Uncover the 20 Most Gripping French Crime Series You Can't Afford to Miss!

Currently, some of the most captivating crime dramas hail from France, effortlessly blending elements of thriller and drama genres. These productions frequently present complex mysteries within their cases and investigations, stimulating viewers’ curiosity and creative thinking.

In various stunningly beautiful French locales, often in quaint villages or secluded areas, these crime series offer more than just intriguing mysteries at their core. They also boast well-developed characters that viewers find easy to connect with. The psychological exploration of both criminals and investigators is particularly captivating. Here are the top 20 French series of all time, each embodying these elements.

Balthazar (2018 – 2023)

Helene Bach is a fresh police commander who finds herself teamed up with a gifted forensic pathologist named Raphael, known for his exceptional skills in his field. Alongside intricate murder investigations, Helene will have to adapt to both Raphael’s work style and lifestyle, as he consistently gives his all and often disregards the rules.

Helene finds herself struggling to balance her roles as a busy mom and a fresh recruit for the Criminal Brigade. To tackle the challenging cases ahead, she must learn to accommodate Raphael’s complex character when arranging her work schedule.

The Bureau (2015 – 2020)

Among the outstanding and highly-acclaimed French television series ever produced, this crime drama revolves around Malotru, a French intelligence operative who’s back home after six years undercover in Syria. His mission, however, is far from over – as he must navigate a lifestyle starkly contrasting with anything he has experienced previously.

He’s finding it tough to let go of his fabricated persona and currently taking on a fresh role, where he’s mentoring a novice and embarking on a new case. This particular case revolves around the mysterious vanishing of a fellow worker in Algeria.

Spiral (2005 – 2020)

A captivating crime show that offers a unique perspective, as it delves deep into the intricate examination of criminal investigations set in the cityscape of Paris. The series presents a comprehensive portrayal of each crime from various viewpoints of those directly involved.

Exploring various forms of illicit activities and crimes, this enduring TV series provides an enlightening perspective on diverse mindsets and answers numerous questions we’ve pondered while enjoying similar programs.

The Tunnel (2013 – 2018)

The primary location for this crime thriller is Calais and Folkestone, where detectives Karl Roebuck and Elise Wassermann are summoned to examine the murder of a notable French political figure. After an alarming revelation at the crime scene, circumstances compel Roebuck and Wassermann to collaborate closely.

As they discover they’re interacting with a cunning, enigmatic serial killer, their alliance may become fraught with tension and danger, as he subtly weaves himself into their lives and exposes them to the disturbing world of his twisted pastimes.

Lupin (2021 – )

Among the captivating and well-known French TV shows currently airing is a high-speed mystery crime show inspired by the popular tales of the clever rogue Arsene Lupin, a gentleman thief. Omar Sy, a globally recognized comedian, delivers an outstanding performance as this sly character in the series, making it a must-watch for viewers.

This narrative unfolds around Assene Diop, a man who chooses to seek justice for his father’s wrongdoing at the hands of a wealthy family they had ties with earlier. The journey is challenging but engaging, filled with unforeseen twists and turns.

The Little Murders of Agatha Christie (2009 – 2024)

If you’re captivated by crime and detective TV series and find joy in unraveling mysteries, you’ll likely associate the most ingenious and intriguing crime narratives with Agatha Christie and her books. Her stories have been adapted for screen multiple times, yet they continue to hold audiences spellbound.

This interpretation offers a unique slant on her captivating enigmas, showcasing clever and original spins on classic, globally acclaimed crime tales. It is among the most popular French crime dramas, spanning over a 13-year period and consistently leaving viewers yearning for more.

The Paris Murders (2009 – 2020)

Chloe Saint-Laurent serves as a crime profiler within a Parisian law enforcement unit, contributing to the resolution of various cases. However, it may come as a surprise to many upon their initial encounter, given her distinctive appearance – she often dons bright clothing, carries an oversized yellow handbag, and sports a warm grin.

Occasionally, she seems like an adolescent who might not command respect initially, particularly when handling intricate matters. However, make no mistake – this individual is highly competent and intellectually astute. Over time, she’ll earn her spot within the team and develop strong bonds with her peers.

Maigret (1991 – 2005)

In my appreciation for the captivating portrayal of Maigret by Rowan Atkinson in the cherished British series, I’d like to share that the French had their own adaptation of this globally renowned detective prior to this. Bruno Cremer embodies the pragmatic, yet reserved and socially reticent Maigret who unravels murders through an unusual method, yet consistently unearths the truth.

Cremer skillfully embodies Maigret in a manner reminiscent of the character from the books that inspired this television series. The show is deliberately paced, featuring extended periods of silence, catering to viewers who appreciate delving into the thought process of a detective and witnessing how he gradually unravels the mystery.

Braquo (2009-2016)

This gripping crime novel delves into the psychological journeys of its principal characters as they doggedly pursue truth crucial to them all. It follows the tale of four friends from Haute-de-Seine, who are also police officers – Eddie, Walter, Theo, and Roxanne – whose lives are dramatically altered when their fellow officer Max takes his own life.

The action was taken following an instance where he was wrongfully implicated and unjustly condemned. His peers are prepared to go to great lengths to prove his innocence to both the court and the public, taking whatever measures are required – including actions that breach the law, if necessary.

La Mante (2017)

This captivating and moody miniseries narrates the tale of a serial killer known as “La Mante.” When a series of killings identical to her modus operandi occur, she chooses to collaborate with the authorities. Recognizing they are confronting a copycat, they understand that in order to learn more and apprehend him, they must heed La Mante’s counsel.

