Crime series on Netflix and other OTT platforms have a lot to offer. They are thrilling, intelligent, and endlessly fascinating. From dark comedy to more serious crime drama, OTT platforms have you covered for any mood you may be in. Crime series are also an excellent way to keep up with the latest in fictional crime-solving techniques thanks to their often well-researched scripts. There is so much ground to cover in this genre so we have narrowed down the top 15 best crime series that is perfect for any connoisseur of crime and mayhem!
From murder mysteries, and assault cases to historical fiction, watch the top crime series on Netflix for your dose of thrill.
Why Watch Crime Series on OTT
Do you know the feeling of watching hours upon hours of TV crime shows with the hope of wanting to be a detective one day? The cool thing about crime shows on Netflix or other OTTs is that you can pick up certain things like hand-to-hand combat and more realistic ways to solve a crime.
Moreover, you can watch a crime web series on Netflix or other platforms at your own pace. Pause when you need to work or sleep, or binge-watch through the weekend!
Crime Series On OTT To Watch
Breaking Bad
Breaking Bad is an American crime drama that tells the story of Walter White, a chemistry teacher diagnosed with cancer. To secure his family's financial future, he teams up with a former student to produce and sell crystal meth. The plot twists and turns through interactions with drug cartels, dealers and syndicates. It delves into the thirst for power in the world of crime. Based on the AMC TV series, Breaking Bad is known for being one of the most realistic crime dramas ever made and has won multiple awards for its stunning cinematography. With superb acting and a racy script, it ranks as one of the best crime shows on Netflix.
Narcos
Narcos: Mexico is a tale of the dark world of drug cartels and their dangers. The drama focuses on the mushrooming drug syndicates and the repercussions of such expansions on society and families. The series boasts of some outstanding performances and a strong storyline. The pace of the narrative keeps viewers on the edge of their seats and you are bound to binge-watch this one should you have the time to. While the series lays emphasis on a real problem being faced in Mexico, and to some extent, the United States too, it is entirely a work of fiction.
Babylon Berlin
If you are a history buff, along with being a fan of crime fiction, this one is sure to captivate you. Set against the background of Germany in the 1920s, the rule of Stalin and the Treaty of Versailles. The chief protagonists are an obscure investigator and an independent, flamboyant woman of those times, or a flapper. The show is a comment on several political stances of the times. The aftermath of the First World War is evident in many situations. The extremes of the sentiments displayed as a result of the effects on the people is both heart-warming and disturbing.
Bodyguard
A high-stakes drama that follows the bodyguard of a British politician under siege from threats, conspiracies and terrorists. This show is an amazing crime drama, with an emphasis on suspense. The ‘bodyguard’ is an ex-military man, who served in the war in Afghanistan. His current assignment is to protect the Home Secretary of the Conservative party from terrorist threats and political assassination attempts. The series is gripping despite the lack of too many physical activities such as chases and deadlines. The narrative discloses, slowly, the life of this war veteran and his past, as he deals with the nuances of his current career.
Peaky Blinders
Peaky Blinders is set in Birmingham during the early 1900s. The show chronicles the exploits of gangster Tommy Shelby and his family. A dark and violent drama, Peaky Blinders has a huge international following for its brilliant acting, action sequences, and writing. The drama is set in post-World War I, and follows the story of Shelby, who takes over as the head of the clan as well as the kingpin of the gang. With great performances from both the mainstream and supporting actors, Peaky Blinders is a must-watch series for any crime fan!
Unbelievable
Based on true events, Unbelievable delves into the realm of rape and its victims. There is heartbreak, perseverance, and utmost terror. The series approaches the theme of sexual assault from the perspective of the survivor. This crime series is not for the faint-hearted. Yet, it is a subject that is so relevant and must be watched by anyone and everyone.
A poignant tale of disbelief at the victim’s story, this series becomes heart-wrenching to watch at times. However, the determination of the two cops who pursue the case and do not give up on their attempts at justice for the victim is heart-warming and hopeful.
