The 12 Best British Crime Dramas Of All Time, Ranked

As a connoisseur of all things British and a dedicated binge-watcher, I must say that the list you’ve compiled is nothing short of brilliant! Each series showcases the depth and talent of UK television, offering gripping narratives, complex characters, and stunning backdrops that transport viewers to another world.

From true-life stories of unbelievable misdeeds to fictional worlds with memorable and morally gray characters, crime dramas are a staple of television all around the world. Some of the best examples of all time come from the United Kingdom, where crime dramas are usually a lot grittier than they are in the States. “When you take away guns and shootings, you have more time to explore grief, guilt, and the psychological complexity of crime,” explains The Atlantic. “While American viewers shake off the hangover from our long bender of forensic TV franchises, Britain has been doing a booming export business in tidy, ruminative detective series.”

Some British crime series have catapulted their actors to fame almost instantly, while others have had long runs that let viewers develop deep connections with characters over multiple seasons. But fear not: British shows usually have fewer episodes than American ones, making them perfect for binge-watching. If you’re curious about exploring gritty crime dramas from the UK, look no further — these are the top British crime series of all time.

12. The Fall

Gillian Anderson gained widespread recognition as Dana Scully on mainstream TV, but her role in the 2013 crime drama series “The Fall” demonstrated that her success in “The X-Files” was no accident. Airing for three seasons on BBC Two and set in Northern Ireland, the show features Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson from London, who assists Belfast authorities in capturing a serial killer portrayed by Jamie Dornan. The series showcases some of the best performances of both Anderson and Dornan’s careers, as they explore themes similar to their characters: “The Fall” earned its praise through the chilling similarities between its seemingly virtuous detective and cold-blooded antagonist.

Although not directly based on a true event, the character Paul Spector portrayed by Dornan in “The Fall” was influenced by various real-life serial killers, such as American Dennis Rader. The graphic depictions of violence against women left an indelible mark on Dornan, who admitted to The Guardian that playing such a character would inevitably leave one with some emotional scars. However, the show’s later seasons lost some of their initial appeal, which is why it doesn’t rank higher on this list. Nevertheless, the first season remains one of the most gripping crime dramas ever produced in Britain.

11. Killing Eve

Although the final episode of “Killing Eve” might not have been universally loved, it’s hard to deny that the show’s exceptional TV prior to that shouldn’t be included among the top British crime dramas ever made. The fact that Phoebe Waller-Bridge and Emerald Fennell served as head writers for the first two seasons lends significant credence to this claim. Based on Luke Jennings’ novellas, “Killing Eve” was widely praised during its earlier seasons, earning numerous awards at prestigious events such as the BAFTAs, Emmys, and Golden Globes.

The series features Sandra Oh portraying Eve Polastri, an American MI5 agent on a mission to find the enigmatic assassin Villanelle, played by Jodie Comer. However, their global chase-and-evade game becomes intricate due to their growing fascination for each other, which eventually evolves into romantic and sexual emotions. This role was a well-deserved breakthrough for Oh, and the chance for Comer to display her extensive acting abilities, showcasing her versatility.

Although its later seasons received some criticism, Rolling Stone praised the initial season of “Killing Eve” as a captivating blend of espionage, female friendship, and sexual tension that you might not have realized was essential. They commend the show for its boldness in being extensive and peculiar, but most importantly, for its courage to mirror the complexities and idiosyncrasies of real life. Additionally, it’s worth revisiting as there are details that become more apparent upon multiple viewings.

10. Line of Duty

Line of Duty,” initially aired on BBC Two back in 2012, has seen six seasons unfold since then. The series primarily revolves around Steve Arnott, portrayed by Martin Compston, and his partner Kate Fleming, played by Vicky McClure, both members of the Central Police’s Anti-Corruption Unit 1. Their mission is to unmask corrupt officers. Over six seasons, key characters like Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar), detectives Roz Huntley (Thandiwe Newton) and Joanne Davidson (Kelly Macdonald) have also made significant appearances.

Throughout its broadcast, this series has garnered praise for its compelling writing, well-developed characters, and intense interrogation scenes. Forbes notes that the show also offers impressive police work, thrilling action sequences, and plenty of unexpected twists and suspense. However, it ranks low on our list as some critics argue the series was at its best during its early seasons, particularly with the resolution of the “H” subplot. The season six finale finally unveiled the identity of the enigmatic figure assisting Central Police in orchestrating crime, a revelation that left long-time fans underwhelmed.

The renewal for a seventh season of “Line of Duty” remains uncertain, leaving fans in suspense. Nevertheless, if you’re a fan of gripping crime dramas, the first six seasons are must-watch material that will undoubtedly satisfy your craving for top-notch detective work.

9. Vera

In the United States, Brenda Blethyn is primarily recognized for her Academy Award-nominated performances in “Secrets & Lies” from 1996 and “Little Voice” from 1998. However, in the UK, she’s most famously associated with her role as the lead in the long-running crime drama series “Vera,” which debuted in 2011 and has spanned an impressive 13 seasons so far. In this show, Blethyn portrays Detective Chief Inspector Vera Stanhope, a tough yet compassionate police officer from the Northumberland & City Police. Despite her straightforward nature, viewers have grown fond of the character’s sensitive approach to crime-solving and her quick sense of humor.

