Looking for the best crime TV series? Look no further! Get ready to be captivated by thrilling plots, intriguing characters, and suspenseful twists. From gripping detective dramas to intense crime thrillers, these top-rated shows will keep you on the edge of your seat. Discover the ultimate crime TV series that will leave you wanting more.
If you’re a fan of crime TV series, you’re in for a treat with the best crime TV series available today. These gripping shows are packed with intense drama, suspense, and thrills. From the thrilling investigations to the complex characters, these crime dramas keep viewers on the edge of their seats. With their compelling storylines and brilliant acting, these shows have captivated audiences around the world. Whether you’re into detective stories, police procedurals, or psychological thrillers, there’s a crime TV series that will satisfy your craving for excitement and intrigue. So grab some popcorn, dim the lights, and get ready to dive into the best crime TV series that will keep you hooked from start to finish.
| # | TV Series | Genre | IMDb Rating | Score |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | The Wire | Crime, Drama, Thriller | 9.3/10 | 10/10 |
| 2 | Breaking Bad | Crime, Drama, Thriller | 9.5/10 | 9.8/10 |
| 3 | The Sopranos | Crime, Drama | 9.2/10 | 9.5/10 |
| 4 | Sherlock | Crime, Drama, Mystery | 9.1/10 | 9.3/10 |
| 5 | Mindhunter | Crime, Drama, Thriller | 8.6/10 | 9/10 |
| 6 | Ozark | Crime, Drama, Thriller | 8.4/10 | 8.7/10 |
| 7 | Narcos | Biography, Crime, Drama | 8.8/10 | 8.5/10 |
| 8 | True Detective | Crime, Drama, Mystery | 9/10 | 8.3/10 |
| 9 | Better Call Saul | Crime, Drama | 8.7/10 | 8/10 |
| 10 | Peaky Blinders | Crime, Drama | 8.8/10 | 7.5/10 |
Table of Contents
Breaking Bad
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Creator: Vince Gilligan
- Starring: Bryan Cranston, Aaron Paul, Anna Gunn
- Number of Seasons: 5
- IMDb Rating: 9.5/10
Breaking Bad is widely regarded as one of the best crime TV series of all time. Created by Vince Gilligan, it tells the story of Walter White, a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer, and his former student Jesse Pinkman. The show explores the transformation of Walter from a mild-mannered family man to a ruthless criminal mastermind.
The intense performances by Bryan Cranston and Aaron Paul, along with the gripping storyline and brilliant writing, make Breaking Bad a must-watch for any crime drama enthusiast. The series has won numerous awards and has a dedicated fan base worldwide.
The Wire
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Creator: David Simon
- Starring: Dominic West, Lance Reddick, Sonja Sohn
- Number of Seasons: 5
- IMDb Rating: 9.3/10
The Wire is a critically acclaimed crime TV series that delves deep into the various institutions and social issues of Baltimore, Maryland. Created by David Simon, the show explores the interconnectedness of law enforcement, drug trade, education system, politics, and media.
With its realistic portrayal of urban life and complex characters, The Wire offers a thought-provoking and gritty narrative. The series is known for its meticulous attention to detail and its exploration of the systemic problems within society.
True Detective
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Creator: Nic Pizzolatto
- Starring: Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Michelle Monaghan
- Number of Seasons: 3
- IMDb Rating: 9.0/10
True Detective is an anthology crime series that follows different investigations and detectives across multiple seasons. Each season focuses on a different case, with a unique storyline and set of characters.
The show is known for its atmospheric cinematography, complex character development, and philosophical themes. With stellar performances by Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson in the first season, True Detective has captivated audiences with its gripping storytelling. The series has been praised for its dark and brooding atmosphere.
The Sopranos
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Creator: David Chase
- Starring: James Gandolfini, Edie Falco, Lorraine Bracco
- Number of Seasons: 6
- IMDb Rating: 9.2/10
The Sopranos is a groundbreaking crime drama that follows the life of Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, as he navigates the challenges of balancing his criminal activities with his personal life.
With its complex characters, intricate storytelling, and exploration of family dynamics, The Sopranos redefined the television landscape. The series is known for its exceptional writing and the iconic performance by James Gandolfini as Tony Soprano. The Sopranos has been hailed as one of the greatest TV shows of all time.
Narcos
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Biopic
- Creator: Chris Brancato, Carlo Bernard, Doug Miro
- Starring: Wagner Moura, Pedro Pascal, Boyd Holbrook
- Number of Seasons: 3
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Narcos is a gripping crime series that chronicles the rise and fall of infamous drug lord Pablo Escobar and the Medellín Cartel in Colombia. The show explores the cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement agencies and the powerful drug empire.
With its intense storytelling, compelling performances, and authentic portrayal of the drug trade, Narcos has garnered a dedicated fan base. The series blends real-life events with fictionalized elements to create a captivating narrative.
