10 Shows and Movies Similar to Steeltown Murders (2023)

Description: Like 'Steeltown Murders', 'Luther' is a British crime drama that blends police procedural elements with deep psychological insight. Both series feature brilliant but flawed detectives who are deeply affected by their cases. The dark, moody visuals and the exploration of the thin line between justice and obsession are also common themes.

Fact: Idris Elba won a Golden Globe for his performance as John Luther. The character of Alice Morgan, played by Ruth Wilson, became a fan favorite despite being a killer. 'Luther' has inspired a feature film continuation, set to be released on Netflix.

Description: Both 'Vera' and 'Steeltown Murders' are British crime dramas that focus on dedicated, no-nonsense detectives solving complex cases. The series share a strong sense of place, with the northern English settings adding to the gritty realism. The emphasis on character-driven storytelling and the exploration of social issues are also common elements.

Fact: Brenda Blethyn, who plays DCI Vera Stanhope, has said she based the character's voice on her mother. The series is filmed in Northumberland, and many locals appear as extras. 'Vera' is one of ITV's longest-running crime dramas, with over a decade of episodes.

Description: 'Top of the Lake' and 'Steeltown Murders' both explore the investigation of crimes in small, insular communities, with a strong focus on the female perspective. The series share a haunting, atmospheric quality and a willingness to tackle difficult, often taboo subjects. The stunning cinematography and complex characterizations are also key similarities.

Fact: 'Top of the Lake' was co-created by Jane Campion, the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. The series was filmed in New Zealand, doubling for the remote Australian setting. Elisabeth Moss, who plays Robin Griffin, also starred in 'The Handmaid's Tale'.

Description: 'Happy Valley' shares with 'Steeltown Murders' a gritty, realistic portrayal of police work and the personal toll it takes on those involved. Both series feature strong, complex female leads navigating challenging investigations while dealing with their own personal demons. The dark, intense tone and focus on moral ambiguity are also common threads.

Fact: Sarah Lancashire, who plays Catherine Cawood, performed many of her own stunts. The series is set in West Yorkshire, and the title 'Happy Valley' is a local nickname for the area due to its drug problems. Writer Sally Wainwright drew inspiration from real-life police cases and interviews with officers.

Description: Like 'Steeltown Murders', 'Broadchurch' is a gripping crime drama that delves into the impact of a murder on a small, tight-knit community. Both series explore themes of grief, justice, and the ripple effects of crime, with a strong focus on character development and emotional depth. The atmospheric setting and meticulous police procedural elements are also key similarities.

Fact: 'Broadchurch' was filmed in Dorset, England, and the stunning coastal scenery became almost a character in itself. The show's success led to an American adaptation called 'Gracepoint', starring David Tennant in the same role. The identity of the killer in the first season was kept secret from most of the cast to prevent leaks.

Description: 'The Fall' and 'Steeltown Murders' both explore the cat-and-mouse dynamic between detectives and killers, with a strong emphasis on psychological tension. Both series feature intense, slow-burning narratives that delve into the minds of both the investigators and the perpetrators. The dark, moody cinematography and atmospheric settings are also similar.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's character, Stella Gibson, was inspired by real-life senior female detectives. Jamie Dornan, who plays the serial killer Paul Spector, was relatively unknown at the time but went on to star in 'Fifty Shades of Grey'. The series was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, and makes strong use of its urban and suburban locations.

Description: Like 'Steeltown Murders', 'Line of Duty' is a police procedural with a strong focus on corruption and the moral complexities of law enforcement. Both series feature intricate plots, unexpected twists, and a deep dive into the institutional challenges faced by detectives. The tense, high-stakes interrogations are a standout feature in both.

Fact: 'Line of Duty' was created by Jed Mercurio, who also wrote 'Bodyguard'. The show's famous interrogation scenes are often filmed in one take to maintain tension. The acronym 'AC-12' stands for Anti-Corruption Unit 12, the department at the heart of the series.

Description: 'Shetland' and 'Steeltown Murders' both feature remote, atmospheric settings that play a crucial role in the storytelling. The series share a focus on community dynamics and the ways in which past events continue to haunt the present. The strong, quiet protagonist and the blend of personal and professional challenges are also key similarities.

Fact: 'Shetland' is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, who also created 'Vera'. The show is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, giving it a unique and authentic feel. Douglas Henshall, who plays DI Jimmy Perez, won a BAFTA for his performance.

Description: Both 'Unforgotten' and 'Steeltown Murders' revolve around cold cases being reopened, uncovering long-buried secrets and traumas. The series share a focus on the emotional and psychological impact of crime on victims' families and the detectives themselves. The meticulous, character-driven storytelling and understated performances are hallmarks of both shows.

Fact: Each season of 'Unforgotten' features a completely new case, with some recurring characters. The show has been praised for its diverse casting and representation of modern Britain. Nicola Walker, who plays DCI Cassie Stuart, is known for her ability to convey deep emotion with subtlety.

Description: 'Marcella' and 'Steeltown Murders' both feature troubled detectives grappling with personal demons while trying to solve brutal crimes. The series share a dark, intense tone and a focus on the psychological toll of police work. The nonlinear storytelling and complex, morally ambiguous characters are also key similarities.

Fact: Anna Friel, who plays Marcella Backland, learned to speak Swedish for her role in the Scandinavian-inspired series. The show's creator, Hans Rosenfeldt, also created the Swedish series 'The Bridge'. 'Marcella' is known for its shocking plot twists and unreliable narrator elements.