10 Shows and Movies Similar to Gracepoint (2014)

Description: Like Gracepoint, Mare of Easttown follows a small-town murder investigation led by a detective with personal baggage. Both explore community dynamics and feature realistic, flawed characters. The blue-collar setting and atmospheric tension are very similar.

Fact: Kate Winslet adopted a Delaware County accent. The murder mystery kept audiences guessing until the end. Inspired by real Pennsylvania towns and cases.

Description: The Killing shares Gracepoint's slow-burn investigative approach to a child murder case, with strong emphasis on character development and the emotional toll on investigators. Both feature moody, rain-soaked atmospheres and complex detective protagonists.

Fact: Originally a Danish series titled Forbrydelsen. Each season covers one case over 20 episodes. The show popularized the 'Nordic noir' genre in America.

Description: Like Gracepoint, Top of the Lake centers on the disappearance of a young person in a remote community, with stunning natural landscapes contrasting with dark human behavior. Both feature female detectives confronting personal and professional challenges.

Fact: Co-created by Jane Campion, director of The Piano. Filmed in New Zealand standing in for Australia. Elisabeth Moss learned a New Zealand accent for her role.

Description: Happy Valley shares Gracepoint's focus on a small community rocked by crime, featuring a strong female lead investigator dealing with personal trauma. Both shows blend police procedural with deep character study and explore themes of grief and justice.

Fact: Sarah Lancashire won a BAFTA for her performance. The title refers to the drug problem in the Yorkshire valley setting. Creator Sally Wainwright based it on real police experiences.

Description: Broadchurch is very similar to Gracepoint (2014) because Gracepoint is actually an American remake of Broadchurch. Both series follow the investigation of a young boy's murder in a small coastal town, featuring the same lead detective characters played by David Tennant in both versions. The storytelling style, atmospheric tension, and focus on community impact are nearly identical.

Fact: David Tennant played the lead role in both Broadchurch and Gracepoint. The first season was so successful it spawned two more seasons exploring different cases. Olivia Colman won a BAFTA for her performance as DS Ellie Miller.

Description: The Fall shares Gracepoint's psychological depth and slow-building tension, though focused more on the killer's perspective. Both shows feature methodical investigations in small communities and explore themes of obsession and morality.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's first major TV role since The X-Files. Jamie Dornan's breakout role before Fifty Shades. Set in Belfast but avoids mentioning The Troubles.

Description: Like Gracepoint, True Detective features a dark, brooding investigation with philosophical undertones. Both shows explore how crimes affect small communities and feature troubled detectives with personal demons. The visual style similarly emphasizes bleak landscapes and atmospheric tension.

Fact: Each season features completely new characters and storylines. Season 1's tracking shot in episode 4 is considered one of TV's greatest sequences. Matthew McConaughey won an Emmy for his performance.

Description: The Night Of shares Gracepoint's meticulous approach to criminal investigation and legal process, with strong emphasis on how cases affect all involved. Both feature morally complex characters and avoid simple resolutions.

Fact: Originally developed with James Gandolfini in the lead. Based on a British series, Criminal Justice. Riz Ahmed won an Emmy for his performance.

Description: Sharp Objects mirrors Gracepoint's exploration of how past trauma affects present investigations, set in a small town with dark secrets. Both feature troubled female protagonists returning to their hometowns to confront personal demons while solving crimes.

Fact: Based on Gillian Flynn's debut novel. Amy Adams learned to play piano for her role. The finale contained hidden messages in the background.

Description: While more upper-class than Gracepoint, The Undoing shares its mystery structure and psychological depth, with a crime disrupting a seemingly perfect community. Both feature strong performances and unexpected twists.

Fact: Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant's first TV series together. Filmed in New York during actual seasons depicted. Based on Jean Hanff Korelitz's novel You Should Have Known.