Mindhunter
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Creator: Joe Penhall
- Starring: Jonathan Groff, Holt McCallany, Anna Torv
- Number of Seasons: 2
- IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Mindhunter is a psychological crime thriller based on the true crime book “Mindhunter: Inside the FBI’s Elite Serial Crime Unit” by John E. Douglas and Mark Olshaker. The series follows two FBI agents as they delve into the minds of serial killers to understand their motives and behavior.
With its chilling atmosphere, meticulous attention to detail, and thought-provoking dialogue, Mindhunter offers a unique perspective on criminal profiling. The performances by Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany add depth to the characters and enhance the overall viewing experience. The series has been praised for its psychological depth and exploration of the human psyche.
Peaky Blinders
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Creator: Steven Knight
- Starring: Cillian Murphy, Paul Anderson, Helen McCrory
- Number of Seasons: 5
- IMDb Rating: 8.8/10
Peaky Blinders is a British crime drama set in post-World War I Birmingham, England. The series follows the Shelby crime family, led by the charismatic and ambitious Tommy Shelby, as they navigate the treacherous world of organized crime.
With its stylish cinematography, captivating storytelling, and stellar performances, Peaky Blinders has gained a loyal fan base. The show is known for its intricate plot twists and the captivating portrayal of the criminal underworld in early 20th century England. The series has received critical acclaim for its strong writing and compelling characters.
Ozark
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
- Creator: Bill Dubuque, Mark Williams
- Starring: Jason Bateman, Laura Linney, Julia Garner
- Number of Seasons: 4 (ongoing)
- IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
Ozark is a gripping crime thriller that follows the life of financial planner Marty Byrde as he is forced to relocate his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. In order to keep his family safe, Marty must navigate the dangerous world of drug cartels and criminal enterprises.
The series is known for its intense atmosphere, complex characters, and intricate plotlines. Jason Bateman delivers a standout performance as Marty Byrde, and the supporting cast adds depth to the story. Ozark has been praised for its dark and suspenseful storytelling.
Better Call Saul
- Genre: Crime, Drama
- Creators: Vince Gilligan, Peter Gould
- Starring: Bob Odenkirk, Jonathan Banks, Rhea Seehorn
- Number of Seasons: 6 (upcoming)
- IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
Better Call Saul serves as a prequel to the critically acclaimed series Breaking Bad and focuses on the character of Jimmy McGill, a small-time lawyer who eventually becomes the sleazy lawyer Saul Goodman. The show explores Jimmy’s transformation and the events that lead to his involvement with the criminal underworld.
With its exceptional writing, nuanced performances, and seamless connection to Breaking Bad, Better Call Saul has garnered a dedicated fan base. Bob Odenkirk delivers a captivating performance as Jimmy McGill, and the series offers a deeper understanding of the Breaking Bad universe. The show has received critical acclaim for its character development and storytelling.
Sherlock
- Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
- Creators: Mark Gatiss, Steven Moffat
- Starring: Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs
- Number of Seasons: 4
- IMDb Rating: 9.1/10
Sherlock is a modern-day adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s famous detective stories. The series follows the brilliant but eccentric detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal friend Dr. John Watson as they solve complex crimes in contemporary London.
With its clever writing, dynamic performances by Benedict Cumberbatch and Martin Freeman, and visually stunning cinematography, Sherlock has captivated audiences worldwide. The series has been praised for its modern take on the classic detective stories and its innovative storytelling techniques.
What are some of the best crime TV series?
There are several highly acclaimed crime TV series that have captivated audiences worldwide. Some of the best ones include “Breaking Bad,” a gripping story about a high school chemistry teacher turned methamphetamine manufacturer; “The Wire,” a realistic portrayal of crime and corruption in Baltimore; and “True Detective,” an anthology series with each season exploring a different crime case. Other notable mentions include “The Sopranos,” a mob drama centered around Tony Soprano’s life as a New Jersey mob boss, and “Narcos,” which chronicles the rise and fall of notorious drug lord Pablo Escobar.
What makes these crime TV series stand out?
What sets these crime TV series apart is their compelling storytelling, complex characters, and attention to detail. They often delve into the dark underbelly of society, exploring themes of morality, power, and the consequences of criminal activities. These shows are known for their intricate plotlines, intense performances, and thought-provoking narratives that keep viewers on the edge of their seats.
Where can I watch these crime TV series?
Many of these popular crime TV series are available for streaming on various platforms. You can find them on streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Hulu, or HBO Max. Some may also be available on cable or satellite television channels dedicated to showcasing quality dramas. Check your preferred streaming platform or television provider to access these thrilling crime series.
Popular Crime TV Series
When it comes to crime TV series, there are numerous options that captivate audiences with their thrilling storylines and intriguing characters.
Crime Series with Psychological Twists
Some of the best crime TV series are known for their psychological twists, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats as they delve into the minds of criminals and detectives.
International Crime Dramas
For those who enjoy exploring crime stories from different cultures, international crime dramas offer a unique perspective and showcase diverse storytelling techniques.