Ozark
Ozark is the tale of a married couple drawn into the gory world of money laundering. Things start going south for this couple and their small family when the husband Marty, played by Jason Bateman, gets involved in a Mexican drug cartel. A financial advisor turned money launderer, Marty finds himself, along with his wife Wendy, played by Laura Linney, and kids involved in the dark and dangerous underworld of gangsters. Some stunning performances, a strong storyline, and several moments of stark tension make this crime series a gripping watch. The name of the series takes after the location of this drama - Lake of the Ozarks, in central Missouri.
Other Top Crime Series
When They See Us
This is another series that focuses on the issue of rape. A gruelling crime - the rape of a white woman - leaves the city in shock! What makes it worse is that the woman has been affected by the trauma so badly that she cannot recollect what has happened to her, and thus cannot identify her attackers. The themes that run parallel in the drama are family ties, the challenges faced by the police department, and the vulnerability of life living in a big city. This series is also a difficult one to watch. However, it lays stark naked a horrible truth that one simply cannot run away from.
Collateral
The crime is the murder of a pizza delivery guy. The main protagonist of the story is a female detective. The themes that prevail are immigration, racism, and politics. It is a pretty straightforward narrative that is both fascinating and intriguing. What starts as a simple murder mystery takes a darker turn. It takes a few mysterious turns and deeper levels of the mystery become apparent as the story unfolds. Set in London, this drama is a short four-episode series. The storyline is compelling, and the acting is par excellence.
Giri/Haji
Set against the backdrop of gang wars is this tale of long-lost ties and forged family connections. Both a crime series and a family drama, Giri/Haji is the story of a Tokyo-based detective who is hired by a well-renowned gangster family to travel to London in search of his estranged brother. This act is to alleviate an ongoing gang war. While the series has many dark shades, it is also undoubtedly infused with a dose of humour to keep it from turning into an entirely gory drama.
Mindhunter
A psychological thriller, Mindhunter is a crime series set against the backdrop of FBI investigations and interviewing procedures. This series is based on true events and keeps viewers hooked on the drama. The storyline follows the lives of two FBI agents and a consulting psychologist. It focuses on the cases they pursue and the effect they have on their personal lives.
Manhunt: Unabomber
This series has an all-star cast and is set in the 1990s. The narrative follows the famous case of the notorious criminal Ted Kaczynski, and the hunt by FBI agent Sam Fitzgerald to catch the criminal. The gripping drama unfolds via the lens of both the government agencies working to stop crime and the character of the ‘Unabomber’ who escaped the law for two decades.
The Keepers
The Keepers focuses on a somewhat disturbing theme - sexual abuse within an all-girls school by the two head priests. As disturbing as it is, it is also a gripping and strong portrayal of the barbaric nature of the situation. The crime that perpetuates as a result of the revelation of this abuse leads to the murder of the nun who uncovers the truth.
Making a Murderer
Making a Murderer is a crime series based on a true story. Steven Avery is wrongly convicted for eighteen years for the sexual assault and murder of Penny Beernsten. Despite having an alibi, he gets arrested. Once released, Avery files a civil lawsuit against law enforcement. While he is in the midst of that lawsuit, he is convicted of another crime - the murder of Teresa Halbach.
How to Get Away with Murder
The series revolves around a law professor and five students who end up getting involved in an eminent murder case. What follows is various twists and complications in the plot that leave the viewer hooked and capable of binge-watching the series.
Conclusion
Crime fiction is a genre enjoyed by many. Crime and mystery dramas have the ability to keep viewers gripped and watch till they have solved the case. The above are some of the recommendations for the most popular crime series currently worth watching on Netflix. Watch at your own risk, for you are sure to land up binge-watching most of these.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why are crime series so intriguing?
Crime drama gives you the thrills of crime without personally suffering the consequences. Thus, it is intriguing to many
What are some of the gangster-focused shows on OTT?
Peaky Blinders, Narcos and Breaking Bad are some of the best crime series on Netflix with a gangster-focused theme.