19 Crime Dramas Set in Non-U.S. Cities That Feel Universally Gripping

As a huge movie buff, I’ve always been fascinated by international crime dramas. They really pull you into the heart of different cities and cultures around the world. What’s amazing is how these stories connect with you even if you don’t speak the language – it’s all about human desires and the struggles we all face. You can practically feel the vibe of a place, whether it’s a gloomy London street or a lively Tokyo neighborhood. I’ve seen a lot of great ones, and the films below are some of the best at telling gripping stories that aren’t made in Hollywood.

‘City of God’ (2002)

Growing up in a dangerous part of Rio de Janeiro, two friends face very different futures. One becomes a photographer, capturing the growing violence caused by drug trafficking, while the other becomes a drug dealer himself. The story follows them over many years, showing how organized crime evolved within their community. The film uses fast-paced editing and realistic acting to portray the harsh realities of gang life and its devastating effects on the people who live there.

‘Peaky Blinders’ (2013–2022)

Set in post-World War I Birmingham, “Peaky Blinders” follows Thomas Shelby, the leader of a powerful gang. He’s determined to grow his criminal organization, but faces challenges from competing gangs, the police, and even conflicts within his own family. The show explores the difficult lives of working-class people and how they connect to the rise of organized crime in England at that time.

‘Gomorrah’ (2014–2021)

As a huge fan of crime dramas, I was completely hooked by this series. It’s set in Naples and dives deep into the brutal world of the Savastano crime family. You follow Ciro, a guy trying to climb the ranks, but it’s a constant battle against rivals within the family – total backstabbing! What really struck me was how realistic it was. Forget any glamorous mafia myths – this show pulls no punches and shows the Camorra for what it is: a ruthless fight for power and money where everyone’s making tough, morally grey choices just to survive. It’s intense!

‘Oldboy’ (2003)

A man is held captive in a hotel room for fifteen years, completely unaware of who imprisoned him or why. When he’s unexpectedly freed in Seoul, he’s given just five days to figure out the truth. Driven by a desire for revenge, he begins a dangerous investigation that reveals shocking secrets about his past. This South Korean film is famous for its thrilling action and unexpected plot twists.

‘Money Heist’ (2017–2021)

A brilliant criminal named the Professor brings together a team of eight individuals, each with unique skills, to carry out an ambitious heist: robbing the Royal Mint of Spain. They take hostages and barricade themselves inside, while the Professor directs their operation from the outside, cleverly outmaneuvering the police. As the situation intensifies, the robbers’ loyalty is tested, and internal conflicts threaten their carefully laid plans. Set in the heart of Madrid, the show is a thrilling mix of suspenseful psychological tactics and intense action.

‘Sherlock’ (2010–2017)

Sherlock Holmes and Dr. Watson are a modern crime-solving duo in London, using smarts and technology to crack difficult cases. The brilliant, but unconventional, Holmes often butts heads with the police and constantly battles his arch-enemy, Moriarty. Each episode presents a self-contained mystery, reimagining the classic stories by Arthur Conan Doyle for today’s viewers. The series also showcases London itself as a key element in each investigation.

‘The Bridge’ (2011–2018)

A body is discovered right in the middle of the Øresund Bridge, which connects Sweden and Denmark. Detectives from both countries are forced to collaborate to find the killer, who is committing crimes across the border. As they investigate, they uncover troubling facts about societal problems in both Sweden and Denmark. The series is known for its striking visuals and intricate characters, and is a prime example of the Nordic Noir genre.

‘Narcos’ (2015–2017)

This series tells the story of Pablo Escobar, a powerful drug lord, and the rise and fall of his criminal empire in Colombia. It follows DEA agents working with Colombian authorities to take down Escobar’s Medellín Cartel, which was engaged in a violent conflict with the government. Using a mix of dramatic storytelling and real historical footage, the series shows just how massive the cocaine trade was in the late 1900s and how it fundamentally changed the cities of Bogotá and Medellín.

