Movies

15 best British dramas on Netflix now, from David Tennant’s crime series to James Nesbitt’s detective drama

BBG News

Netflix doesn’t just offer popular American blockbusters such as “You,” “Stranger Things,” and “Wednesday” – it also has an abundance of exceptional British dramas to enjoy.

On the streaming platform, there’s an increasing number of captivating UK originals that have become essential viewing. These range from exceptional screen adaptations by authors like Harlan Coben to series sensations such as Stephen Graham’s Adolescence, which we’ve already recognized as one of the top series of 2025 thus far.

Additionally, you’ll find lesser-known treasures from various networks like BBC, ITV, and Channel 4 continuously appearing on Netflix – and rest assured, we keep you informed about these new additions to ensure you stay up-to-date with the latest popular shows.

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However, if you’re tired of endless scrolling and can’t decide what to watch at this moment, let me suggest some top-notch British series readily available on Netflix for your viewing pleasure.

Adolescence

Since its debut in March 2025, the critically acclaimed British series Adolescence holds the title of the biggest UK drama on Netflix. It has shattered records and left an indelible mark on popular culture.

In simpler terms, this four-part series, jointly developed and scripted by Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, follows the tale of a young boy who stands accused of murdering a classmate at his school, leaving everyone close to him in deep sorrow.

Toxic Town

In another work by author Jack Thorne, titled “Toxic Town,” the story unfolds during the late 1980s and early 1990s in the town of Corby. A band of mothers give birth to babies who were born with limb abnormalities and health problems in this setting.

In our opinion, the four-act play features a remarkable ensemble with Aimee Lou Wood, Claudia Jessie, and Jodie Whittaker among its stars. We’ve noted that it’s been her most outstanding performance since her work on Broadchurch.

Baby Reindeer

2024 rolled around, and when Baby Reindeer, a series I couldn’t wait to binge, landed on Netflix, it was like a gaming achievement unlocked for me. Richard Gadd, both the brainchild and star, had crafted a dramatic masterpiece that left everyone spellbound. This British gem proved to be a triumphant success on the streaming platform, sweeping the Emmy Awards and gracing countless “best of” lists.

As a dedicated gamer, I found myself immersed in this gripping psychological drama, where the chilling tale of one man’s harrowing encounter with a stalker served as a catalyst for him to confront his deepest, darkest fears. This limited series wasn’t an effortless watch, but once you dive into its intricate themes, it proves to be a truly remarkable and praiseworthy piece of television.

Supacell

In the bustling scene of South London, it’s as if the location itself becomes a significant character in this Netflix hit. The vivid background serves as an ideal canvas for the story told in Supacell, where the concept explores the unexpected consequences when ordinary individuals discover they possess extraordinary abilities.

In this team, you won’t see any capes or spandex, and there’s no distinctive appearance linking them apart from their shared ethnicity, which is Black. This innovative approach to the genre has proven so compelling that it was swiftly renewed for a second season.

Black Doves

We had high hopes for Black Doves, given it was from Joe Barton (known for Giri/Haji and The Lazarus Project) and the same production company behind the critically-acclaimed Chernobyl. But it managed to exceed those already lofty expectations.

The thrilling television series featuring Keira Knightley, Ben Whishaw, and Sarah Lancashire offers a captivating new take on spy stories, earning a “can’t miss” rating with its impressive four-star review from us.

One Day

Emma and Dexter first cross paths at college, and following an evening spent together, they initiate a long-term relationship characterized by the uncertainty of whether their feelings for each other will ultimately lead to commitment.

NetFlix’s latest adaption of David Nicholls’ popular novel has been a significant cultural event following its release, though perhaps we might avoid discussing the last episode in any future conversations.

Top Boy

A series that thrives around London’s core, “Top Boy” has been broadcast since 2011 and now enjoys a permanent spot on a well-known streaming service.

