21 Intense & Gritty Crime TV Series
21 titles
- 1
DexterTV · 2006 · 8 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryThis intense drama follows Dexter Morgan, a forensic specialist for the Miami Metro Police. While he's a dedicated officer, Dexter harbors a dark secret: he's also a vigilante serial killer. Driven by his own strict moral code, he targets criminals who've evaded justice, using his exceptional skills to deliver his own brand of punishment. Dexter must maintain a normal life while navigating this dangerous double existence. The series explores the complex psychology of a man struggling with right and wrong, examining themes of morality, redemption, and the blurred line between good and evil.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.2 - 2
Breaking BadTV · 2008 · 5 seasons · Drama, CrimeWalter White, a high school chemistry teacher in New Mexico, receives a devastating cancer diagnosis: Stage III, with a prognosis of just two years. This news sparks a radical change within him. Driven by a newfound fearlessness and a desperate need to ensure his family's financial security, Walter plunges headfirst into the perilous world of drug manufacturing and criminal activity.IMDb 9.5TMDB 9.0 - 3
Sons of AnarchyTV · 2008 · 7 seasons · Crime, Drama"Sons of Anarchy" follows the complicated lives of SAMCRO, a motorcycle club operating in the United States and internationally. The story centers on a conflict between Clay, the club's violent president, and Jax, his stepson and vice-president, who wants to change SAMCRO's path. As their different ideas threaten the club and their family bond, Jax discovers his father's original vision for SAMCRO. He sets out to revive that vision while confronting the brutal world of crime. This gripping drama explores loyalty, power, and the search for redemption amidst violence.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.4 - 4
FargoTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Crime, DramaThis anthology series explores the darkness within everyday people, set against the beautiful scenery of Minnesota. Each story reveals hidden malice, violence, and murder beneath seemingly normal lives. Expect suspense, drama, and shocking twists as the series shows how people's darker impulses can lead to tragedy. It’s a thought-provoking journey into the hidden depths of the human soul, exposing fear, passion, and anger at their most dangerous.IMDb 8.8TMDB 8.3 - 5
GothamTV · 2014 · 5 seasons · Drama, Crime, Sci-Fi & FantasyThis series explores the little-known journey of James Gordon, from an eager new detective to the respected Police Commissioner. It reveals how Gotham City's deep-seated corruption fostered iconic villains like Catwoman, The Penguin, The Riddler, Two-Face, and The Joker. The story examines how these characters were shaped by their environment, ultimately becoming unforgettable figures of both crime and justice. The series is a compelling look at Gotham’s history, uncovering the beginnings of its fight against crime in a city that never sleeps.IMDb 7.8TMDB 7.6 - 6
Better Call SaulTV · 2015 · 6 seasons · Crime, Drama"Better Call Saul" explores the origins of Jimmy McGill, a determined man struggling to find his place while facing financial hardship. Six years before "Breaking Bad," this prequel follows Jimmy's path to becoming the criminal lawyer Saul Goodman. He encounters Mike Ehrmantraut, a resourceful fixer who both helps and hinders Jimmy's plans. The series shows how these relationships and experiences mold Jimmy into the complex and unconventional Saul Goodman we know. We see his journey as he grapples with ambition, morality, and the blurred lines between justice and crime in a world where the legal system can be exploited. It’s a compelling look at one man's fight for success and his own sense of right and wrong, all within the criminal world.IMDb 9.0TMDB 8.7 - 7
The ShieldTV · 2002 · 7 seasons · Crime, Drama, Action & AdventureIn a gritty, crime-plagued Los Angeles, police officers struggle to stay true to their duty. This gripping drama takes place inside a police precinct where the pursuit of justice clashes with personal desires. As officers try to keep the city safe, they face difficult choices, sometimes bending or breaking the rules – and betraying those closest to them. The series explores the moral gray areas these officers navigate, revealing their weaknesses as they fight for their community while protecting themselves. With shifting alliances and mounting tensions, it’s a dark and compelling look at people under pressure in a dangerous city.IMDb 8.7TMDB 8.2 - 8
