Popular Crime Shows

14 ranked items · community-voted

Popular Crime Shows

Dive into the intriguing world of crime dramas that keep audiences on the edge of their seats. These shows combine suspenseful storytelling with complex characters, exploring the darker sides of humanity and the intricacies of criminal investigation.

Breaking Bad

1.Breaking Bad10434 votes

This critically acclaimed series chronicles the transformation of a high school chemistry teacher into a methamphetamine manufacturing drug lord after being diagnosed with terminal cancer. Its rich character development and gripping narrative often provoke deep moral questions about crime, loyalty, and survival.

💡 Won 16 Primetime Emmy Awards

The Sopranos

2.The Sopranos9974 votes

This groundbreaking series revolves around mob boss Tony Soprano as he balances the demands of his crime family with those of his personal life. The show is widely considered one of the greatest television series of all time, exploring complex themes of identity, morality, and family dynamics.

💡 Won 21 Primetime Emmy Awards during its runtime.

The Wire

3.The Wire9424 votes

Set in Baltimore, 'The Wire' explores the complex interplay between law enforcement and the drug trade. It’s known for its realistic portrayal of urban life and the sociopolitical themes surrounding addiction and crime.

💡 Frequently cited as one of the greatest television series of all time.

Fargo

4.Fargo9321 votes

Inspired by the eponymous film, 'Fargo' is an anthology series that presents different crime stories, often with a bizarre twist. Each season features new characters and plots, but retains the same unique tone and aesthetic.

💡 Each season is inspired by true events, blurring the lines between reality and fiction.

Narcos

5.Narcos9263 votes

This series chronicles the real-life stories of drug kingpins and the law enforcement efforts to bring them down. The show offers a gripping blend of action and drama, illustrated through the rise and fall of one of Colombia's most notorious criminals, Pablo Escobar.

💡 The series is based on true events and heavily features historical footage.

Better Call Saul

6.Better Call Saul8249 votes

A prequel to 'Breaking Bad,' this series follows Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer hustling to make a name for himself. As he transforms into the morally challenged Saul Goodman, the show artfully delves into the consequences of his choices.

💡 Received multiple Emmy nominations and is praised for its character development and storytelling.

True Detective

7.True Detective7967 votes

An anthology crime series, each season of 'True Detective' features a new cast and storyline, often delving into dark criminal investigations and the psychological toll that the cases take on involved officers. This series is noted for its cinematic quality and philosophical themes intertwining crime and human nature.

💡 Season 1 received great acclaim and was nominated for multiple awards

Ozark

8.Ozark7250 votes

This series follows a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. As they settle into their new environment, they become entangled with local criminals, making survival a challenge.

💡 Known for its dark and tense atmosphere, the show received critical acclaim and multiple awards.

9.Sherlock6725 votes

This modern update of Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's classic detective stories stars Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. Set in contemporary London, it combines clever writing with intricate mysteries and engaging character dynamics.

💡 Cumberbatch's portrayal of Holmes brought the character back into popular culture, earning critical acclaim.

10.Mindhunter6618 votes

Set in the late 1970s and based on true events, 'Mindhunter' follows FBI agents as they develop criminal profiling techniques in their interviews with notorious serial killers. The show's meticulous attention to psychological detail offers viewers a chilling exploration of the criminal mind.

💡 Based on the true-crime book 'Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit'

The Night Of

11.The Night Of5991 votes

This limited series follows the story of a college student who becomes the prime suspect in a murder investigation after a night of partying goes wrong. It intricately examines the criminal justice system and its impact on those involved.

💡 Won an Emmy for its exceptional production design.

Narcos: Mexico

12.Narcos: Mexico5765 votes

This companion series to 'Narcos' explores the origins of the modern drug war in Mexico and the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel. It presents a gritty portrayal of drug trafficking, law enforcement, and the social ramifications of the drug business.

💡 Launched as a Netflix original series, it highlights real historical events and figures in the drug trade.

Line of Duty

13.Line of Duty5463 votes

This British police procedural follows a fictional unit of AC-12, which investigates police corruption. Full of twists and turns, the show is renowned for its gripping storytelling and complex characters.

💡 It has become one of the most-watched shows in the UK, particularly during its sixth season.

Broadchurch

14.Broadchurch4245 votes

Set in a small coastal town in England, this series begins with the discovery of a young boy's body, leading to a complex murder investigation. The show explores the impact on the tight-knit community and the detectives working the case.

💡 The first season received critical acclaim and won several awards, including a BAFTA.

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