30 Best Crime Shows On Netflix, Ranked: From Breaking Bad To Mindhunter

With so many crime shows available on streaming services like Netflix – from fictional dramas to true crime documentaries – it’s challenging for any one show to really make an impact. The most successful ones aren’t just watched, they stay with viewers and generate conversation long after the credits roll.

Great crime shows aren’t just about exciting mysteries; they also feature complex characters who make you question right and wrong, and keep you guessing until the very end. With Netflix offering both full-season releases and weekly episodes, these shows need to grab your attention immediately. The ones that really succeed are among the best out there, and keep people coming back for more.

30. Animal Kingdom

If you’re looking for a compelling crime drama, check out Animal Kingdom. Inspired by the 2010 Australian film, the show centers on the Cody family, a criminal family living in California. It explores themes of family loyalty, deception, and the risks of a life of crime. As the series progresses, Animal Kingdom becomes increasingly intense and thrilling, making it a show you won’t want to miss.

29. Making A Murderer

Netflix’s docuseries Making a Murderer is one of their most well-known true crime stories. It follows Steven Avery, a man from Wisconsin who was released from prison after almost 20 years, only to be accused of another serious crime. The series critically examines the American justice system, using actual court videos, written records, and interviews to suggest potential corruption and prejudice.

28. The Waterfront

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Despite being cancelled after one season, The Waterfront offered a compelling look into the life of Harlan Buckley (Holt McCallany) and his struggle to save his family’s business in North Carolina. The show blends a dramatic storyline with crime elements, making it a worthwhile watch as the story unfolds.

27. Murdoch Mysteries

For many years, Murdoch Mysteries has been set in Toronto around the turn of the 20th century, following Detective William Murdoch as he solves crimes using innovative forensic science. The show is known for its historical appearances from famous figures and clever gadgets, all delivered with a smart and engaging storytelling style that makes it a consistently enjoyable and thoughtful series. It focuses on the puzzle of the crime itself, rather than graphic violence, making it intellectually stimulating.

26. Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer

Crime Scene: The Times Square Killer is the latest installment in Netflix’s Crime Scene documentary series. It explores the unsettling murders that occurred in New York City’s Times Square during the 1970s, a time when the area was known for its crime and decay. Using old footage and interviews, the series reveals how a single serial killer targeted women in the city, and offers a well-made, though disturbing, glimpse into this dark period.

25. Designated Survivor

Kiefer Sutherland stars in Designated Survivor, a show that offers a fresh take on American politics. When a catastrophic event wipes out the entire presidential line of succession, Tom Kirkman, a relatively unknown cabinet member, unexpectedly finds himself as President. The series skillfully blends the intensity of a political drama with the suspense of a crime thriller, making it a standout addition to the streaming platform’s diverse collection.

24. The Program: Cons, Cults, & Kidnapping

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The docuseries The Program: Cons, Cults, & Kidnapping explores disturbing true crimes centered around manipulation, kidnapping, and control. Each episode unpacks a different scandal, examining the captivating personalities of cult leaders and con artists. Combining in-depth investigation with personal stories, the series is both chilling and insightful, making it completely gripping to watch.

23. Adolescence

Adolescence is a powerful series that delves into the difficult lives of teenagers grappling with identity and crime. It follows young people involved in risky situations, such as theft, violence, and drug use, and highlights the intense emotional turmoil they experience. With its realistic and visually striking style, Adolescence is a deeply moving and thought-provoking show that expertly uses suspense and emotion to create a chilling and unforgettable experience.

22. Killer Inside: The Mind Of Aaron Hernandez

The Netflix docuseries Killer Inside: The Mind of Aaron Hernandez examines the life of former NFL player Aaron Hernandez, focusing on his descent into crime while at the peak of his football career. Through court recordings, interviews, and psychological analysis, the series offers a disturbing look at issues of identity, masculinity, and mental health. It portrays Hernandez’s rise to fame and subsequent downfall as a deeply tragic story filled with intense drama.

21. American Nightmare

As a true crime junkie, I have to say American Nightmare is genuinely one of the most gripping docuseries Netflix has put out in a long time. It tells the story of a terrifying home invasion and kidnapping, but what’s truly disturbing is how the police initially thought the victims were lying. The series brilliantly uses actual footage and interviews to show how that disbelief had devastating consequences, and it really exposes some serious flaws in how our justice system operates. It’s a chilling watch, and one that’s stuck with me long after the credits rolled.

2025-11-11 02:24