It’s not surprising that the show has stayed popular for so long, considering its consistent high quality and captivating backdrop in northern England. However, some critics believe it’s largely due to Blethyn’s exceptional performance as Vera, which The Guardian praised as the key factor behind the character in their review of the 2023 Christmas special. In essence, they argue that Vera’s enduring appeal is deeply tied to Blethyn’s performance.

Regrettably, the series is drawing to a close. ITV and Blethyn herself have confirmed that Season 14 will indeed mark the end, with the storyline coming to a conclusion. Expected to air in early 2025, it promises to be an emotional farewell for long-time fans. Undeniably, this series will forever stand as one of the most legendary British crime dramas ever produced.

8. Criminal: UK

Netflix’s crime anthology series, titled “Criminal,” offers captivating entries from various countries such as France, Germany, Spain, and the United Kingdom. Among these, the British version stands out as one of the top British crime dramas currently available. This series is distinct in the crime drama genre because each episode focuses entirely on a single police interrogation. The cast changes with each episode, featuring an array of celebrated guest stars, while a consistent team of Metropolitan Police investigators is led by Katherine Kelly portraying DCI Natalie Hobbs, head of the special interrogative unit. In the first season, we see David Tennant, Hayley Atwell, and Youssef Kerkour among others; the second season introduces Sophie Okonedo, Kit Harington, Sharon Horgan, and Kunal Nayyar to the series.

The great thing about “Criminal: UK” is that it proves great crime drama doesn’t rely on high speed chases and big set pieces. Instead, each episode is like a game of human chess between the cops and the suspect, and you won’t be able to take your eyes off it. “These head-to-head duels are breathless, propulsive and hypnotically gripping,” The Telegraph said in a rave review of the show. It’s skilfully directed and stylishly European in production values, with a haunting electro soundtrack and spare, slate grey decor.” If you want to see a masterclass in tension featuring some of the finest British actors working today, you need to check out “Criminal: UK.”

7. Cracker

2022 marked the sad demise of Robbie Coltrane. Many fans recalled his memorable portrayal of Hagrid in the Harry Potter movie series, yet true British TV enthusiasts remember him for his leading role in the ’90s crime drama “Cracker.” Over three seasons from 1993 to 1995, with additional specials in 1996 and 2006, Coltrane starred as Dr. Edward “Fitz” Fitzgerald, a brilliant yet vulgar criminal psychologist who struggled with addictions to alcohol, gambling, and cigarettes.

In three consecutive years, Coltrane was awarded the BAFTA for Best Actor for his role as Fitz, with the show also receiving the award for Best Drama Series at the ceremony on two occasions. The New York Times praised Coltrane’s performance as Eddie Fitzgerald, the Manchester constabulary’s beloved consultant, but he himself attributed his success to the show’s exceptional writing. This writing revolutionized British crime dramas by shifting the focus from the ‘who’ aspect of the mystery, and instead, exploring the ‘why’.

As a dedicated admirer, I can’t help but reflect on the profound impact of the late John Coltrane, particularly his role in the groundbreaking TV series “Cracker”. This show, with Coltrane’s powerhouse performance, redefined crime dramas by establishing crime as the new standard for sophisticated television storytelling. It birthed a legion of brooding, troubled, and often substance-stricken maverick cops, who, in comparison to Coltrane’s unparalleled portrayal, were few and far between. As The Guardian so eloquently put it, “Cracker” made crime the epitome of classy TV drama, spawning a thousand offspring in its wake.

6. Bodyguard

“Bodyguard” is another gripping crime drama from Jed Mercurio, the mastermind behind “Line of Duty.” This series revolves around David Budd (Richard Madden), a war veteran suffering from PTSD following his time in Afghanistan, who takes on the role of security for Julia Montague (Keeley Hawes), the U.K.’s Home Secretary and a Conservative politician known for advocating for military actions.

As a gaming enthusiast diving into my latest role, I sought out to connect with several veterans to gain a deeper understanding of PTSD. I wanted to grasp its complexities, as I told The Hollywood Reporter, because it’s something that people experience daily – an unrelenting undercurrent of anxiety, or paranoia, or sudden panic attacks. My goal was to portray PTSD in a way that resonates with someone who might be in denial about it, making the condition more relatable and human. With a stunning 93% score on Rotten Tomatoes, this gripping crime drama is a must-watch for fans of the genre. The production team is currently working on a second season, but as of now, we don’t have a confirmed release date.

5. Sherlock

Steven Moffat’s notable achievements include the revival of “Doctor Who” in the mid-2000s, which some might argue is overshadowed by his creation of the crime drama series “Sherlock,” featuring Benedict Cumberbatch as a contemporary Sherlock Holmes and Martin Freeman as his hesitant accomplice Watson. Interestingly, despite its widespread popularity and legendary status, only 13 episodes have been released for this show. Each episode, however, is full-length, making it equivalent to watching 13 movies. The first three seasons of “Sherlock” are often hailed as some of the best television of the 2010s, with The Independent praising the first season as a “triumph,” smart and respectful of the original’s charm, without compromising its allure and brilliance. It’s noted that Holmes isn’t primarily about plot but about the captivating charisma he exudes.

