Does anyone else ever feel that things made in other countries are better than those made in the U.S.? Think in terms of horror: it almost always seems like Korean and Japanese studios make the best moves that scare the socks off of people. Maybe it’s because American studios have a bad habit of regurgitating things they have done before to try and double success. It’s probably why theBritishtend to do better at making riveting dramas.
Netflixis a good melting pot to capture great stories from all over the world. It makes sense that they would have a greatcatalog of British dramas. Most are miniseries of thecrimeand mystery variety, but they are worth a watch. Here is a list of the top 10 British crime dramas that can be found on Netflix today.
10Stay Close (2021)
First off on the list is a wildly underrated crime thriller based on the novel of the same name by Harlan Coban.Stay Closefollows a detective, a wife, and a photographer as their fates are intertwined by a single event from their past that threatens to upend their lives as they know them. With all eight episodes directed by Daniel O’Hara, the series follows the web of lies that tie the three together in an engaging story that’s easy to get addicted to.
Why It’s Great
Each of the lead actors gives it their all in this Netflix crime drama to create a well-crafted and nuanced story full of tension and twists. If that’s not enough of a draw, just wait: there are other riveting stories from Coban, and some may have made this list.
Stream Stay Close on Netflix
9Bodies (2023)
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Bodiesis based on the DC Vertigo comics of the same name. But for those expecting superheroes in this eight-episode miniseries, they’ll be sadly mistaken.Bodiesrevolves around four detectives from four different periods: the workaholic Edmond Hillinghead of the 1890s; the adventurous Karl Whiteman of the 1940s; the bold Detective sergeant Shahara Hasan of the 2010s; and the amnesiac detective known as Iris Maplewood from 2050.
Bodiesis an interesting and thrilling multi-generational murder-mystery crime drama, but with a twist. Each of the four detectives is investigating the same murder. What’s more, each new generation adds a different perspective on the captivating murder, but the truth will be beyond anyone’s belief, culminating in an explosive ending that will linger for a while.
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8Harlan Coben’s Safe (2018)
Another hit from writer Harlan Coban,Safestars Michael C. Hallas a father on the hunt for his missing daughter in a tear-jerking thriller that’ll leave viewers speechless. Tom Delany is a single widower, who lives with his daughter in a gated community that prides itself on its safety and security. That reputation quickly disappears the moment his 16-year-old daughter goes missing. Tom searches desperately to find her, but along the way, he finds that his neighborhood has more secrets than he once thought.
Safeis a British crime drama, where no one can be trusted because, in a community where safety is paramount, danger can only come from inside.
Stream Safe on Netflix
7Marcella (2016-2021)
Related:10 Underrated British Crime Drama Series
Who doesn’t love shows with morally flawed characters?Marcellafollows the titular character, who has a shaky mental state, leading her to make questionable choices. The series combines an investigative police series and a psychological drama, as the leading lady attempts to solve an 11-year-old murder case. Police work is always tough, but it’s harder for one who is dealing with their own marital problems after Marcella’s husband leaves her. On top of that, her mental state leaves her experiencing blackouts that affect her memory, making her an unreliable narrator for the series.
While Marcella may not be a Walter White-type of character or a crooked cop, she’s complicated in her own right as she leads what is arguably one of the best murder mysteries on Netflix today. Playing Marcella is Anna Friel, who does a tremendous job of navigating her character’s personal and professional turmoil.
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6The Serpent (2021)
The Serpent
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Set in the mid-70s,The Serpentis a limited series and follows the horrible crimes of Charles “The Serpent” Sobhraj, one of the most vicious serial killers of his era. Played chillingly by Tahar Hahim, The Serpent posed as a gem dealer in Asia, who preyed on helpless tourists, a common tactic from many serial killers.
The Serpentputs a red spotlight on this killer’s crimes and the families of his victims. In this regard, the series is similar toRyan Murphy’s much-talked-aboutDahmer, and may be hard for some viewers to watch. Disturbing moments should be expected, but also elements of a police procedural, as the show follows the attempts of investigators to capture the allusive murderer as the pressure rises to a boiling point for all those involved.
