The Ultimate Guide to Unmissable Detective Series on Netflix

Netflix offers a wide range of thrilling crime dramas that captivate viewers as they eagerly anticipate each story's resolution. With the immense popularity of this genre, Netflix consistently delivers engaging and thought-provoking detective series set in both bustling cities and quaint towns. No character is safe, as the crime or investigation can unfold anywhere. Additionally, 2023 has brought a surge of exciting new releases on Netflix, including fresh episodes of beloved shows like Luther and the highly anticipated fifth season of Top Boy. Notably, the release of Dahmer - Monster: The Jeffrey Dahmer Story in 2022 garnered a tremendous audience response, showcasing Netflix's commitment to expanding its impact within the genre by producing captivating detective series.

15 The Blacklist

14 Mindhunter

: A gripping crime thriller series starring the unconventional James Spader, The Blacklist follows a notorious fugitive as he aids the FBI in apprehending dangerous criminals. This fast-paced and enigmatic show has been commended for its overall entertainment value, with Spader's exceptional performance intensifying the suspense. Although there are elements that may require a suspension of disbelief and comedic moments that seem out of sync, The Blacklist has largely received positive reviews and is highly recommended for viewing.

Mindhunter, a psychological drama, takes a distinctive approach to the events of the 1955 non-fiction book Mindhunter: Inside the FBI's Elite Serial Crime Unit. The series spanned three seasons before its cancellation in 2023. However, the silver lining is that viewers can now indulge in all episodes on Netflix. Unlike other FBI-related shows, Mindhunter revolves around a research project dedicated to unraveling the intricate psychology of serial killers. Rather than operating in the field, the show provides a unique perspective on real-world investigative methods.

13 The Sinner

In The Sinner, Detective Harry Ambrose, portrayed by Bill Pullman, delves into crimes committed by unexpected and often improbable culprits in an effort to unravel the underlying motivations behind their actions. Originally conceived as an eight-episode miniseries, the exceptionally positive reception prompted the series to be renewed for an additional three seasons. The Sinner garnered numerous nominations for prestigious awards, including a Golden Globe nod for Best Miniseries or Television Film.

12 Lupin

Lupin, based on the iconic character Arsène Lupin by Maurice Leblanc, takes us on a captivating journey alongside Assane Diop, a young thief who draws inspiration from the legendary French criminal. This mesmerizing French drama series broke records on Netflix with a staggering seventy-six million viewers within its first month, solidifying its status as the most-watched non-English show on the platform at the time (according to The Hollywood Reporter). With two more thrilling installments already released, the latest one in October 2023, the future of the show remains uncertain, leaving fans eagerly awaiting any news of potential future episodes.

11 Inside Man

10 How To Get Away With Murder

Davis Tennant and Stanley Tucci take the lead roles in Inside Man, a gripping tale that weaves together the fates of two unlikely individuals: a condemned prisoner awaiting his execution on death row in the United States, and a woman trapped in the cellar of an ancient English vicarage. Tennant's performance is captivating, filled with anticipation and drama, while the film balances its dark themes with occasional comedic moments. However, the conclusion of Inside Man has proven to be somewhat bewildering.

Viola Davis, winner of the prestigious EGOT award, delivered a powerful performance in the captivating series How to Get Away with Murder. The show made a lasting impact when it debuted in 2014 and concluded its successful run in 2020. Davis portrays Annalise Keating, a brilliant defense attorney based in Philadelphia, who becomes entangled in a murder plot alongside five of her students. Recognizing her exceptional talent, Davis received the Primetime Emmy Award for Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series, becoming the first black woman to ever win this accolade (per NPR).

9 Stay Close

8 Collateral

Stay Close is a Netflix detective series that brings together the intertwining stories of a suburban mother, a photographer, and a detective. As their paths cross, the long-standing mystery surrounding the disappearance of Stewart Green, a missing father, resurfaces after seventeen years. This gripping series is based on the novel of the same name by renowned author Harlan Coben, who has successfully adapted his other crime novels for Netflix, such as Safe and The Stranger. These thrilling adaptations have earned their place among the top detective series available on Netflix.

