The most popular TV series in the world, a list of the best foreign TV series

A good show can not only entertain the viewer, but also provide food for the mind. Fantastic serials send fantasy flying, romantic ones awaken the best feelings in the soul, and dramatic ones raise urgent social, political and other issues.

Introducing you most popular TV series, which received the highest viewer ratings both on the Russian resource Kinopoisk and on the foreign IMDb.

25. Knickerbocker Hospital (2014-2015)

Genre: drama
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.40
IMDb: 8.50

The list of all foreign TV series of our rating is opened by a historical medical drama with the participation of employees of the fictional Knickerbocker hospital. The series is set in the early 20th century and shows the life of a medical institution in New York against the background of poor living conditions, rampant corruption and religious and social values ​​of that time.

24. Boardwalk Empire (2010-2014)

Genre: crime drama
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.10
IMDb: 8.60

In the 20s of the twentieth century, America adopted a "dry law" - a ban on the transportation, sale and production of alcohol. Gangsters immediately took advantage of this, and the number of bootleggers - clandestine sellers of alcohol began to grow by leaps and bounds. Boardwalk Empire is the story of bootlegger Enoch Thompson, who builds his criminal business in the face of fierce mafia competition.

23. World of the Wild West (2016 - present)

Genre: fantastic western, detective
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.14
IMDb: 8.90

It is hard life for androids in the futuristic amusement park "World of the Wild West". Any visitor to the park can plunge into the realities of a certain historical period and live the life of a brave cowboy, a daring criminal or a fearless sheriff. And androids, although they are obligatory participants in this grandiose performance, cannot harm a person. If a person kills an intelligent machine, the memory will be erased by the latter and again "released on the stage." Here are just some of the living toys begin to remember something. And their minds are able to go beyond the limits set by the software.

22. Vikings (2013 - present)

Genre: adventure, historical thriller
Country: Canada, Ireland
Film Search: 8.26
IMDb: 8.60

Vikings are often portrayed as some kind of primitive ancient thugs.The series tries to break this stereotype by showing amazing sympathy for the main character - the legendary Ragnar Lothbrok. He tells the audience a story from the perspective of this famous king, who came to power thanks to his urge to push the boundaries of developed territories.

21. The X-Files (1993 - present)

Genre: fantasy, detective, drama
Country: Canada
Film Search: 8.23
IMDb: 8.70

When The X Files first hit the screens, it instantly became super popular. The "chemistry" between the main characters Fox Mulder and Dana Scully, their non-standard investigations related to the strangest and most inexplicable crimes from the point of view of science and the soundtrack that is memorable from the first minute - this is not a complete list of successful components of the franchise. Each episode brought the viewer closer to understanding the truth, which is “somewhere nearby”. And it still brings it closer, because in January 2018 the premiere of season 11, consisting of 10 episodes, took place. It will be the last one for Gillian Anderson, she will never return to The X-Files.

20. Spartacus: Blood and Sand (2010-2013)

Genre: historical thriller, drama
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.26
IMDb: 8.60

Champion gladiator Spartacus will replace for his swordsmanship. He learned to navigate the murky waters of ancient Roman society, where sex and wine are offered equally often, and deception and politics always go hand in hand. Its new owner, Lentulus Batiatus and the owner's wife Lucretius, see Spartacus as a ticket to the world of wealth and nobility. While the famous gladiator has only one goal - to stay alive long enough to be reunited with his beloved wife Sura.

At first, Andy Whitfield played the role of Spartacus. However, he was diagnosed with cancer and after the death of the actor on the set of "Blood and Sand" he was replaced by Liam McIntyre.

19. Doctor Who (2005 - present)

Genre: science fiction
Country: United Kingdom
Film Search: 8.73
IMDb: 8.70

The new season of one of the longest TV series of all time has sparked a fierce debate among fans. And all because the new, 13th Doctor Who became a woman - actress Jody Whittaker. Until now, the role of the humanoid alien, saving the Earth from countless villains, has only been men.

