lead character have earned it a fiercely devoted fanbase.
Indeed, many of us rely on movies or TV series reviews to find what to binge-watch next. But have we ever wondered how they come to be and whether or not they can be trusted? Read on, as we’ll be attempting to find out just that.
Generally, movie review websites use a “weighted average.” This means that the average score isn’t calculated by adding all the votes and dividing them by the total number. Instead, such a formula doesn’t allow all votes to have the same amount of impact “weight” on the final consensus.
Six Feet Under (2001–2005)
Set in a family-run funeral home, Six Feet Under tackles life, death, and everything in between with dark humor and emotional honesty. Its raw exploration of mortality and grief resonated deeply with viewers, culminating in one of the most satisfying series finales in TV history.
Gravity Falls (2012–2016)
An animated gem that mixes supernatural mysteries with heartfelt sibling bonds, Gravity Falls is both whimsical and complex. Its rich lore, clever humor, and emotional storytelling resonate with both kids and adults, creating a cult following that cherishes its imaginative world.
Better Call Saul (2015–2022)
A slow-burn masterpiece that serves as both a prequel and a companion to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul dives deep into the moral unraveling of Jimmy McGill, the lawyer destined to become the sleazy Saul Goodman. Its meticulous pacing and attention to character development turn it into an emotionally rich tragedy.
Since each movie review website operates its ratings slightly differently, we’ll be looking at two of the major ones and their processes.
Let’s take IMDb, the most popular ratings and entertainment media database, as the first example. On their website, they propose that their ratings come from a mix of user votes and professional critic reviews from newspapers, magazines, and other publications.
“We aim to offer a variety of opinions on a title so users can make informed viewing decisions. We also always display the breakdown of the ratings so users can see the distribution of votes and determine how uniform or polarized the opinion of a movie is,” writes IMDb.
The Expanse (2015–2021)
A grounded and meticulously crafted space opera, The Expanse captivates with its rich political intrigue, complex characters, and scientifically accurate portrayal of interplanetary conflict. Fans admire the show’s ability to blend hard sci-fi with human drama.
Twin Peaks (1990–1991, 2017)
David Lynch’s surreal, dreamlike series is a unique blend of murder mystery, supernatural elements, and eccentric small-town life. Fans love Twin Peaks for its bizarre, avant-garde style, its haunting characters, and its ability to subvert every genre convention.
The Handmaid’s Tale (2017–)
A dystopian drama with chilling relevance, fans praise its powerful performances and hard-hitting exploration of control and resistance.
They don’t fully disclose their “weighted average” formula. This ensures that their calculations remain reliable and prevents attempts to stuff the ballot and influence the voting system. However, it seems that website users tend to hold a heavier weight in deciding what score a title gets.
Succession (2018–)
A biting, darkly comedic exploration of power and privilege, Succession follows the ruthless Roy family as they vie for control of their media empire. The show’s sharp writing, acidic humor, and cutthroat family dynamics make it a gripping study of wealth and dysfunction.
Stranger Things (2016–)
An endearing mix of ‘80s nostalgia, sci-fi horror, and coming-of-age drama, Stranger Things has become a cultural phenomenon. Its lovable cast of characters and thrilling supernatural mystery, combined with its impeccable homage to classic ‘80s films, have made it a must-watch for fans of adventure and nostalgia.
