Shows & Movies Like James Ellroy’s LA: City Of Demons

Description: A brooding murder mystery that focuses as much on the emotional toll of crime as the investigation itself, with rainy atmospherics and moral complexity.

Fact: Originally based on a Danish series. The show was canceled twice before finally concluding with a fourth season on Netflix.

Description: A cross-border crime saga that uses its investigative framework to explore cultural differences and societal issues, with dark humor and complex characters.

Fact: Originally a Swedish-Danish co-production that inspired multiple international adaptations. The show's title refers to the Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark.

Description: A haunting mystery set against a breathtaking but foreboding landscape, blending crime procedural with deep character drama and social commentary.

Fact: The show was filmed in New Zealand, standing in for the story's Australian setting. A second season was produced five years after the first, with a significantly different storyline.

Description: A moody crime drama that explores how a small community reacts to tragedy, with slow-burning tension and rich character development.

Fact: The show's iconic cliffside location became a tourist attraction. The first season's killer's identity was kept secret from most of the cast during filming.

Description: A cat-and-mouse crime thriller that explores the psychology of both hunter and hunted, with deliberate pacing and intense character studies.

Fact: The series was shot in Northern Ireland but set in Belfast. It was one of the first BBC shows to be picked up by Netflix for international distribution.

Description: A gritty crime drama with deep psychological undertones, exploring the dark underbelly of society through complex characters and nonlinear storytelling.

Fact: The first season was shot entirely on 35mm film, giving it a distinct cinematic look. The show's opening credits sequence won a Creative Arts Emmy Award.

Description: A tense crime procedural that delves into the moral ambiguities of the justice system, featuring a haunting atmosphere and meticulous attention to detail.

Fact: Originally developed as a British series before being adapted for American television. The show's lead actor Riz Ahmed prepared for his role by spending time in real prison visitation rooms.

Description: A psychological thriller that blends crime investigation with deep personal trauma, featuring disturbing family dynamics and a haunting small-town setting.

Fact: The series finale contained hidden messages in the background that revealed major plot points. All eight episodes were directed by the same filmmaker, maintaining visual consistency.

Description: A supernatural crime drama that starts as a straightforward murder investigation before descending into psychological horror and existential dread.

Fact: Based on Stephen King's novel of the same name. The series was originally planned as a feature film before being developed for television.

Description: A psychological crime thriller that examines the hidden motives behind violent acts, with each season unraveling a dark personal history.

Fact: The series is based on a German novel of the same name. Each season features a completely new case and setting while maintaining the same detective protagonist.