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Crime shows, whether that be drama series’ focusing on crimes, criminals, and the like, or docuseries that reveal true crime in all its glory, can have a tough time** standing out on streaming platforms like** Netflix. With so much to choose from, there’s a difference between shows that keep viewers’ attention and keep them talking long after they’ve finished watching.
The best crime shows work hard to layer fast-moving plots and high stakes with characters who walk moral tight-ropes and surprise viewers with each passing moment. On Netflix, where some shows drop in full while others drop episodes week to week, crime shows need to be gripping from the very beginning. **The shows that resonate are…
MovieStillsDB
Sign in to your ScreenRant account
Crime shows, whether that be drama series’ focusing on crimes, criminals, and the like, or docuseries that reveal true crime in all its glory, can have a tough time** standing out on streaming platforms like** Netflix. With so much to choose from, there’s a difference between shows that keep viewers’ attention and keep them talking long after they’ve finished watching.
The best crime shows work hard to layer fast-moving plots and high stakes with characters who walk moral tight-ropes and surprise viewers with each passing moment. On Netflix, where some shows drop in full while others drop episodes week to week, crime shows need to be gripping from the very beginning. The shows that resonate are some of the best available, and bring viewers back to Netflix consistently.
30 Animal Kingdom
*Animal Kingdom *is the perfect binge for those looking for a crime series with a point of view. Based on the 2010 Australian film, the series follows the Cody family, a Californian crime family. Diving into loyalty, betrayal, and the danger of living outside the law, **Animal Kingdom escalates in tension as the series evolves. The fast-paced, gritty show is well worth the watch.
Release Date 2016 - 2022
Network TNT
Showrunner Jonathan Lisco
Joshua “J” Cody
Shawn Hatosy
Andrew “Pope” Cody
Directors John Wells, Nick Copus, Christopher Chulack, David Rodriguez, Shawn Hatosy, Larry Teng, Cherie Nowlan, Loren Yaconelli, Janice Cooke, Megan Griffiths, Mark Strand, Alex Zakrzewski, Batan Silva, Emmy Rossum, James Hanlon, J. Michael Muro, Karen Gaviola, Laura Belsey, Laura Innes, Regina King, Thomas Carter, Tim Southam, Michael Morris, Slick Naim
Writers Eliza Clark, Jonathan Lisco, Daniele Nathanson, Bradley Paul, Megan Martin, Etan Frankel, Addison McQuigg, Bill Balas, Vanessa Baden Kelly, Shukree Hassan Tilghman, T.J. Brady, Heath Corson
Creator(s) Jonathan Lisco
29 Making A Murderer
As a Netflix original docuseries, Making A Murderer is one of its most popular true crime efforts. Following Steven Avery, a Wisconsin man exonerated after nearly 20 years in prison, the docuseries follows as he’s accused of another difficult crime. Looking pointedly at the US justice system, the series uses real court footage, transcripts, and interviews** as it raises questions about corruption and bias.
Release Date 2015 - 2018-00-00
Network Netflix
Showrunner Laura Ricciardi
Steven Avery
Dolores Avery
Directors Laura Ricciardi
Writers Laura Ricciardi
28 The Waterfront
Dana Hawley / ©Netflix / Courtesy Everett Collection
Although it wasn’t renewed for another season, *The Waterfront *dove into the world of Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany) as he moves into treacherous waters to keep his family’s crumbling business empire afloat in North Carolina. Exploring the town itself, ***The Waterfront *has crime elements to the soapy series **that make it well worth the watch as it forges ahead.
Release Date 2025 - 2025-00-00
Network Netflix
Directors Jann Turner, Liz Friedlander, Marcos Siega
Holt McCallany
Harlan Buckley
Bree Buckley
Writers Katelyn Crabb
Creator(s) Kevin Williamson
27 Murdoch Mysteries
As a long-standing series, *Murdoch Mysteries *is set in turn of the century Toronto and follows Detective William Murdoch, who uses pioneering forensic techniques to solve crimes. As **Murdoch Mysteries moves through its historical cameos and clever inventions, it uses a sharp style of storytelling that makes it a charming, intelligent comfort series. Prioritizing crime over violence, the series is mentally stimulating.
Release Date January 24, 2008
Network CBC Television
Yannick Bisson
Helene Joy
26 Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer
*Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer *is a part of *Netflix’s Crime Scene *franchise, diving into the murders that haunted New York’s one-time seedy Times Square in the 1970s. Through archival footage and present-day interviews, the docuseries exposes how one serial killer preyed on women in a city plagued by crime and neglect. The series offered a dark, disturbing, well-crafted look at a different time.
Release Date 2021 - 2021-00-00
Malcolm Reiman
Vernon Geberth
Melinda Chateauvert
Creator(s) Joe Berlinger
25 Designated Survivor
Kiefer Sutherland’s *Designated Survivor *provides a look at one unique member of the US political landscape. When an explosion kills everyone above him in the presidential line of succession, low-level cabinet member Tom Kirkman (Sutherland) suddenly becomes President. The series proved to be both a political drama and a crime thriller, creating a high-concept addition to the streamer’s vast catalogue.
Release Date 2016 - 2019-00-00
Network ABC, Netflix
Directors Kiefer Sutherland
Kiefer Sutherland
Adan Canto
Writers Kiefer Sutherland
24 The Program: Cons, Cults, & Kidnapping
Custom Image by Simone Ashmoore
*The Program: Cons, Cults, & Kidnapping *is a docuseries examines shocking real-world crimes involving manipulation, abduction, and psychological control. Unpacking a different scandal or scam each episode, The Program delves into the charisma and charm of the leaders of cults or con artists. Combining investigative journalism and human insight, the series is haunting, informative, and totally impossible to stop watching.
Release Date 2024 - 2023
23 Adolescence
Adolescence explores the turbulent intersection between youth, identity, and crime. The series focuses on teenagers caught in dangerous circumstances like petty theft, violent rebellion, or drug use. The emotional chaos surrounding the circumstances often come into play. With a raw, cinematic style, ***Adolescence *is a heartbreaking and mind-bending series **that knows how to use spine-chilling emotions entirely to its advantage.
Release Date March 13, 2025
Network Netflix
Directors Philip Barantini
Writers Stephen Graham, Jack Thorne
Eddie Miller
Owen Cooper
Jamie Miller
22 Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez
A Netflix docuseries that follows former NFL player Aaron Hernandez, Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez is a three-part look at a criminal at the height of his career. A chilling exploration of masculinity, mental health, and identity, combining court footage, interviews, and psychological insight. Hernandez’s time as a media sensation is explored as a tragic human story, providing intense drama.
Release Date 2020 - 2020-00-00
Network Netflix
Directors Geno McDermott
Dan Wetzel
Himself - Author / Sportswriter, Yahoo! Sports
Aaron Hernandez
Self (archive footage)
Kevin Armstrong
Self - Journalist
Jeffrey Montez de Oca
Himself - USSC Center for Critical Sports Studies
21 American Nightmare
American Nightmare is a chilling true crime docuseries that examines a harrowing home invasion and kidnapping that police initially dismissed as a hoax. Blending real footage, interviews, and meticulous storytelling, the series reveals the devastating consequences of disbelief and the flaws within the justice system. The series is one of Netflix’s most unforgettable true crime docuseries in recent years.
Release Date 2024 - 2024-00-00
Network Netflix
Directors Felicity Morris