Hey friends! I’m in a classic situation again: it’s Friday night, the fridge is empty, I’m feeling lazy, and the only thing I want is to crash on the couch and not have to think too hard. But then I open Netflix, and what happens? That eternal struggle: what to watch? Thousands of movies and series, and you just sit there scrolling, scrolling… You know, it’s like being in a supermarket—shelves are overflowing with products, but you just stand there, clueless about what to pick.
So, to save you from this “choice paralysis,” I’ve decided to put together my personal selection. There won’t be any boring clichés here, because I’ve already watched and experienced all of these myself. These are all detective films and series on Netflix, and trust me, they won’t let you fall asleep. I’m not just a blogger, you know; I’m also a bit of a psychologist, so I know how important it is to keep your brain active so it doesn’t get stagnant from routine. So, relax and get ready for an intellectual feast.
Netflix Detective Series That Will Surprise You
I’ll say right away that I deliberately didn’t choose the loud blockbusters everyone talks about. Instead, I’ve dug up some real gems. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s a form of therapy—solving puzzles, analyzing character motives, and feeling like a real detective. Each of these shows is like a puzzle, and I’m sure you’ll enjoy them as much as I did. And if you happen to find something you love, be sure to let me know. I’m curious to see what we have in common!
Babylon Berlin (2017–…)
- Director: Tom Tykwer, Henk Handloegten, Achim von Borries
- Starring: Volker Bruch, Liv Lisa Fries, Peter Kurth
- Genre: Historical Detective, Neo-Noir, Thriller
- Length: 4 seasons, ~45 min per episode
- IMDb: 8.3/10
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10
Quick Synopsis: Berlin, the late 1920s. The city is a boiling pot—of political intrigues, sexual experimentation, and artistic chaos. A detective from Cologne arrives to investigate a pornography case. But he has no idea that he will soon be plunged into a swamp of conspiracies, criminal showdowns, and hidden political currents leading to a true catastrophe.
The Mind-Blowing Scene: The scene in the Moka Efti cabaret. It’s simply incredible! The music, the dancing, the atmosphere—you feel like you’re right there. It’s not just a scene; it’s a work of art that captures the spirit of the era.
Author’s Comment: This isn’t just a detective show; it’s an immersion into another reality. I don’t know what impressed me more—the detective plot or the amazing atmosphere of that time. The show is filmed in a way that you feel every breath, every movement. It’s like… you know, when you read a good book and you can see everything in front of your eyes. It’s the same here. It’s a perfect example of how history can intertwine with drama and crime.
Unbelievable (2019)
- Director: Susannah Grant, Lisa Cholodenko, Michael Dinner
- Starring: Kaitlyn Dever, Toni Collette, Merritt Wever
- Genre: Crime Drama
- Length: 1 season, 8 episodes, ~50 min per episode
- IMDb: 8.4/10
- Author’s Rating: 9.5/10
Quick Synopsis: This story is based on real events, which makes it even more chilling. A teenage girl reports being raped, but the police, and later her loved ones, start to doubt her words. At the same time, in another state, two female detectives are investigating similar cases, and their paths eventually cross.
The Mind-Blowing Scene: Honestly? I think every scene here is a separate psychological blow. But the moment when the girl tries to explain what happened and no one believes her is especially powerful. It’s a pain you can feel physically.
Author’s Comment: This isn’t just a detective story. It’s a cry for how important it is to believe people and not to blame the victim. There’s no shooting, car chases, or explosions here, but the tension is so high that I was on the edge of my seat until the very end. This series is a true masterclass in psychology; it shows how fragile our trust is and how easily it can be destroyed. I believe this is a must-watch.
The Residence (2025)
- Director: Lisa Cholodenko
- Starring: Ansel Elgort, Susan Sarandon
- Genre: Detective Thriller
- Length: 1 season, 8 episodes, ~50 min per episode
- IMDb: No rating yet
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10
Quick Synopsis: The plot revolves around a murder that happened in the White House, where a real investigation is then conducted. And, by the way, this is all based on real events…
The Mind-Blowing Scene: To be honest, I can’t say which scene is mind-blowing since the movie hasn’t been released yet, but I’m sure there will be one when we watch it!
Author’s Comment: I don’t know how this series ended up in my selection when it hasn’t even been released yet. But I’m just eagerly awaiting it! Lisa Cholodenko, who directed “Unbelievable,” will be the director, and for me, that’s already a sign of quality. If you like “House of Cards” or “Sherlock,” then this is exactly what you need.
Criminal: UK (2019)
- Director: Jim Field Smith, George Kay
- Starring: Katherine Kelly, Lee Nicholas, Lisa Silverman
- Genre: Crime Drama, Procedural
- Length: 2 seasons, 4 episodes each, ~45 min per episode
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.0/10
Quick Synopsis: This is an unconventional detective series. The entire show is filmed in one room—an interrogation room. Each episode is a new case, a new suspect, and new tricks to get them to talk. There’s no action here, but there is an incredible psychological duel.
