If you loved the gripping intensity of Breathe (2024), you're in for a treat. This article explores 10 similarly thrilling movies and shows that will keep you on the edge of your seat. Whether you're drawn to high-stakes survival stories, psychological tension, or dystopian futures, these picks will satisfy your craving for adrenaline-pumping entertainment.

The Killing (2011)
Description: A moody, character-driven crime series that meticulously unravels a single case over multiple episodes, focusing on emotional depth.
Fact: The American version was adapted from the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen'. Each season covers one case in detail over 10-13 episodes.


Top of the Lake (2013)
Description: A haunting mystery set against a breathtaking but oppressive landscape, exploring dark secrets in a remote community.
Fact: Jane Campion co-created the series, making her the first female director to win the Palme d'Or. The stunning New Zealand landscapes become a character themselves.


Happy Valley (2014)
Description: A gritty police procedural with a strong female protagonist, blending crime investigation with personal drama and moral complexity.
Fact: The title refers to the nickname for the Calder Valley where the series is set. Writer Sally Wainwright drew inspiration from real-life police officers for authenticity.


Broadchurch (2013)
Description: A haunting small-town murder mystery that explores grief, secrets, and the impact of crime on a tight-knit community.
Fact: The show's iconic beach scenes were filmed in Dorset, England. The first season's killer was kept secret from most of the cast until filming the reveal.


The Fall (2013)
Description: A tense cat-and-mouse thriller focusing on a relentless detective hunting a methodical serial killer, with deep psychological undertones.
Fact: Gillian Anderson's character was originally written as a man. The series was shot entirely in Northern Ireland, despite being set in Belfast.


Sharp Objects (2018)
Description: A dark psychological thriller about a troubled journalist investigating murders in her hometown, blending crime with deep personal trauma.
Fact: The series features over 100 hidden words scratched into surfaces throughout, mirroring the protagonist's self-harm. It was filmed in Barnesville, Georgia standing in for Missouri.


Big Little Lies (2017)
Description: A stylish mystery-drama that peels back the perfect facades of wealthy families to reveal dark secrets and complex relationships.
Fact: Originally planned as a miniseries, its success led to a second season. The beachside scenes were filmed in Monterey, California.


Marcella (2016)
Description: A gripping crime drama with a complex female lead, delving into psychological trauma and dark mysteries.
Fact: The series was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created 'The Bridge'. It was initially intended to be set in Denmark but was later adapted for a British audience.


The Undoing (2020)
Description: A high-society psychological thriller that unravels a web of lies and deception following a violent death among Manhattan's elite.
Fact: The series was filmed in New York City during winter, with many scenes shot on location. It was based on Jean Hanff Korelitz's novel 'You Should Have Known'.


The Sinner (2017)
Description: A psychological thriller that examines why ordinary people commit violent acts, with each season exploring a new mystery.
Fact: Based on Petra Hammesfahr's novel. Each season features a completely new case and protagonist, with Bill Pullman's detective as the connecting thread.
