10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Hard Truths (2024)

Description: 'The Killing' and 'Hard Truths' both revolve around intricate murder investigations that delve into the personal lives of the victims and suspects. The moody, rain-soaked setting of 'The Killing' creates a somber tone similar to what one might expect in 'Hard Truths'. Both series also explore themes of grief, justice, and redemption.

Fact: 'The Killing' is based on the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen'. The show's slow pacing and focus on character development set it apart from traditional crime procedurals. Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman's chemistry as detectives Linden and Holder was a highlight of the series.

Description: 'Top of the Lake' and 'Hard Truths' both center on female detectives investigating crimes in remote, atmospheric settings. The series share a focus on gender dynamics, trauma, and the intersection of personal and professional lives. The haunting, lyrical quality of 'Top of the Lake' mirrors the likely tone of 'Hard Truths'.

Fact: 'Top of the Lake' was co-created by Jane Campion, the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. The series stars Elisabeth Moss, who also served as a producer. The stunning New Zealand landscape plays a central role in the narrative.

Description: 'Hannibal' and 'Hard Truths' both delve into the darkest corners of the human mind, with a focus on psychological horror and crime. The artistic, almost surreal visual style of 'Hannibal' aligns with the likely aesthetic of 'Hard Truths'. Both series also explore the complex relationship between investigator and criminal.

Fact: 'Hannibal' was developed by Bryan Fuller, known for his visually stunning and thematically rich shows. The series reimagines the characters from Thomas Harris' novels, particularly Hannibal Lecter and Will Graham. Despite critical acclaim, 'Hannibal' was canceled after three seasons due to low ratings.

Description: Like 'Hard Truths', 'Broadchurch' is a crime drama that examines the impact of a crime on a small community. Both series blend emotional storytelling with procedural elements, focusing on the human cost of violence. The cinematography in 'Broadchurch'—capturing the bleak beauty of the coastal setting—parallels the likely visual style of 'Hard Truths'.

Fact: 'Broadchurch' was created by Chris Chibnall, who later became the showrunner for 'Doctor Who'. The series starred David Tennant and Olivia Colman, whose performances received critical acclaim. The show's theme music, composed by Ólafur Arnalds, became iconic and won a BAFTA.

Description: 'The Fall' and 'Hard Truths' both explore the cat-and-mouse dynamic between a detective and a serial killer, with a strong emphasis on psychological tension. The slow-burn narrative and character studies in 'The Fall' align with the likely approach of 'Hard Truths'. Both series also delve into themes of power, control, and gender dynamics.

Fact: 'The Fall' stars Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, a role that revitalized her career. Jamie Dornan's portrayal of the serial killer Paul Spector was both chilling and nuanced. The series was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland, adding to its eerie atmosphere.

Description: Similar to 'Hard Truths' (2024), 'True Detective' delves into dark, psychological crime narratives with complex characters and morally ambiguous themes. Both series explore the human psyche and the blurred lines between good and evil, often through nonlinear storytelling. The visual aesthetics of 'True Detective'—gritty, atmospheric, and haunting—mirror the tone likely present in 'Hard Truths'.

Fact: The first season of 'True Detective' was written entirely by Nic Pizzolatto and directed by Cary Fukunaga, creating a cohesive vision. Matthew McConaughey's performance as Rust Cohle is often cited as one of the best in television history. The series was inspired by real-life Louisiana crimes and the works of horror writer Thomas Ligotti.

Description: 'The Night Of' and 'Hard Truths' both examine the criminal justice system and the personal toll of a crime investigation. The series share a gritty, realistic tone and a focus on the moral ambiguities of the legal process. Both also feature strong performances and character-driven narratives.

Fact: 'The Night Of' is based on the British series 'Criminal Justice'. Riz Ahmed's performance as Nasir Khan earned him an Emmy Award. The series was praised for its meticulous attention to detail in depicting the legal system.

Description: 'Sharp Objects' and 'Hard Truths' share a focus on trauma, memory, and the lingering effects of violence. Both series employ a slow, deliberate pace to unravel their mysteries, with a strong emphasis on character psychology. The haunting, Southern Gothic aesthetic of 'Sharp Objects' mirrors the likely tone of 'Hard Truths'.

Fact: 'Sharp Objects' is based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote 'Gone Girl'. The series was directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, known for his work on 'Big Little Lies'. Amy Adams' performance as Camille Preaker was widely praised for its raw intensity.

Description: 'The Outsider' and 'Hard Truths' both blend crime drama with supernatural or psychological horror elements. The series share a slow-burn approach to storytelling, with a focus on the unraveling of a mystery. The eerie, unsettling tone of 'The Outsider' aligns with the likely atmosphere of 'Hard Truths'.

Fact: 'The Outsider' is based on the novel by Stephen King. The series stars Ben Mendelsohn and Cynthia Erivo, both delivering powerful performances. The show's blend of crime procedural and supernatural horror set it apart from traditional detective stories.

Description: 'The Sinner' shares with 'Hard Truths' a focus on uncovering hidden truths behind seemingly inexplicable crimes. Both series emphasize psychological depth, exploring the motivations and traumas that drive individuals to violence. The investigative process in 'The Sinner' is meticulous and character-driven, much like what one would expect in 'Hard Truths'.

Fact: 'The Sinner' is based on the novel of the same name by Petra Hammesfahr. Each season features a standalone story, allowing for diverse narratives and characters. Bill Pullman's portrayal of Detective Harry Ambrose has been praised for its nuance and depth.