The Mind-Blowing Scene: Any scene where an interrogation is taking place. You just sit and watch as one of the detectives manipulates the suspect, breaks down their “shield,” and forces them to confess. It’s like a game of chess, but a person’s fate is at stake.
Author’s Comment: This is the perfect choice for those who love “pure” detective work. No chases, explosions, or special effects. Just a psychological game, words, facial expressions, and gestures. It shows how much can be said without saying anything. It’s like… you know, when you just sit and listen to two people talking and you realize that something very important is happening.
Dead Boy Detectives (2024)
- Director: Steve Yac, Lee Hobitt
- Starring: George Rexstrew, Jayden Revri, Kassius Nelson
- Genre: Detective, Mystery, Comedy
- Length: 1 season, 8 episodes, ~50 min per episode
- IMDb: 7.3/10
- Author’s Rating: 7.5/10
Quick Synopsis: Two teenagers who died but didn’t leave this world decided to open their own agency for investigating paranormal cases. They help ghosts, exorcise demons, and solve cases that are beyond the reach of ordinary police officers.
The Mind-Blowing Scene: The moment they talk to a ghost and it tells its story. It’s so sweet, sad, and funny that I was crying at first and then laughing. It’s like a roller coaster.
Author’s Comment: This is such a fresh, unusual idea! I’m tired of “serious” detectives where everything is grim and hopeless. But here—ghosts, jokes, friendship. It’s simply the perfect option when you want to unwind but still get an interesting story. It’s like… you know, when you watch a cartoon but you realize it’s much deeper than it seems.
Dogs of Berlin (2018–…)
- Director: Christian Alvart
- Starring: Felix Kramer, Fahri Ogün Yardım, Sebastian Schwarz
- Genre: Crime Thriller
- Length: 1 season, 10 episodes, ~50 min per episode
- IMDb: 7.5/10
- Author’s Rating: 8.5/10
Quick Synopsis: A famous Turkish football player is murdered, and two police officers take on the case—one is honest and principled, and the other is corrupt and cynical. Their paths cross, and they dive into the dangerous world of Berlin crime, where money, power, and corruption rule.
The Mind-Blowing Scene: The scene when they try to find a witness in the Turkish quarter. The tension is so high that you simply hold your breath. The realism is off the charts, and you believe everything that’s happening.
Author’s Comment: This is like “The Sopranos,” but in German. The series is very atmospheric; it shows Berlin as it is—not touristy, but real, alive, with all its problems. There are no heroes and villains here; there are just people trying to survive in this world. This is a very honest and tough film that makes you think about many things.
Bodies (2023)
- Director: Marco Jenkin, Hao Yunfei
- Starring: Stephen Graham, Amaka Okafor, Jacob Fortune-Lloyd
- Genre: Detective, Science Fiction
- Length: 1 season, 8 episodes, ~50 min per episode
- IMDb: 7.2/10
- Author’s Rating: 9.0/10
Quick Synopsis: Four detectives from different eras—1890, 1941, 2023, and 2053—find the exact same body in the same location. They begin an investigation, not suspecting that their destinies are intertwined and that they must unravel a mystery that could change the future of humanity.
The Mind-Blowing Scene: Any scene where the mysterious “prophet” appears. It’s so unexpected and tense that you just forget to breathe.
Author’s Comment: This is so unusual that I just couldn’t pass it up. I love it when several genres are mixed in one show—detective, sci-fi, drama. Here, it’s done perfectly. I tried to solve the mystery the whole time, but I couldn’t. This is that rare case when a show makes you think, analyze, and build theories. And I love movies like that!
Final Thoughts
All of these Netflix detective series that I’ve recommended share one trait—they make your brain work. This isn’t just entertainment; it’s an intellectual game that keeps you sharp. Each one has something unique: a historical charm, deep psychological elements, gritty realism, or an intricate sci-fi plot. I hope you find something new for yourself that captivates you as much as it did me.
Movies aren’t just pictures on a screen. They are a tool for self-development, for understanding other people and the world around us. Every character, every story—it’s an opportunity to peek behind the curtain of someone else’s life, to understand their motives and experiences. So, may these shows become not just another form of entertainment for you, but a true discovery!
“A movie is not a piece of life, it’s a piece of cake.” — Alfred Hitchcock
You know why I like this quote? Because it says that a movie isn’t just a reflection of reality, but something more, something tastier, more interesting. It’s something we can enjoy and be inspired by. And a detective story is the best flavor, if you know what I mean.
Now, if you liked this selection, please share it with your friends. Let them be surprised too, and then you can discuss them together. By the way, we have a lot more interesting content. For example, What to Watch on Netflix? My Top-Tier List from ReelPoint.
Author: ReelPoint
Think… Watch… Feel.