Stream The Serpent on Netflix
5Criminal: UK (2019-2020)
This short-lived crime drama is great for anyone who loves bottle episodes. Featuring notable British actors like David Tennant, Kit Harington, and Hayley Atwell,Criminal: UKis a mystery investigative series that takes place entirely in a police interview room, as various suspects are questioned in order to find the truth. The investigating detectives only have a limited window to get to the bottom of their mystery.
The dialogue is written perfectly, making for a series that feels tense and claustrophobic with each revelation and uncovered clue. When a story is contained to a single location, with only dialogue to carry the narrative, the writing has to be phenomenal. Otherwise, the whole thing falls apart. For anyone who loves this show, there are similar versions set in other countries on Netflix to enjoy as well.
Stream Criminal: UK on Netflix
4Giri/Haji (2019)
Giri/Hajiis a great police investigation show that goes across continents, as London Detective Constable Sarah Weitzmann joins Tokyo detective Kenzo Mori to look for his brother after he’s accused of killing the nephew of a Yakuza member. This show is every bit a brutal crime drama as it is a smart investigative series. Sometimes, the hands of the criminal underworld can stretch far, as this series shows, butGiri/Hajihas more than that.
The series also boasts humorous situations, intense action sequences, andcompelling family drama, delivering something for everyone. This show is another in a collection of seriously underrated shows, but for anyone who loves British police procedurals, like the ones on this list, and series likePeaky Blinders,Giri/Hajiis a must-watch.
Stream Giri/Haji on Netflix
3Bodyguard (2018)
Bodyguardtook Netflix by storm when it premiered on the streamer in 2018. It wasn’t just the bloody violence and thrilling action sequences that put it on the map, but also because it’s a compelling story led by the talents of Keeley Hawes and Richard Madden, who won a Golden Globe for his portrayal of Sergeant David Budd. Working as a bodyguard for Home Secretary Julia Montague, a politician he can’t stand, Budd soon learns that she may not be everything she appears to be, leading them down a surprising path.
At its heart,Bodyguardis a gripping thriller that revolves around the fight against terrorists, with a large focus on Budd’s PTSD from his time in Afghanistan. As well as being a crime drama, it’s also a unique character study of developing dynamics and political intrigue, putting the miniseries in a league of its own on a streamer with everything one could ever hope to watch.
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2Top Boy (2011-2023)
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Having initially debuted in 2011, Netflix revivedTop Boyin 2019 to continue the story of residents in a crime-infested housing estate in London. The original series is worth a watch to gain more depth into the characters, while the newer seasons carry on the story and up the ante. Like any crime drama, the show is full of high stakes and tough choices to stay ahead. Characters are put into emotionally tough situations that force them to risk everything for those they care for.
In some ways,Top Boyis comparable toThe Sopranos, Snowfall, or any chapter ofPower, but it foremost stands alone in its unique depiction of the London underworld.Top Boy’s final seasonmay have already premiered on Netflix earlier this year, but the series boasts great rewatchability.
Stream Top Boy on Netflix
1Peaky Blinders (2013-2022)
Peaky Blinders
A British ganagster saga set in 1919 post-war Birmingham. Cillian Murphy is Thomas Shelby, leader of the most feared and powerful local gang, the Peaky Blinders. Named for their practice of sewing razor blades into the peaks of their caps, they make money from illegal betting, protection and the black market. But when a crate of guns goes missing from an arms factory, their battle-hardened leader recognizes an opportunity to move up in the world.
Peaky Blinderstakes the gold on this list, as if there was any doubt. Loosely based on the Shelby crime family, the crime drama takes place after the First World War and follows the exploits of a crime family led by Tommy Shelby, a ruthless leader with his own struggles. Despite the crimes he and his gang commit throughout the series, he remains infinitely charming in his stoic way. This is probably why it becomes so easy to root for him and his family.
Peaky Blindershas a lot of recognizable stars that are household names today, but what makes this show addicting is its harsh portrayal of violence and its effects on the characters involved in one of the most layered and well-written crime dramas of the last two decades. Fans don’t have to like what the Shelbys do to stay on top, but there’s no denying that crime never looked so good.
