Crime shows are the easiest thing to binge and the hardest thing to rank because “crime” can mean anything from slow-burn detective work and courtroom pressure to serial-killer cat-and-mouse and full-on organized-crime sagas.
Here’s a simple guide to the 20 best crime shows you can stream right now. These picks include mysteries, detective stories, thrillers, and true-crime style dramas. Some are dark and intense, others are easier to binge but all of them are worth watching.
The Sopranos (HBO Max/Max)
James Gandolfini’s iconic turn as mob boss Tony Soprano anchors this groundbreaking drama about crime, family and psychological unraveling. Ornery, violent, morally complex and endlessly quotable, it’s widely considered one of TV’s greatest dramas.
Money Heist (La Casa de Papel) (Netflix)
A master criminal known as the Professor orchestrates perfectly planned heists on the Royal Mint of Spain and later the Bank of Spain, drawing in a team of thieves with code names based on cities. It’s high-octane, stylish and deeply emotional.
Ozark (Netflix)
Financial planner Marty Byrde’s life falls apart when a money-laundering scheme for a cartel goes sideways, forcing him to relocate his family to the Ozarks and sink deeper into crime to survive.
Animal Kingdom (Netflix)
Centered on a Southern California crime family led by the matriarch “Smurf,” this series blends brutal heists with family drama in a way that’s tense, unpredictable and addictive.
Mindhunter (Netflix)
Based on real FBI profiling work in the 1970s, this thoughtful crime drama explores serial killers’ psychology as agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench try to understand the darkest human impulses.
The Staircase (Netflix)
A gripping true-crime dramatization (based on a real case) about novelist Michael Peterson, whose wife’s death kicks off a sprawling, mystery-laden murder trial with twists that keep viewers guessing.
Absentia (Netflix)
FBI agent Emily Byrne reappears after being declared dead, only to find her life shattered and a serial killer case entwined with her own past. It’s a taut, emotional thriller with plenty of suspense.
Broadchurch (Netflix)
This acclaimed British crime drama follows two detectives investigating the death of a boy in a tight-knit coastal town, revealing secrets that shake the community. Strong character work and mystery make it a must-watch.
Delhi Crime (Multiple Platforms)
This Emmy-winning Indian series dives into the investigation of heinous crimes by Delhi Police officers, with realistic, gripping portrayal of police procedural work. Season 3 continues with intense, topical storytelling.
Countdown (Amazon Prime Video)
A newer thriller starring Jensen Ackles as an LAPD detective delving into a deadly conspiracy after a Homeland Security agent is murdered, blending action-leaning crime drama with twists.
The Night Agent (Netflix)
A propulsive conspiracy thriller following an FBI agent pulled into a high-stakes web of national security secrets after intercepting a distress call from the White House.
Sherlock & Daughter (Various/Streaming Availability May Vary)
In this modern twist, Sherlock Holmes teams with his daughter to solve crimes, combining classic sleuthing with contemporary stakes and character tensions.
Adolescence (Netflix)
One of the standout new crime dramas of 2025, this emotionally rich series follows a detective unraveling deeply personal cases, praised for both performances and narrative depth.
Dept. Q (Netflix)
Adapted from the popular Danish crime novels, this gritty European detective show centers on cold cases with rich character dynamics and clever mysteries.
The Good Detective (Netflix & Other Platforms)
This Korean procedural pairs two very different detectives as they tackle grisly cases, blending sharp investigation with character richness and cultural nuance.
The Indian Detective (Netflix)
A lighter but still engaging crime procedural featuring an unconventional detective navigating international crime and personal growth.
Black Rabbit (Netflix — Availability May Vary by Region)
Part of the current crop of Netflix crime offerings, this one blends mystery and thriller elements with a dark psychological edge.
Monster (Netflix — Mixed Ratings)
This series tackles chilling crime through its dark narrative and character exploration, making it a polarizing but intriguing addition to the genre.
The Blacklist (Netflix & More)
Long a favorite on streaming platforms, this crime drama pits an FBI task force against rogues on a “blacklist” of criminals, led by the enigmatic Raymond Reddington.
Body Cam (Hulu & Other Services)
This documentary-style series puts you in the boots of law enforcement facing dangerous, split-second decisions, offering crime stories from raw social and real-world angles.
White Collar (Hulu & More)
A charming crime dramedy about a con artist turned FBI consultant, balancing procedural cases with slick personality and capers that feel fresh and fun.