As I dive into the gripping world of this crime drama, I find myself immersed in the lives of two main characters, Dushane and Sully. Their tales are a captivating blend of raw emotion, witty humor, and pulse-pounding action that keeps me hooked from start to finish.

Fool Me Once

Harlan Coben’s television adaptations have turned into unique events in themselves, and you’ll find several options available on Netflix at present – with the latest addition being “Missing You”.

Among all shows in the streamer’s most-watched top 10, only “Fool Me Once” managed to make it onto this list. We chose it because of Michelle Keegan’s portrayal of Maya Stern, a determined woman seeking answers about her husband’s disappearance, and Joanna Lumley’s character as a horrid mother-in-law.

The Gentlemen

In our critique, we labeled it as “one of Guy Ritchie’s finest works in years.” It appears that many others concurred, as the popular series garnered widespread acclaim. The show’s tremendous success led to its prolonged stay in Netflix’s Top 10 listings for several weeks, ultimately leading to a highly anticipated renewal for a second season – and production on this new installment is now progressing smoothly.

The television series continuation, split into eight episodes, focused on a particular storyline from the controversial 2019 film, which revolved around an illicit cannabis business. In comparison to its predecessor, this Netflix production excels in nearly every aspect imaginable.

Criminal UK

In essence, the Netflix series titled “Criminal” primarily unfolds within the narrow walls of an interrogation suite. Here, detectives present their findings to a suspect in hopes of constructing a coherent narrative about a crime.

The notable ensemble features David Tennant, Kunal Nayyar, Hayley Atwell, Sharon Horgan, Kit Harington, and Sophie Okonedo.

Suspect

In August 2022, the Netflix streaming service acquired a British drama that was initially aired on Channel 4. This production is an adaptation of a well-known Danish crime series titled “Forhøret” by Christoffer Boe, which translates to “Face to Face“.

In this production, James Nesbitt portrays Danny Frater, a seasoned detective who is determined to uncover the truth behind his daughter’s untimely demise. The ensemble also features Ben Miller, known for “Death in Paradise,” Sacha Dhawan from “Doctor Who,” and Anne-Marie Duff.

You Don’t Know Me

In 2021, a four-piece British TV series premiered on the BBC, originating from the 2017 crime novel penned by Imran Mahmood.

Or, more informally:
A 4-episode British TV drama hit the BBC in 2021, inspired by a 2017 crime book written by Imran Mahmood.

In this scenario, when a youthful Black individual residing in South London faces charges for murder, with mounting evidence and unfavorable odds, he opts to part ways with his legal representation and narrate his account, emphasizing his innocence, in his personal speech.

The Fall

In essence, the character portrayed by Jamie Dornan as Paul Spector paved the way for Joe Goldberg to stride ahead, with the BBC’s crime series set in Belfast, which revolves around a stalker and murderer, gaining popularity and earning the status of a cult favorite.

According to us, it seems that Gillian Anderson’s character, Stella Gibson, truly shines in the series as she delves into the mysterious deaths of multiple women connected to Spector.

Unforgotten

The program might seem slightly altered, given the change in the main character, however, the dynamic partnership between Nicola Walker’s character Detective Cassie Stuart and Sanjeev Bhaskar’s character Sunil ‘Sunny’ Khan has infused a fresh vitality into the crime drama genre.

Instead of rehashing the genre, the show Unforgotten centered around a collection of unsolved mysteries – encompassing both long-ago murders and disappeared individuals.

Inside Man

Avoid mistaking it for the 2006 Denzel Washington film, the BBC series “Inside Man” showcased the exceptional acting skills of David Tennant, Stanley Tucci, Dolly Wells, and Lydia West.

In a four-episode series penned by Steven Moffat (from Doctor Who), we find a peculiar pairing: a condemned American prisoner and a woman imprisoned in an English vicarage cellar. As whimsical as it may seem, this is indeed the premise.

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2025-06-23 13:50

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