Jun 11th, 2024 on

Must-Watch Dark Crime Drama TV Shows | Perfect For Binge-Watching

Hey Friends! In today’s post, I’m sharing my top TV shows that are dark, thrilling, and have amazing storylines you won’t want to miss. These shows have all wrapped up, making them perfect for binge-watching. So, grab your favorite snack, get comfy, and let’s dive into these must-see series!

Bates Motel

Bates Motel Before I dive into why I love Bates Motel, let me share how I stumbled upon it. I was on a late-night flight, exhausted and ready to zone out. The food cart had just passed, and the cabin lights were dimmed. I was in the aisle seat, and a passenger in front of me was watching something intriguing on their screen. The catch? They were watching it without subtitles! I found myself trying to lip-read and piece together the story. By the time the flight ended, I was hooked. I started watching Bates Motel the very next day.

Bates Motel explores how Norman Bates becomes the infamous serial killer from Alfred Hitchcock’s 1960 film, Psycho. This psychological thriller is incredibly intense, keeping me on the edge of my seat and holding my breath countless times. Even though we know Norman’s fate, the twists and turns are often unexpected. The show is filled with murders, mysteries, and a fair share of confusion. Vera Farmiga, as Norman’s mother, and Freddie Highmore, as Norman, deliver outstanding performances. In fact, when I later watched The Good Doctor, I couldn’t help but jokingly think, “Yeah, we know you, you’re going to kill them all!” Their acting is just that convincing.

It’s dark and scary, with complex characters and exceptional acting. Across its five seasons, the show starts strong, maintains its quality, and ends on a high note. Even though we know the tragic outcome from the beginning, it keeps you hooked until the very end. Prepare to cry! I warn you. There are a few light, funny moments, but make no mistake, we are deep in dark territory here.

Ozark

Ozark Oh, Netflix’s epic show! Dark and atmospheric, the cinematography of this series is stunning. It has won 45 nominations and 4 Emmys. You can imagine the quality. It has it all: criminal finance, family dynamics, and too many secrets to count. Set against the beautiful backdrop of Missouri, the show captures your attention from the very first episode, and you’ll be eager to see what happens next. The suspense is palpable.

The plot follows Marty Byrde, a financial planner who relocates his family to the Ozarks after a money-laundering scheme goes wrong. To save his family, he must launder money for a Mexican drug cartel while navigating the treacherous waters of local criminals, suspicious FBI agents, and the challenges of keeping his family safe and together. The storyline is intense, with twists and turns that keep you guessing.

Jason Bateman delivers an exceptional performance as Marty Byrde, probably the most likable anti-hero ever. The same goes for all the other characters in the Byrde family. Each character is well-developed, adding depth and complexity to the show. Prepare for a gripping journey into the dark world of crime and family secrets.

The Killing

The Killing We’re going back to 2011 when The Killing first aired. It’s the American version of Forbrydelsen, a Danish show. The Killing is a gripping crime drama that starts with the investigation of a young girl’s murder in Seattle. In the first season, Detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder dive deep into the case, uncovering secrets and lies that span the victim’s family, local politicians, and even the police force. Each episode builds on the suspense, keeping you on the edge of your seat. seat. Seasons one and two were like a great book I could not put down. A really good show comes together as a great show when the writing, directing, acting, and casting are spot-on.

The third season is not as strong as the first two seasons, but the acting remains consistent. The two leads, Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman, are excellent. Despite the dip in the storyline, their performances keep the show engaging.

The fourth season, though with a change in the outlet, changes little of the feeling and powerful story conclusion. The six-episode arc in this season was very much predictable, unlike the previous ones. The cinematography is all greyness and dark, with mood music and overhead panning shots recognizable from the Scandinavian prototypes, indicating a reluctance to tamper much with the established style. The ensemble acting is excellent throughout, bringing a fitting conclusion to this dark, intricate crime drama.

In the Dark

In the Dark I absolutely adored this show! I won’t sugarcoat it, the first two seasons were perfect! As for the other two… well, I watched them, but let’s just say us fans had some strong feelings about the direction the writers took. If you’re curious, there’s a subreddit dedicated to the show where you can see just how passionate we can get about it. But let’s get back to why this is one of my favorites!

In the Dark follows Murphy, the protagonist who happens to be blind (not in real life but in the show). She portrays the role brilliantly. Murphy’s a rebel, and she’s “working” at her parents’ guide dog school. Alongside her is her own guide dog, Pretzel. When one of her dearest friends is murdered, Murphy and her friends find themselves embroiled in a case to solve the mystery. This show made me both cry and laugh, it’s fresh and darkly funny, and I’ve thoroughly enjoyed every moment of it.

I highly recommend this series for binge-watching. It’s refreshing to see such flawed characters portrayed so accurately. The series kept me guessing and gave me plenty to think about. Mystery fans will love the first season, but anyone who appreciates great acting will enjoy the whole series.

If you’re eager for more thrilling TV series similar to these, I’ve got you covered. Check out my other posts here and here.