The unpredictable actions, ingenious strategies and constant travels of Doctor Who in time and space for many years do not let the audience get bored. From season to season, the protagonist changes both externally and in character, introducing an element of novelty into the narrative. And each actor makes him fall in love with his Doctor.

18. Peaky Blinders (2013 - present)

Genre: drama, crime
Country: United Kingdom
Film Search: 8.43
IMDb: 8.80

The second, but not the last crime drama in the list of the most popular foreign TV series. In the center of the plot is the brutal and daring Shelby gang, which traded on the gloomy gray streets of Birmingham in the 20s of the twentieth century. The bandits sewed sharp blades into the visors of their caps to use them when needed.

This world of notorious thugs, beautiful women, alcoholic intoxication and violence is hardly suitable for family viewing. However, adults love it for its witty British style, great soundtrack, dynamic action and authentic historical backdrop.

17.Narko (2015 - present)

Genre: drama, crime
Country: USA, Columbia
Film Search: 8.42
IMDb: 8.90

Cocaine was virtually unknown in the United States in the early 1970s. And by 1986, the drug had penetrated so deeply into American society that the first lady appeared on television to ask citizens to "just say 'no' to drugs." What happened during this time period? There was Pablo Escobar - the richest criminal in history, whose hundreds of millions of dollars were raised from the cocaine trade in America. The series "Narco" tells about Escobar's life path - from smuggler to drug lord.

16. Force Majeure (2011 - present)

Genre: drama, comedy
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.69
IMDb: 8.60

When brilliant college graduate Mike Ross goes to interview at a New York law firm, arrogant attorney Harvey Specter immediately hires him. The guy may not have a legal education, but he has a photographic memory and a sharp mind that helps to solve tangled legal problems. Force Majeure is a well-known film formula that combines two polar opposite characters striving for a common goal.

The series shows various life situations in an accessible and interesting way, from which you can emerge victorious and at the same time not tarnish your conscience. The clever dialogues and stylish costumes of the protagonists should be noted separately.

15. Shameless (2011 - present)

Genre: drama, comedy
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.57
IMDb: 8.70

Life is hard for American parasites. You have to spin like a squirrel in a wheel, just not to work. This is how, with the help of cunning, impudence and luck, the Gallagher family with many children lives, with an alcoholic dad and six children, of varying degrees of depravity. Watching these shameless people is sometimes fun, sometimes sad, but always interesting.

14. Dexter (2006-2013)

Genre: crime drama, detective
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.29
IMDb: 8.70

Can a medical examiner and serial killer be sympathetic? Maybe if his name is Dexter Morgan. After all, he kills the scum who thought they had escaped the punishing hand of justice.

Each season, Dexter has a new enemy and a new hope - to find a faithful assistant in his bloody, but fair "work with people."

13. Stranger Things (2016 - present)

Genre: horror, fantasy
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.46
IMDb: 8.90

The mystical plot of this series will immerse you in the unforgettable atmosphere of the horror genre. The story begins in the 80s of the XX century, in a small American town (in which the worst usually happens). One of the teens, Will, mysteriously disappears. His best friends start their own investigation. Will's mom and the local sheriff are not idle either. And somewhere nearby looms a secret and cruel organization conducting secret experiments on people.

12. House of Cards (2013 - present)

Genre: drama
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.41
IMDb: 8.90

House of Cards will open the door for you to the dark world of American big politics. Dirty political technologies, intrigue, betrayal and reflection of the most important foreign policy events - all this is in the plot of one of the most famous TV series of our time.

The protagonist of House of Cards is the ambitious politician Frank Underwood, who helped Garrett Walker come to power in exchange for the post of Secretary of State. However, having learned that the position "does not shine for him" Underwood. ready to go to any lengths to settle accounts with the cheating president.

