When it comes to edge-of-your-seat entertainment, the best crime series truly deliver. These shows transport you into the world of mystery, corruption, and justice—often blurring the lines between right and wrong. Whether you’re into slow-burning investigations or adrenaline-pumping thrillers, crime dramas offer a thrilling escape into the darker side of human nature.
20 Best Crime Series in 2025
The best crime series are gripping because they tap into our natural curiosity. The mystery, suspense, and emotional stakes make for binge-worthy content that never gets old. Here’s a list of crime series to watch right now:
1. Breaking Bad
- Seasons: 5
- Director: Vince Gilligan
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Cast: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
Plot: Walter White, a brilliant but underachieving chemistry teacher, receives a terminal cancer diagnosis and partners with former student Jesse Pinkman to manufacture meth. What starts as a desperate attempt to provide for his family spirals into a dark transformation, as Walt becomes increasingly ruthless and feared in the drug underworld. The series explores the collapse of a man’s morality and the consequences of unchecked ambition.
2. Mindhunter
- Seasons: 2
- Director: David Fincher
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
- Cast: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
Plot: Set in the early days of criminal profiling at the FBI, this psychological thriller follows agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench as they interview imprisoned serial killers to understand their motives. Their groundbreaking work in behavioral science lays the foundation for modern profiling, but the darkness they uncover takes a toll on their own psyche and personal lives.
3. True Detective (Season 1)
- Seasons: 4 (Anthology)
- Director: Cary Joji Fukunaga
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Drama
- Cast: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson
Plot: Detectives Rust Cohle and Marty Hart investigate a bizarre ritualistic murder in rural Louisiana, but the case spans decades and uncovers deep-rooted evil. Season 1 stands out for its philosophical depth, haunting atmosphere, and powerful performances, particularly as the investigation pulls the detectives into a psychological abyss.
4. Narcos
- Seasons: 3
- Director: José Padilha
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Biography
- Cast: Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Boyd Holbrook
Plot: This gripping series chronicles the rise of drug kingpin Pablo Escobar and the Colombian cocaine trade in the 1980s. Told from both the cartel’s and DEA’s perspectives, it shows the political, social, and personal consequences of one man’s empire. The show evolves into a deeper look at law enforcement, corruption, and the global war on drugs.
5. Sherlock
- Seasons: 4
- Director: Paul McGuigan, others
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Drama
- Cast: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman
Plot: A modern take on Arthur Conan Doyle’s iconic detective, Sherlock Holmes uses his razor-sharp intellect and deduction to solve baffling crimes in London. Each case challenges not only the law but the complex relationship between Holmes and his loyal companion, Dr. Watson, as they face criminal masterminds like Moriarty.
6. Broadchurch
- Seasons: 3
- Director: James Strong
- Genre: Crime, Mystery, Drama
- Cast: David Tennant, Olivia Colman
Plot: In a quiet coastal town, the murder of a young boy shatters the community. Detectives Hardy and Miller face media scrutiny, community tension, and deep family secrets as they race to find the killer. The series masterfully combines emotional storytelling with a layered investigation that impacts every resident.
7. Ozark
- Seasons: 4
- Director: Jason Bateman
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
- Cast: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner
Plot: Financial planner Marty Byrde is forced to relocate his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. There, he must launder millions for a Mexican cartel while dodging law enforcement, rival criminals, and collapsing personal relationships. Tense and complex, Ozark is a slow-burning thriller with intense character arcs.
8. Peaky Blinders
- Seasons: 6
- Director: Steven Knight
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Historical
- Cast: Cillian Murphy, Helen McCrory, Paul Anderson
Plot: After WWI, the Shelby family carves out a brutal criminal empire in Birmingham, England. Led by the cunning and charismatic Thomas Shelby, they battle rival gangs, political foes, and internal betrayals. The show blends historical drama with gangster intrigue and raw emotion.
9. The Wire
- Seasons: 5
- Director: David Simon
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Political
- Cast: Dominic West, Idris Elba, Michael K. Williams
Plot: This series offers a deep, multifaceted look at Baltimore through the eyes of drug dealers, police, journalists, politicians, and educators. Each season focuses on a different aspect of the city’s ecosystem. Known for its realism and depth, The Wire is more than a crime show—it’s a portrait of systemic failure in America.
10. Dexter
- Seasons: 8 (+ reboot: Dexter: New Blood)
- Director: Various
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Cast: Michael C. Hall, Jennifer Carpenter
Plot: Dexter Morgan is a blood-spatter analyst for the Miami police, but he leads a secret life as a vigilante serial killer, targeting criminals who escape justice. Balancing his dual identity, Dexter navigates love, work, and murder in a moral gray zone that keeps viewers questioning right and wrong.
11. Luther
- Seasons: 5
- Director: Various (notably Sam Miller, Jamie Payne)
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Cast: Idris Elba, Ruth Wilson
Plot: DCI John Luther is a brilliant detective with a dark past and a volatile temper. He solves the most complex crimes while battling personal demons and forming a dangerously close bond with a psychopathic murderer, Alice Morgan. Gritty, gripping, and emotional, Luther explores the thin line between justice and obsession.
12. Better Call Saul
- Seasons: 6
- Director: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Cast: Bob Odenkirk, Rhea Seehorn, Jonathan Banks
Plot: A prequel to Breaking Bad, this series follows Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer struggling to find his place, as he gradually transforms into the morally flexible Saul Goodman. The show blends legal drama with cartel crime, showing how choices—both good and bad—shape a man’s destiny.