True DetectiveTV · 2014 · 4 seasons · Drama, MysteryThis gripping detective series offers a fresh look at human nature through its American anthology structure. Each episode presents a new investigation, deeply connected to the lives of everyone involved – the victims, the suspects, and the investigators themselves. The story unfolds across different time periods, building suspense as viewers piece together hidden truths. The series expertly examines the complexities of morality, police work, and personal connections in a world where justice isn't always clear-cut.IMDb 8.8TMDB 8.3 - 9
The WireTV · 2002 · 5 seasons · Crime, DramaThis intense TV series examines the drug war in Baltimore, looking at the conflict from both the police and the criminals' perspectives. The story shifts between detectives struggling with difficult choices and those caught up in a system where right and wrong are unclear. It’s a powerful look at how the national war on drugs has become a self-sustaining machine, revealing the harsh reality of lives impacted by a complex and contradictory power structure.IMDb 9.3TMDB 8.6 - 10
JustifiedTV · 2010 · 6 seasons · Crime, DramaSet in the Kentucky countryside, this character-driven drama follows U.S. Marshal Raylan Givens, a man defined by his quiet strength and unwavering commitment to the law. Based on Elmore Leonard's "Fire in the Hole," the story explores Raylan’s work and the complicated relationships with his ex-wife and father. As he tackles dangerous cases, Raylan struggles with difficult choices and the constant fight to do what's right.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.0 - 11
Marvel's DaredevilTV · 2015 · 3 seasons · Crime, Drama, Action & AdventureIn New York City's Hell's Kitchen, Matt Murdock navigates a dangerous double life. By day, he's a driven lawyer; by night, he's Daredevil, a masked vigilante. Blind since childhood due to an accident, Matt developed extraordinary senses that make him a formidable force in the darkness. As Daredevil, he fights for the helpless, exposing corruption and safeguarding the innocent. Torn between his legal obligations and the perilous world of crime-fighting, Matt struggles with the weight of his secret identity. This gripping drama explores morality, self-sacrifice, and the lengths one will go to protect their city and those they care about.IMDb 8.6TMDB 8.2 - 12
Mr. RobotTV · 2015 · 4 seasons · Crime, DramaElliot, a young programmer struggling with social difficulties, exists in a world where technology both connects and isolates people. Unable to connect with others, he begins hacking – initially as a way to protect himself, but soon drawn into something darker. As Elliot moves between the world of corporate cybersecurity and the criminal underground, he faces a difficult question: what are the consequences of wielding power in a digital world? This compelling drama explores how our increasingly connected lives shape our relationships and challenges us to consider the true cost of technology.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.3 - 13
LongmireTV · 2012 · 6 seasons · Western, Crime, DramaSheriff Walt Longmire navigates life after the death of his wife in this adaptation of the bestselling novel series. The story unfolds in the dramatic Wyoming landscape, exploring grief and the possibility of rebuilding. Longmire struggles to regain his footing in his career and personal life while facing the everyday challenges of a small-town sheriff. He confronts compelling mysteries that test his strength and values, all while dealing with the intricacies of relationships within his community. The series offers a thoughtful look at a man searching for purpose and healing after loss, finding strength in connection and resilience.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.7 - 14
HannibalTV · 2013 · 3 seasons · Drama, CrimeGraham is a profiler with a unique ability to understand criminals – a gift that also burdens him. He's assigned to hunt a particularly clever and brutal killer and is unexpectedly partnered with Dr. Hannibal Lecter, a brilliant psychiatrist renowned for his insight into the criminal mind. As they work together, Graham and Lecter share a complex exchange of ideas, exploring the dark and intricate world of murderers, where it becomes difficult to distinguish between hunter and hunted.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.3 - 15
Burn NoticeTV · 2007 · 7 seasons · Action & Adventure, Drama, CrimeBeneath the ordinary lies a hidden world of secret operations. A former blacklisted operative uses his unique skills and training for a new purpose: helping those in desperate need. Free from his past, he navigates dangerous situations to assist people in the shadows, skillfully avoiding deception.
