Crime miniseries have carved out a unique space in the world of television, bringing to life gripping tales that unfold over the course of a limited number of episodes. These short-form, thrilling dramas pack nail-biting tension, intense storytelling, and intriguing characters into every single minute. For viewers looking for a concise, compelling narrative, there’s no better option than a crime story that keeps you engaged, keeps you guessing, and keeps you feeling equal parts horrified and fascinated by the darker aspects of human nature.
There are countless limited crime series available for streaming. A very special few, however, earn the privilege of being called masterpieces. The 10 entries on this list certainly earn the title. Whether due to their exceptional writing, emotional impact, or remarkable performances, they each have redefined what television can be.
‘The Night Of’ (2016)
Riz Ahmed stars as Naz Khan, a straight-laced Pakistani-American college student, who has a drug-fueled one-night stand with a mysterious young woman named Andrea Cornish (Sofia Black-D’Elia), only to wake up in the morning and find her stabbed to death. In a panic, he flees the scene, but is stopped by police for a traffic violation, with the murder weapon found on him, and witnesses placing him with the victim. Naz maintains his innocence, and starts working with defense attorney John Stone (John Turturro).
A Highly Tense Societal Indictment
The Night Of is a heavy show, but an incredibly important one that highlights the injustice of the American justice system. As Naz is ground down by the process, his race and heritage are played against him, as well as color the perceptions of his involvement. His story also serves as a depiction of how incarceration can transform a person for the worse, destroying their life and turning them into a hardened criminal. Peeling its layers back gradually, the miniseries’ unflinching realism and slow-burn pacing create a tension so unbearable it feels like an inescapable nightmare. This powerful, compelling TV show is without a doubt one of the greatest crime dramas of this century.
‘Sharp Objects’ (2018)
Based on the hit novel of the same name by Gillian Flynn, Sharp Objects stars six-time Oscar nominee Amy Adams as Camille Preaker, a Chicago journalist who returns to her small hometown in Missouri to report on the unsolved murders of two young girls in the community, reuniting with her estranged mother Adora (Patricia Clarkson), and her teenage half-sister, Amma (Eliza Scanlen). Being home resurfaces old pain and trauma for Camille, and as she digs deeper into the case, she finds herself digging into her past for answers.
A Haunting Psychological Crime Drama
Sharp Objects blends psychological thriller elements, a Southern Gothic style, and crime drama to tell a story of mental illness, the cycles of violence, and generational trauma. The eight-episode miniseries is not an easy watch, and it can be a bit stomach-churning in moments, but it’s a riveting experience. Adams was highly praised for her performance, which cuts deep. The show’s finale is a jaw-dropping, chilling conclusion that lingers with the viewer. This story will stand the test of time.
‘When They See Us’ (2019)
The Netflix original series When They See Us was created, co-written, and directed by Ava DuVernay (Selma). It’s based on the real-life account of the Central Park Five, a group of Black and Latino youths from Harlem who were wrongfully accused and convicted of sexually assaulting a jogger in 1989. Maintaining their innocence, they spent many years in prison for a crime they did not commit. Spanning a quarter of a century, the show depicts everything from when they were first questioned in 1989 to their wrongful conviction to their exoneration in 2002 to the settlement they received in 2014 from the city of New York.
On the Racism and Corruption of the Justice System
The four-episode miniseries will make you furious and break your heart over the injustices endured by these five lives. Like The Night Of, it explores the systemic racism that is rampant in the American justice system, while also serving as a scathing critique of police coercion and abuse. DuVernay is relentless in her depiction of the arduous lengths the Central Park Five had to go to in order to prove their innocence, as well as in her grueling account of the time they spent behind bars, delving into the long-term trauma of wrongful imprisonment. This is one of the most emotionally devastating crime dramas you’ll ever watch in your life.
‘Unbelievable’ (2019)
Unbelievable is another Netflix limited series based on true events. Kaitlyn Dever stars as Marie Adler, a teen who goes to the police to report how she was raped by a stranger who broke into her home. Instead of helping her, authorities relentlessly question her, doubt her, accuse her of lying, and ultimately charge her with a false statement. Two years later, detectives Grace Rasmussen and Karen Duvall (Toni Collette and Merritt Wever) uncover a pattern of eerily similar sexual assaults, and stop at nothing to seek justice for Marie and other victims.
A Sensitive Crime Drama About the Challenges Faced by Sexual Assault Survivors
This cast is full of incredibly talented actors who deliver powerful, emotional performances in a story that holds a mirror to society at large. Unbelievable exposes how ingrained rape culture is in every societal facet, from those you call family to the legal system. It explores victim-blaming attitudes, systemic failures, how institutional laws make it difficult for victims to find justice, and how skepticism within law enforcement can lead to revictimization. Standing on the side of victims, the miniseries also addresses how trauma from sexual assault can affect memory, indicting those who use that as a weapon.
‘The Investigation’ (2020)
The Investigation is a six-part Danish miniseries that is based on a real-life case that made headlines all around the world. In 2017, 30-year-old Swedish journalist Kim Wall boarded a submarine in Denmark owned by Danish entrepreneur and well-known figure Peter Madsen. Kim never returned to the surface, and her remains were found washed up on a beach 11 days later. Søren Malling stars as Jens Møller Jansen, the chief investigator of the case.
