If you were captivated by the chilling true-crime drama 'The Life and Crimes of William Palmer' (1998), you'll love these 10 similarly gripping movies and shows. This article explores titles that delve into dark historical crimes, psychological thrillers, and masterful storytelling, perfect for fans of suspense and intrigue.

Des (2020)
Description: A chilling portrayal of a serial killer, exploring the banality of evil and the forensic and psychological investigation into his crimes.
Fact: The show is based on the real-life serial killer Dennis Nilsen, who murdered at least 12 young men in London. It focuses on his arrest and the subsequent interviews with the police.


Whitechapel (2009)
Description: A modern crime drama that draws inspiration from historical serial killers, blending contemporary policing with eerie echoes of the past.
Fact: The show often references the crimes of Jack the Ripper and other infamous killers. It combines procedural elements with supernatural undertones.


Ripper Street (2012)
Description: A gritty period drama set in the aftermath of the Jack the Ripper murders, focusing on the detectives who grapple with the lingering terror of unsolved crimes.
Fact: The series is known for its authentic Victorian setting and complex characters. It explores the impact of the Ripper murders on London's East End.


The Bletchley Circle (2012)
Description: A mystery drama that follows a group of women who use their code-breaking skills to solve crimes, highlighting intelligence and teamwork in post-war Britain.
Fact: The series is inspired by the real-life Bletchley Park codebreakers of WWII. It focuses on the often-overlooked contributions of women in intelligence work.


The Fall (2013)
Description: A tense and methodical crime drama that delves into the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer, with a strong focus on psychological depth.
Fact: The series is set in Belfast and was praised for its slow-burn tension and complex characters. It features a rare female-led investigation into a male serial killer.


The Alienist (2018)
Description: A psychological thriller set in the late 19th century, focusing on the hunt for a serial killer and the early days of criminal profiling.
Fact: The show is based on the novel by Caleb Carr and is notable for its detailed recreation of 1890s New York City. It explores themes of corruption and the dark underbelly of society.


Rillington Place (2016)
Description: A dark and atmospheric retelling of a notorious murderer's crimes, emphasizing the tension and horror of his actions within a domestic setting.
Fact: The series is based on the crimes of John Christie, who murdered at least eight women in his London flat. It was praised for its accurate and unsettling depiction of post-war Britain.


The Serpent (2021)
Description: A gripping true crime drama that delves into the life of a notorious criminal, focusing on deception, manipulation, and the psychological depth of its antagonist.
Fact: The series is based on the real-life crimes of Charles Sobhraj, who preyed on Western tourists in Southeast Asia during the 1970s. It was filmed in multiple countries to authentically recreate the era.


The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015)
Description: A dark and atmospheric series that blends crime drama with gothic horror, exploring themes of morality, science, and the macabre.
Fact: The show reimagines Mary Shelley's Frankenstein within a detective story framework. It is set in 19th century London and features a mix of historical and fictional characters.


Murder Maps (2015)
Description: A documentary-style series that examines infamous historical murders, combining archival footage with dramatic reenactments to explore the crimes and their impact.
Fact: The show covers a range of notorious cases from the 19th and early 20th centuries. It provides a detailed look at the forensic and investigative techniques of the time.