11. Downton Abbey (2010-2015)

Genre: drama, melodrama
Country: United Kingdom
Film Search: 8.32
IMDb: 8.70

Starting on the day following the sinking of the Titanic, this series will immerse you in the dramatic story of an English aristocratic family set against the backdrop of major historical events. The Earl of Grantham, who owns Downton Abbey, has three daughters (Mary, Edith and Sybil), and a big problem: to whom to transfer the estate after his death. Not wanting to give capital and possessions into the hands of his eldest daughter, the count decides to bequeath all the property to the heir to the earl's title - a distant relative who will soon arrive in Downton.

Interesting characters, each with its own story, character and "zest", good humor, thoughtful costumes and sets, as well as excellent work of cameramen and composers allowed Downton Abbey to enter the list of the most popular TV series.

10. Fargo (2014 - present)

Genre: crime drama, thriller
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.41
IMDb: 9

Sociopathic criminal Lorne Malvo travels to the small town of Bemidji, Minnesota. His chance acquaintance with the unfortunate insurer Lester Nygaard starts a series of brutal murders in the town. They will have to be investigated by local police officers - Molly Solverson and Gus Grimley.

The creators of the "Fargo" project were inspired by the painting of the same name by the Coen brothers, released in 1996.The Coen brothers are the executive producers of the series, although they did not participate in the work on it. They only approved the script and allowed to mention their names.

9. Black mirror (2011 - present)

Genre: fantasy, thriller
Country: United Kingdom
Film Search: 8.50
IMDb: 8.90

In the high-tech world of the future, humanity does not expect anything good. Every computer, every smartphone, or TV can become a black mirror reflecting the darkest human vices and fears.

Each episode of "Black Mirror" is unique both in terms of moral message and originality of the ending. The series perfectly reveals the influence of mass communications on the life of modern people. It is a satire on modern society with its violent thirst for innovation that can do more harm than good.

In March of this year, it became known that the series would be extended for a fifth season. The number of episodes in it has not yet been reported.

8. Escape (2005-2017)

Genre: action film, crime thriller, detective
Country: USA, UK
Film Search: 8.42
IMDb: 8.40

This gripping, dynamic and intense drama focuses on a young engineer, Michael, who deliberately ends up in one of the prisons he designed. Michael's task is to save his falsely accused brother Lincoln from execution.

The plot of "Escape" is illogical in places, but the play of Wentworth Miller (Michael) and Dominic Purcell (Lincoln) and interesting plot twists that make you look forward to the next episode more than atone for logical flaws.

Many of The Escape scenes were filmed in a real prison cell where serial killer John Wayne Gacy once sat.

7. How I Met Your Mother (2005-2014)

Genre: melodrama, comedy
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.56
IMDb: 8.40

This series has a high level of unpredictability not usually found in comedies. In the center of the plot is Ted, who hopes to find his great love. In this he is helped (or hindered) by friends - Marshall, who was going to propose to his girlfriend, and Barney, a convinced bachelor and womanizer with a sparkling sense of humor.

How I Met Your Mother is one of those rare comedies that focuses primarily on interesting characters, not good jokes. Although with them in this sitcom everything is fine.

The excellent translation of Denis Kolesnikov should be separately noted, which was able to give a foreign TV series a Russian charm with the help of funny phrases ("oh, you hedgehog", etc.).

6. The Big Bang Theory (2007-present)

Genre: melodrama, comedy
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.58
IMDb: 8.30

This super-long comedy series about the genius physicists Leonard and Sheldon and their friends shows no signs of fatigue. It is kept "afloat" by a specific scientific humor and an inimitable eccentric know-it-all, beloved by all Sheldon Cooper.

However, rumor has it that The Big Bang Theory will end in season 12. Indeed, despite the stable audience love for eccentric and cute characters, the series is expensive for CBS. For one episode, the TV channel pays the stars of "Theory" a million dollars.

