Crime dramas have long been a popular genre for television viewers, and with the advent of streaming services, there are now more options than ever to enjoy a compelling binge-watch. From classic whodunits to gritty police procedurals, the world of crime dramas offers something for every taste. Here are the top 10 crime dramas that are ideal for a weekend binge-watch.
1. “Breaking Bad” – This critically acclaimed series chronicles the transformation of a secondary school chemistry teacher into a ruthless drug kingpin. With its intense storytelling and complex characters, “Breaking Bad” is essential viewing for any crime drama enthusiast.
2. “Mindhunter” – Set in the late 1970s, this series follows two FBI agents as they develop the field of criminal psychology and profiling by interviewing serial killers. With its chilling atmosphere and compelling performances, “Mindhunter” offers a gripping exploration of the minds of murderers.
3. “Broadchurch” – This British series follows the investigation of a young boy’s murder in a small coastal town. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, “Broadchurch” is a haunting and emotional crime drama.
4. “True Detective” – Each series of this anthology follows a different set of detectives as they investigate complex and dark cases. With its atmospheric storytelling and standout performances, “True Detective” is exemplary in the crime drama genre.
5. “The Sopranos” – This groundbreaking series follows the life of mob boss Tony Soprano as he navigates the challenges of running a criminal organisation whilst dealing with personal and family issues. With its rich character development and intense storytelling, “The Sopranos” is a timeless classic.
6. “Line of Duty” – This British series follows an anti-corruption unit as they investigate corrupt police officers within their own ranks. With its tense and twisty storytelling, “Line of Duty” is a thrilling and addictive crime drama.
7. “The Killing” – This American adaptation of a Danish series follows the investigation of a young girl’s murder and the impact it has on the detectives involved. With its moody atmosphere and compelling performances, “The Killing” is a haunting and atmospheric crime drama.
8. “Ozark” – This series follows a financial planner who is forced to relocate his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes awry. With its intense storytelling and complex characters, “Ozark” is a gripping and suspenseful crime drama.
9. “Sherlock” – This modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic detective stories follows Sherlock Holmes and Dr John Watson as they solve complex and challenging cases in contemporary London. With its clever storytelling and dynamic performances, “Sherlock” is a fresh and exciting take on the classic detective duo.
10. “The Wire” – This series explores the interconnected worlds of law enforcement, drug trafficking, and politics in Baltimore. With its gritty realism and complex storytelling, “The Wire” is a powerful and thought-provoking crime drama.
Whether one is in the mood for intense character studies or gripping investigations, these top 10 crime dramas are certain to satisfy the craving for thrilling television.
Summary
- “Broadchurch” and “Line of Duty” are must-watch crime dramas for fans of the genre.
- “Midsomer Murders” and “Inspector Morse” are timeless classics that continue to captivate audiences.
- “Sherlock” and “Happy Valley” are among the best crime dramas of the past decade, offering gripping storylines and compelling characters.
- “River” and “The Fall” are underrated crime dramas that deserve more recognition for their intense and captivating narratives.
- “Manhunt” and “The Serpent” are riveting crime dramas based on true events that will leave viewers shocked and enthralled.
Classic British Crime Dramas: Timeless Gems
Investigating the Classics
1. “Inspector Morse” – This beloved series follows the investigations of Chief Inspector Morse as he solves complex cases in Oxford. With its intelligent storytelling and memorable performances, “Inspector Morse” is a classic example of British crime drama at its best.
2. “Prime Suspect” – Starring Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, this groundbreaking series follows Tennison as she navigates the male-dominated world of policing while solving challenging cases. With its powerful performances and gritty realism, “Prime Suspect” remains a landmark in British crime drama.
Psychological Thrillers
3. “Cracker” – This series follows criminal psychologist Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald as he assists the police in solving complex cases while battling his own personal demons. With its intense storytelling and standout performances, “Cracker” is a gripping and psychological crime drama.
4. “Wire in the Blood” – Based on the novels by Val McDermid, this series follows clinical psychologist Dr. Tony Hill as he assists the police in solving disturbing and violent crimes. With its dark and intense storytelling, “Wire in the Blood” is a gripping exploration of the human psyche.
Timeless Favourites
5. “A Touch of Frost” – Starring David Jason as Detective Inspector Jack Frost, this series follows Frost as he tackles tough cases in the fictional town of Denton. With its mix of drama and dry wit, “A Touch of Frost” is a beloved classic in British crime drama.
6. “Foyle’s War” – Set during World War II, this series follows Detective Chief Superintendent Christopher Foyle as he solves crimes on the home front while dealing with the challenges of wartime Britain. With its historical setting and compelling mysteries, “Foyle’s War” is a timeless gem in British crime drama.