‘Infernal Affairs’ (2002)

This thrilling story follows a police officer and a triad member who are both working undercover – the officer within the triad, and the member within the police force. They lead double lives, trying to figure out each other’s true identities amidst growing conflicts in Hong Kong. As the pressure mounts to maintain their disguises, the film explores themes of identity and is known for its suspenseful and fast-paced plot, which has inspired many similar films.

‘Lupin’ (2021–)

Assane Diop is on a mission to avenge his father, who was wronged by a powerful family in Paris. Inspired by the legendary thief Arsène Lupin, Assane uses clever disguises and skillful heists to get his revenge. Throughout the series, he stays one step ahead of the police while revealing secrets and corruption among Paris’s elite. It’s a thrilling adventure, full of charm and exciting robberies, set against the backdrop of famous Parisian locations.

‘Babylon Berlin’ (2017–)

In 1929 Berlin, a police inspector arrives to investigate corruption within the vice squad. The city is a turbulent place, on the brink of major political and social changes. As he delves into the case, he discovers a far-reaching conspiracy that involves powerful people, all while experiencing the exciting and scandalous nightlife of the time. The film captures the atmosphere of tension and excess that defined the Weimar Republic before the Nazi party came to power.

‘Sacred Games’ (2018–2019)

A Mumbai police officer, haunted by his own demons, gets a strange call from a gangster who has vanished. The gangster warns of an impending disaster, forcing the officer to investigate the city’s criminal network. As he tries to prevent a catastrophe, he discovers a surprising link between the gangster and his own father. The story jumps between the past and present, exploring the roles of religion and politics in contemporary India, all set against the realistic and intense backdrop of Mumbai.

‘Elite Squad’ (2007)

A Rio de Janeiro police captain, preparing for retirement, searches for someone to lead his elite squad. As the Pope’s visit approaches, he and his team conduct dangerous raids in the city’s favelas to establish control. The film powerfully portrays the endless violence between drug gangs and the heavily armed police, and explores the difficult ethical choices faced by those fighting crime in a troubled city.

‘Broadchurch’ (2013–2017)

When a young boy is murdered in a quiet Dorset coastal town, the media descends and a complex investigation begins. Two detectives, who approach their work very differently, try to uncover the killer within the close community. As the investigation unfolds, long-held secrets come to light, straining the bonds between those who thought they knew each other. The story builds suspense through the feeling of being trapped in a small town, rather than through fast-paced action.

‘La Haine’ (1995)

After a riot in the Paris suburbs, three friends from a struggling immigrant community aimlessly wander the city, wrestling with frustration and resentment towards the police after one of their own is injured. Filmed in black and white, the movie powerfully portrays the harsh realities of their lives and offers a critical look at social inequalities in France.

‘Suburra: Blood on Rome’ (2017–2020)

A seaside town near Rome is caught in a power struggle between organized crime and corrupt politicians. The Vatican and competing gangs also become involved, creating a complex network of illegal dealings. As chaos erupts, three young men from very different walks of life join forces to take advantage of the situation. The series reveals how easily the lines become blurred between the church, the government, and the criminal world.

‘Top Boy’ (2011–2023)

Dushane and Sully are drug dealers battling for control of an East London neighborhood. As they fight off rival gangs and the police, the show also delves into their personal lives and how the drug trade affects their families. It offers a raw and realistic portrayal of life in the city’s criminal underworld.

‘Delhi Crime’ (2019–)

Following a horrific gang rape on a bus in New Delhi, police launch a full investigation. Led by the Deputy Commissioner, a team works against the clock to find the attackers. The series details the investigative process and the intense pressure on law enforcement. It’s based on true events and aims to shed light on the widespread anger and deeper problems revealed by the crime.

‘Animal Kingdom’ (2010)

After his mother’s overdose, a teenage boy goes to live with his grandmother in Melbourne, unaware of the dangerous lives led by her sons. He’s quickly pulled into their world of crime, including armed robberies, all while the police are closing in. The grandmother keeps her sons in line through a twisted mix of love and control, holding the family’s criminal operation together. This Australian film is a disturbing exploration of a deeply dysfunctional and sociopathic family.

Please share your favorite international crime dramas in the comments.

2025-11-28 21:16