5 incredible Nordic noir crime dramas – including an ‘astonishing’ mystery and a “masterful” Netflix hit

Over time, Nordic noir series have maintained their popularity – however, with an abundance of options available within this genre, it might be challenging to identify those that offer a satisfying viewing experience.

Fortunately, Digital Spy has compiled an useful list featuring five exceptional series that are certainly worthy of viewers’ attention.

In the realm of crime dramas, you’ll find compelling series like “The Killing” and the latest sensation, “The Åre Murders”, among the top picks for your viewing pleasure.

The Åre Murders

2021 saw the arrival of “The Åre Murders“, which swiftly climbed Netflix’s streaming rankings and earned praise from critics as soon as it was released.

According to author Viveca Stentwo’s novels “Hidden in Snow” and “Hidden in the Shadows”, the five-part Swedish series revolves around character Hanna Ahlander, portrayed by Carla Sehn, who chooses to leave Stockholm following a breakup and live with her sister in Åre instead.

Yet, when a young woman disappears, she finds herself drawn into the investigation due to the understaffed local police having no choice but to take her assistance, albeit unwillingly.

As a gaming enthusiast, I can’t help but notice the captivating elements that this game series embodies, reminiscent of the Nordic Noir genre. Each case presents an intriguing mystery, never delving into the absurd or overly contrived.

Available to stream now on Netflix.

The Bridge

The Danish-Swedish TV show is a significant representative of the Nordic crime drama genre, airing from 2011 to 2018.

As a gaming enthusiast, I’d say: “Hans Rosenfeldt’s masterpiece, The Bridge, sets off with me diving into a joint investigation between Denmark and Sweden after a chilling discovery of a body on the Øresund Bridge, the bridge that binds these two nations. Over four seasons, I follow homicide detective Saga Norén (Sofia Helin), who’s as intriguing as any character I’ve encountered in my gaming adventures. In the first two seasons, Killing Eve‘s Kim Bodnia plays his part as Martin Rohde, the Danish counterpart, while Thure Lindhardt steps into the shoes of Henrik Sabroe for the final two installments.

The program became a massive cultural sensation, leading to a three-season reboot titled “The Tunnel” (a British-French adaptation), which focuses on the Channel Tunnel. Though The Bridge ended seven years ago, there remains optimism for additional installments in the future.

Available to buy now on Prime Video and Apple TV.

The Killing

In another common theme within this genre, the series titled “The Killing” originally aired in Denmark back in 2007. It revolves around detective Sarah Lund, portrayed by Sofie Gråbøl, as she delves deep into a fresh murder mystery every season. Each episode follows one day of the ongoing investigation.

After completing its run over three seasons, the show has continued to capture a passionate audience – one viewer expressing shock at how good it was. Remarkably, an American adaptation with the same title, featuring Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, ran for four seasons as well.

Previously, Gråbøl expressed her immense pride in the show ‘The Killing’ to Digital Spy. She was thrilled to have been involved in the entire production and stated, “I am also proud that we ended it while it continued to be something we could still take pride in.

Available to buy on Prime Video and Apple TV, while the US remake is streaming on Channel 4.

The Valhalla Murders

In this police series, the story revolves around a detective from Oslo who goes back to their homeland, Iceland, to assist another officer in tracking down a notorious serial killer whose previous atrocities are connected to their past.

The crime drama series titled “The Valhalla Murders” aired for just eight episodes back in 2019. Following its release, it gained global attention and became accessible to viewers through Netflix and BBC Four in the United Kingdom.

As a devoted fan, I must say that this series has been met with high praise from critics, boasting an impressive 75% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Decider particularly appreciated its distinctive setting, sharp script, and top-notch acting. They also pointed out that while the mystery might not be the most captivating aspect of the initial episode, it’s expected to improve as the series progresses.

Currently unavailable to stream.

A Nearly Normal Family

In 2023, a gripping Netflix Swedish drama unfolded, centered around the Sandell family. At first glance, they appeared as an ordinary household; however, their tranquil existence was shattered when their daughter, Stella, found herself embroiled in a murder allegation.

The television show titled “A Nearly Normal Family” is adapted from a book written by M.T. Edvardsson and boasts a commendable 75% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics at “The Age” have praised the series, labeling it as “exceptionally skillful”.

The series comprises just six installments, featuring the talents of Alexandra Karlsson Tyrefors, Christian Fandango Sundgren, Björn Bengtsson, and Melisa Ferhatovic.

Available to stream on Netflix.

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2025-06-13 18:49