Twenty years past, Jeanne Debber was a terror in France, yet she’s poised to take on significant importance in today’s Paris-based murder case. Interestingly, Jeanne consents to cooperate with the police, albeit under one specific condition – that she works alongside Damien Carrot, her estranged son who has long since cut ties with her.

The Forest (2017)

In this television mini-series, we’re transported to the Ardennes, where a 16-year-old named Jennifer mysteriously vanishes one night from her village. An investigation ensues, with captain Gaspard Decker and local officer Virginie Musso leading the charge, as they both have a connection to the missing girl.

A secluded, enigmatic woman named Eve from the area aids them, offering an unusual perspective on the clues and trails that ultimately lead to the revelation. This television show will captivate you right from the start, keeping you hooked until the end, with each episode leaving you on the edge of your seat.

Black Spot (2017 – 2019)

The small, secluded town of Villefranche, nestled on the border of a mystifying forest, serves as the backdrop for this chilling and suspenseful TV series. The plot revolves around an escalating crime wave in this distant location, where Police Inspector Laurene must untangle some of the most heinous murder mysteries yet.

Previously, he had experienced being a crime victim himself, allowing him to empathize with both victims and perpetrators. This unique perspective facilitates his ability to solve such cases. However, an unsettling development is arising in the current situation, as Laurene uncovers additional deceased individuals.

Mafiosa (2006 – 2014)

Mafiosa is an engaging crime series that transports us to Corsica, France’s largest island, revealing its less charming facets. Following the ruthless killing of local mob boss Francois Paoli, the realm of sex, drugs, and criminal activity no longer falls under his rule. Instead, it’s controlled by his intelligent niece Sandra Paoli.

It’s intriguing to observe a tale unfold in an uncommon backdrop typically underrepresented on-screen, featuring a female protagonist who holds a formidable and risky role – that of a mafia queenpin.

Midnight Sun (2016)

In a quaint, isolated Swedish mining town called Kiruna, a captivating French television show unfolds. The narrative follows Kahina Zadi, a French police officer, as she delves into an investigation concerning the gruesome murder of a fellow French national.

However, the deaths won’t be limited to just one incident. Karina, along with Swedish District Attorney Anders Harnesk and a member of the enigmatic Scandinavian tribe, Sami, will encounter more, all linked to the initial case. As Kahina and Anders delve deeper, they’ll uncover that this murder investigation hides a much larger story intertwined with the townsfolk.

The Promise (2020)

In this gripping crime series, we follow the story of an 11-year-old girl who mysteriously disappeared a day after Christmas in 1999, amidst a severe storm that left much of Europe shaken. With no sign of her whereabouts, numerous efforts will be made to locate her and rescue her from danger.

Investigation leader Police Captain Pierre Castaing is grappling with the challenge of finding a missing girl, an assignment that’s weighing heavily on him due to his emotional struggles. This intense search, however, means he’ll spend less time with his family and could eventually find himself distanced from his community. Simultaneously, the strain may lead to his family unit becoming fractured.

The Seven Lives of Lea (2022)

In an engaging blend of reality and fantasy, this crime drama unfolds the tale of a woman who stumbles upon the long-lost body of Ismael, a teenager missing for three decades. This startling discovery sets in motion events that drastically alter her life, propelling her back to 1991, the year when the fateful accident transpired.

Every morning, Lea finds herself inhabiting a new body, one of the key figures in an intriguing vanishing case. This captivating television series is hard to put down and perfect for binge-watching, particularly appealing to those unafraid to explore unconventional paths in crime investigation storylines.

Witnesses (2014 – )

As a movie enthusiast, I’d say: In a quaint French coastal town, I find myself immersed in a gripping crime-drama mystery that unfolds at a deliberate pace, revealing layers upon layers of hidden secrets. The series kicks off in a house up for sale, where the grisly discovery of an entire family’s demise sets the investigation in motion. As the investigation progresses, the former chief-of-police, Paul Maisonneuve, becomes one of the prime suspects.

In his previous line of work, he’s accumulated numerous adversaries, which means there will be plenty of secrets and puzzles for the assigned detectives, Sandra Winckler and Justin, to unravel as they chase after a cunning serial killer known for an intriguing method of operation.

Astrid et Raphaelle (2019 – )

Among the captivating French television shows from the past ten years, one standout crime drama centers around a fascinating character named Astrid, who falls on the autistic spectrum and boasts extraordinary skills, including an exceptional memory.

Translating her skills and abilities into action, she’ll become an indispensable resource within her police department. The district commander will rely on her expertise to tackle and resolve intricate investigations that have long eluded solutions, lingering as cold cases for years.

The Missing (2014 – 2016)

In simple terms, this captivating crime drama is a joint production between Britain and France, with the narrative unfolding in France. It tells the tale of Tom, a man whose life has been shattered by the kidnapping of his son Oliver during a family holiday in France years ago. Despite the passage of time, he continues his relentless search for him, yet all his efforts seem futile, leaving him only with turmoil and frustration.

However, another individual shares Tom’s belief that the boy could be alive yet. Notably, this person is Julien, a former French police detective who led the investigation into the boy’s disappearance. Despite his retirement, the lingering suspicion that Tom may be correct continues to haunt him.

The Chalet (2017 – 2018)

Although primarily classified as a thriller rather than a crime series, its unique concept and captivating narrative make it suitable for inclusion in this list. The story revolves around a group of old friends who plan to reunite at a secluded chalet nestled within the picturesque French Alps.

Instead of anticipating a delightful gathering filled with warmth, what transpired was an enigmatic battle for existence, as we found ourselves isolated from the world. The situation became increasingly puzzling, particularly when an ominous truth buried in our history began to resurface.

2025-05-31 09:15

Uncover the 20 Most Gripping French Crime Series You Can’t Afford to Miss!