The world loves a mystery, especially one that unfolds in front of our eyes from the comfort of our couch. In recent years, the rapid growth of a sub-genre known as Nordic noir has taken the world by storm, offering a Scandinavian tilt to classic crime stories. Typically set in bleak landscapes and featuring hardened detectives solving gritty and unflinching mysteries, the rising popularity of Nordic noir has been well-documented and accumulated millions of fans across the world. Never ones to miss a trick, Prime Video now hosts some of the best, even if via other streaming platforms. Without further ado, here's a look at the best Nordic noir shows on Prime Video.
For more recommendations, check out our list of the best Nordic noir shows on Netflix or the best whodunnit shows on Netflix or Max.
'Those Who Kill' (2019 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.5/10
Those Who Kill
Genre Crime, Thriller
Language Danish
Number of Seasons 4
Debut Date March 1, 2019
This police procedural created by Ina Bruhn follows talented criminal investigator Jan (Kenneth M. Christensen), who is tasked with searching for 17-year-old Julie, a girl who has been missing for half a year. However, this case takes a horrifying turn when Jan finds the remains of a girl that matches Julie's description, and another girl suddenly also goes missing, leaving him with no choice but to turn to criminal profiler Louise (Natalie Madueño) for help. A frantic, gutwrenching tale pierces the heart of Those Who Kill, with the subtle score helping to craft a constant sense of unease. Featuring four seasons of top-quality procedural drama, this is a Nordic noir you won't want to miss. - Jake Hodges
'Wisting' (2019 - Present)
Rotten Tomatoes: 85% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Wisting
Genre Police Procedural
Language Norwegian, English
Number of Seasons 5
Debut Date April 11, 2019
Created by Trygve Allister Diesen and Kathrine Valen Zeiner, Wisting follows the titular homicide detective, William Wisting (Sven Nordin), who is tasked with keeping his local community safe. However, his veteran career faces its toughest and most personal challenge yet when the investigation into a vicious serial killer begins to threaten the life of his journalist daughter, Line (Thea Green Lundberg). A wholly immersive procedural with all the trimmings, Wisting is exactly what you could want from a crime series and more. Bleak and harrowing, the violent crimes at its center certainly aren't for the weak of heart, making this an often difficult but certainly rewarding watch. - Jake Hodges
Watch on Prime Video (with AMC+ Trial)
'Bordertown' (2016 - 2020)
Rotten Tomatoes: 87% | IMDb: 7.6/10
Bordertown
Genre Crime Drama, Nordic Noir
Language Finnish
Number of Seasons 3
Debut Date October 16, 2016
One of the most popular Nordic noirs in recent memory, Bordertown follows detective inspector Kari Sorjonen (Ville Virtanen), a man referred to as the "Sherlock of Finland." After moving from the bright lights of Helsinki to the sleepy border town of Lappeenranta, Kari hopes to spend more time away from work and with his family. Little could he know that the crimes of this place are wholly demanding. Featuring a stellar central performance from Virtanen, Bordertown lasted for four successful years before its eventual end, with each three to four episodes covering a different and always intense case. Quirky and definitely dramatic, Bordertown earned plenty of fans for good reason. - Jake Hodges
Watch on Prime Video (with MHz Choice Trial)
'Pagan Peak' (2018 - 2023)
IMDb: 8.0/10
Pagan Peak
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Julia Jentsch
Ellie Stocker
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Nicholas Ofczarek
Gedeon Winter
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This German-Austrian crime drama crossover from 2018 follows a pair of dedicated detectives, Ellie (Julia Jentsch) and Gedeon (Nicholas Ofczarek), whose investigation into a body found in the Alps is set to change their lives forever. Bitter professional and personal rivals, can Ellie and Gedeon put their differences aside to solve a case that continues to unravel into chaos before their very eyes? A thrilling, refreshing twist on the classic buddy cop genre, Pagan Peak is a success thanks in no small part to the genius pair of performances at its core. Both Ofczarek and Jentsch are entirely immersive as Gedeon and Ellie, making each of Pagan Peak's 24 episodes simply fly by. - Jake Hodges
Watch on Prime Video (with MHz Choice Trial)
'Van der Valk' (2020 - 2024)
Rotten Tomatoes: 74% | IMDb: 7.0/10
Van der Valk
Release Date 2020 - 2023
Network NPO 1
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Dennis Rudge
Marcus Stegenga
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Hadewych Minis
Marielle Cuyper
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Jaye Griffiths
Christine Philips
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Kay Greidanus
Ivo de Witt
Starring Doctor Who alum Marc Warren, Van der Valk is set in modern-day Amsterdam and follows the titular Dutch detective, played by Warren, in a loose remake of the series that originally ran from 1972 to 1992. The show follows Van der Valk alongside his partner in crime-solving, Lucienne Hassell (Maimie McCoy), as they attempt to bring to justice all the major criminals under the harsh lights of their bustling city. Perhaps not the first series that might come to mind when thinking of Nordic noir, Van der Valk still delivers on all the genre's important points, including bleak realities and gritty crimes. A perfect loose remake of an unquestionable classic, Van der Valk both pays homage and stands alone in its quality. - Jake Hodges
Watch on Prime Video (with PBS Masterpiece Trial)
'Greyzone' (2018)
Rotten Tomatoes: 67% | IMDb: 7.3/10
Greyzone
Genre Thriller
Language Danish, Swedish
Number of Seasons 1
Debut Date February 22, 2018
This quiet miniseries from 2018 follows drone engineer Victoria (Birgitte Hjort Sørensen), whose life is turned on its head after she is taken hostage in the home of a group of terrorists. On the case is SÄPO agent Eva (Tova Magnusson), leading her security police force on the hunt for Victoria and in an against-the-clock race to put a stop to an imminent terrorist attack. The title of this series, Greyzone, refers to the constant moral dilemma at the show's core, with the audience themselves consistently being asked to question their own morality. It is this that makes Greyzone stand out — a police series without the bells and whistles, intent on delivering character-led drama without relying on melodramatic action. - Jake Hodges
Watch on Prime Video (with MHz Choice Trial)
'Varg Veum' (2007)
IMDb: 7.3/10
Varg Veum
Genre Crime, Drama, Thriller
Language Norwegian
Number of Seasons 2
Debut Date September 28, 2007
Based on a series of 19 novels by Norwegian author Gunnar Staalesen, Varg Veum is a series following the titular private detective (Trond Espen Seim), who works around the clock to solve all manner of detailed criminal cases. However, with an unorthodox crime-fighting style, Veum often finds himself at battle with the police. Consisting of six feature-length episodes, Varg Veum is as immersive as it is demanding. A crime series with all the Nordic trimmings, Varg Veum is a wonderful adaptation of a beloved series of novels all capped off with a terrific performance from Espen Seim. - Jake Hodges
Watch on Prime Video (with Viaplay Trial)
'Johan Falk' (2009 - 2019)
Johan Falk
Genre Action
Language Swedish
Number of Seasons 3
Debut Date September 21, 2016
Starring Jakob Eklund as the titular police officer, this Swedish crime series follows the crime-fighter as he leaves Interpol to take up a new position at a specialist unit in Gothenburg. Now a part of the Special Operations Unit GSI, Falk must infiltrate the most dangerous criminal organizations in the country on the hunt for justice. Deliciously tense from the very first moment, Johan Falk is a terrific example of Nordic noir at its best. Also starring the likes of Marie Richardson and Mikael Tornving, this is one series you will be glad you didn't miss. - Jake Hodges
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