Best International Crime Dramas From 2021 - MovieWeb
Crime dramas are appreciated globally. No matter the language, everyone loves to try and solve a mysterious and grisly crime as if they were investigators themselves. Most of the time we get it right, but that's because we're presented with plenty of binge-worthy series that we can get our notebook and pen out for, ready to spot the clues.
Over the years, there have been more murders and disappearances on television than we can count; shocking plot twists and incredible discoveries, and in 2021 we could rely on something from everywhere across the globe to keep us guessing. With that being said, if you missed them, or you want something new to watch, let's take a look at some amazing crime dramas from different countries from the past year.
7 Astrid et Raphaëlle (Bright Minds)
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Astrid et Raphaëlle (retitled Bright Minds in English, for some reason) is a gripping French crime drama, following Astrid, who is autistic and is employed at the library of the judicial police. Her mind works wonders though, as she has a brilliant memory and is quick and efficient at analyzing files. With a passion for complex cases, her talent doesn't go unnoticed as the district commander (Raphaëlle) decides to utilize Astrid's ability to her advantage. With the typical tension and suspense we all love from a crime drama, this series is also unique for its humorous and heartwarming scenes and fantastic, gentle representation, and awareness of autism.
6 The Serpent
The Serpent may be a British crime drama, but it follows the story of a French serial killer named Charles Sobhraj. He is famous for drugging and stealing from travelers, especially those who are vulnerable backpackers. When he steals their passports and identities, he brings his girlfriend Marie-Andrée Leclerc into the mix as his right-hand (wo)man who helps him sell stolen gems.
Just when Sobjraj feels on top of the world and like he is unstoppable, Herman Knippenberg begins to investigate the mysterious murders of Dutch tourists. As the plot twists unfold and discoveries are made, Knippenberg isn't ready for the links he will find. With a gripping storyline, luxurious fashion, and sneaky crimes, it's impossible to switch off this series based off a real serial killer.
5 Lupin
Inspired by Maurice Leblanc's stories in the 1900s about thief Arsène Lupin III (remade into a Studio Ghibli anime film), this French crime drama features Omar Sy as Assane Diop, who is actually inspired by the stories of Lupin and so attempts to seek justice for his father against a wealthy family. Adopting Lupin's tricks, like wearing a disguise to slip past security unseen, Diop heads off on his mission, avoiding police capture in a somehow messy but also organized manner.
Lupin was so loved that at the time of its release, 70 million households tuned into the crazy journeys of Diop during the first month. This meant that it became the most-watched non-English series on Netflix at its time. Fans will be pleased to know that Netflix has now reviewed it for a third season after leaving us hanging. Who knows what Diop has up his sleeve this time, but we know we can't wait for answers to our unresolved questions.
4 Money Heist - Season 5
Netflix
Spanish heist crime drama, Money Heist began in 2017 and became one of the most popular series on Netflix, following as it did two extremely well-prepared heists, led by the Professor (Álvaro Morte); the robberies took place at the Royal Mint of Spain and the Bank of Spain, so you can say they were pretty ambitious. With flashbacks, plot twists, and secret and sneaky characters, the twisty show was so popular that a second, third, and fourth season just kept coming in rapid succession. It even received various awards like the International Emmy Award for Best Drama Series.
In 2021, we were blessed with a fifth (and, sadly, fans), and of course fans just couldn't get enough of it. It again became one of the most watched series, and season five generated even more new viewers. Its complex and brilliant plot was just as binge-worthy as the other four, and put a gripping bow on the wonderful five-season gift that was Money Heist. Fortunately, a spin-off of the show, Money Heist: Korea – Joint Economic Area, has premiered on Netflix this year and is equally wonderful.
3 The Sinner - Season 4
The journeys of Detective Harry Ambrose had us hooked right from the minute American crime drama, The Sinner was first released. Season four, released at the end of 2021, saw Harry's retirement, but his work was far from finished. All four seasons of The Sinner have been completely captivating, with twists, underlying motivations, missing pieces of the puzzle, and remarkable, gobsmacked discoveries that we never saw coming.
Season four found Ambrose meeting Percy Muldoon, and when he watches her fall to her death, he begins to question exactly what he saw. With a missing body, weird conspiracies, and one massive hidden crime, we are once again trying to fit the story together alongside Ambrose. Each time we try, we become even more intrigued, and the latest season is full of even more drama and surprising bursts of emotion than the last. The great Bill Pullman is doing some of the best work of his career as Harry, and this might be his best season yet.
2 Mare of Eaststown
Kate Winslet masterfully plays local Detective Mare Sheehan in a small town in Pennsylvania, where everybody knows everybody's business, in Mare of Easttown. Mare has been ordered to reopen a missing persons case, and now must investigate a murder of a young girl, all while simultaneously trying to fix her life as it seems to be falling apart — she grieves the loss of her son and battles her ex-daughter in law for the custody of her grandson. With her flannel shirts, scraped-back pony-tale and tired, drained expressions, we truly do feel sorry for her. Winslet brings depth and authenticity to her role, and the show itself is captivating, shocking, and very dramatic. Mare of Easttown is simply some of the best TV of 2021.
1 Delhi Crime
Netflix's Indian crime drama series Delhi Crime is based on the shocking 2012 Delhi gang rape case that took place in Munirka. Already, viewers are gripped as they follow the aftermath of the hideous crimes, where Deputy Commissioner of Police, Vartika Chaturvedi, is on the hunt for those responsible for the assaults and bring peace to a family after the death of one of the victims. In what is a terrible, yet powerful story, viewers are taken on an extraordinary and educational journey of Delhi's tragic crime, as well as all the twists and gripping storylines that we love from a crime drama.
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