15 Best Crime TV Series on Netflix to Watch in September 2023

As viewers, we have a bizarre way of getting behind TV criminals when they're portrayed in a way that makes us feel connected to them.

If you're looking for a decent crime drama to get stuck into, Netflix has plenty to choose from. Here are fifteen of the best currently available:

15. Good Girls (2018-2021)

Three housewives facing financial problems get involved with a drug gang as they try to improve their fortunes, and their lives. It's addictive and bingeable, but coming after Breaking Bad, it has something of the not-on-that-level about it.

14. Ganglands (2021)

A career robber and a rookie criminal get tangled up with a drug cartel that is way out of their league. The show is packed with everything you expect in a good crime drama; devious behaviour, plenty of plot twists and a fair smattering of violence.

13. Babylon Berlin (2017-present)

Set in historic Berlin, this show follows Geron, an up-and-coming police inspector transferred from Cologne. Charged with investigating a complex and mysterious series of events, he's faced with corruption and power struggles in a city on the brink of collapse.

12. Narcos (2015-2017)

This series charts the rise and fall of Pablo Escobar, examining his life, criminal career and death. It's gritty and not for the faint of heart. But it's also a fascinating insight into how cartels grew and the power they held over entire regions – and the authorities.

11. The Blacklist (2013-2023)

One of the FBI's Most Wanted, Raymond Reddington, turns himself in and offers a deal to help the organisation take down the others they're after. In return, he wants immunity and to work with criminal profiler Elizabeth Keen.

10. Mindhunter (2017-2019)

Mindhunter follows the exploits of two FBI agents who get inside the minds of serial killers. Based on real-life profiling efforts introduced by the FBI in the 70s, it can sometimes feel a little slow-going. But this was never intended to be a show about chasing criminals. It's about understanding them. It only ran for two seasons and is one you shouldn't miss.

9. The Alienist (2018-2020)

This is a graphic murder mystery and psychological thriller. Mixing real historical figures with fictional characters, it's set in late 19th century New York and follows investigators as they try to decipher the minds behind a series of gruesome murders.

8. In From the Cold (2022-present)

An interesting concept. A seemingly 'normal' single mother is kidnapped by the CIA in Madrid and revealed to be a former spy for Russia. Now in the clutches of the US authorities, she's given an ultimatum. Work with them or turn her back on her family.

7. How to Get Away with Murder (2014-2020)

A law professor and five of her students become embroiled in a murder plot they can't shake. Viola Davis stars in a critically acclaimed series that saw her become the first black woman to win the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series.

6. Who Killed Sara (2021-2022)

A Mexican crime drama that follows an innocent man seeking revenge for the time he spent in prison after being wrongly convicted of his sister's murder. Released from prison, Álex Guzmán has only one thing on his mind: to find out who killed Sara and get payback. There are plenty of plot twists and some graphic images of violence that won't be to everyone's taste.

5. Ozark (2017-2022)

Marty is an ordinary guy who gets involved with a drug cartel and is drawn into a world he knows nothing about. But he owes some pretty nasty people and has his family to think about. It's gripping and will keep you on the edge of your seat throughout.

4. Better Call Saul (2015-2020)

If you loved Breaking Bad, you'll no doubt be interested in the backstory of Saul Goodman. Better Call Saul tells that story and sees morally questionable lawyer Jimmy McGill become his alter ego. It's tragic, funny, touching and just plain brilliant.

3. Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)

Cillian Murphy stars as Tommy Shelby in this period crime drama set in the aftermath of the First World War. Based on a real-life crime family and drawing on historical events, it's a gritty re-enactment of gang life at a time of social upheaval in a country recovering from conflict.

2. Top Boy (2011-2023)

Top Boy follows the lives of poor kids from the fictional London estate of Summerfield. Living in poverty, Dushane, Sully and their crew are desperate to make a name for themselves. But becoming a Top Boy in London is full of pitfalls and the risk of death. It's pure character-driven drama.

1. Breaking Bad (2008-2013)

What else could it be? This show (probably) needs no introduction. Run-of-the-mill chemistry teacher Walter White sets out to secure his family's future after being diagnosed with cancer. Using his knowledge of chemistry, he begins to produce and distribute methamphetamine. The show follows his journey into crime alongside his accomplice Jesse Pinkman.