As the new year unfolds, the world of entertainment continues to captivate audiences with gripping narratives and spine-chilling suspense. If you find yourself on the edge of your seat craving a thrilling escape, look no further than the vast library of crime thriller series on Netflix. In this ever-expanding realm of mystery and intrigue, January 2024 promises to be a month filled with pulse-pounding stories, plot twists, and unforgettable characters.
Whether you’re a seasoned detective drama enthusiast or just dipping your toes into the murky waters of crime fiction, this curated list is designed to guide you through the best crime thriller series available on Netflix. From mind-bending psychological puzzles to heart-stopping investigations, we’ve scoured the streaming platform to bring you the crème de la crème of suspenseful storytelling.
Prepare to be enthralled as we delve into the shadowy realms of crime, where every clue, twist, and revelation leaves you craving more. Grab your popcorn, dim the lights, and immerse yourself in the gripping world of the “Best Crime Thriller Series to Watch on Netflix in January 2024.” Your next binge-worthy obsession awaits!
Narcos
In the intense and gripping TV series Narcos, we delve into the life of one of the most notorious drug lords in recent times, Pablo Escobar, portrayed by Wagner Moura. The first season unfolds Escobar’s ascent to becoming the foremost cocaine distributor globally, intertwined with the relentless efforts of two DEA agents, portrayed by Pedro Pascal and Boyd Holbrook, in their urgent quest to apprehend him. The narrative weaves a compelling cat-and-mouse thriller.
Similarly, the spin-off series Narcos: Mexico, featuring Diego Luna as the formidable Miguel Ángel Félix Gallardo, delves into the origins of the Mexican drug trade and the rise of the Guadalajara Cartel. The series also captures the DEA’s determined pursuit of Gallardo, providing an intriguing look into the world of drug trafficking and law enforcement in Mexico.
Richard Madden earned a Golden Globe for his outstanding portrayal in this British series, where he takes on the role of David Budd, a war veteran turned bodyguard. The story follows Budd’s life after he heroically intervenes to prevent a suicide bombing on a train. Subsequently, he is assigned as the security detail for Julia Montague, played by Keeley Hawes. Montague, a conservative politician facing criticism for supporting a contentious bill, becomes the focal point of tension in the series.
Bodyguard skillfully navigates the dynamics between Budd and Montague, emphasizing their ideological clashes. Despite their differing political stances, Budd is entrusted with the crucial task of safeguarding Montague’s life. The series is characterized by its taut and thrilling narrative, avoiding the romanticization of political intrigue. Instead, it sheds light on the often overlooked and nefarious actions that governments carry out daily.
Bill Dubuque and Mark Williams crafted a gripping drama that revolves around Marty Byrde, played by Jason Bateman, a financial adviser deeply entrenched in a long-standing money-laundering arrangement with a drug cartel when the series kicks off. Facing the aftermath of a botched job that results in his partner’s death, Marty makes a strategic move by relocating his family, including his wife portrayed by Laura Linney, to the Lake of the Ozarks region in Missouri. While ostensibly driven by the need to safeguard their lives, Marty’s primary motive is to escalate and expand his already ambitious money-laundering operation.
Upon their arrival, the Byrdes find themselves entangled in the local crime scene, forging alliances and confrontations with other families and, later on, the mafia. Ozark unfolds as a tense thriller, exploring the unquenchable thirst for wealth and influence. The series delves into the lengths to which individuals are willing to go to protect their status, revealing the dark and morally ambiguous choices people make in their pursuit of money and power.
David Fincher, renowned for crime genre masterpieces like Se7en and Zodiac (with his upcoming film, The Killer, continuing the trend), leaves his indelible mark on Mindhunter, a series he not only executive produced but also directed several episodes of. The show unfolds against the backdrop of the late ’70s and early ’80s, capturing the nascent stages of criminal profiling. It meticulously examines the birth of the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit.
Starring Jonathan Groff and Holt McCallany as a pair of FBI agents, the narrative revolves around their exploration of the minds and motivations of serial killers through in-depth interviews. Anna Torv complements the cast as a psychology professor who becomes an integral part of their team. Mindhunter ingeniously draws parallels between the interviewers and the notorious criminals they study, resulting in a spine-chilling and utterly compelling television experience. Fincher’s signature style is unmistakably woven into the fabric of the series, solidifying his status as a maestro of the crime genre.
Adapted from the Pulitzer Prize–winning reporting by T. Christian Miller and Ken Armstrong, Unbelievable delves into the police investigation surrounding a series of rapes in Colorado and Washington spanning from 2008 to 2011. The series stands out by uniquely exploring the perspectives of the survivors and shedding light on the injustices they endure in the aftermath within the American judicial system.
Toni Collette and Merritt Wever deliver outstanding performances as the two detectives are determined to unveil the truth, while Kaitlyn Dever portrays the teenage girl whose initial report is dissected and dismissed by the police. Unbelievable unfolds as a brutally gripping series, shedding light on the resilience of survivors and the flaws in the legal system as it tackles the harrowing subject matter with sensitivity and depth.
If you’re in the mood for a crime series with a lighter touch compared to some of the genre’s darker offerings, consider diving into the deliciously fast-paced international sensation, Money Heist. The show unfolds the intricacies of two distinct bank robberies orchestrated by the mysterious mastermind known only as the “Professor.” This enigmatic figure assembles a highly skilled team to execute these complex heists.
Money Heist captivates its audience with a snappy blend of action and emotional drama, and it has gained widespread popularity, in part due to the iconic red jumpsuits that provide a built-in Halloween costume factor. The series has become a fan favorite, and its success has spawned spin-offs, including Money Heist: Korea. Additionally, the eagerly anticipated Berlin will focus on the titular jewel thief portrayed by Pedro Alonso, expanding the vibrant universe of Money Heist.
In the lead role, Cillian Murphy embodies the character of Thomas Shelby, the determined and unyielding leader of a crime family entrenched in the criminal underworld of 19th-century Birmingham. Throughout six seasons, the series intricately follows Shelby’s ascent, navigating the challenges posed by new adversaries intent on disrupting the family’s transformation from street-level gangsters to influential political figures.
Peaky Blinders stands out with its distinctive elements, including an anachronistic rock ‘n’ roll soundtrack, opulent costumes, and a stellar ensemble cast. The performances, particularly by Cillian Murphy, and the ever-expanding supporting cast, including luminaries like Anya Taylor-Joy, Tom Hardy, and the late Helen McCrory, contribute to the series’ depth and allure. This slick period piece has garnered a passionate fan base, and its combination of style, storytelling, and character complexity solidifies its place as a noteworthy and highly acclaimed television series.
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