The Best 10 Crime Shows on Netflix You Haven't Seen
And no, we're not rehashing "Sherlock" or "Breaking Bad" for the millionth time.
1. "Hinterland" (2013-2016)
You might have come across this one while exploring the dark corners of Netflix and thought, "Maybe later." Well, "later" is now. Set in the rugged landscape of Wales, "Hinterland" follows detective inspector Tom Mathias, a man as troubled and complex as the crimes he solves. The show skillfully blends the local folklore with modern crime-solving. It's a bleak, atmospheric, and deeply engrossing show, packed with slow-burning mysteries. It boasts an 83% Rotten Tomatoes rating, and for good reason.
2. "La Mante" (2017)
Do you like your crime shows served with a side of psychological horror? Then "La Mante" is for you. This French miniseries revolves around a serial killer who offers to help police solve a string of murders eerily similar to the ones she committed decades ago. The catch? She wants her estranged son, now a cop, to work on the case. "La Mante" has a tight plot with enough twists to keep you guessing till the end. Bonus point: it's only six episodes, perfect for a weekend binge.
3. "The Break" (2016-2019)
Belgium might be known for its waffles and chocolates, but "The Break" ("La Trêve" in French) adds another dimension to the country – a darker, grittier one. When police detective Yoann Peeters moves back to his hometown with his daughter, he expects a quiet life. Spoiler alert: he doesn't get it. Instead, he's drawn into a mysterious death that the locals are too eager to brush off as a suicide. The show's real charm lies in its realistic portrayal of rural life and the complex character of Peeters, which makes it more than just a murder mystery. And hey, it has an 86% Rotten Tomatoes audience rating!
4. "Marcella" (2016-2021)
Don't let the mundane name fool you. "Marcella" is a British crime noir detective series about a former detective who returns to work after her husband leaves her. Oh, and she also suffers from unexplained blackouts which may or may not connect her to a murder. No biggie. Anna Friel's performance as the titular character is stunning, carrying the weight of a flawed, broken woman on her shoulders. The show may not be for everyone, given its intense narrative, but for those who enjoy a good psychological thriller, this one's a treat.
5. "Trapped" (2015-2016)
"Trapped" is an Icelandic thriller that you'll love if you enjoyed "The Killing" or "Broadchurch." The plot revolves around a gruesome murder in a small Icelandic town that just so happens to coincide with a severe snowstorm, cutting the town off from the outside world. The local police chief, Andri, must solve the crime before the storm clears, all while juggling personal issues. The show's isolated setting and claustrophobic atmosphere make it a compelling watch. And if you need another reason, it holds a whopping 100% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.
6. "Bordertown" (2016-2020)
Taking a leap to the colder climes of Scandinavia, "Bordertown" is a Finnish crime drama that demands your attention. The show follows detective Kari Sorjonen, a man with a Sherlock-esque eye for detail, who moves to a quiet town near the Russian border seeking a peaceful life. Surprise, surprise, it's anything but peaceful. The series is incredibly well-crafted, with chilling crimes inspired by real-life events. It's dark, it's atmospheric, and it's addictive. And here's a fun trivia: its original name, "Sorjonen," had to be changed to "Bordertown" for international audiences due to difficulty in pronunciation.
7. "Fallet" (2017)
Tired of dark, moody crime dramas? Try "Fallet" on for size. This Swedish-British crime comedy is a clever parody of all your favorite detective shows. Sophie Borg, a Swedish detective, and Tom Brown, a British detective, are paired up to investigate a gruesome murder. The series revels in the culture clash between the two detectives, mixing murder with hilariously awkward moments. Despite its lighter tone, "Fallet" doesn't skimp on the crime element. It's like a delicious detective dessert after a heavy meal of "Mindhunter" or "True Detective".
8. "Hotel Beau Séjour" (2017-Present)
"Hotel Beau Séjour" puts a supernatural spin on the crime genre. A murdered teenage girl wakes up in a hotel with no memory of her death and the ability to see certain people. It's a fresh, original take on the whodunit trope, with the victim solving her own murder. The show deftly balances the supernatural with gritty realism, making for a unique viewing experience.
9. "El Marginal" (2016-Present)
This Argentine crime drama is as gritty as they come. "El Marginal" follows Miguel Palacios, a former cop who enters a prison under a false identity to infiltrate a gang of prisoners who kidnapped a judge's daughter. What sets it apart is its authentic portrayal of life in prison and the complex dynamics between the inmates. The show is raw, intense, and does not shy away from violence. Not recommended for the faint-hearted, but a must-watch for crime drama aficionados.
10. "Unit 42" (2017-2019)
Last on our list is "Unit 42", a Belgian crime drama for the digital age. The show revolves around a Brussels police department tasked with solving cybercrimes. The series showcases an exciting cat-and-mouse game between the police and cybercriminals, with our old-school detective protagonist, Samuel Leroy, struggling to cope with the new digital era. It's smart, it's tense, and it's a refreshing departure from the usual murder mysteries. The series holds a solid 6.9 rating on IMDb, making it a hidden gem worthy of your time.