Best Cinemax Series: The Titles Fans Still Defend
- 01. Best Cinemax Series: The Definitive Ranking Fans Still Defend
- 02. Top 5 Best Cinemax Series Ranked by Fans & Critics
- 03. 1. Banshee: Cinemax's Golden Goose of Action Drama
- 04. 2. The Knick: Steven Soderbergh's Medical Masterpiece
- 05. 3. Warrior: Bruce Lee's Unfinished TV Vision Realized
- 06. 4. Strike Back: High-Octane Special Forces Action
- 07. 5. Quarry: Vietnam-Era Crime Drama with Moral Complexity
- 08. Other Notable Cinemax Series Worth Watching
- 09. Why Fans Defend These Cinemax Series
Best Cinemax Series: The Definitive Ranking Fans Still Defend
The best Cinemax series are Banshee (2013-2016), The Knick (2014-2015), and Warrior (2019-2023), which together dominate fan rankings with IMDb scores of 8.4/10, 8.4/10, and 8.0/10 respectively. These shows define Cinemax's legacy of high-octane storytelling blending gritty action, historical depth, and character-driven drama, with Banshee holding the #1 spot on fan-voted lists with 965 votes.
Top 5 Best Cinemax Series Ranked by Fans & Critics
Cinemax's catalog features premium original programming that often flew under the radar despite cinematic production quality. The following table ranks the top series based on fan votes, IMDb ratings, and critical acclaim:
| Rank | Series | Years Aired | IMDb Rating | Fan Votes | Genre |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Banshee | 2013-2016 | 8.4/10 | 965 | Action, Crime, Thriller |
| 2 | The Knick | 2014-2015 | 8.4/10 | 161 | Medical Drama, History |
| 3 | Warrior | 2019-2023 | 8.0/10 | 239 | Action, Drama, Martial Arts |
| 4 | Strike Back | 2010-2020 | 7.9/10 | 298 | Action, Adventure, War |
| 5 | Quarry | 2016 | 7.5/10 | 112 | Crime, Drama, Thriller |
1. Banshee: Cinemax's Golden Goose of Action Drama
Banshee premiered January 11, 2013, and became Cinemax's most-watched original series, pushing out Emmanuelle In Space from its prime time slot. Created by Jonathan Tropper, the show follows an ex-con who assumes the identity of a murdered sheriff in a small Pennsylvania town filled with Amish families, gangsters, and quiet corruption. Antony Starr (later Homelander in The Boys) delivers a career-defining performance alongside Ivana Miličević, Ulrich Thomsen, and Lili Simmons.
The series ran for 4 seasons with 38 episodes, known for extreme fight choreography and visceral action sequences that TV Guide called "thrilling". Fans defend Banshee as smarter than its surface-level violence suggests, noting its deeply emotional personal relationships beneath the adrenaline. The show's cult following remains active on Twitter, with the entire cast interacting regularly with fans.
2. The Knick: Steven Soderbergh's Medical Masterpiece
The Knick aired from August 8, 2014, to 2015, boasting an IMDb rating of 8.4/10 despite cancellation after only 2 seasons. Directed primarily by Steven Soderbergh, the series is set in 1900 New York City at the fictional Knickerbocker Hospital, following Dr. John Thackery (Clive Owen), a brilliant but troubled surgeon battling cocaine addiction while pioneering revolutionary surgical techniques.
The show earned 32 Primetime Emmy nominations with 1 win, praised for its meticulous historical detail and exploration of race, class, and medical ethics. André Holland's portrayal of Dr. Algernon Edwards, an African American surgeon fighting discrimination, added profound social commentary to the medical drama. Critics call it a "masterful blend of historical drama and medical intrigue" that cemented Cinemax's commitment to rich storytelling.
3. Warrior: Bruce Lee's Unfinished TV Vision Realized
Warrior premiered April 5, 2019, inspired by writings and concepts from martial arts legend Bruce Lee created in the 1970s but never produced. Created by Jonathan Tropper and executive produced by Justin Lin and Shannon Lee (Bruce's daughter), the series follows Ah Sahm (Andrew Koji), a martial arts prodigy who arrives in 1878 San Francisco's Chinatown and becomes embroiled in ruthless power struggles between tong gangs.
