Cinopsys
No genre does prestige television like crime. From Baltimore corners to New Jersey mob kitchens to a high-school chemistry teacher's empire, here are the crime dramas that defined the medium — and a few modern thrillers worth clearing your schedule for.
This is a curated mix of the most acclaimed and bingeable crime series — not a strict ranking. Save the ones that catch your eye to a Cinopsys list and tick them off as you go.
The best crime TV shows of all time
Breaking Bad2008A high-school chemistry teacher's descent into a meth kingpin — peak prestige TV.
The Wire2002A novelistic portrait of crime, policing and institutions in Baltimore.
The Sopranos1999The mob boss in therapy who launched the modern prestige-drama era.
Better Call Saul2015The Breaking Bad prequel that many argue surpassed the original.
Peaky Blinders2013A razor-sharp Birmingham crime family claws its way up after the Great War.
Fargo2014A darkly comic crime anthology in the Coens' snowbound universe.
Ozark2017A financial adviser launders cartel money and sinks ever deeper.
Narcos2015The rise and fall of Colombia's real-life cocaine empires.
Sons of Anarchy2008A California biker club torn between loyalty, family and survival.
Justified2010A quick-draw US Marshal and the modern-Western crime of Harlan County.
Money Heist2017A Spanish heist thriller built on relentless cliffhangers.
Animal Kingdom2016A Southern California crime family ruled by a chilling matriarch.
Track your watchlist in Cinopsys
The best way to work through a list this good is to save it. In Cinopsys you can add every series here to a watchlist, mark episodes as you watch, and see your progress and ratings. It's free, with no ads.
Start watching
Pick one, press play, and let Cinopsys track every episode.
Frequently asked questions
What is the best crime show of all time?
Breaking Bad, The Wire and The Sopranos top almost every critics' list, with Better Call Saul widely considered one of the best prequels ever made.
What should I watch after Breaking Bad?
Better Call Saul is the obvious next step, followed by The Wire and Ozark. Our full shows like Breaking Bad list has more crime dramas to line up.
How can I track the crime shows I've watched?
Use Cinopsys: add any series to a watchlist, mark episodes as watched, and see your progress and stats. It's 100% free with no ads.