10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Broadchurch (2013)

Description: Wallander is similar to Broadchurch in its focus on a detective solving crimes in a small community. Both series explore themes of loneliness, aging, and the weight of responsibility. The storytelling is introspective and character-driven, with a strong sense of place.

Fact: Wallander is based on the novels by Henning Mankell. Kenneth Branagh, who plays the lead, also served as an executive producer. The series was filmed in Ystad, Sweden, the setting of the books.

Description: Luther shares with Broadchurch a focus on a brilliant but troubled detective solving complex crimes. Both series explore the psychological toll of the job and the blurred lines between right and wrong. The storytelling is intense and character-driven, with a dark tone.

Fact: Luther was created by Neil Cross, who also wrote every episode. Idris Elba, who plays the lead, won a Golden Globe for his performance. The series was inspired by classic detective shows like Columbo.

Description: The Bridge, like Broadchurch, is a crime drama that explores the investigation of a murder and its impact on the community. Both series feature strong female leads and delve into themes of identity, justice, and morality. The storytelling is slow-burning and suspenseful, with a focus on character development.

Fact: The Bridge is a Swedish-Danish co-production. The series was remade in several countries, including the US and UK. The iconic bridge in the title is the Øresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark.

Description: Top of the Lake, like Broadchurch, is a crime drama set in a small community with a strong sense of place. Both series explore themes of trauma, family, and the search for truth. The storytelling is atmospheric and character-driven, with a focus on the emotional impact of crime.

Fact: Top of the Lake was co-created by Jane Campion, the first female director to win the Palme d'Or. The series was filmed in New Zealand, standing in for Australia. Elisabeth Moss, who plays the lead, also served as a producer.

Description: Happy Valley is similar to Broadchurch in its exploration of crime in a small community and the emotional aftermath for those involved. Both series feature strong female leads and delve into themes of family, loss, and resilience. The storytelling is gritty and realistic, with a focus on character over action.

Fact: Happy Valley was created by Sally Wainwright, known for her strong female characters. The series is set in West Yorkshire, and the title refers to the area's nickname due to its drug problems. Sarah Lancashire, who plays the lead, did most of her own stunts.

Description: The Fall shares with Broadchurch a focus on the investigation of a crime and its effects on the community. Both shows are set in small towns and explore the psychological aspects of the criminals and the detectives. The Fall, like Broadchurch, is known for its slow-burning tension and strong character development.

Fact: Gillian Anderson, who plays the lead detective, also served as a producer for the series. The Fall was one of the first BBC dramas to be filmed in Northern Ireland. The series was created by Allan Cubitt, who also wrote every episode.

Description: Like Broadchurch, True Detective is a crime drama that delves deep into the psychological and emotional toll of solving a murder. Both series feature a small-town setting that plays a significant role in the narrative, and they explore themes of grief, morality, and the impact of crime on a community. The storytelling is character-driven, with a focus on the detectives' personal lives and struggles.

Fact: True Detective's first season was written entirely by Nic Pizzolatto. The series is known for its long, uninterrupted takes, particularly in the fourth episode of the first season. Each season features a new cast and storyline, making it an anthology series.

Description: Shetland, like Broadchurch, is a crime drama set in a small, close-knit community where the landscape plays a significant role in the story. Both series focus on the investigation of a murder and the impact it has on the community. The tone is atmospheric and suspenseful, with a strong sense of place.

Fact: Shetland is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The series is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands. Douglas Henshall, who plays the lead detective, won a BAFTA for his performance.

Description: Unforgotten shares with Broadchurch a focus on cold cases and the emotional toll of solving them. Both series are character-driven, with a strong emphasis on the personal lives of the detectives and the victims' families. The storytelling is meticulous and unfolds slowly, revealing layers of complexity.

Fact: Unforgotten was created by Chris Lang, who also wrote every episode. The series features a rotating cast of guest stars for each season. Each season focuses on a different cold case, with connections to the present day.

Description: Marcella is similar to Broadchurch in its exploration of a detective's personal struggles while solving a crime. Both series feature complex female leads and delve into themes of identity, memory, and trauma. The storytelling is dark and suspenseful, with twists and turns.

Fact: Marcella was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, the writer behind The Bridge. Anna Friel, who plays the lead, learned to speak Swedish for her role. The series was originally titled Remember Me.