He builds new alliances and confronts unforeseen obstacles as he struggles with the difficult choices that come with this new life. He must carefully consider the impact of his actions, balancing secrecy with a desire to truly help others. His journey explores redemption, loyalty, and the gray areas of morality in a world where secrets are incredibly powerful.IMDb 8.0TMDB 7.5 - 16
The KillingTV · 2011 · 4 seasons · Drama, Crime, Mystery"The Killing" is a compelling American crime drama set in Seattle. Inspired by the Danish series "Forbrydelsen," it offers a unique take on the crime genre. The story follows homicide detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder as they meticulously investigate complex murder cases. Combining suspense, drama, and police procedure, the show explores the relentless pursuit of justice and the darkness within people. Each season presents fresh challenges and unexpected turns, delivering a gripping crime saga that keeps audiences captivated.IMDb 8.3TMDB 7.8 - 17
LutherTV · 2010 · 5 seasons · Crime, Drama, MysteryIdris Elba stars as Luther in this intense psychological crime drama. Luther is a detective haunted by his past, his personal demons mirroring the darkness of the criminals he chases. The story explores how Luther's inner turmoil impacts his investigations, blurring the lines between hunter and hunted. The series masterfully combines suspense with a deep dive into Luther’s mind, revealing a man as dangerous as the monsters he pursues.IMDb 8.4TMDB 7.9 - 18
The SopranosTV · 1999 · 6 seasons · Crime, Drama"The Sopranos" follows Tony Soprano, a New Jersey mob boss, as he navigates the conflicting demands of his family and his criminal empire. His therapy sessions with Dr. Jennifer Melfi reveal the emotional struggles hidden beneath his tough persona. The series explores the complicated lives of those around him: his wife Carmela, who questions her husband's choices, and his cousin Christopher Moltisanti, whose ambitions often challenge Tony’s authority. Set against the backdrop of organized crime, "The Sopranos" provides a detailed look at power, loyalty, and family in modern America.IMDb 9.2TMDB 8.7 - 19
OzTV · 1997 · 6 seasons · Crime, DramaEmerald City isn't just a part of Oswald Maximum Security Prison; it’s an experimental unit where prisoners are grouped by ethnicity or religion, creating a world of alliances and conflicts. The series explores daily life within this intricate social structure. Muslim, Latino, Italian, and Aryan cliques navigate dangerous relationships as they try to establish their power within the prison. It offers a rare glimpse into the power struggles and hidden tensions that shape people's actions, even in the most confined settings, revealing the complexities of human connection.IMDb 8.7TMDB 8.0 - 20
Miami ViceTV · 1984 · 5 seasons · Crime, DramaMiami is a city of hidden darkness, where drugs and vice run rampant. The Miami Police Department's vice squad fights to bring order. The story follows Sonny Crockett, a cool undercover detective who loves fast cars and the beach, and Ricardo Tubbs, a dedicated agent determined to take down a dangerous drug cartel.
Their paths collide during an undercover mission, sparking an unlikely partnership built on their contrasting personalities. Together, they expose the city's underbelly, facing shifting alliances, secret identities, and constant danger as they dismantle criminal networks. Crockett and Tubbs must learn to trust each other, forging a bond that goes beyond their jobs.
This intense drama explores loyalty, friendship, and the gray areas of right and wrong, all set against Miami’s glamorous but perilous world. With compelling characters, thrilling action, and a complex story, it's a captivating ride that will keep you hooked.IMDb 7.6TMDB 7.5 - 21
Boardwalk EmpireTV · 2010 · 5 seasons · Crime, DramaIn 1920s Atlantic City, Prohibition is about to begin, but the city thrives on bending the rules. At the center of it all is Enoch "Nucky" Thompson, the town's treasurer – a powerful figure who operates with equal skill in politics and organized crime. He controls everything.IMDb 8.5TMDB 8.0
