10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to Life on Mars (2008)

Description: 'Wallander' and 'Life on Mars' both feature introspective detectives grappling with their own demons while solving crimes. The melancholic tone and existential themes in 'Wallander' resonate with the psychological depth of 'Life on Mars'. Both shows use their settings—rural Sweden and 1970s Manchester—to enhance the mood.

Fact: Kenneth Branagh stars as Kurt Wallander. The series is based on Henning Mankell's novels. Branagh learned Swedish for the role but ultimately performed in English.

Description: 'Luther' shares with 'Life on Mars' a focus on a brilliant but troubled detective, John Luther, whose unconventional methods and personal demons make him a compelling protagonist. Both shows blend intense crime-solving with deep character studies, set against the backdrop of urban Britain. The dark, moody atmosphere of 'Luther' is reminiscent of the noir elements in 'Life on Mars'.

Fact: Idris Elba's portrayal of Luther earned him a Golden Globe. The show was created by Neil Cross, who also wrote for 'Doctor Who'. Luther's iconic coat was inspired by Columbo's trench coat.

Description: 'The Bridge' and 'Life on Mars' both feature unconventional detectives solving complex crimes. Saga Norén's unique personality and dedication to her job mirror Sam Tyler's single-mindedness. The shows share a blend of procedural elements and deep character exploration, set against distinctive urban landscapes.

Fact: The series is a collaboration between Sweden and Denmark. The Öresund Bridge connects the two countries and is central to the plot. Sofia Helin's portrayal of Saga Norén became iconic.

Description: 'Happy Valley' and 'Life on Mars' both feature morally complex protagonists dealing with personal trauma while solving crimes. Catherine Cawood's relentless pursuit of justice and her gritty, no-nonsense approach echo Sam Tyler's dedication in 'Life on Mars'. The shows share a raw, unfiltered look at police work and its emotional toll.

Fact: Sarah Lancashire's performance as Catherine Cawood was critically acclaimed. The series is set in West Yorkshire, like 'Life on Mars'. Writer Sally Wainwright drew inspiration from real-life police officers.

Description: Like 'Life on Mars', 'Broadchurch' is a British crime drama that combines a gripping mystery with deep emotional resonance. Both shows explore the impact of crime on communities and the personal lives of the detectives involved. The cinematography and pacing in 'Broadchurch' create a similarly immersive and atmospheric experience.

Fact: The show's cliffside locations became a tourist attraction. David Tennant and Olivia Colman starred as the lead detectives. The first season's killer's identity was kept secret from the cast until filming.

Description: 'The Fall' shares with 'Life on Mars' a dark, psychological approach to crime-solving, focusing on the cat-and-mouse game between detective and killer. Both shows explore themes of obsession and the blurred lines between good and evil. The atmospheric tension and character-driven narratives are key similarities.

Fact: Gillian Anderson starred as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson. The show was filmed in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Jamie Dornan's portrayal of the serial killer Paul Spector was chillingly realistic.

Description: 'Line of Duty' and 'Life on Mars' both delve into the internal workings of police departments, with a focus on corruption and ethical dilemmas. The intense interrogation scenes in 'Line of Duty' parallel the psychological depth of 'Life on Mars'. Both shows keep viewers on edge with their intricate plots and twists.

Fact: The show's creator, Jed Mercurio, was a former hospital doctor. 'Line of Duty' became the UK's most-watched drama series in over a decade. The acronym 'AC-12' refers to the fictional Anti-Corruption Unit

Description: 'Unforgotten' and 'Life on Mars' both revolve around cold cases, with detectives uncovering long-buried secrets. The shows share a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to investigations and a focus on the human stories behind the crimes. The emotional depth and realism in 'Unforgotten' are akin to 'Life on Mars'.

Fact: The series stars Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar as the lead detectives. Each season focuses on a different historical case. The show has been praised for its sensitive handling of difficult subjects.

Description: 'Marcella' and 'Life on Mars' both center on detectives with fragmented memories and personal crises. Marcella Backland's struggle with her identity and past echoes Sam Tyler's disorientation in 'Life on Mars'. The shows combine crime-solving with psychological thriller elements, creating a tense, immersive experience.

Fact: Anna Friel stars as Marcella, a role that required intense physical and emotional preparation. The show was created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created 'The Bridge'. Marcella's blackouts and memory loss drive much of the suspense.

Description: Similar to 'Life on Mars' (2008), 'Prime Suspect' is a British crime drama that delves into the complexities of police work and the personal struggles of its protagonist. Both shows feature strong, flawed lead characters navigating a male-dominated profession. The gritty realism and procedural elements in 'Prime Suspect' mirror the investigative aspects of 'Life on Mars', though without the time-travel twist.

Fact: 'Prime Suspect' stars Helen Mirren as Detective Chief Inspector Jane Tennison, a role that earned her multiple awards. The series was groundbreaking for its portrayal of a female detective in a leadership role. It was inspired by real-life female police officers in the UK.