13. Hannibal
- Seasons: 3
- Director: Bryan Fuller
- Genre: Crime, Horror, Psychological Thriller
- Cast: Mads Mikkelsen, Hugh Dancy, Laurence Fishburne
Plot: FBI profiler Will Graham partners with Dr. Hannibal Lecter to catch serial killers—unaware that Lecter himself is one. As Graham descends into psychological turmoil, their twisted friendship turns deadly. The show is praised for its stunning visuals, eerie atmosphere, and poetic horror.
14. The Night Of
- Seasons: 1 (Mini-series)
- Director: Steven Zaillian, James Marsh
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Cast: Riz Ahmed, John Turturro
Plot: A one-night stand turns into a nightmare when a young man wakes up next to a murdered woman. The show follows his arrest, trial, and time in prison, unraveling the U.S. justice system’s flaws and biases. It’s a gripping, emotional look at guilt, innocence, and survival.
15. Top Boy
- Seasons: 5 (including Netflix revival)
- Director: Various
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Cast: Ashley Walters, Kane Robinson, Micheal Ward
Plot: Set in East London, Top Boy portrays life in housing estates plagued by drug trade and violence. It centers on Dushane and Sully, who try to maintain control over their empire while facing rivals, loyalty tests, and community struggles. Raw and realistic, it’s the UK’s answer to The Wire.
16. Ray Donovan
- Seasons: 7 + Movie
- Director: Ann Biderman (creator)
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Cast: Liev Schreiber, Jon Voight, Paula Malcomson
Plot: Ray Donovan is a “fixer” for the rich and famous in LA, solving their problems by any means necessary. But his own family’s troubled history, especially with his manipulative father, causes more chaos than his clients. A deep dive into crime, trauma, and redemption.
17. Line of Duty
- Seasons: 6
- Director: Jed Mercurio
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
- Cast: Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, Adrian Dunbar
Plot: A British procedural focused on anti-corruption unit AC-12, Line of Duty dives into the murky world of police misconduct. Each season unravels a new case with shocking twists, revealing a conspiracy that stretches across the force. Taut, smart, and utterly addictive.
18. Bosch
- Seasons: 7 + Spin-off (Bosch: Legacy)
- Director: Various
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Cast: Titus Welliver, Jamie Hector, Amy Aquino
Plot: Based on Michael Connelly’s novels, Detective Harry Bosch investigates LA’s toughest cases with relentless determination. The series offers rich storytelling, a strong moral compass, and authentic police procedure, anchored by Welliver’s standout performance.
19. Mr. Robot
- Seasons: 4
- Director: Sam Esmail
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Cast: Rami Malek, Christian Slater, Carly Chaikin
Plot: Elliot, a cybersecurity engineer with dissociative identity disorder, is recruited by a hacker group to bring down corporate America. What begins as cybercrime turns into a psychological war against capitalism, control, and identity. Complex and mind-bending.
20. Bodyguard
- Seasons: 1
- Director: Jed Mercurio
- Genre: Crime, Thriller, Political Drama
- Cast: Richard Madden, Keeley Hawes
Plot: War veteran turned police officer David Budd is assigned to protect a controversial Home Secretary. As political tensions rise and Budd’s PTSD surfaces, he’s caught between duty and suspicion. Bodyguard is a high-stakes thriller full of twists and emotional intensity.
These are the best crime series to binge watch this year, delivering both entertainment and thought-provoking plots.
Best Crime Series to Binge Watch: Top Detective, Thriller & True Crime Shows on Netflix & Prime
Whether you’re into gripping investigations, high-stakes thrillers, or chilling true crime stories, the best crime series offer something for every mystery lover. From streaming giants like Netflix and Amazon Prime to classic detective dramas, here’s a breakdown of the top shows worth binge-watching.
Best Crime Series on Netflix and Amazon Prime
For those searching for the best crime series on Netflix, shows like Mindhunter, Ozark, and Narcos are top picks, combining excellent performances with psychological depth and intense drama. On the other hand, if you’re browsing best crime series on Amazon Prime or best crime series on Prime Video, Bosch, Goliath, and Sneaky Pete are just a few that will keep you on the edge of your seat.
Crime Investigation Series: Solving Mysteries One Clue at a Time
Some of the most compelling crime investigation series offer detailed looks into how crimes are solved—from forensic science to criminal profiling. The Wire and Broadchurch are prime examples, giving viewers a closer look at how justice is pursued through detailed detective work.
Best Detective Series and TV Thrillers
If you’re a fan of clever whodunits, look no further than the best detective series like Sherlock, Luther, and True Detective. These shows combine cerebral storytelling with gripping tension. For those who love pulse-pounding suspense, Breaking Bad and Better Call Saul are top picks in the best crime thriller series category. Whether you love period crime dramas or modern legal thrillers, this detective TV series list has something for everyone.
Top True Crime Series: Based on Real Events
If you’re more into realism, best true crime series like The Night Of, Making a Murderer, and When They See Us explore real-life cases, systemic injustice, and the human stories behind headlines. These shows are chilling and thought-provoking, making them perfect for fans of the genre.
FAQs
Conclusion: Why the Best Crime Series Never Go Out of Style
The best crime series of all time continue to dominate television and streaming platforms because they tap into universal themes—justice, survival, betrayal, and redemption. With a wide variety of shows available on Netflix, Amazon Prime, and beyond, it’s never been easier to find a binge-worthy mystery to unravel. So grab your snacks, settle in, and dive into the best crime series the TV world has to offer.
For more great recommendations, explore:
- Most underrated TV shows that are hidden gems worth watching.
- Top sci-fi TV shows that offer exciting journeys through futuristic worlds.
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