20 Best International Crime TV Shows You Have Never Streamed

Crime dramas pull you in with their gritty mysteries and complex characters, but some of the best ones come from beyond the usual American and British fare. International shows offer fresh settings, unique cultural vibes, and storytelling that feels raw and authentic. This list highlights 20 under-the-radar crime series from around the world that you likely haven’t streamed yet. These shows, packed with suspense and intrigue, deserve a spot on your watchlist.

From Nordic noir to Australian outback thrillers, these series bring diverse perspectives to the genre. They’re not the usual Netflix or Hulu heavyweights but hidden gems that aired on smaller networks or platforms like BBC Four, FX, or ITV3. Let’s count them down, diving into why each show is a must-see.

20. The Code (2014-2016)

An Australian thriller about two brothers uncovering a conspiracy after a car accident in the outback. Directed by Shawn Seet, ‘The Code’ mixes cybercrime with political intrigue, starring Dan Spielman and Ashley Zukerman. The remote desert setting amps up the tension. It’s a gripping ride for tech-savvy mystery fans.

The show’s sleek visuals and fast-paced plot keep you guessing. Its focus on hacking and government cover-ups feels ahead of its time. I was hooked by the brothers’ dynamic and the outback’s eerie vibe. A solid pick for a quick, intense binge.

19. Salamander (2012-2018)

A Belgian detective uncovers a bank heist linked to a secret elite society. Directed by Frank van Mechelen, ‘Salamander’ stars Filip Peeters as a cop navigating corruption. The plot’s twists and moody atmosphere make it a standout European thriller. It’s dark and addictive.

The cinematography captures Brussels’ gritty charm, and the pacing keeps you on edge. Peeters’ understated performance grounds the wild conspiracy. I loved the slow-burn tension that explodes into chaos. Perfect for fans of political intrigue.

18. Follow the Money (2016-2019)

This Danish series follows financial crimes shaking Copenhagen’s corporate world. Created by Jeppe Gjervig Gram, ‘Follow the Money’ blends fraud investigations with personal drama, starring Thomas Bo Larsen. The sleek offices contrast with dirty deals. It’s a sharp take on greed.

The show’s realistic dialogue and complex characters make every episode engaging. Its focus on white-collar crime feels fresh in the crime genre. I was drawn in by the moral dilemmas and slick production. A great choice for fans of corporate conspiracies.

17. The Protectors (2009-2010)

Danish bodyguards tackle high-stakes missions to protect VIPs. Created by Peter Thorsboe, ‘The Protectors’ stars Cecilie Stenspil and Søren Vejby in a tense, action-packed drama. The mix of personal stakes and political threats keeps it thrilling. It’s a lesser-known gem from Denmark.

The fast-paced action and emotional depth make every episode gripping. Copenhagen’s urban backdrop adds authenticity. I enjoyed the team’s camaraderie and high-pressure decisions. Ideal for those who love intense, character-driven action.

16. The Tunnel (2013-2018)

A British-French coproduction about detectives solving crimes in the Channel Tunnel. Starring Stephen Dillane and Clémence Poésy, ‘The Tunnel’ is a gritty take on cross-border investigations. The dark, claustrophobic setting amps up the suspense. It’s a tense, bilingual thriller.

The chemistry between the leads and the grim atmosphere make it stand out. The show balances cultural differences with universal crime themes. I was gripped by the eerie tunnel scenes and clever twists. A must for fans of Nordic-style noir.

15. Matrioshki (2005-2008)

This Belgian series dives into human trafficking, following women lured into exploitation. Created by Marc Punt, ‘Matrioshki’ is unflinching, with strong performances by Indre Jaraite. Its raw depiction of crime’s underbelly is both disturbing and compelling. It aired on FX in some regions.

The show’s stark visuals and emotional weight hit hard. It avoids sensationalism, focusing on the victims’ humanity. I found its honesty tough but rewarding. A powerful watch for those who can handle heavy themes.

14. Those Who Kill (2011-2012)

A Danish profiler hunts serial killers in Copenhagen, blending psychology with police work. Created by Elsebeth Egholm, ‘Those Who Kill’ stars Laura Bach as a detective with a dark edge. The chilling cases and intense pacing make it a cult favorite. It aired on ITV3 in the UK.

The moody cinematography and psychological depth keep you hooked. Each case feels personal, with strong character arcs. I was drawn to the profiler’s complex mind and the grim stakes. Perfect for fans of dark crime dramas.

13. The Investigation (2020)

This Danish series recreates the real-life submarine murder case, focusing on the police probe. Directed by Tobias Lindholm, ‘The Investigation’ stars Søren Malling as a dogged investigator. Its restrained storytelling and focus on procedure are gripping. It’s a masterclass in subtle drama.

The minimalist style and real-world basis make every moment feel urgent. Malling’s quiet intensity carries the show. I was impressed by its respect for the case’s gravity. A great pick for true-crime fans who want authenticity.

12. Bordertown (2016-2020)

A Finnish detective relocates to a small town, only to face bizarre crimes. Created by Miikko Oikkonen, ‘Bordertown’ stars Ville Virtanen as a quirky cop with a photographic memory. The snowy landscapes and odd cases create a unique vibe. It’s a Nordic noir gem.

The eerie visuals and offbeat humor balance the grim plots. Virtanen’s eccentric performance is a highlight. I loved the small-town weirdness mixed with dark mysteries. Ideal for those who enjoy quirky crime tales.

