10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Fall (2006)

Description: 'Luther' and 'The Fall' both center around brilliant but troubled detectives hunting down serial killers. The psychological depth of the characters and the intense cat-and-mouse dynamics are key similarities. Both shows also feature strong performances from their leads (Idris Elba in 'Luther' and Gillian Anderson in 'The Fall').

Fact: Idris Elba won a Golden Globe for his role as John Luther. The character of Luther was originally conceived as a much older man, but Elba's audition changed the creators' minds. The show's theme music, composed by Massive Attack, is iconic and sets the tone for the series.

Description: Similar to 'The Fall' (2006), 'The Killing' is a slow-burning crime drama that delves deep into the psychological aspects of both the detectives and the criminals. Both series emphasize character development and moral ambiguity, with a strong focus on the emotional toll of the investigations. The dark, moody atmosphere and intricate storytelling are also key similarities.

Fact: 'The Killing' is based on the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen'. The show was initially canceled after its third season but was revived for a fourth and final season due to fan demand. The series is known for its realistic portrayal of police work and its refusal to provide easy answers.

Description: 'Top of the Lake' shares with 'The Fall' a focus on a female detective investigating a disturbing crime in a remote location. Both series explore themes of gender, power, and violence, and feature strong, complex female leads. The haunting, atmospheric visuals are another point of similarity.

Fact: The series was co-created by Jane Campion, the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. The show was filmed in New Zealand, standing in for the story's setting in Australia. Elisabeth Moss, who plays the lead role, also served as a producer on the series.

Description: Like 'The Fall', 'Happy Valley' is a British crime drama that focuses on a strong female lead dealing with personal and professional challenges. Both series are praised for their realistic portrayal of police work and their exploration of the psychological impact of crime. The dark, gritty tone and complex characters are also shared traits.

Fact: The series is set in West Yorkshire, and the title refers to the area's nickname due to its high levels of drug use. Sarah Lancashire, who plays the lead role, won a BAFTA for her performance. The show's creator, Sally Wainwright, is known for her strong female characters and realistic dialogue.

Description: 'Broadchurch' shares with 'The Fall' a focus on a small community rocked by a violent crime, exploring the ripple effects on the town's residents. Both series feature strong female leads (Gillian Anderson in 'The Fall' and Olivia Colman in 'Broadchurch') and are noted for their intense, character-driven narratives. The cinematography in both shows also captures the bleak beauty of their respective settings.

Fact: 'Broadchurch' was filmed in Dorset, England, and the location became a tourist attraction after the show's success. The identity of the killer in the first season was kept secret from most of the cast to preserve the mystery. The series won multiple BAFTA awards, including Best Drama Series.

Description: Like 'The Fall', 'True Detective' is a gritty crime drama that explores the darker aspects of human nature. Both series feature complex, flawed protagonists and employ a non-linear storytelling approach. The atmospheric tension and philosophical undertones are also shared traits.

Fact: Each season of 'True Detective' features a new cast and storyline, with the first season starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson. The show's creator, Nic Pizzolatto, wrote all the episodes for the first season. The series is known for its long, unbroken tracking shots, particularly in the first season.

Description: 'The Night Of' shares with 'The Fall' a focus on the legal and psychological aspects of a crime. Both series are character-driven and explore the moral ambiguities of the justice system. The tense, atmospheric storytelling and strong performances are also shared traits.

Fact: The series is a remake of the British show 'Criminal Justice'. Riz Ahmed won an Emmy for his performance in the lead role. The show was praised for its realistic portrayal of the criminal justice system.

Description: 'Sharp Objects' and 'The Fall' both delve into the psychological trauma of their protagonists, who are investigating crimes while dealing with their own personal demons. The slow-burning narrative and atmospheric tension are key similarities. Both shows also feature strong female leads and explore themes of violence and repression.

Fact: The series is based on the novel by Gillian Flynn, who also wrote 'Gone Girl'. Amy Adams, who plays the lead role, also served as an executive producer. The show's haunting score was composed by the band The Kills.

Description: 'Marcella' and 'The Fall' both feature female detectives with complex personal lives who are drawn into dark, twisted cases. The psychological depth of the characters and the intense, gritty tone are key similarities. Both shows also explore themes of identity and obsession.

Fact: The series was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created 'The Bridge'. Anna Friel, who plays the lead role, learned to speak Swedish for the part. The show's title refers to the protagonist's name, Marcella Backland.

Description: Like 'The Fall', 'The Sinner' is a psychological crime drama that explores the motivations behind violent acts. Both series feature strong female leads and delve into the dark corners of the human psyche. The intricate plotting and atmospheric tension are also key similarities.

Fact: The series is based on the novel by Petra Hammesfahr. Jessica Biel, who plays the lead role in the first season, also served as an executive producer. Each season focuses on a new crime and set of characters, with Bill Pullman's detective as the connecting thread.