Thriller and mystery series have a special place in our hearts. They’re the kind of shows that keep us on the edge of our seats, craving excitement, suspense, and even a little fear with each passing episode. Thankfully, Max, formerly known as HBO Max, offers a fantastic selection of thriller series that cater to these emotions, making it the ultimate destination for thriller enthusiasts.
However, not all shows on Max fit neatly into the suspense category. Some of the best thriller series on HBO Max are not just about the thrills; they also deliver adventure and mystery in abundance. Some even take inspiration from novels but bring their unique spin to the story, just like Game of Thrones, Chernobyl, and The Tourist.
Station Eleven (2021 – 2022)
 | Station Eleven | |
| Genre Drama, Sci-Fi | Runtime 60 minutes | |
| Directed by Patrick Somerville | 8.2/10 | |
| Cast Mackenzie Davis, Himesh Patel, Matilda Lawler, David Wilmot, Danielle Deadwyler | ||
Station Eleven is a mesmerizing post-apocalyptic dystopian thriller that weaves various genres and tones together seamlessly. This series follows a group of survivors desperately clinging to their humanity in the wake of a flu pandemic. Loosely based on Emily St. John Mandel’s best-selling novel of the same name, the show’s creators put their unique stamp on the story.
As the characters grapple with the looming threat of the pandemic, viewers can empathize with their experiences. While the concept of survivors trying to eke out a living after an apocalypse is not new, Station Eleven takes it to a whole new level. It delves deep into the characters’ emotions and their connections with one another. Moreover, it highlights the power of art as a means of healing and empowerment, reminding us that life is about more than mere survival.
Big Little Lies (2017 – 2019)
 | Big Little Lies | |
| Genre Drama | Runtime 50–58 minutes | |
| Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée (season 1), Andrea Arnold (season 2) | 8.1/10 | |
| Cast Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, Shailene Woodley, Laura Dern, Zoë Kravitz | ||
Big Little Lies, originally a miniseries turned drama series, tackles important issues related to mental health. Based on the eponymous novel, the show revolves around five women in Monterey who find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation, unraveling secrets hidden beneath the surface of their idyllic city. With seven episodes per season, Monterey is revealed to be far more complex than it appears.
The series earned critical acclaim for its stellar writing, direction, acting, cinematography, and soundtrack. With powerhouse performances by Nicole Kidman, Reese Witherspoon, Shailene Woodley, and Zoë Kravitz, it racked up an impressive 16 Emmy nominations. The show uncovers the dark secrets lurking behind the façade of seemingly perfect families in a local school, injecting chaos into the murder investigation.
Sharp Objects (2018)
 | Sharp Objects | |
| Genre Drama, Mystery | Runtime 56 minutes | |
| Directed by Jean-Marc Vallée | 7.8/10 | |
| Cast Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, Chris Messina, Eliza Scanlen | ||
Sharp Objects is a riveting limited series thriller based on Gillian Flynn’s best-selling novel, skillfully directed by Jean-Marc Vallee. The story revolves around Camille Preaker, a traumatized reporter who returns to her hometown of Wind Gap to investigate the murders of two preteen girls. Amid the pressures of solving the mystery and the scrutiny of her critical mother, Camille confronts her own demons in the midst of chaos.
The series garnered critical acclaim for its striking visuals and an outstanding cast that includes Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, and Eliza Scanlen. It’s a dark and twisted tale that tantalizingly leads the audience toward the identity of the murderer while maintaining an aura of mystery throughout. The complex relationship between the characters and their hometown creates a gripping and intense experience for viewers. Without a doubt, Sharp Objects stands as one of the most compelling thriller series on HBO.
Chernobyl (2019)
 | Chernobyl | |
| Genre Drama, History | Runtime 55–60 minutes | |
| Directed by Johan Renck | 9.4/10 | |
| Cast Jared Harris, Stellan Skarsgård, Emily Watson, Jessie Buckley, Adam Nagaitis | ||
Chernobyl is a gripping miniseries that revolves around the 1986 Chernobyl disaster and its aftermath. Written by Craig Mazin and directed by Johan Renck, the five-part series dramatizes the catastrophic nuclear plant incident in the Soviet Union, shedding light on lesser-known stories of tragedy, including the heroic efforts of first responders, volunteers, and miners.
