7 Fast-Paced Crime Dramas You Have To Binge-Watch

Crime shows are a great way to observe the evils of human nature in a controlled environment, as we can experience fear about a threat that is adrenaline-inducing but not real. We become involved in the psychology of these cases as if they were happening in real life, which is incredibly fascinating to me.

Here are 7 of my most binge-worthy crime dramas that you have to watch.

1. Hannibal

What is Hannibal about? 

Will Graham is an intelligent FBI behavioral analyst who is investigating a serial killer in Minnesota. This series focuses on Will’s relationship with his forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Hannibal Lecter, who is, unbeknownst to anyone, a cannibalistic serial killer aiming to manipulate the FBI from the inside. 

Why should you watch Hannibal?

Hannibal’s visual style is stunning, especially when we are observing Will Graham’s recreations of the crime scenes. Hugh Dancy and Mads Mikkelson provide amazing acting performances, and their interactions alone are worth the watch. The plot is very engaging and suspenseful, and I highly recommend watching this show if you’re interested in behavioral sciences. 

Where can you watch Hannibal? 

You can watch all three seasons of Hannibal on Netflix!

2. Peaky Blinders

What is Peaky Blinders about? 

Set in Birmingham, England post-World War I, this crime drama follows the Peaky Blinders gang and their ambitious and cunning leader, Tommy Shelby, who aims to expand their criminal organization. 

Why should you watch Peaky Blinders?

The acting performances are definitely top-notch, especially regarding Cillian Murphy, who plays the lead of the show. I really like how, despite all the tensions between the gangs, Peaky Blinders is essentially a story about family relationships. You should definitely watch this show if you’re looking for a period crime drama series. 

Where can you watch Peaky Blinders?

You can watch Peaky Blinders on Netflix!

3. Killing Eve

What is Killing Eve about?

Eve Polastri, played by Sandra Oh, is fascinated with the psychology of female assassins. She is secretly recruited by MI6 to investigate an international assassin named Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. However, this cat-and-mouse game can only last for so long before an unhealthy obsession is formed.

Why should you watch Killing Eve?

I like how, despite this show focusing on dark subjects, there is an element of comedy in it as well. The writers, including Phoebe Waller-Bridge, are excellent, as they know how to appropriately incorporate these comedic scenes in such a suspenseful story. Sandra Oh and Jodie Comer are also standouts and their performances are so compelling that it makes it hard to look away from the screen. 

Where can you watch Killing Eve? 

You can watch Killing Eve on Crave!

4. Dexter

What is Dexter about?

Dexter is a bloodstain pattern analyst who is secretly also a vigilante serial killer who hunts down other murderers. However, despite Dexter’s careful efforts to keep his actions discrete, it eventually becomes increasingly difficult to manage his double life. 

Why should you watch Dexter?

Michael C. Hall’s chilling narration as Dexter helps to add to the eerie atmosphere of the show. It’s very interesting to watch how Dexter maintains this facade of a normal forensic technician when the audience is aware that he leads a secret parallel life. 

Where can you watch Dexter?

You can watch Dexter on Crave!

5. Quantico

What is Quantico about? 

In the present, Alex Parrish, played by Priyanka Chopra, becomes the main suspect in a terrorist attack and tries to prove her innocence. This show follows a dual timeline so, in flashbacks, we are shown her initial training with the FBI and gets to know each of her fellow recruits.

Why should you watch Quantico?

I like the dual timeline because it shows how the relationships between Alex and her fellow agents have changed over time, and it makes us question who really framed Alex for the terrorist attack. This is a very fast-paced series and I highly recommend it if you want to watch more about the intricacies of the FBI. 

Where can you watch Quantico?

You can watch all three seasons of Quantico on Netflix!

6. Criminal Minds

What is Criminal Minds about?

Criminal Minds focuses on a group of criminal profilers who are part of the Behavioural Analyst Unit for the FBI. They are responsible for using psychology and profiling criminals in order to solve crimes. 

Why should you watch Criminal Minds?

I like how almost all of the episodes are like their own separate story, which makes it easy to jump around from season to season if you don’t have the time to watch all fifteen. Each episode has a coherent three-act structure and engaging plot that makes sense. It is fun to pretend that you are one of the criminal profiles, as you get to watch the process of how they solve these crimes. 

Where can you watch Criminal Minds?

You can watch Criminal Minds on Amazon Prime Video! 

7. Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil, and Vile

What is Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile about?

Based on the life of serial killer Ted Bundy, this movie follows the series of violent crimes that he has committed and the court proceedings that eventually lead to his imprisonment and, ultimately, death.

Why should you watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile?

While it should be taken into consideration that this is a dramatized take and that the impacts of Bundy’s crimes on the victims’ families were not fully addressed, I really like how there was more emphasis on the legal aspects. Zac Efron and Lily Collins also provide excellent performances that are so immersive that it makes you feel as if you were in the room with them. 

Where can you watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile?

You can watch Extremely Wicked, Shockingly Evil and Vile on Netflix!  

These 8 crime dramas are very binge-worthy and allow you to understand the psychology behind the crime and the process of finding out who is responsible, which is why I highly recommend all of these murder mysteries.