Best British Crime Dramas on Netflix

Richard Madden stars as a war veteran assigned to protect a controversial politician in this tense political thriller. The series masterfully blends high-stakes action with intricate plot twists and deep psychological drama.

One of the UK's most popular police procedural dramas, focusing on AC-12, a controversial police anti-corruption unit. Each season investigates a new case involving alleged police misconduct with meticulous detail and gripping suspense.

Sarah Lancashire delivers an Emmy-winning performance as a dedicated sergeant in a Yorkshire police force. The show balances gritty crime investigation with profound character development and dark humor.

This series focuses on cold cases, where detectives uncover hidden truths about unsolved murders from decades past. It combines methodical police work with emotional resonance and strong performances from Nicola Walker and Sanjeev Bhaskar.

Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman, this atmospheric mystery follows the investigation into the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town. It explores the impact on the community and the detectives' personal lives.

Set in post-WWI Birmingham, this stylized drama follows the Shelby crime family as they expand their empire. It features iconic direction, a memorable soundtrack, and Cillian Murphy’s captivating portrayal of Tommy Shelby.

Although primarily an American production, this miniseries features Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant in a Hitchcockian thriller set in New York. It offers a sophisticated look at wealth, privilege, and the unraveling of a perfect facade.

The sequel returns Richard Madden and Keeley Hawes as David Budd and Julia Montague. The second season raises the stakes with international terrorism and political intrigue, maintaining the show's signature tension.

This gritty drama provides a raw look at life on the London housing estates, focusing on drug trade dynamics and survival. It features authentic dialogue and powerful performances that highlight social issues within the community.

Not a crime drama, but included for its popularity. However, for crime content, 'White Line' is a better fit. This entry is removed. Instead: 'White Line' is a Colombian crime drama series that follows a truck driver caught up in a cartel conspiracy. It combines high-octane action with deep character arcs.

This French heist drama follows Assane Diop as he seeks revenge for his father's wrongful imprisonment. While not British, it is widely available on Netflix and offers a stylish, clever alternative to traditional crime docs.

An American anthology series, but highly relevant for crime drama fans. Each season explores why ordinary people commit shocking crimes, focusing on the psychological motives rather than just the investigation itself.

A British sci-fi thriller, but for pure crime, 'The Capture' is a stronger contender. It deals with surveillance, truth, and media manipulation in modern Britain, offering a paranoid and thrilling narrative.

This series questions the reliability of evidence in the digital age, following a soldier wrongfully accused of murder due to deepfake technology. It is a timely and intellectually stimulating critique of state power.

Anna Friel plays a detective who returns to work after a long absence, struggling with dreams that seem to predict future crimes. The show blends supernatural elements with a gritty police procedural format.

Created by Gareth Evans, this series depicts a power vacuum in London's criminal underworld after a kingpin's death. It features some of the most intense and creative fight choreography ever filmed for television.

Idris Elba stars as a brilliant but troubled detective inspector with a genius-level intellect but a destructive personal life. The series is known for its atmospheric London setting and complex villain archetypes.

Tom Hiddleston and Hugh Grant star in this spy thriller based on John le Carré's novel. It follows an ex-soldier infiltrating the inner circle of an arms dealer, blending espionage with criminal investigation.

A mystery thriller where a father searches for his missing teenage daughter in a small town with dark secrets. The show is known for its intricate plot structure and ensemble cast of suspicious characters.

Jodie Comer and Tahar Rahim star in this true crime miniseries about serial killer Charles Sobhraj. It focuses on the psychological games between the killer and the investigators, offering a chilling portrayal of manipulation.