If you're a fan of the gritty, atmospheric crime drama 'Ripper Street' (2012), you're likely craving more shows that blend historical intrigue with dark mysteries. This article highlights 10 gripping movies and TV series that share the same Victorian-era suspense, complex characters, and thrilling investigations. Whether you loved the grim streets of Whitechapel or the relentless pursuit of justice, these recommendations will keep you hooked.
Boardwalk Empire (2010)
Description: This Prohibition-era crime drama shares 'Ripper Street's' focus on the intersection of organized crime and law enforcement during transformative historical periods. Both feature complex political machinations, period-accurate production design, and explore how societal changes create opportunities for corruption.
Fact: Martin Scorsese directed the pilot. The Atlantic City boardwalk set was 300 feet long. Won 20 Emmys during its run.
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Murdoch Mysteries (2008)
Description: This long-running Canadian series shares 'Ripper Street's' premise of innovative detective work in the late Victorian/Edwardian era (1890s Toronto). Both feature historically plausible technological innovations in crime-solving, though 'Murdoch Mysteries' has a lighter tone overall.
Fact: Based on Maureen Jennings' novels. Has over 200 episodes. Features appearances by historical figures like Nikola Tesla and Winston Churchill.
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Peaky Blinders (2013)
Description: Like 'Ripper Street', 'Peaky Blinders' is set in a gritty historical period (post-WWI Birmingham) and explores themes of crime, law enforcement, and societal upheaval. Both shows feature complex characters navigating morally ambiguous worlds, with a strong emphasis on period-accurate settings and costumes. The storytelling blends historical events with fictional narratives, creating a rich, immersive world.
Fact: The Shelby family's razor-blade caps were inspired by real historical gangs. Cillian Murphy initially turned down the role of Tommy Shelby before accepting it. The show's distinctive soundtrack features modern rock music despite its period setting.
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Penny Dreadful (2014)
Description: Set in the same Victorian London era as 'Ripper Street', this horror-drama shares themes of societal darkness and psychological complexity. Both shows blend historical fiction with genre elements (crime procedural vs. Gothic horror), featuring morally ambiguous protagonists investigating supernatural or criminal threats in a meticulously recreated period setting.
Fact: The title refers to cheap 19th-century British horror publications. Features literary characters like Dracula, Frankenstein, and Dorian Gray. Eva Green's performance earned her a Saturn Award for Best Actress.
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The Knick (2014)
Description: While set in early 1900s New York rather than Victorian London, this medical drama shares 'Ripper Street's' focus on historical professional practices (surgery vs. policing) during periods of rapid technological change. Both shows feature flawed protagonists, graphic realism, and explore societal issues through their institutional settings.
Fact: Directed entirely by Steven Soderbergh. Features an electronic score by Cliff Martinez. The surgical scenes used real medical consultants for accuracy.
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Taboo (2017)
Description: Created by Tom Hardy and his father, this dark historical drama shares 'Ripper Street's' grimy portrayal of early 19th-century London (1814). Both explore themes of revenge, corruption, and the criminal underworld, with a similarly atmospheric visual style that emphasizes the period's brutality and moral complexity.
Fact: Tom Hardy developed the concept over a decade. Features a fictionalized version of the East India Company. The show's distinctive aesthetic was inspired by Goya's paintings.
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Houdini & Doyle (2016)
Description: This investigative drama shares 'Ripper Street's' Victorian-era setting and focus on early forensic methods, pairing historical figures (magician Houdini and Sherlock Holmes creator Doyle) to solve supernatural-tinged crimes. Both blend historical fact with fiction while exploring period attitudes toward science and the occult.
Fact: Based on real friendship between the two men. Michael Weston performed many magic tricks himself. Canceled after one season despite strong ratings.
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The Alienist (2018)
Description: This psychological thriller shares 'Ripper Street's' Victorian-era setting (1890s New York) and focus on early forensic investigation methods. Both shows explore the dark underbelly of rapidly industrializing cities, featuring gruesome crimes that challenge societal norms. The atmospheric cinematography and attention to historical detail create a similarly immersive experience.
Fact: Based on Caleb Carr's bestselling 1994 novel. Features one of television's first uses of forensic psychology. The production recreated 1896 New York using CGI and elaborate sets in Budapest.
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Gangs of London (2020)
Description: While contemporary rather than historical, this crime drama shares 'Ripper Street's' focus on organized crime's intricate hierarchies and brutal violence. Both explore how power structures operate within urban environments, featuring similarly intense action sequences and morally complex characters.
Fact: From the creators of 'The Raid' film series. Features one of TV's most elaborate single-take fight scenes (11 minutes). Initially conceived as a video game adaptation.
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The Frankenstein Chronicles (2015)
Description: This British series directly parallels 'Ripper Street', blending crime procedural with Gothic horror in 1827 London. Both feature investigations into gruesome crimes that reveal societal ills, with Sean Bean's inspector resembling Matthew Macfadyen's Detective Inspector Reid in his dogged pursuit of justice amidst personal demons.
Fact: Inspired by Mary Shelley's novel but an original story. Sean Bean's character is named after poet John Marlowe. Features appearances by historical figures like William Blake.
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