22 Best British Crime Shows on Netflix, Ranked

Heart-pounding action, historical drama, and psychological thrillers are some examples of the British crime shows you can watch on Netflix right now. If you love nothing more than wanting to see if the good guys will catch the bad guys, you don't want to miss these shows.

22 'Paranoid' (2016)

Created by Bill Gallagher

A big-brother investigative series, Paranoid features a Ghost Detective aiding a team of investigators searching for the culprit responsible for a woman's murder. The deeper they go into the investigation, the more a dark conspiracy unravels, taking the team across Europe to solve the case. Paranoid is a character-driven crime drama that individualizes their experience with paranoia as the Ghost Detective's enigmatic presence is ever-looming.

While the ITV series engrossed viewers for a single eight-episode season, it flew mostly under the radar, with hopes to gain a larger viewership on Netflix. The narrative invites audiences to partake alongside the characters in the investigation as the clues unfold.

Watch on Netflix

21 'Who is Erin Carter' (2023)

Created by Jack Lothian

A series about a secret, lies, and mysterious past, Who is Erin Carter is an action thriller series instead of a slow-burn puzzle drama. Evin Ahmad stars as the titular character, a history teacher living in Barcelona, Spain, with her husband and daughter. When she stumbles into a grocery store robbery, Erin is recognized by one of the assailants and her picturesque life begins to fall apart. Erin must control the narrative of her past before it's too late.

With only seven episodes, the limited series is an easy binge for those seeking more action-packed British crime than extensive, deep-seated narratives. Who is Erin Carter is a standout performance for Ahmad as she carries the series despite the shortcomings critics overlooked and audiences pointed out.

Watch on Netflix

20 'Fool Me Once' (2024)

Created by Daniel Brocklehurst and Harlan Coben

For audiences seeking twists and turns at every corner, the Harlan Coben-inspired Netflix drama Fool Me Once is a must-watch. The eight-episode miniseries follows Maya Stern (Michelle Keegan), a widow whose husband was brutally murdered. To ease her fears, she sets up a nanny cam in her daughter's room, only to capture her husband on it. Maya begins to question what is real and what is a lie as she digs deeper into her husband's past.

Fool Me Once is an adaptation of Coben's novel of the same name, giving literary fans a second experience with the best-selling material. The series is carried by performances from Keegan and Joanna Lumley, who stars as Maya's mother-in-law. While there won't be a second season given the source material, audiences will have plenty of other British crime thrillers to stream after Fool Me Once.

19 'The Irregulars' (2021)

Created by Tom Bidwell

A teen supernatural crime series paired with the likes of Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson, The Irregulars was a flame that burned bright for critics in its single season. The series follows four misfit teens in Victorian London as they investigate a series of supernatural murders under the direction of Dr. Watson (Royce Pierreson) and Sherlock Holmes (Henry Lloyd-Hughes). While The Irregulars is a crime series, it is very much a coming-of-age tale about finding solace in your chosen family.

The Irregulars diverges from the standards of Sherlock Holmes, but in doing so, sets itself apart with stunning visuals and a solid ensemble cast. The episodic structure of its narrative acts very much like a weekly TV series, centering each episode around a new supernatural creature while simultaneously working toward the bigger picture.

18 'Bodies' (2023)

Created by Paul Tomalin

Bodies spreads its appeal across multiple genres, including period, sci-fi, crime, and time travel. The series chronicles four murder investigations led by four different detectives in four different eras: 1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053. The catch is that they are all investigating the death of the same man, leading to the discovery of a larger conspiracy theory. Bodies is an episode series based on the 2015 graphic novel by Si Spencer.

The woven narrative draws in audiences to keep pressing "Next Episode" while remaining captivated by the performances led by Stephen Graham. The series is a tangled mess of clues that is desperate for viewers to unravel instead of testing their will with an enigmatic puzzle. Because of its reliance on the source material, Bodies was kept to a miniseries instead of being renewed for a second season.

17 'White Lines' (2020)

Created by Álex Pina

This single-season Netflix original is ideal for binge-watchers who enjoy series where everyone's a suspect in a whodunnit-style cold case. White Lines follows Zoe Walker (Laura Haddock) as she tries to solve her brother's disappearance in Ibiza two decades later. Traveling to the decadent destination, Zoe realizes that uncovering the clues surrounding his death leads to a destructive version of the truth she's been searching for.

As destination mystery series like HBO's White Lotus continue to dominate streaming attention, returning to this 2020 gem is the perfect start for British crime series enthusiasts. White Lines pairs the beauty of an idealistic getaway city with the darker intentions and motivations of fellow patrons, driven by the determination to solve the puzzle and find justice.

