India is a huge country with endless diverse and rich stories. Indian crime shows and movies on Netflix has increased in numbers, so much so that it is the new genre which is making its way into licensing content. So, if you’re crime drama buff wanting to taste some Indian crime series, you are at the right place. Below, we’ve ranked ten of the best Indian crime series around today now streaming on Netflix that you simply can’t miss! These shows offer intense plotlines, powerful performances, and an intriguing glimpse into the world of crime, investigation, and suspense.
Indian Crime Series on Netflix
Netflix has proved itself to be the home for content from anything and everything, including crime thrillers from every corner of the world. As a country India does have a rich history of commercial cinema and as is the case with any other country there are certain crime series which have worked both in India and beyond. Indian crime series on Netflix have become very popular for their devious storylines, cultural and social undertones, and shocking climaxes that are crazier than fiction.
If you love suspenseful, gritty crime stories that keep you on the edge of your seat, the following series will not disappoint. Here are 10 Indian crime series on Netflix that you need to watch right now.
1. Sacred Games
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Drama
IMDb Rating: 8.6/10
Arguably the most popular Indian crime series on Netflix, Sacred Games is a thrilling rollercoaster of suspense, mystery, and interwoven stories. Adapted from Vikram Chandra’s novel of the same name, the series centers around Sartaj Singh, a jaded Mumbai police officer who discovers a network of crime, corruption and lies that connect to a notorious gangster known as Ganesh Gaitonde. The series peels another layer of the dark underworld of Mumbai, with power struggle, powerful politicians, and secrets.
With stellar performances by Nawazuddin Siddiqui, Saif Ali Khan, and Radhika Apte, Sacred Games is a must-watch for fans of intense crime thrillers. The series is known for its strong character development, unpredictable plot twists, and captivating direction.
2. Delhi Crime
Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 8.5/10
Inspired by real events, Delhi Crime is a gritty, visceral look into the most notorious crime in India’s history. The series revolves around DCP Vartika Chaturvedi, essayed by Shefali Shah, leading the team of police officers to solve the brutal gang-rape and murder of a young woman in Delhi. The show is intense, provocative, and is all about the emotional and psychological devastation of the process of investigating a such a crime.
Delhi Crime stands out not just for its compelling plot but also for the strong performances and its sensitive handling of a very difficult subject matter. It also won the Best Drama Series award at the 2020 International Emmy Awards.
3. Mirzapur
Genre: Crime, Action, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 8.4/10
If gangster dramas are your thing, you should definitely consider watching Mirzapur. Based in the ghettos of Mirzapur, Uttar Pradesh, this series revels in the heart of India’s badlands where drugs money, guns and the politics of power rule the roost. It’s one about two brothers Guddu and Bablu Pandit who get enmeshed in the criminal empire of the heartless don, Akhandanand Tripathi (played by Pankaj Tripathi).
Mirzapur is filled with action, violence, and a gripping narrative that keeps you hooked throughout. The show’s raw portrayal of the criminal underworld and its intriguing characters make it one of the best crime series on Netflix.
4. Criminal Justice
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Legal Drama
IMDb Rating: 7.9/10
Criminal Justice is a gritty courtroom drama based on the life of a man, Aditya Sharma (Vikrant Massey), who is charged with killing a woman he claims he doesn’t even remember meeting. The show digs deep into the complications of justice: how people can be wrongly accused and the lengths they will go to prove their innocence. As Aditya’s lawyer, the audience gets a deep dive into the judicial system, witness manipulation, and the mind games between law enforcement and defense attorneys.
This series is full of suspense, courtroom drama, and clever twists that make it a great choice for crime series lovers.
5. Bard of Blood
Genre: Action, Spy Thriller, Drama
IMDb Rating: 7.5/10
If you’re in for some espionage action, or undercover operations is what you prefer, Bard of Blood is an ideal crime series to binge-watch. Adapted from Bilal Siddiqi’s novel, the series is about an ex-spy, Kabir Anand (played by Emraan Hashmi), who is asked to come out of retirement in order to save Indian agents stuck in Pakistan. The series incorporates both an action and a crime aspect into the political intrigue drama that is prevalent in the current television climate; the show is set behind the scenes at a fictional police headquarters against a political terrorism background.
