9 Shows About Crime That You Need To Watch ASAP
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Let’s talk about that one show genre that no one can get enough of— crime dramas. Crime, as a show genre has developed way beyond gruesome murders and gory details. How else can we explain the stream of gripping crime films and web series produced by eminent filmmakers and storytellers over the years? While it’s always exciting to watch an epic romance drama unfold, there is nothing more satisfying than a riveting crime show. A show that boosts your adrenaline levels and elicits a sense of escapism, where you find yourself mentally solving the on-screen crimes and becoming the hero in your own right. There’s a subgenre media content for everyone— supernatural, comedy, murder mysteries, and conspiracies. A good show, no matter what genre, will make sure that you are deep in your emotions, exploring both the known and the unknown sides of the human psyche and feel the adrenaline rush in the action scenes.
Quick question, do you know when the first-ever crime drama was released? The first crime drama was released in 1938. It was called Telecrime and featured the first TV police detective. Since then, we have come a long way. With a wide range of brilliantly produced content resting to be explored, picking a show that you would get hooked on can be overwhelming. That’s why, below, we round up nine gut-wrenching, and thought-provoking crime shows that are easily available to watch on the small screen. And don’t worry, all of them come with subtitles:
In This Article
1. Conversations With A Killer: The Ted Bundy Tapes
Intelligent, handsome, charming, killer— these words describe Ted Bundy the best. This four-part series on the 30+ murders committed by necrophile Ted Bundy in the 1970s caught the world’s attention for quite a surprising reason. Viewers couldn’t get over Bundy’s physical attractiveness. The show’s streamer, Netflix, had to release an official statement to stop ‘thirsting’ over Ted Bundy. The series follows Bundy’s life from childhood to death by execution, highlighting the moment where his life took a turn, for the worse, when his relationship with Stephanie Brooks, his first love, ended. Our verdict: spine chilling.
Stream it on Netflix.
2. Asur
Featuring Arshad Warsi, and Barun Sobti, Asur’s plot centers on two CBI officials who find themselves in a wicked game of catch-me-if-you-can with a psychotic murderer in Varanasi. The plot is replete with hideous serial killings and a race against time to save innocent lives. However, beneath all the gore, is a gripping storyline that presents an interesting amalgamation of science, suspense, and mythology. Full disclaimer: the web series is difficult to watch if you have a weak stomach.
Stream it on Voot Select.
3. Vincenzo
Fans of South Korean actor Song Joong Ki, this drama is for you. The drama took the world by storm, breaking its record after receiving a double-digit viewership rating in South Korea. The plot revolves around Vincenzo Cassano, a Korean-Italian lawyer, and mafia consigliere. He returns to his home country to recover his hidden gold located at Guemga Plaza, where many “odd residents” reside. He soon gets intertwined in a revenge scheme with the villainous Babel group. The show is packed with action, bromance, and swoon-worthy moments between Vincenzo Cassano and Hong Cha Young (Jeon Yeo Bin). Our verdict: Get ready for plot twists to knock you off your seat.
Stream it on Netflix.
4. The Vanishing At The Cecil Hotel
The most bizarre disappearances in the last decade, which still haunts internet investigators, is that of college student Elisa Lam. She was on vacation in Los Angeles, but the hotel she checked into was the infamous Cecil Hotel (where she was last seen alive), a house to notorious serial killers, rapists, prisoners on the run, and mental patients. The show explores situations that led to her accidental drowning, and its details run chills through the spine. Disclaimer: You may have trouble sleeping at night.
Stream it on Netflix.
5. Paatal Lok
The plot revolves around the remarkable police officer, Hathi Ram, who poses his biggest challenge, when he comes face-to-face with a case way above his pay grade. While he jumps into it and probes for the truth, he unveils dark secrets that are shocking to the core. Watch him battle his inner demons and those from the realm of injustice; he soon realizes he is a mere pawn in the play. Our verdict: A must-watch crime drama.
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
6. Beyond Evil
Beyond Evil is a South Korean psychological crime drama that follows the story of two detectives. Although the serial killer theme is popular in K-dramas, the series keeps viewers intrigued by the story and the small-town setting. This fascinating story with the most unexpected plot twist was awarded many awards, including the Best Drama at the Baeksang Awards, 2021. Our verdict: You will be screaming at the plot twist.
Stream it on Netflix.
7. Lorena
Only a few would believe this story, except that it really happened. One night, Lorena Bobbitt sliced off her husband’s genitalia during a fight. What did he do to make her take this gruesome step? This show answers that question by unfolding a long and heartbreaking story of domestic abuse. The show also reveals how a couple’s marriage dispute turned into a nationwide battle of the genders. Our verdict: Watch it first, and then decide whose side you are on.
Stream it on Amazon Prime.
8. Crime Stories: India Detectives
This web series chronicles the criminal investigations of Bengaluru, known as India’s Silicon Valley, in real-time featuring the Bengaluru City Police. Each story covers a different type of offense and follows senior officials in their professional spaces as they attempt to solve the heinous felonies in the city. Our verdict: If you love action-packed shows, this one’s for you.
Stream it on Netflix.
9. My Name
This Korean crime show is all set to become Netflix’s big success after Squid Game. The story is about Yoon Ji Woo (Han So Hee), who seeks revenge on the person who killed her father. She trains hard to join a criminal group and later works with the police as an undercover agent. Get set to see revenge, gory, and action-packed scenes that make you jump with fear. Disclaimer: There’s a lot of blood, like a lot. If there is one show that makes you think you won’t be able to predict the truth, this is it. The unpredictability is what makes it so good!
Stream it on Netflix.
The best part of these shows is that they will leave you at the edge of your seat in each and every scene. Some people like watching one or two episodes a day or some just like to binge it in a day. But these cliffhanging episodes make sure to make you stream it one after the other. Some of the scenes are so well executed that you might have to rewind and watch some parts. These crime dramas are perfect for your weekly streaming binge and also chilling enough to keep you on the edge of your seat. Which crime show are you going to watch first? Let us know in the comments.
