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TV & Movies

45 Of The Best Crime Shows On Netflix In 2026

17th Aug 2026
Written by:
Siriol Dafydd
Entertainment Writer | Urban List, Sydney
  • Oasis

We can't get enough of TV crime right now. Legal dramas, dark and steamy murder mysteries, thrilling detective sagas—throw 'em all at us and we’ll keep asking for more. And if you, like us, simply can’t resist a dark and gritty drama, we got you, boo. To help you get your fix of all things dark and intriguing, we’ve put together a list of the best crime shows on Netflix right now. 

Some of our recent favourites the heartbreaking true-crime series, The Witness. And, tbh, we’re still running on the high of the wildly popular and critically acclaimed real-life drug bust drama, Legends. But never mind what we think—it’s time for you to make up your own mind. Get ready for our top picks of binge-worthy, it’s-so-grim-but-I-can’t-look-away entertainment. And perhaps keep a light on…just in case.

The Charles Manson Tapes

It’s not like there’s a shortage of docos and TV shows about Charles Manson, but if you’re fascinated by true crime, you’re probably going to want to devour every second of this one regardless. The Charles Manson Tapes is the fifth and final instalment in Joe Berlinger’s incredibly popular true crime franchise, Conversations with a Killer. Blending 137 phone calls Manson made from prison with archival footage, this three-part doco series is a must-watch for anyone who wants to understand what went on in the mind of arguably the most famous murderer and cult leader of all time.

Oasis

While the British probably have the top spot in terms of bingeable crime dramas nowadays, Spain sure knows how to knock a few decent ones out too (if you haven’t seen Money Heist yet, you’ve got some work to do). The latest Spanish crime drama, Oasis, follows the mysterious disappearance of a young woman from a super-exclusive luxury holiday resort. And, as the obnoxiously rich and the working-class staff are suddenly placed on lockdown for the investigation, things get super dramatic, soapy, and suspenseful. It’s basically The White Lotus meets Elite, and you’ll probably smash it in a couple of days.

The Gentlemen

If you somehow missed this smash hit Guy Ritchie gangster crime series when it first came out in 2024, you’re in for a real treat. If you’re unfamiliar with the iconic director’s style, it’s basically a thrilling combination of violence, gore, high-stakes action, and incredibly dark comedy. The show is a spin-off of the 2019 movie of the same name (with Hugh Grant in arguably his best performance since Paddington 2) and follows a wealthy aristocrat who accidentally finds himself embroiled in an underground cannabis empire after inheriting his family’s country estate. It’s Weeds meets Breaking Bad meets everything Guy Ritchie’s ever done, and it’s great. Season 2 of The Gentlemen is slated for late 2026, so now is the perfect time to watch or re-watch Season 1 in all its foul-mouthed glory. 

I Will Find You

Starring Sam Worthington, this 8-part limited series follows a man imprisoned for brutally murdering his own son in his bed. But when his ex-sister-in-law uncovers evidence that his son may still be alive, he escapes and sets off on a dangerous ride full of conspiracies and high-stakes stand-offs. We smashed the whole series in one day (it was a flu-induced duvet day, so we’re letting ourselves off the hook). It’s packed with suspense, action, and engaging twists. And TBH, anything with Milo Ventimiglia looking dark and broody in it has our vote. 

Unbelievable

This one isn’t new, but if you somehow missed this critically acclaimed limited series when it first came out in 2019, it’s definitely worth a watch. Starring Toni Collette and Merritt Wever, and based on a terrifyingly true story, it follows the state-spanning US investigation to hunt down a serial rapist. We won’t say more because it’s a journey worth following with the show. But we should warn you that it’s a tough and sobering watch, especially if you’re a woman or have been the victim of sexual violence.  

The Witness

Based on the real-life murder of a young mother in 1990s London and the botched investigation into finding her killer, this limited series is an emotional one for sure. The story is centred around her partner and three-year-old son — who was the sole witness to the murder — as they navigate years of press harassment, police interviews, trials, and systemic police fudge-ups. All three episodes are available to watch now, so you can smash it in one afternoon if you feel like it. 