With intense action sequences and a complex narrative, Bard of Blood will keep you on the edge of your seat.
6. The Family Man
Genre: Action, Crime, Drama
IMDb Rating: 8.7/10
The Family Man is a gripping thriller that follows Srikant Tiwari, an intelligence officer working for a special task force in India. While Srikant battles dangerous terrorists trying to execute an attack on the country, he also struggles to balance his demanding job with his family life. The series blends action, crime, and humor, making it a standout in the genre.
Manoj Bajpayee delivers an outstanding performance as the lead, and the show features a great mix of tense moments and light-hearted family dynamics. It’s perfect for those who enjoy a blend of espionage and emotional drama.
7. Inside Edge
Genre: Sports Drama, Crime, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 7.8/10
Inside Edge is a unique Indian crime series set in the world of cricket. The show delves into the underbelly of the sport, highlighting match-fixing, corruption, and power struggles within the cricketing world. With a strong ensemble cast led by Vivek Oberoi, Richa Chadha, and Angad Bedi, the series gives viewers a glimpse into the murky world of sports, business, and crime.
The series blends elements of sports and crime, offering an intriguing take on a subject rarely explored in Indian television. If you’re a fan of cricket and crime stories, Inside Edge is a perfect watch.
8. Lal Kaptaan
Genre: Crime, Thriller, Historical
IMDb Rating: 7.2/10
For a change of pace, Lal Kaptaan offers a blend of crime, action, and historical drama. The series takes place in the 17th century and follows the story of Gossain, a bounty hunter who is on a mission to track down a fugitive. The plot focuses on themes of revenge, betrayal, and power struggles during a time of political unrest in India.
With stunning cinematography and a gripping narrative, Lal Kaptaan is a unique crime series that transports you to a different time period while still offering the suspense and intrigue you crave.
9. Typewriter
Genre: Horror, Crime, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 7.4/10
If you’re looking for a blend of crime and supernatural elements, Typewriter is an intriguing series to check out. Set in Goa, the story revolves around a group of children who discover a haunted typewriter that appears to have the power to create real-life consequences. As they investigate the typewriter’s dark origins, they find themselves embroiled in a web of mystery and crime.
With a mix of horror, suspense, and crime, Typewriter offers something different for those who enjoy a supernatural twist to their crime dramas.
10. The Raikar Case
Genre: Crime, Thriller
IMDb Rating: 7.3/10
The Raikar Case is a slow-burn crime drama that focuses on the mystery surrounding the sudden death of a family member in the Raikar family. As the investigation unfolds, secrets about the family’s past are revealed, and the show explores themes of deception, loyalty, and betrayal. The series is intense, with a dark, atmospheric tone that keeps the viewers hooked.
Must-Watch Indian Crime Series on Netflix
If you like your crime stories to be on the more personal side of things, there are plenty of Indian series on Netflix for the crime drama lover of every kind, from empathetic police procedurals to thrilling gangster epics, to something that plays like the subcontinent’s answer to The Good Wife. The above-listed crime shows have had the credit of being the benchmark for Indian crime thrillers, accounting for some of the best stories, performances, and a different worldview on the criminal life for the viewers.
Whether you want a high-octane action series (Mirzapur) or a hard-hitting drama (Delhi Crime), here are some binge-ready Indian television series to get you started. So, Here Are 10 Indian Crime Series On Netflix That Prove That We Have Our Own Endless Treasure Of Indian Crime Fiction and will Keep You Wanting More!
FAQ
1. Which is the best Indian crime series on Netflix?
While Sacred Games and Delhi Crime are among the most popular, The Family Man is also a highly rated crime thriller that mixes espionage with family drama.
2. Are these series based on true stories?
Yes, several of these series, like Delhi Crime and Sacred Games, are inspired by real-life events and characters, providing a more authentic and intense viewing experience.
3. What is the best crime thriller for newcomers to the genre?
The Family Man and Sacred Games are excellent choices for newcomers as they offer a blend of action, suspense, and strong characters that will appeal to a wide audience.
4. Are there any Indian crime series with supernatural elements?
Yes, Typewriter is a unique crime thriller that combines supernatural elements with a gripping mystery.
