TV series have surged in popularity over recent years due to the emergence of streaming platforms such as Netflix. Research suggests that some viewers prefer the longer nature of TV shows as they can create more nuanced stories and characters in comparison to films.

There are over 2,800 TV shows available to watch on Amazon Prime and over 1,800 on Netflix. The Internet Movie Database (IMDb) has compiled a list of the top 250 series to watch according to its users. From crime and war dramas to nature documentaries and cartoons, the top 10 features a host of different programmes.

According to the rankings, Breaking Bad is the best TV series available to viewers. The show has a total of 2.3 million reviews on IMDb, with an overall rating of 9.5 out of 10.

A total of 1.6 million people have given the show, which features a chemistry teacher with incurable cancer turn to drug dealing, a flawless 10 out of 10 rating. The fourteenth episode of the fifth and final series was also rated 10 out of 10 from viewers. It's the only episode in the whole show to be reviewed perfectly.

Meanwhile, David Attenborough's beloved Planet Earth series features twice on the top 10 list. The documentary series follows the beloved English broadcaster to a number of natural wonders across the world.

Blue Planet II also ranks in eighth on the list with an overall rating of 9.3 out of 1.0. The series sees Attenborough return to the world's vast oceans.

For those who enjoy war dramas, Band of Brothers comes in fourth on the list. It is available to watch on Now TV and Amazon Prime Video.

The list also features Chernobyl, The Wire and Avatar: The Last Airbender. The Sopranos and Cosmos make up the top 10.

Here is the top TV series ever made, according to IMDb.

1. Breaking Bad
2. Planet Earth II
3. Planet Earth
4. Band of Brothers
5. Chernobyl
6. The Wire
7. Avatar: The Last Airbender
8. Blue Planet II
9. The Sopranos
10. Cosmos