If you're a fan of gripping crime dramas like 'Cold Case' (2021), you'll love this curated list of 10 similar movies and shows that deliver suspense, mystery, and emotional depth. Whether you're drawn to cold case investigations, intricate storytelling, or compelling character arcs, these recommendations will keep you on the edge of your seat. Dive in to discover your next binge-worthy obsession!

The Killing (2011)
Description: A dark, atmospheric crime drama that focuses on a single murder case, delving deep into the emotional and psychological impact on both the investigators and the victim's family.
Fact: The show is based on the Danish series 'Forbrydelsen' and was praised for its slow-burn storytelling and complex characters.


Top of the Lake (2013)
Description: A moody, visually stunning mystery set in a remote location, blending crime investigation with themes of isolation and female resilience.
Fact: The series was filmed in New Zealand, doubling for the story's setting in the South Island's rugged landscapes.


Happy Valley (2014)
Description: A hard-hitting police procedural that balances crime-solving with the personal struggles of its protagonist, a no-nonsense police sergeant.
Fact: The show's title refers to the nickname for the Calder Valley in West Yorkshire, where the series is set, due to its high levels of drug use.


Broadchurch (2013)
Description: A gripping murder mystery set in a small coastal town, exploring the ripple effects of the crime on the tight-knit community and the detectives working the case.
Fact: The show's first season was such a hit in the UK that it caused a tourism boom in the filming location, West Bay, Dorset.


The Fall (2013)
Description: A tense cat-and-mouse game between a detective and a serial killer, with a strong focus on the psychological profiles of both the hunter and the hunted.
Fact: The show was one of the first BBC dramas to be picked up by Netflix, helping to popularize British crime dramas internationally.


True Detective (2014)
Description: A gritty, character-driven crime anthology that blends supernatural undertones with deep explorations of its detectives' personal demons.
Fact: The first season's six-minute tracking shot in episode four is considered one of the most impressive sequences in TV history.


The Night Of (2016)
Description: A legal drama that examines the complexities of the justice system through the lens of a single murder case, focusing on the accused's journey.
Fact: The show was originally developed as a British series starring James Gandolfini, who later became an executive producer before his death.


Sharp Objects (2018)
Description: A haunting mystery that explores trauma and family secrets through the eyes of a troubled journalist returning to her hometown to cover a murder.
Fact: The series features hidden messages in the background of scenes, which are revealed when the frames are reversed or slowed down.


Marcella (2016)
Description: A British noir series featuring a detective with a fractured personal life who returns to work to solve a series of brutal crimes.
Fact: The show's creator also wrote the Swedish-Danish series 'The Bridge,' known for its dark and complex storytelling.


The Sinner (2017)
Description: A psychological thriller that unravels the motives behind seemingly inexplicable crimes, often delving into the protagonist's troubled past.
Fact: Each season focuses on a new case and protagonist, making it an anthology series with a fresh story every time.
