10 Best British Crime Dramas to Watch on Netflix
British television has long been celebrated for its compelling crime dramas that combine suspenseful storytelling with dynamic characters. The grittiness of the British streets, coupled with complex plot lines and a touch of dry wit, makes for an irresistible genre to many viewers. Here are ten British crime dramas available on Netflix that you won’t want to miss.
1. Peaky Blinders – Set in post-World War I Birmingham, this series follows the Shelby crime family as they expand their empire while dealing with threats from rivals, the law, and even their own inner circles.
2. Sherlock – A modern take on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle’s classic stories, this series features Benedict Cumberbatch as Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as Dr. John Watson. Together, they solve various mysteries in 21st-century London.
3. Broadchurch – Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, this intense drama revolves around the investigation of a young boy’s murder in a small coastal town, uncovering secrets and lies among its residents.
4. Line of Duty – This thrilling series delves into the world of police corruption through the eyes of AC-12, a controversial unit dedicated to uncovering misconduct within the force.
5. Happy Valley – A strong-willed female sergeant is at the heart of this series set in Yorkshire. She comes face-to-face with a man who destroyed her family while dealing with various criminal activities in her town.
6. Luther – Idris Elba stars as DCI John Luther, a brilliant but emotionally impulsive detective who becomes engrossed in the darkness of the crimes he’s trying to solve.
7. Marcella – Focusing on Marcella Backland, a detective in London’s Metropolitan Police Service who is struggling with blackouts and personal issues while hunting a serial killer.
8. The Fall – This psychological thriller features Gillian Anderson as a determined detective pursuing a serial murderer (played by Jamie Dornan) in Belfast while exploring complex themes and character studies.
9. Bodyguard – A gripping political thriller that follows war veteran Police Sergeant David Budd who becomes the bodyguard for a controversial politician and finds himself torn between his duty and his beliefs.
10. Collateral – This mini-series starring Carey Mulligan delves into the murder of a pizza delivery man and its connections to London’s intricate web of politics, illegal immigration and drug trafficking.
From the streets of Birmingham to 21st-century London, these British crime dramas provide an array of binge-worthy stories that will keep you glued to your seat while exploring complex characters and gripping narratives.