5. True Detective (2014 - present)

Genre: crime drama, detective
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.70
IMDb: 9

Each season of this series introduces new characters and a new plot. Interesting investigations, and most importantly, charismatic main characters make this detective drama seem much more exciting than the incessant legal proceedings on TV. But there is also a downside - after "True Detective", all the other TV cops hunting for serial killers will look like copycats.

4. Dr. House (2004-2012)

Genre: drama, detective
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.79
IMDb: 8.80

Many phrases from this film about a brilliant and extremely sarcastic doctor-diagnostician have already been pilfered into quotes.For example, the phrases "everybody lies" or "it could be lupus ..."

Gregory House (Hugh Laurie) and his team face some of the most challenging and confusing medical cases. And this doctor does not at all look like the good doctor Aibolit. However, behind the unshaven face, boorish manners and malicious words of the misanthrope House lies a person who wants to benefit patients.

Hugh Laurie's acting, as well as supporting actors, delighted the majority of the audience. Also, of the advantages of this series, it is worth noting good (although often black) humor, a dramatic component and interesting relationships of a whole group of people - from doctors to patients and their relatives. And also, having seen "House Doctor", I really want to live and be healthy.

3. Sherlock (2010 - present)

Genre: crime drama, detective
Country: USA, UK
Film Search: 8.88
IMDb: 9.20

Vasily Livanov is undoubtedly the best Sherlock of all time. However, the highly active sociopathic Holmes played by Benedict Cumberbatch cannot be denied elegance and charm. On screen tests, Cumberbatch so organically blended into the role of the famous detective that the script for the series was not even sent to other actors.

Sherlock is set not in Victorian England, but in the modern world. Both Watson (Martin Freeman), who passed through Afghanistan, and Holmes and the entire entourage of the main characters use the latest achievements of civilization, which greatly complicates the investigation. And for the audience, the scriptwriters introduced a lot of unexpected plot twists. Even if you do not like foreign adaptations about Sherlock Holmes, we recommend watching at least a couple of episodes of this series. We are sure he will captivate you.

If nothing prevents filming, then the fifth season will be released on the BBC channel on January 1, 2019.

2. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

Genre: crime drama, thriller
Country: USA
Film Search: 8.85
IMDb: 9.50

Showing the rise of the average chemistry teacher as a methamphetamine drug dealer is an unusual topic, even for a TV show. The pilot season begins with the introduction of the main character Walter White (Brian Cranston), whose life is drawing to a close due to lung cancer. He cannot afford the necessary treatment and, as the sole breadwinner of his family, he feels frustrated and helpless. In the end, he leaves school and quits his second job at the car wash to pair up with a former student "meth".

"Breaking Bad" without unnecessary sentimentality shows what a desperate person is ready to go to for the survival of his family. You can hate or sympathize with his heroes, but you cannot remain indifferent to them.

1. Game of Thrones (2010 - present)

Genre: fantasy, action, adventure
Country: England, USA
Film Search: 9
IMDb: 9.50

For several years in a row, Game of Thrones has been at the top of the most popular TV series by rating. This is an extremely rare phenomenon in the film world, because many TV series have a lower quality bar from season to season. And the point is not only in chic costumes and decorations, excellent acting, perfectly matched musical accompaniment, but also in the fact that none of the heroes loved by the audience is immune from death.

And the special charm of "Game of Thrones" is given by the fact that many of its characters had real prototypes.

Now that science fiction has overtaken George RR Martin's original A Song of Ice and Fire, the buzz on social media is louder than ever. Fans are trying to guess how the grandiose story of the struggle for power in the Seven Kingdoms might end.

So far, one thing is certain - the final, eighth season of the king of the most popular TV series in the world will be released in 2019. It will consist of six episodes. Probably a very long series.

In 2017, news emerged that HBO was planning to release as many as five Game of Thrones spin-offs. Some of these stories will not be set in Westeros. This was announced by George Martin himself.Each project will be a prequel, and none of them will be related to the uprising of Robert Baratheon.