Despite the fact that Sherlock made stars out of Cumberbatch and Freeman, there are many other impressive performances in this series. One actor who consistently stands out is Andrew Scott as Moriarty. He may be recognized for his role as the hot priest in “Fleabag,” but his portrayal of Moriarty remains one of his finest performances to date. However, the quality seemed to decline towards the end (the 2016 special received significant backlash for its drop in quality, and the fourth season was too complex for many long-time fans to appreciate). Regardless, the outstanding first three seasons make it one of the best British crime dramas ever produced.

4. Happy Valley

Unlike many entries on this list where fictional towns and law enforcement agencies are fabricated for creative purposes, “Happy Valley” is based in the authentic town of Halifax, West Yorkshire. The series stars Sarah Lancashire as Catherine Cawood, a police sergeant juggling her duty to solve crimes with raising her grandson, who is the son of her deceased daughter. In the initial season, Cawood uncovers that her grandson’s father, Tommy (James Norton), is entangled in an illicit criminal network. As the seasons progress, Cawood grapples with false murder charges, encounters serial killers, and investigates police corruption, all of which seem to be interconnected with Tommy.

Back in the mid-2010s, the first two seasons of this captivating show graced our screens. Yet, it wasn’t until 2023 that we were treated to season three. Forbes hailed this latest installment as a “masterpiece,” with Erik Kain praising its intricate scripts and immersive storytelling so much that he found himself hooked even without solving the mysteries along with the detectives.

3. Luther

The television series “Luther” features Idris Elba portraying the complex character John Luther, a detective known for his volatile nature. He develops both a rivalry and an unexpected partnership with Alice Morgan, a serial killer played by Ruth Wilson. As their shared fixation on each other grows, Luther employs it as a means to apprehend criminals. The show received critical acclaim on both sides of the Atlantic, with The Hollywood Reporter commending its “grim” atmosphere in a glowing review. The show’s tone is restrained, with mostly brown, blue, and gray hues, minimal use of music, and very little humor. However, it remains as captivating, dark, intelligent, and emotionally resonant as the Massive Attack song that accompanies its credits.

The fifth installment (released four years following its predecessor) faced criticism for being overly prolonged, however, it managed to redeem itself with an explosive finale.

2. Peaky Blinders

Prior to Cillian Murphy receiving an Oscar for his role in “Oppenheimer,” he mesmerized television viewers with his portrayal of Tommy Shelby, a First World War veteran, in the gritty, engrossing, and highly addictive series “Peaky Blinders” set in Birmingham. This show is often hailed as one of the most critically acclaimed television productions of its era, and it truly lives up to all the praise it receives. As Stuff, a New Zealand-based publication, put it in their review, “Even six seasons in, this remains one of the most raw, intense, and genuinely captivating shows to emerge from the UK in the last century.” Empire magazine also praised it as “one of the notable British TV drama accomplishments of recent years.

The TV series “Peaky Blinders,” set in England between 1919 and 1933, primarily revolves around Cillian Murphy’s character as the leader of the title gang. Due to its intricate plot twists, it’s hard to summarize fully without giving away spoilers for those yet to watch. If you haven’t seen it already, do try to catch up before the upcoming “Peaky Blinders” film is released. The show isn’t solely Cillian Murphy’s; it also boasts an impressive cast, including Sam Neill, Sophie Rundle, Tom Hardy, Anya Taylor-Joy, Annabelle Wallis, Adrien Brody, Josh O’Connor, and Helen McCrory, among others.

1. Broadchurch

Without a doubt, the captivating British crime series “Broadchurch” requires no preamble. Situated in a fictional seaside English town, it features Olivia Colman and David Tennant portraying detectives Ellie Miller and Alec Hardy. In the initial two seasons, they delve into the murder of an 11-year-old boy, revealing that the perpetrator may be closer than anyone could have imagined. In terms of suspenseful British crime dramas, nothing surpasses the gripping and startling events in “Broadchurch” throughout its three seasons, with Colman and Tennant delivering their finest performances. These two are undisputed British acting icons, and this show underscores their remarkable talents.

The initial two seasons of “Broadchurch” are television at its finest. Although later seasons received acclaim despite deviating from the first’s murder mystery format and tackling heavy themes, they still managed to keep viewers hooked, earning it the top spot on our list. It’s no surprise that the actors, like Olivia Colman who went on to win an Oscar, delivered exceptional performances. It’s also exciting to see David Tennant act alongside Jodie Whittaker, a future Doctor in the Doctor Who series. What sets “Broadchurch” apart from other British crime dramas is its magnetic appeal; there’s nothing quite like a captivating investigation, complex characters with their flaws and fascinations, and a setting that can feel both comforting and isolating at times.

2024-11-11 15:31