7. “Dalziel and Pascoe” – This series follows the partnership of Detective Superintendent Andy Dalziel and Detective Sergeant Peter Pascoe as they solve complex cases in Yorkshire. With its dynamic duo of detectives and compelling mysteries, “Dalziel and Pascoe” is a classic example of British crime drama.
8. “Silent Witness” – This long-running series follows a team of forensic pathologists as they investigate suspicious deaths and solve complex cases. With its blend of science and suspense, “Silent Witness” continues to be a staple of British crime drama.
9. “Taggart” – Set in Glasgow, this series follows the investigations of the Maryhill CID as they tackle tough cases in Scotland’s largest city. With its gritty realism and compelling storytelling, “Taggart” remains an enduring classic in British crime drama.
10. “The Ruth Rendell Mysteries” – Based on the novels by Ruth Rendell, this anthology series presents standalone mysteries with intricate plots and compelling characters. With its focus on psychological suspense, “The Ruth Rendell Mysteries” is a timeless gem in British crime drama.
Enduring Appeal
From iconic detectives to gripping mysteries, these classic British crime dramas continue to captivate audiences with their compelling storytelling and rich characters.
Gripping Thrillers: The Best Crime Dramas of the Decade
The past decade has seen an explosion of gripping crime dramas that have pushed the boundaries of storytelling and captivated audiences around the world. From intense psychological thrillers to pulse-pounding action, these crime dramas have set new standards for the genre. Here are some of the best crime dramas of the decade that are not to be missed.
1. “True Detective” (2014-2019) – This anthology series has delivered three distinct seasons, each with its own unique setting and cast of characters. From the haunting Louisiana bayous to the gritty streets of Los Angeles, “True Detective” has consistently delivered intense storytelling and standout performances.
2. “Broadchurch” (2013-2017) – This British series follows the investigation of a young boy’s murder in a small coastal town, delving into the impact on the community and the detectives involved. With its stunning cinematography and powerful performances, “Broadchurch” is a haunting and emotional crime drama.
3. “The Night Of” (2016) – This limited series follows a young man who becomes embroiled in a murder investigation after a night of partying goes horribly wrong. With its intense character study and gripping suspense, “The Night Of” is a riveting exploration of the criminal justice system.
4. “Happy Valley” (2014-2016) – Set in West Yorkshire, this series follows police sergeant Catherine Cawood as she navigates personal tragedy while tackling tough cases in her community. With its blend of drama and dark humour, “Happy Valley” is a compelling and intense crime drama.
5. “Fargo” (2014-present) – Inspired by the Coen Brothers’ film of the same name, this anthology series presents standalone stories with quirky characters and dark humour set against the backdrop of small-town America. With its blend of crime and black comedy, “Fargo” continues to deliver unique and compelling storytelling.
6. “The Fall” (2013-2016) – Set in Belfast, this series follows Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson as she hunts down a serial killer while navigating personal and professional challenges. With its intense cat-and-mouse game and standout performances, “The Fall” is a gripping psychological thriller.
7. “Line of Duty” (2012-present) – This British series follows an anti-corruption unit as they investigate corrupt police officers within their own ranks. With its tense and twisty storytelling, “Line of Duty” is a thrilling exploration of police corruption and moral ambiguity.
8. “Babylon Berlin” (2017-present) – Set in 1920s Berlin during the Weimar Republic, this German series follows detective Gereon Rath as he navigates political intrigue and criminal underworld while solving complex cases. With its stunning production design and gripping storytelling, “Babylon Berlin” offers a unique blend of historical drama and crime thriller.
9. “The Bridge” (2011-2018) – This Swedish-Danish co-production follows detectives from both countries as they collaborate to solve crimes that occur on the Øresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark. With its international scope and complex characters, “The Bridge” is a gripping exploration of cross-border crime.
10. “Mindhunter” (2017-2019) – Set in the late 1970s, this series follows two FBI agents as they develop the field of criminal psychology and profiling by interviewing serial killers. With its chilling atmosphere and compelling performances, “Mindhunter” offers a fascinating look into the minds of murderers.
From intense psychological thrillers to pulse-pounding action, these gripping crime dramas have set new standards for storytelling and captivated audiences with their compelling characters and suspenseful plots.