Meticulous Attention to the Human Side of the Case
What sets this show apart from other true-crime dramas is that it focuses entirely on the investigation, piecing the mystery together without relying on sensationalism or turning a woman’s murder into entertainment. The series also takes away the power of the perpetrator by refusing to ever use his name, only referring to him as “he” and “the accused” or “the suspect.” Playing out like both a Nordic noir and a police procedural, The Investigation also does a good job of emphasizing the victim and her legacy.
‘The Outsider’ (2020)
Based on the best-selling novel by Stephen King, The Outsider opens with the discovery of the mutilated corpse of a young boy in the Cherokee City suburbs of Georgia. Little League baseball coach Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman) is charged with the gruesome murder when compelling evidence is found against him. However, conflicting evidence is found that proves his innocence. It’s as if he had been in two places at the same time. Local detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) works with savant-like private investigator Holly Gibney (Cynthia Erivo) to solve the mystery.
A Chilling Whirlwind of a Mystery
The Outsider earns its place among the greatest Stephen King adaptations of all time. This spine-chilling HBO series masterfully blends crime drama, horror, and murder mystery to create an absolute masterpiece. Despite being a slow burn, it never fails to keep viewers hooked and engaged. The story draws you in with its dark, eerie atmosphere, pulling its layers back at a leisurely pace, resulting in a highly rewarding payoff.
‘Mare of Easttown’ (2021)
In this seven-episode HBO miniseries, Kate Winslet stars as Mare Sheehan, a detective and local basketball hero in Easttown, a small suburban town outside of Philadelphia. When the body of a teen mother (Cailee Spaeny) is found, Mare investigates the murder. Detective Colin Zabel, played by Evan Peters, is sent by the county to assist Mare in her investigation. As they delve deeper into the case, Mare also struggles with the crumbling reality of her own personal life.
A Gripping, Character-Driven Whodunit
Mare of Easttown garnered 16 Emmy nominations, winning four, including Outstanding Lead Actress for Winslet and Outstanding Supporting Actor for Peters. The TV show was widely praised by critics, with many calling it a career-best for Winslet. Blending a small-town mystery with a profound character study, it’s prestige crime drama at its finest. If you’re looking for a crime miniseries with brilliant plot twists and well-developed characters, look no further than this masterpiece.
‘Under the Banner of Heaven’ (2022)
The Hulu original series Under the Banner of Heaven is based on the true-crime book by Jon Krakauer, Under the Banner of Heaven: A Story of Violent Faith. Set in 1980s Utah, it stars Andrew Garfield as Detective Jeb Pyre, a devout Mormon who begins to question his faith as he investigates the brutal murders of Brenda Lafferty (Daisy Edgar-Jones) and her baby. Diving deeper into the case, Detective Pyre discovers a once-respected Mormon family’s disturbing descent into fundamentalist extremism, and uncovers the dark history and origins of the LDS Church.
A Compelling, Thought-Provoking Crime Drama
Under the Banner of Heaven is a poignant exploration of heavy themes, like faith, religious extremism, misogyny within religious structures, and divinely-sanctioned violence. The show is a masterpiece for how it balances its police procedural aspects with emotional elements. It’s a slow burn, but one that gradually seeps beneath the skin, keeping viewers captivated until its final episode.
‘The Penguin’ (2024)
The HBO original miniseries The Penguin takes the minor villain introduced in Matt Reeves’ The Batman and places him front and center. If you were wondering if you had to watch the film before enjoying this masterpiece, the answer is no. Colin Ferrell completely transforms himself into Oswald “Oz” Cobb, otherwise known as The Penguin. The crime show explores his rise in Gotham City’s criminal underworld. The phenomenal cast also includes Cristin Milioti, Rhenzy Feliz, Deridre O’Connell, Clancy Brown, Theo Rossi, and Carmen Ejogo.
A Crime Saga That Expands on Gotham’s Mythology
Farrell is at his greatest, vanishing so completely into the role that you forget who’s underneath the costume and makeup. The Penguin cements itself as not only one of the best mob dramas, but as one of the finest miniseries ever created on any network. If you’re into gangster politics and want to dive into a show with incredible world-building and character depth, don’t think twice about hitting play on this one. The eight-episode limited series is an absolute standout in the world of mobster television.
‘The Glass Dome’ (2025)
The Glass Dome is a Netflix original miniseries created by renowned Swedish crime author Camilla Läckberg. The show stars Léonie Vincent as Lejla Ness, a behavioral scientist and criminologist who was kidnapped as a child and kept in a mirrored glass box. After escaping, she was adopted by Valter (Johan Hedenberg), the chief of police. When her adoptive mother dies, she returns to her hometown. Soon after, a young girl goes missing, resurfacing old trauma for Lejla, who becomes involved in the case.
A Captivating, Gritty Nordic Noir
The six-episode miniseries checks off all the boxes of a great Nordic noir — a dreary, winter backdrop, a palpable atmosphere, a tortured protagonist, and a slow-burn, dark mystery. Full of unexpected twists and turns, The Glass Dome is riveting from beginning to end. It’s a show that takes you completely by surprise, leaving you glued to your seat. Its finale will stay with you for a long time.