10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Criminal Minds (2005)

Description: SVU, like Criminal Minds, deals with dark and often disturbing crimes, focusing on the psychological and emotional impact on both victims and investigators. Both shows explore the minds of criminals and the toll the job takes on the team. The procedural format and emphasis on justice are also shared traits.

Fact: SVU is the longest-running live-action primetime TV series in the US. Mariska Hargitay (Benson) is the only original cast member still on the show. The show has tackled over 500 cases since its premiere.

Description: CSI, like Criminal Minds, is a procedural drama that focuses on solving crimes through scientific methods and teamwork. While CSI leans more towards forensic science, both shows emphasize the importance of evidence and psychological insight in catching criminals. The dark, gritty tone and episodic structure are also similar.

Fact: CSI popularized the forensic crime drama genre in the early 2000s. The show's theme song, 'Who Are You' by The Who, became iconic. CSI spawned multiple spin-offs, including CSI: Miami and CSI: NY.

Description: NCIS shares Criminal Minds' focus on a specialized team solving complex crimes, though NCIS deals more with military-related cases. Both shows feature strong team dynamics, procedural storytelling, and a mix of action and psychological depth. The balance between personal character arcs and case-solving is a key similarity.

Fact: NCIS is a spin-off of the show JAG. Mark Harmon (Gibbs) was initially reluctant to take the role. NCIS has become one of the most-watched TV shows in the world.

Description: Bones shares Criminal Minds' procedural crime-solving approach but with a forensic anthropology twist. Both shows delve into the darker aspects of human nature and feature a team of experts solving complex cases. The dynamic between the lead characters, Brennan and Booth, is reminiscent of the BAU team's camaraderie.

Fact: Emily Deschanel (Brennan) and David Boreanaz (Booth) had never met before their chemistry read. The show is loosely based on the life of forensic anthropologist Kathy Reichs. Bones ran for 12 seasons, making it one of the longest-running crime dramas.

Description: Prodigal Son, like Criminal Minds, centers on a profiler with a unique insight into the criminal mind—in this case, due to his serial killer father. Both shows blend procedural crime-solving with deep psychological exploration and dark, twisted narratives. The family dynamics and moral dilemmas are also key similarities.

Fact: Michael Sheen's portrayal of Martin Whitly was praised for its complexity. The show was canceled after two seasons despite a passionate fan base. Prodigal Son was inspired by classic psychological thrillers like The Silence of the Lambs.

Description: Similar to Criminal Minds, The Mentalist focuses on solving crimes through psychological profiling and behavioral analysis. Both shows feature a charismatic lead with unique skills—Patrick Jane's observational prowess mirrors the BAU's profiling techniques. The procedural format and dark, intricate cases also align with Criminal Minds' storytelling style.

Fact: Simon Baker, who plays Patrick Jane, won a Golden Globe for his performance. The show was inspired by real-life mentalists and psychics. The Red John storyline was one of the most intense and long-running arcs in TV crime dramas.

Description: The Following shares Criminal Minds' focus on serial killers and the psychological cat-and-mouse game between law enforcement and criminals. Both shows explore the darker aspects of human nature and feature intense, high-stakes storytelling. The procedural elements and team dynamics are also similar.

Fact: Kevin Bacon starred in The Following, marking his first regular TV role. The show was created by Kevin Williamson, known for Scream and Dawson's Creek. The Following was canceled after three seasons due to declining ratings.

Description: Hannibal shares Criminal Minds' focus on psychological profiling and the dark, twisted minds of criminals. Both shows explore the blurred lines between good and evil, though Hannibal takes a more artistic and horror-infused approach. The intense character dynamics and psychological depth are key similarities.

Fact: Bryan Fuller initially envisioned Hannibal as a seven-season arc. The show was canceled despite critical acclaim due to low ratings. Mads Mikkelsen's portrayal of Hannibal Lecter is considered one of the best in the character's history.

Description: True Detective, like Criminal Minds, delves into the psychology of criminals and the detectives who hunt them. Both shows feature complex, character-driven narratives and dark, atmospheric storytelling. However, True Detective is more serialized and cinematic in its approach.

Fact: Each season of True Detective features a new cast and storyline. The first season was inspired by real-life Louisiana crimes. Matthew McConaughey's performance in Season 1 revitalized his career.

Description: The Blacklist, like Criminal Minds, features a brilliant but enigmatic criminal profiler (Reddington) who helps the FBI solve complex cases. Both shows delve into the psychology of criminals and feature high-stakes, serialized storytelling. The dark tone and moral ambiguity are also similar.

Fact: James Spader ad-libs many of Reddington's lines. The show was inspired by real-life criminals on the FBI's Most Wanted list. The Blacklist has one of the most intricate mythologies in TV crime dramas.