Southland

This is definitely not new, but it is new to Netflix Australia. Set in Los Angeles, it’s a gritty drama following the lives of LAPD patrol officers and detectives. It’s more of a raw and real character-driven drama than a standard glossy American police procedural. And if that sounds like your cup of tea, there are five full seasons — which, depending on your bingeing abilities, should keep you entertained for a few weeks. 

Legends

Crime dramas based on real life are always worth a watch. And, if you like underdog stories where good prevails over evil, this incredible undercover investigation carried out by ordinary British civil servants to stop the 90s heroin epidemic should be on your to-watch list. It’s gritty, no-nonsense, and has plenty of action and high-stakes suspense. It also features a fabulous dramatic performance by Steve Coogan (best known as the hilariously goofy, cringeworthy, yet somehow lovable Alan Partridge). And, at a short and sweet six episodes, you can easily smash it out in less than a week.

Nemesis

Everyone seems to be bingeing this one right now. Following the escalating beef between a mastermind heist thief and the detective obsessed with catching him,  it’s basically a glossy cat-and-mouse cop and robber story for the modern age. It’s very melodramatic, and the performances are often a bit over the top, but if you don’t mind that and enjoy some action, heist vibes, and a big old dollop of violence,  you’re good to go.

Should I Marry a Murderer?

This three-part documentary has all the true crime intrigue with a healthy dose of suspense and drama, too. It’s about a woman who found out that her husband and his brother killed someone in a hit and run… and then decided to act like a covert witness to help the police bring them to justice. So it’s got real-life drama along with all the high-stakes double life tension you could hope for. Enjoy.

Man on Fire

 
Not to be confused with the 2004 Denzel Washington movie, this new adaptation of the classic A.J. Quinnell novel follows a former U.S. Special Forces Captain trying to protect his dead best friend’s teenage daughter from a political and criminal conspiracy, all while grappling with his own demons, PTSD, and alcoholism. It’s sombre, intense, and hyper-violent, so make sure you’re in the right mood before pressing play on this one.

Big Mistakes 

 
Starring Schitt Creek’s Dan Levy, this dark crime comedy follows a conflicted pastor and his sister as they get blackmailed into working for an organised crime gang. It balances family drama with dangerous situations, mixing sitcom ridiculousness with dark storylines. Basically, imagine Ozark but with a much lighter and more comedic tone. Big Mistakes dropped on April 9 2026, with all eight episodes available to binge in full immediately.

Trust Me: The False Prophet

 
If you’re fascinated by cults and how people get sucked into them, you’ll probably enjoy this four-part true crime doco. Blending archival footage and victim interviews with dramatic reconstructions, Trust Me: The False Prophet details the rise and fall of a charismatic leader and self-proclaimed prophet who manipulated followers in a polygamist sect through deception, control, and exploitation. It’s a slow-burn doco with an emphasis on personal testimonies, which could make it a difficult watch for some viewers. All four episodes of Trust Me: The False Prophet are available to stream now.

The Art of Sarah

 
If you fancy combining your love of crime shows with your passion for Korean drama, then this mystery-crime thriller is set in Seoul’s luxury fashion scene is perfect for you. The story follows the chaotic unravelling of a successful executive after police discover a body that’s believed to be hers. And, as the plot thickens, the investigation uncovers a wild trail of shifting identities, lies, and missing records that suggest Sarah may not exist at all. It’s dark, modern, and has plenty of twists to keep you interested enough to binge all eight episodes pretty quickly. 

Keep Sweet: Pray and Obey

 
If you’re fascinated by true crime with a bit of a culty vibe, this 4-part doco will do nicely. Combining survivor testimonies, archival footage, and investigative reporting, it takes a long, hard look at the rise and fall of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints (FLDS) under leader Warren Jeffs. From his authoritarian style to the enforced polygamy, abuse, and coercion experienced by members — especially women and children — it tackles a lot of difficult subjects. The tone is dark and unsettling, yet empathetic towards the survivors. It’s definitely not an easy breezy watch, but if you have a morbid fascination with this kind of stuff, it’s worth tuning in.

Contributors: Elizabeth Barry

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