10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Tunnel (2013)

Description: 'Wallander' shares with 'The Tunnel' a brooding, melancholic tone and a focus on the personal toll of detective work. Both series feature detectives who are deeply affected by their cases, with Kurt Wallander's introspection and emotional struggles mirroring those of Karl Roebuck and Elise Wassermann. The Scandinavian setting of 'Wallander' also contributes to a similar bleak, atmospheric aesthetic.

Fact: Kenneth Branagh starred as Kurt Wallander and learned to speak Swedish for the role. The series is based on the novels by Henning Mankell, who was a major figure in Scandinavian crime fiction. The show was filmed in Ystad, Sweden, and the local tourism board reported a significant increase in visitors due to the series.

Description: 'Luther' and 'The Tunnel' both feature brilliant but troubled detectives who are consumed by their work. John Luther's intense, sometimes reckless dedication to solving crimes is similar to Elise Wassermann's single-minded focus in 'The Tunnel'. Both series blend crime procedural elements with psychological depth and moral complexity, often venturing into dark, unsettling territory.

Fact: Idris Elba's portrayal of Luther earned him a Golden Globe and widespread acclaim. The series was created by Neil Cross, who also wrote episodes for 'Doctor Who'. The iconic coat worn by Luther was chosen by Elba himself and became a signature part of the character.

Description: 'The Bridge' is similar to 'The Tunnel' in its premise of a crime investigation that spans two countries, creating tension and collaboration between different police forces. Both series feature a brilliant but socially awkward female detective (Saga Norén in 'The Bridge' and Elise Wassermann in 'The Tunnel') paired with a more emotionally intuitive male counterpart. The dark, gritty tone and complex plotting are also shared traits.

Fact: The series begins with a body found on the Øresund Bridge between Sweden and Denmark. Sofia Helin, who plays Saga Norén, insisted on keeping her character's autistic traits consistent throughout the series. 'The Bridge' has been remade in several countries, including the US ('The Bridge') and the UK ('The Tunnel').

Description: 'Happy Valley' and 'The Tunnel' both feature strong, determined female leads who are deeply affected by their work. Catherine Cawood's relentless pursuit of justice in 'Happy Valley' mirrors Elise Wassermann's dedication in 'The Tunnel'. Both series explore dark, disturbing crimes and their impact on the investigators and the community. The realistic, unflinching portrayal of police work is another common element.

Fact: Sarah Lancashire's performance as Catherine Cawood earned widespread acclaim and several awards. 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 'The Tunnel', 'Broadchurch' is a gripping crime drama that delves into the psychological and emotional impact of a murder investigation on a small community. Both series feature strong, complex lead detectives and explore themes of grief, justice, and moral ambiguity. The coastal setting of Broadchurch mirrors the atmospheric and isolated feel of the Channel Tunnel in 'The Tunnel'.

Fact: The series was filmed in Dorset, England, and the stunning coastal scenery became a character in its own right. David Tennant and Olivia Colman's performances were critically acclaimed, with Colman winning a BAFTA for her role. The identity of the killer was kept secret from the cast until the final episodes were filmed to prevent leaks.

Description: 'The Fall' and 'The Tunnel' both explore the cat-and-mouse dynamic between detectives and a cunning, manipulative killer. Gillian Anderson's Stella Gibson and Elise Wassermann are similarly intelligent, composed, and determined female leads. Both series are psychologically intense, with a slow-burn narrative that builds tension over time. The dark, moody cinematography is another shared trait.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's performance as Stella Gibson was praised for its depth and nuance. Jamie Dornan's portrayal of the serial killer Paul Spector was a breakout role for him. The series was set and filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, adding to its gritty, realistic feel.

Description: 'Line of Duty' and 'The Tunnel' both delve into the intricacies of police work, with a focus on corruption, moral dilemmas, and the personal costs of justice. Both series are known for their tight plotting, unexpected twists, and complex characters. The tension and suspense in 'Line of Duty' are comparable to the high-stakes investigations in 'The Tunnel'.

Fact: The series was created by Jed Mercurio, who also wrote 'Bodyguard'. 'Line of Duty' became one of the BBC's most-watched dramas, with its finale drawing record ratings. The interrogation scenes, often lasting entire episodes, are a hallmark of the show.

Description: 'Shetland' shares with 'The Tunnel' a strong sense of place, with the remote, windswept Shetland Islands providing a backdrop as atmospheric as the Channel Tunnel. Both series feature meticulous, character-driven investigations and explore the impact of crime on close-knit communities. The pacing and tension in 'Shetland' are similarly deliberate and suspenseful.

Fact: The series is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, who also created 'Vera'. Douglas Henshall won a BAFTA for his portrayal of DI Jimmy Perez. The show is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, with the local landscape playing a key role in the storytelling.

Description: 'Unforgotten' and 'The Tunnel' both focus on cold cases that are reopened, revealing long-buried secrets and traumas. Both series emphasize the emotional and psychological impact of the investigations on the victims' families and the detectives themselves. The meticulous, detail-oriented approach to solving crimes is another shared characteristic, along with a strong ensemble cast.

Fact: The series stars Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar as the lead detectives. Each season focuses on a different cold case, with the victims' stories unfolding gradually. 'Unforgotten' has been praised for its sensitive portrayal of grief and loss.

Description: 'Marcella' and 'The Tunnel' both feature complex female detectives who are grappling with personal demons while solving brutal crimes. Marcella Backland's fragmented memory and emotional turmoil add a psychological layer similar to Elise Wassermann's struggles in 'The Tunnel'. Both series blend crime procedural elements with deep character studies and a dark, unsettling tone.

Fact: Anna Friel learned to speak Swedish for her role as Marcella. The series was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created 'The Bridge'. 'Marcella' was originally intended to be set in Sweden but was relocated to London for the production.