10 Crime Dramas So Gripping, You Won't Be Able To Look Away

1. Signal (South Korea, 2016)

Look, ever imagined if the past could talk to the present? Think a walkie-talkie that can breach the fabric of time. This riveting series chronicles detectives from different timelines, communicating through a mysterious walkie-talkie. A string of cold cases gets reopened, all connected to a serial killer that's eluded capture for decades. Modern forensics meet old-school detective work. And guess what? It's inspired by real-life events. Would you answer the call from the past?

2. The Break (Belgium, 2016)

Imagine a small town where secrets get buried deeper than the lake it's next to. A detective mourning his son's suicide comes back home, only to discover that the recent death of a young African football player might not be the clear-cut accident everyone claims it is. The picturesque landscape, trust me, is quite the contrast to the dark underbelly of crimes, prejudices, and history. Ah, Europe, with its haunting beauty and even more haunting crimes.

3. Hinterland (Wales, 2013)

Speaking of haunting beauty, let's take a wee detour to Wales. There's something both chilling and captivating about the rugged Welsh countryside, don't you think? In Aberystwyth, DCI Tom Mathias is the new face, running from his troubled past. But this town, well, it holds secrets that refuse to stay hidden. Each episode is a tapestry of brooding landscapes and intricate cases. If you think Wales is just about sheep and castles, think again.

4. Department Q series (Denmark, 2013)

Alright, let's face it: Scandinavia knows how to churn out crime dramas like clockwork. But, Department Q takes the cake for its sheer audacity. You've got a pair of misfit detectives relegated to the basement (yes, literally) to sift through cold cases. The deeper they dig, the murkier things get. From a double murder on a passenger boat to mysterious disappearances at an island commune – buckle up, because these are anything but run-of-the-mill detective stories. Who'd have thought the basement could be so thrilling?

5. Romanzo Criminale (Italy, 2008)

As the sun kisses the Roman rooftops, under its glow brews a tale of blood, betrayal, and 'la cosa nostra'. Based on true events, this series traces the rise and fall of the Magliana Gang in Rome during the 1970s and '80s. Cocaine, corrupt politicians, and cunning strategies – it's a full-on Italian feast, minus the pasta. This ain't your grandmama's Italian holiday trip, I promise.

6. Giri/Haji (UK/Japan, 2019)

Tokyo. London. Two cities, one detective torn between duty and destruction. An out-of-place Tokyo detective seeks his yakuza brother in London to prevent a gang war. Along the way? A host of colorful characters from both worlds. And let's just say, the line between the good, the bad, and the ugly gets, well, blurry. It's a whirlwind of cultures, loyalties, and neon-lit nights. Ready to jump continents?

7. No Offence (UK, 2015)

What's that? You've had enough of the brooding detectives? Fancy a bit of Mancunian wit? In Manchester, a team of detectives work against the clock to capture a serial killer targeting women with a specific Down syndrome. It's gritty, it's raw, and it'll make you laugh in places you probably shouldn't. Real issues, a dash of humor, and a sprinkle of drama. Just the right recipe for a binge-watch, wouldn't you say?

8. Fauda (Israel, 2015)

Into the hotbed of Israeli-Palestinian tensions, we go. This isn't just a crime drama; it's a piercing insight into a long-standing conflict. Retired Israeli Defense Force operative Doron gets pulled back for one last mission. The catch? The Hamas fighter he thought he'd killed, is alive. Tensions mount, identities blur, and trust? Well, that's a luxury. Think you've seen intense? Think again.

9. Undercover (Bulgaria, 2011)

Mob bosses, secret police, and undercover agents – a cocktail of deception, right? Based on real-life events, an undercover agent infiltrates the Bulgarian mafia. His mission is crystal clear, but the path? Littered with moral quandaries. As allegiances shift like quicksand, the agent grapples with where he truly belongs. Ever played double agent in your head? Dive into this maze.

10. El Marginal (Argentina, 2016)

Welcome to San Onofre – a prison that's more like a fortress of despair. An ex-cop, with secrets of his own, is sent undercover to unearth the whereabouts of a kidnapped judge's daughter. Gang wars, brutal hierarchies, and the constant battle to keep one's humanity intact – it's a harrowing journey. You think you know prisons from the movies? This one's different.