Hidden Gems: Underrated Crime Dramas You Need to See
While some crime dramas receive widespread acclaim and attention, there are many hidden gems that may have flown under the radar but are well worth seeking out for their compelling storytelling and standout performances. From lesser-known international series to overlooked classics, these underrated crime dramas deserve to be discovered by fans of the genre. 1. “Rectify” (2013-2016) – This American series follows Daniel Holden as he returns to his small Georgia town after spending 19 years on death row for a crime he may not have committed. With its introspective storytelling and powerful performances, “Rectify” is a haunting exploration of justice and redemption. 2. “Top of the Lake” (2013-2017) – Set in New Zealand, this series follows detective Robin Griffin as she investigates the disappearance of a pregnant 12-year-old girl while confronting her own personal demons. With its stunning cinematography and complex characters, “Top of the Lake” offers a unique blend of mystery and psychological drama. 3. “The Missing” (2014-2016) – This British anthology series presents standalone stories that explore the impact of child abduction on families while following intense investigations to uncover the truth. With its emotional depth and gripping suspense, “The Missing” offers powerful storytelling that delves into themes of loss and grief. 4. “Hinterland/Y Gwyll” (2013-2016) – This Welsh series follows detective Tom Mathias as he investigates crimes in rural Wales while battling his own personal demons. With its atmospheric setting and complex characters, “Hinterland/Y Gwyll” offers a unique take on the police procedural genre. 5. “River” (2015) – Starring Stellan Skarsgård as detective John River, this British series follows River as he investigates crimes while grappling with hallucinations of his deceased partner who helps him solve cases. With its psychological depth and standout performances, “River” offers an unconventional take on the crime drama genre. 6. “Cardinal” (2017-present) – Based on novels by Giles Blunt, this Canadian series follows detectives John Cardinal and Lise Delorme as they investigate crimes in Algonquin Bay while navigating personal challenges. With its atmospheric setting and compelling mysteries, “Cardinal” offers an engaging blend of character-driven drama and intense investigations. 7. “Marcella” (2016-present) – Starring Anna Friel as detective Marcella Backland, this British series follows Marcella as she returns to work after taking time off for personal reasons while investigating complex cases that become intertwined with her own past traumas. With its intense character study and gripping suspense, “Marcella” offers an emotionally charged take on the police procedural genre. 8. “Shetland” (2013-present) – Based on novels by Ann Cleeves, this Scottish series follows detective Jimmy Perez as he investigates crimes on the remote Shetland Islands while dealing with personal challenges in his own life. With its stunning landscapes and compelling mysteries, “Shetland” offers a unique blend of atmospheric storytelling and character-driven drama. 9. “Braquo” (2009-2016) – This French series follows a group of Parisian police officers who resort to extreme measures to solve cases while navigating corruption within their own ranks. With its gritty realism and intense action, “Braquo” offers an unflinching look at law enforcement on the edge. 10.”Trapped/Ófærð”(2015-present) – This Icelandic series follows police chief Andri Ólafsson as he investigates crimes in a small town cut off from the outside world by a snowstorm while dealing with personal challenges in his own life.With its atmospheric setting and compelling mysteries,”Trapped/Ófærð”is an engrossing exploration of isolationand survival amidst criminal intrigue. From introspective character studies to atmospheric mysteries, these underrated crime dramas offer compelling storytelling that deserves to be discovered by fans looking for something new within the genre.
Crime Dramas Based on True Events: Rivetingand Shocking
True crime has long been a sourceof fascination for audiences seekingto understandthe darker sideof human natureandthe complexitiesof criminal investigations.From notoriousmurders to high-profile scandals,truecrime dramashavecaptivated viewerswith theirrivetingandshockingdepictions.These dramashavebroughtreal-lifecrimestothe
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FAQs
What are crime dramas?
Crime dramas are a genre of television shows and films that focus on the investigation and solving of criminal cases. They often involve police procedurals, detective work, and legal proceedings.
What are some popular crime dramas to watch?
Some popular crime dramas to watch include “Sherlock”, “Mindhunter”, “Broadchurch”, “Line of Duty”, “Luther”, “True Detective”, “The Sinner”, “The Fall”, “Happy Valley”, and “Peaky Blinders”.
What makes a good crime drama?
A good crime drama typically has a compelling storyline, well-developed characters, suspenseful plot twists, and a realistic portrayal of crime-solving techniques. It should also have strong performances from the cast and a gripping atmosphere.
Are crime dramas suitable for all audiences?
Crime dramas often contain mature themes, violence, and intense scenes, so they may not be suitable for all audiences. It’s important to check the age rating and content warnings before watching a crime drama, especially for younger viewers.
Where can I watch crime dramas?
Crime dramas are available to watch on various streaming platforms such as Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, and BBC iPlayer. They may also be available for purchase or rental on digital platforms like iTunes and Google Play.