The show features expertly choreographed fight scenes with "sensational, adrenalized polish" appropriate for its action genre. Warrior earned 239 fan votes on Ranker, ranking #1 on lists for "Martial Arts Series On Netflix" and "Best Martial Arts TV Shows". Its cancellation after 3 seasons (2019-2023) left fans advocating for renewal, with many calling it Cinemax's most culturally significant action series.
4. Strike Back: High-Octane Special Forces Action
Strike Back premiered May 5, 2010, as a high-octane special forces drama following British operatives Sullivan Stapleton and Philip Winchester combating global terrorism. The series ran for 6 seasons across 10 years (2010-2020), with 298 fan votes making it Cinemax's longest-running action franchise.
Set across multiple global locations, Strike Back follows two operatives-one British, one American-conducting covert operations for the British government. The show redefined the action genre with explosive set pieces, gripping plotlines, and top-notch cast performances that kept viewers on edge. Seasons 1-3 are available on Amazon, while seasons 4-5 require Cinemax trial membership.
5. Quarry: Vietnam-Era Crime Drama with Moral Complexity
Quarry premiered September 9, 2016, based on novels by Max Allan Collins, starring Logan Marshall-Green as a Vietnam veteran turned hitman in 1970s Memphis. The series explores moral complexities and personal demons haunting its protagonist through an unflinching portrayal of a flawed antihero.
With 112 fan votes, Quarry earned widespread acclaim for its gritty crime drama set in the seedy underbelly of Memphis. The show features Melissa George, Adam Rayner, and Stephen Dillane, tackling provocative themes with compelling performances characteristic of Cinemax's best work.
Other Notable Cinemax Series Worth Watching
- Outcast (2016-2017): Supernatural horror by Robert Kirkman (The Walking Dead creator) about demonic possession, starring Patrick Fugit
- Jett: Crime drama starring Carla Gugino as a skilled thief navigating dangerous underworld deception
- Hunted: Spy thriller with Melissa George as operative Sam Hunter working for private security firm
- Tales from the Tour Bus (2017-2020): Animated documentary by Mike Judge (Beavis and Butt-Head) about legendary musicians
Why Fans Defend These Cinemax Series
Cinemax series like Banshee were "always the kind of series fans had to defend as being smarter than they might have seemed" in initial episodes. Unlike HBO's prestige drama reputation, Cinemax embraced genre-bending action with cinematic quality rarely seen on television. These shows challenge norms while engaging viewers emotionally through bold storytelling paired with production values that rival theatrical films.
The network's lean, relentless style delivered thrilling, visually stunning content that defied genre expectations. While overshadowed by prominent counterparts, Cinemax's catalog contains a treasure trove of series that captivated audiences and critics alike.
- Start with Banshee for adrenaline-fueled action with emotional depth
- Watch The Knick for historical medical drama with artistic merit
- View Warrior for martial arts excellence and cultural significance
- Binge Strike Back for long-form special forces adventure
- Explore Quarry for gritty crime drama with moral complexity
These best Cinemax series represent a unique era of premium television where action met artistry, creating content fans still defend passionately nearly a decade later. Whether you seek martial arts mastery, medical innovation, or small-town corruption, Cinemax's catalog delivers cinematic quality television that stands alongside HBO's best work.
What are the most common questions about Best Cinemax Series The Titles Fans Still Defend?
What is the number one best Cinemax series?
Banshee is the #1 best Cinemax series, holding the top spot with 965 fan votes, an 8.4/10 IMDb rating, and Cinemax's highest viewership as the network's "Golden Goose".
Is The Knick worth watching despite being cancelled?
Yes, The Knick is absolutely worth watching with its 8.4/10 IMDb rating, Steven Soderbergh direction, Clive Owen's career-best performance, and 32 Emmy nominations despite only 2 seasons.
What happened to Warrior after Cinemax cancelled it?
Warrior was picked up by Roku Channel for seasons 4-5 after Cinemax cancellation, continuing Andrew Koji's story with 2023 release dates and maintaining its 8.0/10 IMDb rating.
Are all Cinemax series available on streaming platforms?
Most Cinemax series are available: Banshee streams on Amazon Prime Video, The Knick and Warrior are on Max, while Strike Back seasons 4-5 require Cinemax trial membership.
Why did Cinemax stop making original series?
Cinemax shifted strategy in 2019-2020, cancelling original programming to focus on movie licensing as HBO Max launched, ending its premium original era after a decade of bold storytelling.
