Not Only 'Black Mirror': 8 Best Anthology TV Series, Ranked by Rotten Tomatoes

Today, it's hard to believe, but in the early days of television, anthology series dominated the screens, offering viewers a steady supply of talented actors, aspiring screenwriters, and theater and radio stars experimenting with new genres.

Over time, viewers' interest in anthologies waned, but the format experienced a renaissance in the 2010s with the release of Fargo and True Detective.

8. 'True Detective', 2014-...

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 78%

If you ask someone what their favorite anthology series is, they will probably say True Detective.

Created by Nic Pizzolatto, the 2014 series remains one of the most popular examples of the format, even though subsequent seasons haven't been nearly as good as the now-iconic first season.

It instantly captivated viewers with its dark detective storyline, hints of Southern Gothic, philosophical reflections, and confident direction by Cary Joji Fukunaga. Most importantly, it featured incredible chemistry between its leads, Woody Harrelson and Matthew McConaughey.

7. 'American Crime Story', 2016-2021

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 84%

American Crime Story is one of Ryan Murphy's many notable anthology series. Each season chronicles a high-profile crime that left a lasting mark on American history.

The first season follows the trial of O.J. Simpson, a famous athlete and celebrity. The second season covers the murder of fashion designer Gianni Versace, and the third season covers the impeachment of Bill Clinton.

6. 'The Terror', 2018-...

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 87%

The Terror is a horror anthology series in which each season tells a single story. The first season chronicles the 1845 Arctic Ocean expedition led by polar explorer Sir John Franklin. Although the expedition's progress is initially smooth, it soon becomes trapped in the ice.

The series is notable for its combination of slow-burning horror and historical drama. From the first episode, a constant psychological tension is established aboard the Terror due to the presence of a paranormal force.

However, the season focuses more on the fear of isolation, hunger, and madness than on the creature itself.

5. 'Love, Death & Robots', 2019-...

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 89%

The most popular animated anthology series in recent years is Love, Death & Robots, created by Tim Miller and David Fincher.

The concept is simple yet effective. The series consists of short episodes, each lasting 6-15 minutes. These episodes explore the three concepts in the title with humor and action, as well as a variety of visual styles. The series switches between 2D, 3D, and even stop-motion animation.

Netflix has released four seasons and 45 episodes, which naturally has a wide range of quality due to its dense production. There are some absolute disasters, as well as small animated masterpieces.

4. 'The White Lotus', 2021-...

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 90%

Every season, a group of tourists checks into a luxury hotel at a world-class resort. Over the course of their week-long vacation, the guests experience various bizarre moments and episodes of culture shock that cause them to rethink their values and relationships with loved ones.

The guests' adventures culminate in a crime, but the identity of the victim and the perpetrator remain unclear until the finale. The first season takes place in Hawaii, the second in Italy, the third in Thailand, and the fourth, which is currently being filmed, in France.

3. 'Guillermo del Toro's Cabinet of Curiosities', 2022

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Cabinet of Curiosities contains eight horror stories directed by renowned filmmakers, from Catherine Hardwicke, director of Twilight, to Panos Cosmatos, director of Mandy.

One story follows a duo of ornithologists who settle in an ancient house on an island. Another story follows a cemetery caretaker who engages in an unequal battle with grave rats. A third story tells about the elite who gather in a mysterious mansion to view something that might expand their consciousness.

2. 'Beef', 2023-...

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

Showrunner Lee Sung Jin's Beef stands out for its unexpected blend of dark comedy and tense drama. The plot escalates from an everyday misunderstanding.

In the first season, a parking lot conflict between two characters serves as the catalyst for a chaotic, all-consuming feud.

Starring Steven Yeun and Ali Wong, the show explores class and racial differences, building tension through unpredictable plot twists and witty observations on unreasonable dissatisfaction with modern life.

1. 'Fargo', 2014-2024

Rotten Tomatoes Score: 93%

The first season of Fargo premiered the same year as True Detective. Viewers didn't know at the time that creator Noah Hawley wouldn't be limited to remaking the Coen brothers' film of the same name. Instead, he broke away from it to create an anthology series.

Series based on movies typically don't fare well, especially when the original films are considered all-time classics. However, Hawley rose to the challenge, brilliantly expanding, sharpening, and adding new twists to the 1995 black comedy.

The first season is notable for its witty and gripping script, as well as its strong performances, particularly from Martin Freeman and Billy Bob Thornton.