If you watched Under a Dark Sun, chances are you are still desperately reeling from the aftereffects of the chilling and moody atmosphere of the show, coupled with the morally grey characters. The series blends psychological depth with a classic crime-thriller vibe, setting it apart from other formulaic shows. However, now that the credits have rolled, things have come to an end, and we can’t help but feel heartbroken!
But, fret not; these 5 gripping crime series like Under a Dark Sun will definitely leave you hooked once more!
Crime Series Like Under a Dark Sun
Broadchurch (2013–2017)
Few series understand and blend grief with a crime thriller as intimately as Broadchurch. Starring David Tennant and Olivia Colman in the leads, the series is set in a quiet English town and follows the effects that a murder has on a tight-knit community. The series digs deep into the criminal side of things, but never leaves behind its devastating effects on the victims’ families and friends. The series masterfully explores themes surrounding grief, guilt, and secrets buried beneath the surface of small-town life.
If you liked the Netflix series, you will love Broadchurch. With only 3 short seasons, the series has haunting visuals and moody cinematography that will immediately catch your eye while it deftly explores the human psychology and social decay that exists just beneath the surface of a seemingly perfect community.
The Fall (2013–2016)
The Fall is unlike any show that you have probably watched, as it not only shows its viewers who the killer is from the very beginning, but also grips you in a thrilling chase from its first minute. Following a seemingly ordinary man leading a double life as a serial killer of young women in Belfast, he goes up against a cerebral and determined detective who will go to any lengths to catch him. Unlike other shows, it doesn’t ask the question “who?”. Instead, it asks “when?” – you wait with bated breath, wondering when the killer will slip up, and it’s an extremely uncomfortable ride through and through.
The series explores the psyche of the hunter and the hunted, which makes it an interesting watch. Plus, Jamie Dornan and Gillian Anderson take the helm of the series, which is always a great time! Other than that, the slow-burning narrative prioritises character over action, and the grim atmosphere will leave you constantly questioning who is next.
True Detective: Season 1 (2014)
True Detective changed how viewers saw television crime dramas and for good reason! The anthology series’ first season, featuring the uber-talented Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, follows two mismatched detectives investigating a ritualistic murder and is one of the best seasons of TV ever made. Its philosophical undertones, gritty visuals, and nonlinear storytelling deliver a thrilling watch that slowly builds a hypnotic intensity, just like the case that it brings forth.
The series brings forth questions surrounding morality and justice that will keep you thinking. The bleak tone, stunning cinematography and layered storytelling will keep you hooked while dissecting difficult conversations surrounding trauma, existential dread, as well as corruption.
The Chestnut Man (2021)
The Chestnut Man is Nordic noir at its finest. It follows a pair of detectives trying to solve a brutal murder where they find a figurine made of chestnuts at the crime scene. As more and more bodies turn up, the detectives uncover a disturbing pattern that ultimately connects to a missing child. With its atmospheric cinematography and unpredictable twists, this Netflix series is a chilling example of Scandinavian noir done right.
If you love a cold, bleak aesthetic with a meticulous and unrelenting plot, this series brings forth twists that blend political corruption with personal tragedy. The high-stakes mystery will leave you hooked and can’t help but be hooked to its unrelenting storyline.
Also Read: Netflix’s The Chestnut Man Review: Thrilling Till the End
Mindhunter (2017–2019)
The thought of never watching a new season of Mindhunter sometimes haunts me, and that’s precisely the reason why this series deserves to be binged! Based on real FBI interviews with serial killers in the 1970s, this Netflix series delves deep into the minds of the killers instead of solving the crimes. Following two agents, Holden Ford and Bill Tench, we explore the minds of some of America’s most infamous murderers to establish criminal profiling as a science.
The series is extremely interesting and is for anyone who loves an analytical show. However, the fantastic casting is one of the biggest reasons why you should watch this show, along with the atmosphere, quiet tension, and cerebral depth, which often feels more like a character study than a crime show. David Fincher brings something truly terrifying to our screens with Mindhunter, exploring the deepest depths of our fears with ease and efficiency.
These are all of our favourite crime, mystery, thriller shows that will surely leave you on edge. They explore human complexities and emotions in their own ways and will leave you hooked from start to end.
Which of these shows are your favourite? Let us know in the comments below!
Also Read: Under a Dark Sun Ending Explained: Who Killed Arnaud? Who is Alba’s Real Father?