Best-Reviewed TV Movies/Miniseries 2017

It’s been Canadian writer Margaret Atwood’s year between the Netflix adaptation of her novel Alias Grace, which tops both this category and Best New TV Show, and Hulu’s Emmy-winning The Handmaid’s Tale, which turns up in the top five of both the New Shows and Drama categories and is based on another of the celebrated author’s works.

The order of the rank below reflects the Adjusted Score as of December 31, 2017. Scores might change over time.

Alias Grace: Miniseries

#1

Adjusted Score: 103495%

Critics Consensus: Biting social commentary and Sarah Gadon's hypnotic performance make Alias Grace a worthy addition to the Margaret Atwood adaptation catalog.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Sarah Gadon, Kerr Logan, Paul Gross, Anna Paquin

Directed By: Mary Harron

#2

Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds (2016)
100%

#2

Adjusted Score: 101927%

Critics Consensus: Bright Lights: Starring Carrie Fisher and Debbie Reynolds is a touching, bittersweet, and ultimately charming love story that serves as a poignantly effective tribute to the strangely complicated, uniquely resilient mother/daughter duo.

Synopsis: A portrait of Hollywood royalty Carrie Fisher and her mother, Debbie Reynolds.... [More]

Starring: Carrie Fisher, Debbie Reynolds

Directed By: Alexis Bloom, Fisher Stevens

Planet Earth II: Miniseries

#3

Adjusted Score: 100792%

Critics Consensus: Planet Earth II offers a spectacular, moving, unprecedented account of the natural world.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: David Attenborough

Directed By: Michael Gunton

The Defiant Ones: Miniseries

#4

Adjusted Score: 100675%

Critics Consensus: The Defiant Ones is a compelling, comprehensive portrait of two visionaries that illuminates both their colorful pasts and their historic influence on the music industry.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Dr. Dre, Jimmy Iovine, Bono, David Geffen

Directed By: Allen Hughes, Allen Hughes, Doug Pray, Andrew A. Kosove

The Vietnam War: Miniseries

#5

Adjusted Score: 98283%

Critics Consensus: The Vietnam War revisits a dark chapter in American history with patience, grace, and a refreshing -- and sobering -- perspective informed by those who fought.

Synopsis: ... [More]

Starring: Peter Coyote

Directed By: Ken Burns, Lynn Novick