11. Trapped (2015-2021)

An Icelandic series about a murder in a remote, snowbound town. Directed by Baltasar Kormákur, ‘Trapped’ stars Ólafur Darri Ólafsson as a gruff cop facing a storm and secrets. The isolated setting and slow-burn pace make it gripping. It’s a chilling Nordic thriller.

The icy visuals and tense atmosphere pull you in. Ólafsson’s grounded performance anchors the chaos. I was hooked by the claustrophobic vibe and surprising twists. A must-watch for fans of atmospheric crime shows.

10. The Valhalla Murders (2019-2020)

Icelandic detectives investigate murders tied to a mysterious past. Created by Thordur Palsson, ‘The Valhalla Murders’ stars Nína Dögg Filippusdóttir as a tough cop. The bleak landscapes and layered mystery keep you guessing. It’s a standout Nordic noir.

The stark cinematography and emotional depth make every episode intense. The slow unraveling of the case is captivating. I found the personal stakes and icy setting haunting. Perfect for those who love complex mysteries.

9. Wataha (2014-2020)

A Polish series about border guards tackling crime in the Bieszczady Mountains. Created by Kamil Chomiuk, ‘Wataha’ stars Leszek Lichota as a haunted captain. The rugged terrain and gritty action create a tense atmosphere. It’s a raw, underseen thriller.

The cinematography captures the wild landscape beautifully, and the plot’s twists keep you engaged. Lichota’s brooding performance adds depth. I was drawn to the mix of survival and crime. A great pick for action-packed drama fans.

8. The Bridge (2011-2018)

A Swedish-Danish coproduction about a murder on the Øresund Bridge, starring Sofia Helin as a brilliant but socially awkward detective. Created by Hans Rosenfeldt, ‘The Bridge’ blends cross-border investigations with deep character studies. Its dark tone and clever plots are addictive. It aired on BBC Four.

Helin’s raw performance and the moody visuals make it unforgettable. The cultural clash between the leads adds humor and heart. I loved the intricate mysteries and emotional stakes. A classic for Nordic noir fans.

7. Braquo (2009-2016)

A French series about rogue cops bending the law to fight crime. Created by Olivier Marchal, ‘Braquo’ stars Jean-Hugues Anglade as a gritty leader. The raw violence and moral ambiguity make it intense. It aired on FX in some markets.

The dark, smoky visuals and fast-paced action pull you in. The flawed characters feel painfully real. I was gripped by the ethical dilemmas and brutal stakes. Perfect for fans of hard-hitting cop dramas.

6. Inspector Montalbano (1999-2021)

An Italian series about a Sicilian detective solving crimes with charm. Based on Andrea Camilleri’s novels, ‘Inspector Montalbano’ stars Luca Zingaretti as the witty cop. The sunny landscapes contrast with dark mysteries, creating a unique vibe. It aired on BBC Four.

The lush visuals and lighthearted tone balance the grim cases. Zingaretti’s charisma carries every episode. I enjoyed the mix of humor and clever sleuthing. A great choice for fans of cozy yet gripping crime.

5. Suburra: Blood on Rome (2017-2020)

An Italian prequel to the film ‘Suburra,’ following young criminals navigating Rome’s underworld. Created by Daniele Cesarano, ‘Suburra’ is a gritty tale of gangs and corruption, starring Alessandro Borghi. The chaotic energy and moral grayness make it thrilling. It’s a Netflix gem.

The sleek cinematography and intense performances keep you hooked. Rome’s gritty streets feel alive. I was drawn to the flawed characters and high stakes. Ideal for fans of mafia dramas with a modern edge.

4. Informa (2023)

A Japanese series about a tabloid reporter teaming with a Yakuza informant. Directed by Michihito Fujii, ‘Informa’ stars Kirin Kiki as a cunning journalist. The gritty underworld and sharp dialogue create a tense vibe. It’s a fresh take on crime journalism.

The neon-lit visuals and fast-paced plot make every episode pop. The unlikely duo’s chemistry is a highlight. I loved the dive into Japan’s criminal underbelly. A must for fans of unique crime stories.

3. Exterior Night (2022)

An Italian series about the 1978 Aldo Moro kidnapping, told from multiple perspectives. Directed by Marco Bellocchio, ‘Exterior Night’ stars Fabrizio Gifuni as the doomed politician. Its Rashomon-style storytelling and historical depth are gripping. It’s a powerful, lesser-known drama.

The period visuals and emotional weight make it unforgettable. The shifting viewpoints keep you guessing. I was struck by its nuanced take on a real tragedy. Perfect for fans of historical crime dramas.

2. Ganglands (2021-2022)

A French series about a heist gone wrong, sparking a turf war. Created by Julien Leclercq, ‘Ganglands’ stars Sami Bouajila as a veteran thief. The breakneck pace and brutal action make it a pulse-pounding ride. It’s a Netflix hit that flew under the radar.

The gritty visuals and intense shootouts keep you on edge. Bouajila’s raw performance anchors the chaos. I was hooked by the high-stakes heists and betrayals. A great pick for action-crime fans.

1. Lupin (2021-)

A French series about a modern thief inspired by Arsène Lupin, starring Omar Sy as Assane Diop. Created by George Kay, ‘Lupin’ blends heists with personal revenge, set in vibrant Paris. Its clever plots and charm make it a standout. It’s a Netflix gem that deserves more buzz.

Sy’s magnetic performance and the stylish visuals elevate every episode. The mix of wit and suspense is perfect. I loved the cat-and-mouse games and emotional core. It’s a thrilling, accessible masterpiece for any crime fan.

Which of these international crime shows are you excited to dive into, or did I miss a hidden gem you love? Share your picks in the comments