The pilot episode of Chernobyl, hailed as the best by IMDb, sets the tone for the series by portraying the experiences of Pripyat locals accurately. This true story of suffering and tragedy allows the audience to deeply understand the magnitude of the catastrophe. The ever-present threat of radiation permeates the series, creating a sense of impending doom.
The Wire (2002 – 2008)
 | The Wire | |
| Genre Crime, Drama | Runtime 55–60 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 9.3/10 | |
| Cast Dominic West, John Doman, Idris Elba, Wendell Pierce, Sonja Sohn | ||
Set in the city of Baltimore, The Wire provides a fascinating look into its narcotics scene through the eyes of both the police and criminals. The series unfolds a complex narrative that encompasses crime, law, politics, education, and the media. Created by former police reporter David Simon, it offers a true-to-life portrayal of the city’s realities.
This gripping drama is widely celebrated as one of HBO’s finest series and is often referred to as one of the best detective shows ever.. With its dedicated fanbase and enduring legacy, it’s clear that The Wire is a series worth binging. Its authentic portrayal of the police force and the city itself has earned it high praise.
Game of Thrones (2011 – 2019)
 | Game of Thrones | |
| Genre Fantasy, Drama | Runtime 50–60 minutes | |
| Directed by Various | 8.8/10 | |
| Cast Peter Dinklage, Lena Headey, Emilia Clarke, Kit Harington, Sophie Turner | ||
Based on George R.R. Martin’s A Song of Ice and Fire novels, Game of Thrones has been a cultural phenomenon, especially with the recent prequel, House of the Dragon. Set in the fictional continents of Westeros and Essos, the series delves into the power struggles among influential families vying for control of the Seven Kingdoms and the coveted Iron Throne. With the impending threat of winter, the clock is ticking to safeguard the realm.
The richly developed world within the novels draws viewers into its intricate web of politics, military conflicts, and dynastic successions, all while delivering epic battles and the awe-inspiring presence of dragons. Each episode is laden with twists and turns, with moments like the infamous “Red Wedding” reminding us that death looms around every corner, especially in Game of Thrones. Despite the divisive ending, it remains a show that elicited unparalleled excitement and anticipation.
The Last of Us
 | The Last of Us | |
| Genre Post-apocalyptic, Drama, Thriller | Runtime 60 minutes | |
| Directed by Craig Mazin, Neil Druckmann | 8.6/10 | |
| Cast Pedro Pascal, Bella Ramsey, Gabriel Luna, Merle Dandridge, Nico Parker | ||
The Last of Us, a video game that gained immense popularity in 2013, has now made its way to the small screen with a television series of the same name. Set two decades after a catastrophic fungal infection, the story follows Joel (Pedro Pascal), a skilled smuggler tasked with escorting Ellie (Bella Ramsey), a teenage girl believed to hold the key to curing the disease responsible for the global pandemic.
HBO’s adaptation of The Last of Us promises to be a significant success, captivating audiences with its intense storyline and compelling characters. The series offers a fresh take on the post-apocalyptic genre, exploring the complexities of human relationships in a world on the brink of collapse.
Wrapping it up!
In conclusion, HBO Max provides a treasure trove of thrilling series that cater to a wide range of tastes within the thriller genre. Whether you’re drawn to heart-pounding post-apocalyptic scenarios, the dark secrets hidden within idyllic communities, or the gritty realities of crime and law enforcement, HBO Max has something for every thriller enthusiast. With exceptional storytelling, outstanding performances, and nail-biting suspense, these shows offer an unforgettable journey into the world of mystery and intrigue. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and let HBO Max take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotions, suspense, and unforgettable storytelling that will keep you hooked from start to finish. Your next binge-worthy obsession awaits!