Watch on Netflix

16 'Anatomy of a Scandal' (2022)

Created by David E. Kelley

Serving a dual purpose as one of the best political series on Netflix, Anatomy of a Scandal is a multi-genre thriller series satiating a diverse streaming audience with its single season. The series focuses on the downfall of Sophie (Sienna Miller) and James Whitehouse's (Rupert Friend) marriage after the politician publicly admits to an affair; however, James is then accused of rape and heads to trial where the relentless prosecutor will stop at nothing to put him behind bars.

The series, based on and adapted from the Sarah Vaughan bestseller, is equal parts political and courtroom drama that blends into a crime drama. The adaptation of Anatomy takes several creative liberties, adding to the mystery and allure for British crime series fans. Anatomy of a Scandal is a limited series that deserves a spot on the Must-Watch list for any fan of this specific genre.

15 'Safe' (2018)

Created by Harlan Coben

Audiences know when Michael C. Hall appears in a crime series, it's bound to be good, and Safe meets those expectations. Hall stars as Tom Delaney, a widowed surgeon trying to manage single-parenting his two daughters while beginning to date again. When his eldest daughter, Jenny (Amy James-Kelly), goes missing, his detective girlfriend, Sophie (Amanda Abbington), attempts to help locate Jenny and her boyfriend; however, Sophie's new partner seems to have a hidden agenda while Tom discovers dark secrets about the neighborhood he felt so secure in.

Safe is a multi-layered mini-series that only has one season for British crime series fans, but is a binge-able thriller worth adding to the list. While there are questionable accents and some genre fans struggled to see Hall as anyone other than the infamous Dexter, the Netflix original brings a twisting, thrilling plot that works seamlessly with its talented cast.

Watch on Netflix

14 'Inside Man' (2022)

Created by Steven Moffat

Jefferson Grieff (Stanley Tucci), who used to be a law lecturer, is now on death row in an Arizona prison for the grisly murder of his wife in Inside Man. Jefferson soon begins using his Ph.D. in criminology to solve cases and mysteries in exchange for items and special treatment from the warden.

Developed by Steven Moffat, critics praised Inside Man for its undeniable roster of talented actors, including Tucci and David Tennant. Its story is unpredictable and exciting, but it does feed into the problematic depiction of mental health in TV series, which makes its entire premise questionable and challenging to watch at times.

13 'Collateral' (2018)

Directed by S. J. Clarkson

A pizza delivery man is shot dead on the street, but nothing is as it seems. That’s the basis for one of the best British mystery series on Netflix, Collateral, where Detective Inspector Kip Glaspie (Carey Mulligan) investigates a murder case that turns into something bigger. What starts as a simple murder turns into a complex weaving of political battle, military drama, and human smuggling.

Fans looking for British mysteries on Netflix should check it out, as in a mere four episodes, the show successfully juggles the various storylines and a large cast of connected characters with depth. Beyond a crime show, it’s also about complicated relationships and the strength of the human spirit.

12 'You Don't Know Me' (2021)

Directed by Sarmad Masud

The four-part TV show, You Don't Know Me, deals with issues of love, criminality, and fair treatment of the accused. The series is directed by Sarmad Masud and stars Samuel Adewunmi as the title character Hero. Everything focuses on Hero, a young guy from South London who is on trial for murder. Despite the overwhelming evidence against him, Hero insists on presenting his case in his own words rather than relying on an attorney. He soon puts his life on the line to protect the woman he loves.

The show does an excellent job of tying the story's many threads together. You Don't Know Me delves deep into issues of criminal justice and tackles racism as it depicts Hero's arc. Audiences are led on an emotional roller coaster through Hero's journey, and they are left with a profound sense of the power of storytelling to influence one's perspective of the world.

Watch on Netflix

11 'Stay Close' (2021)

Directed by Daniel O'Hara

An underrated criminal thriller everyone should see, Stay Close depicts the interwoven fates of three characters when they are all entangled in a terrible event. A detective, a photographer, and a wife and mother all attempt to find the truth and stay safe.

Directed by Daniel O'Hara based on the 2012 Harlan Coben novel, Stay Close depicts a complex web of lies, treachery, and potentially deadly secrets in its engaging story that will keep viewers hooked from the very first episode. Actors James Nesbitt, Sarah Parish, and Eve Myles provide strong, nuanced performances that make the characters seem genuine and sympathetic in one of the best British detective series on Netflix. Tension permeates every moment and viewers can also expect jaw-dropping twists.

Watch on Netflix

10 'The Stranger' (2020)

Directed by Daniel O'Hara and Hannah Quinn

Based on a Harlan Coben novel, The Stranger tells the story of a mysterious woman who reveals a secret to a married man and causes a domino effect in his life. The secret involves his wife, who then disappears. Hannah John-Kamen plays the aforementioned stranger and Richard Armitage plays Adam Price, the man whose life is about to fall apart.

Addictive, chaotic, and twisty, the show makes you click that “Next Episode” button promptly with every cliffhanger ending. The storyline does require some suspension of disbelief, but that’s part of the fun. It's the kind of show you can binge in one day.

