Over the last decade, Indian web series have seen a revolution none more gripping than the ascendancy of crime dramas. From the gritty realism of Delhi Crime to the stylized chaos of Sacred Games, India’s narrative power has captivated viewers around the world. Now, with the advent of streaming platforms such as Netflix, Prime Video and Hotstar, there is a plethora of gripping crime thrillers that are socially aware, emotionally layered and culturally rooted.
In this article, we rank the best Indian crime series based on storytelling, performance, cultural impact, critical acclaim, and audience reception. Whether you’re a crime genre enthusiast or just exploring, this guide will help you find your next binge-worthy watch.
Why Indian Crime Series Are Taking Over Global Screens
The growing global appetite for South Asian stories has pushed Indian creators to innovate. Indian crime dramas have matured beyond formulaic plots, exploring:
- Socio-political commentary (e.g., Delhi Crime’s focus on gender violence)
- Moral ambiguity (seen in Paatal Lok and Sacred Games)
- Authentic regional storytelling (like Jamtara and She)
With advanced cinematography, better scripts, and stellar acting, Indian crime shows are now serious contenders on the global streaming stage.
Top Indian Crime Series Ranked
1. Delhi Crime (2019–Present) – Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Seasons: 2
- Why Watch: Based on the 2012 Delhi gang rape case, Delhi Crime is a haunting, realistic portrayal of law enforcement under pressure. It won India its first International Emmy Award.
- Highlights: Shefali Shah’s gripping performance, restrained storytelling, and poignant writing.
2. Sacred Games (2018–2019) – Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Seasons: 2
- Why Watch: Arguably the series that kicked off India’s web series boom. It combines Mumbai’s underworld, politics, and Hindu mythology.
- Highlights: Nawazuddin Siddiqui as Ganesh Gaitonde, Anurag Kashyap’s direction, layered narrative.
3. Paatal Lok (2020) – Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 8.0
- Seasons: 1 (Season 2 in production)
- Why Watch: A cop investigates a failed assassination, uncovering a rot that spans caste, media, and the state.
- Highlights: Gritty realism, slow-burn thriller, exceptional writing and cinematography.
4. Scam 1992: The Harshad Mehta Story (2020) – SonyLIV
- IMDb Rating: 9.3
- Seasons: 1
- Why Watch: A financial thriller that explores the rise and fall of stockbroker Harshad Mehta during the 1992 securities scam.
- Highlights: Pratik Gandhi’s career-defining performance, detailed financial storytelling.
5. Asur (2020–Present) – JioCinema/VOOT
- IMDb Rating: 8.4
- Seasons: 2
- Why Watch: A unique blend of mythology and modern-day psychological crime. It pits forensic experts against a serial killer with a god complex.
- Highlights: Fast pace, philosophical themes, and intelligent plotting.
6. Criminal Justice (2019–Present) – Hotstar
- IMDb Rating: 8.1
- Seasons: 3
- Why Watch: Based on the British series of the same name, it follows ordinary individuals entangled in extraordinary legal situations.
- Highlights: Pankaj Tripathi’s performance, courtroom drama, human rights themes.
7. Jamtara: Sabka Number Ayega (2020–2022) – Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 7.3
- Seasons: 2
- Why Watch: A raw take on phishing scams operated by young men in rural India. It’s about ambition, power, and corruption.
- Highlights: Small-town setting, realistic acting, and socio-political insights.
8. Mirzapur (2018–Present) – Prime Video
- IMDb Rating: 8.5
- Seasons: 3 (Season 3 in 2025)
- Why Watch: A violent crime saga set in Uttar Pradesh. It explores power struggles, familial ties, and vengeance.
- Highlights: Stellar cast (Pankaj Tripathi, Ali Fazal), explosive action, and iconic dialogues.
9. She (2020–2022) – Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 6.5
- Seasons: 2
- Why Watch: A low-ranking Mumbai constable goes undercover and discovers her own power in a criminal underworld.
- Highlights: Gender identity, feminist undertones, layered performances.
10. Aranyak (2021) – Netflix
- IMDb Rating: 7.8
- Seasons: 1
- Why Watch: A suspense thriller in the misty hills of Himachal, blending folklore and crime. Raveena Tandon shines in her digital debut.
- Highlights: Atmospheric visuals, strong female lead, mystery elements.
What Makes a Great Indian Crime Series?
To rank these series, we evaluated them across:
- Narrative depth: Are the characters and plots layered?
- Cultural context: Does the show reflect India’s diverse realities?
- Critical and audience response: IMDb ratings, reviews, awards.
- Cinematic quality: Direction, acting, screenplay, and sound design.
- Streaming impact: Did the show spark cultural conversations or trends?
The Role of Data, AI & Automation in Content Recommendations
Streaming platforms like Netflix and Prime Video don’t just guess what you’ll like next they use AI, data analytics, and behavioral tracking. This allows:
- Hyper-personalized recommendations based on viewing history
- Predictive modeling to greenlight content like Delhi Crime, which might seem risky otherwise
- Real-time feedback loops to adjust content visibility based on viewer behavior
This technological evolution is not just shaping what gets produced—but also how stories like Sacred Games reach a global audience.
A Golden Age for Indian Crime Dramas
From Sacred Games’ mind-bending mayhem, to the social gravitas of Delhi Crime, Indian crime shows are in a golden age. These shows do more than entertain; they capture the complexitiesthat make up the country, and they do so with unflinching honesty. Whether you’re looking for action-packed thrillers or slow-burn psychological drama, India’s crime series library now fits right alongside the world’s best.
FAQ: Indian Crime Series
What is the most popular Indian crime series?
Sacred Games and Delhi Crime are two of the most watched and critically acclaimed Indian crime series globally.
Are these series based on true events?
Yes, some like Delhi Crime and Scam 1992 are based on real-life events, while others are fictional or loosely inspired by reality.
Which Indian crime series won an Emmy?
Delhi Crime won the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series in 2020.
What streaming platforms host Indian crime series?
Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, SonyLIV, Hotstar, and JioCinema are the main platforms.
Is there a sequel to Sacred Games?
No, Sacred Games concluded after two seasons, despite fan demand for a third.
