10 Shows & Movies Like The Sounds (2020)

Description: A brooding detective series set against the bleak landscapes of southern Sweden, focusing on a deeply introspective protagonist. The melancholic tone and emphasis on the detective's personal struggles are strong parallels.

Fact: Based on Henning Mankell's novels, the series was filmed in Ystad, the actual setting of the books. Kenneth Branagh learned Swedish for the role, though the series is in English.

Description: A cross-border crime investigation between two countries, featuring an unconventional detective partnership. The stark visual style and exploration of societal issues through crime create similar thematic depth.

Fact: The original series spawned multiple international adaptations. The Øresund Bridge connecting Sweden and Denmark becomes a central metaphor throughout the show.

Description: A haunting mystery set in a remote, picturesque location, delving into dark secrets and the psychological toll of crime. The slow-burning tension and strong female lead align closely with the reference's themes.

Fact: The series was co-created by Jane Campion, the first woman to win the Palme d'Or at Cannes. It was filmed in New Zealand, doubling for the story's setting in the South Island.

Description: A raw and emotional police drama set in a small community, blending crime investigation with personal trauma and resilience. The strong female protagonist and community-focused storytelling echo the reference's approach.

Fact: The title refers to the nickname for the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, where the series is set. Writer Sally Wainwright drew inspiration from real-life police work in the area.

Description: A gripping crime drama set in a small coastal town, focusing on the impact of a tragic event on the tight-knit community. The atmospheric setting and deep character exploration mirror the tone of the reference.

Fact: The show was filmed on location in Dorset, England, and its stunning coastal scenery became a character in itself. It won multiple BAFTA awards, including Best Drama Series.

Description: A chilling cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer, exploring the psychological depths of both hunter and hunted. The moody atmosphere and intense character studies are key similarities.

Fact: Gillian Anderson's character was originally written as a man, but the role was reimagined for her. The show was shot in Belfast, Northern Ireland, adding to its gritty realism.

Description: A crime drama set in a remote island community, where the isolation and close-knit relationships heighten the tension of investigations. The atmospheric setting and methodical pacing are strong parallels.

Fact: Based on the novels by Ann Cleeves, the show is filmed on location in the Shetland Islands, showcasing their stark beauty. It's one of the few crime dramas set in Scotland's northernmost archipelago.

Description: A cold case drama that explores how past crimes resurface to affect present lives, with meticulous attention to character development and emotional consequences. The focus on historical trauma and its ripple effects is a key similarity.

Fact: Each season focuses on a different historical case, with the same core investigative team. The show is notable for its diverse casting and representation of London's multicultural society.

Description: A complex crime thriller featuring a troubled detective returning to work, with personal demons intertwining with professional cases. The psychological depth and nonlinear storytelling create similar tension.

Fact: The show's creator, Hans Rosenfeldt, also created the original Swedish version of 'The Bridge'. Marcella's blackouts and memory loss were inspired by dissociative fugue states.

Description: A psychological crime anthology where each season explores why ordinary people commit violent acts, delving deep into trauma and memory. The focus on psychological unraveling and hidden pasts creates similar tension.

Fact: The first season was based on Petra Hammesfahr's novel. Each season features a completely new case and setting, with only the detective character carrying over.