9 'Marcella' (2016–2021)

Directed by Hans Rosenfeldt

Combining police investigation with psychological drama, Marcella is all about its title character (and is one of the best British crime dramas right now). Former detective Marcella Backland (Anna Friel) returns to work to investigate an open murder case from 11 years ago. To make it worse, her husband has left her, and she has memory issues where she experiences blackouts.

An unreliable narrator is a popular device in fiction and this show employs it to a nerve-wracking effect. Marcella’s shaky mental state causes her to make questionable decisions as she attempts to catch a serial killer on the loose. Among the best British murder mysteries on Netflix, it’s a somber show that makes no apologies for its complex, flawed characters.

8 'The Serpent' (2021)

Directed by Tom Shankland and Hans Herbots

Set in the mid-70s, The Serpent is a limited series on Netflix based on the heinous crimes committed by the serial killer Charles "the Serpent" Sobhraj (played by Tahar Rahim). It portrays the way he posed as a gem dealer and traveled around Asia's "hippie trail" from 1975 to 1976, murdering tourists along the way.

The crime series sheds light on the horrific actions that left families devastated in the '70s, which is only made worse by the fact that Sobhraj mostly targeted young travelers. Viewers can expect some disturbing moments in the series, which also has a police procedural element to it as the mounting pressure on investigators to catch Interpol's most wanted man becomes too much.

Watch on Netflix

7 'Criminal: UK' (2019–2020)

Directed by Jim Field Smith

Imagine a show set entirely in a police interview room and its viewing facility. That’s exactly the premise of Criminal: UK where a special police unit has a limited time to ask questions to witnesses and suspects to crack the mystery. Each episode features notable guest stars such as David Tennant, Hayley Atwell, and Kit Harington.

The show’s localized setting makes it feel tense and claustrophobic, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The intricate writing is carefully designed so that every line is parsed through and every piece of evidence presented can turn up something new. There are similar versions of the show set in France, Germany, and Spain, if you’re itching for more.

6 'Giri/Haji' (2019)

Directed by Julian Farino and Ben Chessell

Need a crime show with a dose of the Yakuza? You can’t go wrong with Giri/Haji (Duty/Shame). The bilingual show takes place in London and Tokyo, combining a British police procedural with Japanese crime drama. Detective Constable Sarah Weitzmann (Kelly Macdonald) teams up with Kenzo Mori (Takehiro Hira), a detective from Tokyo looking for his brother who is accused of killing the nephew of a Yakuza member.

Stylish and brutal, the show takes a look at the criminal underworld and how violence can cross international waters. While familiar tropes are in play, the show manages to elevate itself through exciting characters, humorous situations, and fantastic action scenes.

Watch on Netflix

5 'Top Boy' (2011–2023)

Created by Ronan Bennett

Netflix commissioned a new series of Top Boy in 2019 after its initial debut in 2011. The original series is worth watching to understand the characters and where they came from. Set in a fictional housing estate in London, Top Boy follows the lives of residents trying to navigate the crime-ridden area.

Among them are Ra’Nell (Malcolm Kamulete) who is struggling with his mother’s illness, and Gem (Giacomo Mancini) who works for a local drug dealer. Gritty and heartbreaking, the show is an intense study of the dark side of crime and how some people would do anything to survive.

4 'The Gentlemen' (2024)

Created by Guy Ritchie

An Emmy-nominated series from the mind of cinematic legend Guy Ritchie, The Gentlemen Netflix series exists in the same universe as the 2019 film but is otherwise not connected. Theo James stars as Eddie Horniman, an aristocrat who, following his father's death, discovers a weed empire hidden inside the grounds of his inherited family estate. The series co-stars Kaya Scodelario and Giancarlo Esposito.

The TV version of Ritchie's universe caters to audiences who enjoy seeing a stand-up character slowly descend into the underbelly of the drug trade, growing corrupt the further embedded they get. This is Eddie's journey. For fans of the movie, this is the perfect follow-up and better-suited medium to space out complicated and interweaving plots versus strategically packing them into one movie. Season one of The Gentlemen includes eight episodes ranging from 43 minutes to 67 minutes long.

Watch on Netflix

3 'Bodyguard' (2018)

Directed by Thomas Vincent and John Strickland

Created by the same team behind Line of Duty, Bodyguard is a gripping thriller about a police officer assigned to protect a politician he can’t stand. It stars Richard Madden in a Golden Globe-winning role as Sergeant David Budd opposite Keeley Hawes as Home Secretary Julia Montague.

While the show mainly deals with a terrorism plot, its strong point is how it portrays Budd’s experience with PTSD after his stint in Afghanistan. It also looks at his complicated relationship with Montague, leading them down a surprising road. Mixing political drama with real-life issues, this is a crime show and a fantastic thriller miniseries that feels deeply relevant.