Collateral, a gripping four-part criminal thriller, features DI Kip Glaspie, portrayed by Carey Mulligan from The Great Gatsby. Within the enigmatic realm of South West London, Glaspie is thrust into an enthralling murder investigation involving a delivery driver. Across the span of four days, this captivating British drama intricately weaves together the lives of various individuals who initially appear unrelated. While masterfully delving into the perplexing mystery, Collateral also adeptly comments on the structures of our society.

7 Deadwind

6 Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency

Deadwind, an international detective series on Netflix, is a compelling Finnish crime drama that revolves around Detective Sofia Karppi. After the sudden and accidental death of her husband, Sofia returns to work and is immediately thrust into a murder investigation. The victim has suspicious ties to a construction company, adding complexity to the case. Meanwhile, Sofia also navigates the challenges of raising her two children on her own. With its gripping storyline, Deadwind stands out as one of Netflix's most captivating shows.

Based on a book inspired by two Doctor Who episodes penned by Douglas Adams, the comedy-mystery series Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency underwent multiple adaptations. Initially appearing on television in 2010, it was short-lived, only lasting two years. In 2016, BBC America and Netflix took a stab at the adaptation, which unfortunately met with cancellation less than a year after its release. Despite this turbulent journey, Dirk Gently's Holistic Detective Agency remains a lighthearted and amusing watch, infused with occasional dark undertones. Compared to other detective series, it tends to provide a more uplifting viewing experience.

5 American Vandal

4 Dear Child

American Vandal, a satirical crime mockumentary, captivated audiences for two seasons as it delved into the absurdity of crimes with unwavering seriousness. Following two high school students attempting to uncover the culprits, this series skillfully balanced the tension found in real crime documentaries while sprinkling it with dry humor. Regrettably, Netflix opted to cancel the highly acclaimed third season of American Vandal. Nevertheless, the producers have expressed their desire to relocate the show to a different platform in the future.

Dear Child, a German miniseries, premiered on Netflix in September 2023 and received immediate acclaim for its nuanced portrayal of child abduction. The gripping narrative centers around Lena, a woman who miraculously escapes after enduring thirteen years of captivity, during which she gives birth to a son and a daughter. Simultaneously, authorities reopen cold cases of disappearances from past decades, suspecting a potential connection. With its intense and distressing storyline, Dear Child is a fast-paced thriller that fans of Broadchurch will thoroughly enjoy.

3 The Forest

2 Dare Me

"The Forest," another French drama, revolves around the arrest of a teacher following the disappearance of her student in a forest she has an unsettling history with. Initially aired in France and Belgium in 2017, the series later gained international popularity when it was made available on Netflix in 2018 as a six-part mini-series, each episode running for fifty-seven minutes. While the show received generally positive feedback, some critics pointed out occasional unrealistic moments in the plot. Despite its overall solidity in the first season, "The Forest" did not get renewed for further episodes.

Taking place in a small town in the Midwest of the United States, Dare Me depicts the gripping tale of a competitive high school cheerleading squad. Their lives take a tumultuous turn when they encounter their new coach, Colette French, leading to a whirlwind of anxious secrets and panic. Inspired by Megan Abbott's novel of the same name published in 2012, Dare Me was unfortunately canceled by Netflix shortly after its first season concluded, much to the disappointment of its loyal viewers. However, despite its premature end, the show garnered positive reviews from critics, boasting an impressive 85% rating on Rotten Tomatoes.

1 Unbelievable

Based on an actual news article published in 2015, Unbelievable delves into the arrest of a young girl who is accused of fabricating an assault, while also exploring the intricate truth uncovered by two determined detectives. This series has garnered tremendous critical acclaim, boasting an astounding 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Within a mere thirty-four days of its release, Netflix proudly announced that over thirty-two million viewers had already watched the miniseries (via X). Unbelievable has been widely commended for its authenticity, rawness, and the captivating performances delivered by its talented cast.

Sources: The Hollywood Reporter, NPR, Rotten Tomatoes, @netflix/X