15 Best Crime Drama Miniseries You Can Binge This Weekend
Crime dramas have a way of grabbing you with their twists, complex characters, and gritty stakes. Miniseries, with their tight storytelling and limited episodes, are ideal for diving into a full story over a weekend, leaving you hooked without dragging on.
I’ve picked 15 of the best crime drama miniseries that deliver suspense, strong performances, and compelling cases. From small-town mysteries to high-stakes conspiracies, these shows are perfect for a quick, thrilling binge. Each entry highlights what makes the series stand out and why it’s worth your time.
15. The Undoing (2020)
Hugh Grant and Nicole Kidman star as a wealthy couple whose perfect life unravels after a brutal murder in New York. This HBO series keeps you guessing with its sleek drama.
The show’s strength is its cast, especially Grant’s unsettling charm, though the ending might divide viewers. It’s a glossy, addictive ride for a cozy weekend.
14. Your Honor (2020-2023)
Bryan Cranston plays a New Orleans judge bending the law to protect his son after a hit-and-run spirals into mob chaos. This Showtime series is tense and morally gray.
Cranston carries the show with his desperate intensity, though some plot twists stretch belief. It’s a solid pick for fans of legal and crime crossovers.
13. The Night Of (2016)
This HBO series follows a young man, played by Riz Ahmed, accused of murder after a night in New York goes wrong. John Turturro shines as his scrappy lawyer.
The slow-burn pacing and realistic courtroom drama pull you into the justice system’s flaws. It’s a gripping, emotional watch with stellar performances.
12. The Act (2019)
Joey King and Patricia Arquette star in this Hulu series about a toxic mother-daughter relationship based on a real-life Munchausen syndrome case. It’s chilling and intense.
The performances, especially King’s, make the disturbing true story hit hard. It’s a quick binge that blends crime with psychological horror.
11. The Undercover (2019)
This Belgian-Dutch series, inspired by real events, follows undercover cops infiltrating a drug lord’s operation. Tom Waes leads with gritty determination.
The mix of high-stakes missions and personal drama keeps the tension high. It’s a lesser-known gem for fans of authentic crime stories.
10. The Serpent (2021)
Tahar Rahim plays Charles Sobhraj, a conman and killer preying on travelers in 1970s Asia. This Netflix series is based on true crimes and a relentless diplomat’s pursuit.
Rahim’s chilling performance and the retro vibe make it a standout. The cat-and-mouse game hooks you for a weekend dive.
9. Escape at Dannemora (2018)
Ben Stiller directs this Showtime series about two inmates, played by Benicio del Toro and Paul Dano, escaping prison with help from a worker, Patricia Arquette. It’s based on a 2015 breakout.
The slow pacing builds tension, and the stellar cast grounds the wild true story. It’s a gritty, character-driven binge with a payoff.
8. The People v. O.J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)
This FX series dives into O.J. Simpson’s infamous trial, with Cuba Gooding Jr. as Simpson and Sarah Paulson as prosecutor Marcia Clark. It’s a dramatized take on real events.
The show balances courtroom drama with cultural commentary, and Paulson steals every scene. It’s a must-watch for true crime fans.
7. The Night Manager (2016)
Tom Hiddleston stars as a hotel manager turned spy infiltrating an arms dealer’s world, played by Hugh Laurie. This BBC series adapts John le Carré’s novel.
The sleek production and intense performances make every episode pop. It’s a stylish, thrilling ride that wraps up perfectly in six episodes.
6. The Honourable Woman (2014)
Maggie Gyllenhaal plays a businesswoman navigating Middle East politics and a web of espionage in this BBC thriller. It’s a fictional tale with real-world stakes.
Gyllenhaal’s nuanced performance and the tight script keep you glued. It’s a smart, intense binge for fans of political crime dramas.
5. Bodyguard (2018)
Richard Madden is a war veteran turned protection officer caught in a terrorist plot in this BBC hit. It’s packed with twists and political intrigue.
The fast-paced action and Madden’s raw intensity make it a rollercoaster. You’ll burn through its six episodes in one sitting.
4. Unbelievable (2019)
This Netflix series, based on a true story, follows a young woman, played by Kaitlyn Dever, accused of lying about her assault, and two detectives hunting the truth. Toni Collette and Merritt Wever shine.
The sensitive storytelling and powerful performances hit hard. It’s a moving, suspenseful look at justice and trauma.
3. When They See Us (2019)
Ava DuVernay’s Netflix series tells the true story of the Central Park Five, young men wrongly convicted of a 1989 assault. The ensemble cast is heartbreakingly good.
The show’s emotional weight and unflinching look at injustice make it unforgettable. It’s a heavy but essential binge that demands attention.
2. The Undoing (2020)
Nicole Kidman and Hugh Grant return in this HBO murder mystery about a psychologist and her husband caught in a high-society scandal. It’s a sleek, twisty drama.
The star power and constant surprises keep you hooked, even if the resolution isn’t perfect. It’s a fun, glamorous escape for a weekend.
1. Mare of Easttown (2021)
Kate Winslet stars as a small-town Pennsylvania detective solving a murder while her personal life crumbles. This HBO series is raw and deeply human.
Winslet’s powerhouse performance and the layered mystery make every episode gripping. It’s the perfect mix of heart and suspense for a top-tier binge.
Which of these crime dramas kept you up all night, or is there another miniseries I should add to my watchlist? Share your favorites in the comments!