10 Movies and TV Shows Similar to The Bridge (2011)

Description: Wallander shares similarities with The Bridge in its Scandinavian setting and brooding tone. Both series delve into the personal lives of their detectives, showcasing how their work affects them emotionally. The crimes investigated are often deeply unsettling, reflecting societal issues.

Fact: Wallander is based on the novels by Swedish author Henning Mankell. Kenneth Branagh plays the titular character in the British adaptation. The series was filmed in Ystad, Sweden, the same location featured in the books.

Description: Similar to The Bridge (2011), The Killing is a Nordic noir-inspired crime drama that focuses on a complex murder investigation. Both series feature strong female leads, intricate plots, and a dark, moody atmosphere. The storytelling is slow-burning, with a heavy emphasis on character development and the psychological impact of crime.

Fact: The Killing is an American adaptation of the Danish series Forbrydelsen. The show's protagonist, Sarah Linden, is known for her iconic knit sweater. The series was initially canceled after its third season but was later revived for a fourth and final season due to fan demand.

Description: Happy Valley, like The Bridge, features a no-nonsense female detective dealing with personal trauma while solving brutal crimes. Both series are known for their gritty realism and complex characters. The emotional depth and moral dilemmas faced by the protagonists are central to both shows.

Fact: Happy Valley is set in West Yorkshire, England. Sarah Lancashire, who plays Catherine Cawood, won a BAFTA for her performance. The series was created by Sally Wainwright, known for her strong female characters.

Description: Broadchurch shares The Bridge's focus on a small community rocked by a tragic crime. Both series explore the ripple effects of the crime on the community and the personal lives of the investigators. The cinematography in both shows emphasizes the stark beauty of their coastal settings.

Fact: Broadchurch was filmed in Dorset, England. The series stars David Tennant and Olivia Colman. The show's theme music, composed by Ólafur Arnalds, became iconic and won a BAFTA.

Description: Like The Bridge, The Fall is a psychological crime thriller that explores the cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer. Both series feature strong female leads (Saga Norén in The Bridge and Stella Gibson in The Fall) and delve into the minds of both the investigators and the criminals.

Fact: Gillian Anderson, known for her role in The X-Files, stars as DSI Stella Gibson. The series is set in Belfast, Northern Ireland. Jamie Dornan, who plays the serial killer Paul Spector, later gained fame as Christian Grey in the Fifty Shades series.

Description: Shetland, like The Bridge, is set in a remote location where the landscape plays a significant role in the storytelling. Both series feature meticulous police work and focus on the impact of crime on small, close-knit communities. The pacing and tone are similarly deliberate and atmospheric.

Fact: Shetland is based on the novels by Ann Cleeves. The series is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands. Douglas Henshall, who plays DI Jimmy Perez, won a BAFTA for his performance.

Description: Marcella shares The Bridge's Nordic noir influences, with a troubled female detective at its center. Both series feature non-linear storytelling and explore themes of memory and identity. The dark, atmospheric tone and complex plotlines are hallmarks of both shows.

Fact: Marcella is created by Hans Rosenfeldt, who also created The Bridge. Anna Friel, who plays Marcella, learned to speak Swedish for her role. The series was originally titled Remember Me in some markets.

Description: The Investigation shares The Bridge's Scandinavian roots and focus on a real-life crime. Both series are characterized by their procedural realism and avoidance of sensationalism. The emphasis is on the painstaking work of the investigators rather than the criminals.

Fact: The Investigation is based on the true story of the murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall. The series was created by Tobias Lindholm, known for his work on The Hunt and Borgen. The real-life investigators consulted on the show to ensure accuracy.

Description: Before We Die, like The Bridge, is a Scandinavian crime drama with a strong female lead and a complex, multi-layered plot. Both series involve undercover operations and explore themes of betrayal and family. The tension and suspense are built through careful character development.

Fact: Before We Die is a Swedish-British co-production. The series is based on the Swedish novel Innan vi dör by Mattias Edholm. The show features a mix of Swedish and English dialogue.

Description: The Sandhamn Murders shares The Bridge's Scandinavian setting and focus on a detective duo solving crimes. Both series feature beautiful but ominous coastal landscapes and explore the personal lives of the investigators. The crimes often have roots in the community's past.

Fact: The Sandhamn Murders is based on the novels by Viveca Sten. The series is set on the island of Sandhamn in the Stockholm archipelago. The show has been praised for its authentic portrayal of Swedish society.