25 Best Detective Series on Amazon Prime Video

The best detective series on Amazon Prime Video Showcase the best and most iconic elements of the genre – the suspense, the brilliant twists, the charismatic leads, and of course, the final reveal. Mysteries naturally appeal to problem solvers, and people who want to figure out the ‘whodunit’ before even the lead – Although the best series are the ones where the ‘aha’ moment comes only moments before the reveal, if at all.

Although the original series offering on Prime Video is not as extensive as some other competitors, Amazon Prime Video more than makes up for it with a vast library of TV shows and movies, including mysteries. Since the soaring popularity of the crime drama genre in recent years, Amazon has commissioned a range of nail-biting mysteries from around the world. The catalog crosses many subgenres such as comedy, sci-fi and even fantasy. The best detective series on Amazon Prime Video range from some of the most iconic mystery shows in history to some hidden gems worth checking out for fans of the genre.

25

Hannibal (2013-2015)

Hannibal Lecter catches killers with the FBI

Hannibal Makes for an interesting detective series because it puts one of the most famous pop culture villains in the lead role of the crime show. Mads Mikkelsen takes over the role of Hannibal Lecter in the series, which is set before he was discovered as a serial killer and instead worked as a psychologist alongside the FBI, catching dangerous criminals. The show delves into gruesome murders and also explores the fascinating relationship between Hannibal and FBI profiler Will Graham.

Although Anthony Hopkins made the role iconic in the Hannibal films, Mickelson finds his own effective approach to this memorable character. The show is shockingly violent for a network crime show and that allows for Hannibal and Will to investigate some truly disturbing crimes and criminals that rival Hannibal himself in terms of brutality.

24

Elementary (2012-2019)

Sherlock Holmes solves cases in modern New York City

Equally bringing in perhaps the most famous detective character of all time, Elementary is one of the standard shows in the genre. While Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock series is the more famous and effective approach to bring Sherlock Holmes into the 21st century, Elementary managed the same idea without feeling unnecessary. The twist on this name is that Sherlock travels to New York Citywhere he helps NYPD detective Joan Watson (Lucy Liu) with solving cases.

Johnny Lee Miller takes on the role of Holmes and makes it his own with a mix of brilliance, humor and obliviousness to social situations. The show follows a fairly typical police procedural format with a new case each week. however, Holmes is such a fun character that it elevates the familiarity of the premise. The show also finds some fun ways to play with the Sherlock Holmes lore.

23

Moonlighting (1985-1989)

A rich model and immature private eye run a detective agency

Or become a household name thanks to the success of hard, Bruce Willis delivered perhaps his best performance of all time in the comedy-crime series Moonlighting. Cybil Shepherd also stars in the show as Madoline “Maddie” Hayes, a former fashion model who finds her fortune gone thanks to shady money managers. with The only investment she had left was a small detective agency run by the fun-loving and immature David Addison (Willis).She decided to run it with him.

The show has clever and interesting cases for Maddie and David to investigate each week as they struggle with their love-hate relationship with each other.

The setup for the series does not prepare viewers for how inventive and bold Moonlighting Is like a comedy series. The show has clever and interesting cases for Maddie and David to investigate each week as they struggle with their love-hate relationship with each other. however, The show also breaks the fourth wall constantly, makes meta jokes, and even drops in musical numbers on occasionMaking for a hilarious, charming, and endlessly entertaining ride.

22

Bosch (2014-2021)

An old-school detective plays by his own rules in Los Angeles

Sometimes a good detective show doesn’t need a ground-breaking premise or an inventive approach to the genre, but just a memorable detective character at the center of it all. Such is the case with BoschWhat feels like a throwback detective series, explores a hard-edged protagonist solving crimes every week. Harry Bosch is a skilled LAPD detective who wants to evolve with the times as he investigates murders and pushes back against those who try to tell him how to do his job..

The series is not groundbreaking, but it is a gripping and intense thriller with several interesting cases with Bosch typically investigating one over-arching crime over an entire season. He’s also a character who, despite his many faults, is fun to spend time with and watch as he interacts with the modern world. The series was popular enough to merit a spinoff with Bosch: Legacy Also available on Prime Video.

21

Reacher (2022-present)

A new adaptation of the action novels

Some of the most famous literary detectives, like Sherlock Holmes or Hercule Poirot, are seen as more intellectual heroes than action heroes. In the case of Jack Reacher, the hero of Lee Child’s best-selling book series, there is a lot of muscle involved in this character’s sharp mind. The character was adapted for television with Alan Ritchson playing The great and powerful former member of the military police, who has not given up on his plea for forgiveness as he finds himself dragged into one mystery after another..

It is a lot of fun to see this kind of detective character like Richer Is not afraid to embrace both aspects of his talents. He has a keen eye as an investigator, seeing things that others do not. Of course, he’s also not shy about kicking down doors or punching out suspects if he thinks that’s the more effective approach. Season 3 of Richer will bring Ritchson back for more a mix of brain power and muscle power.

20

House (2004-2012)

A series of medical mysteries with an unreliable genius lead

Some of the best detective shows on Prime Video find fun ways to blend the genres. House is largely seen as a medical procedural drama, but fans of the series will know that Gregory House is largely influenced by Sherlock Holmes. House is a brilliant doctor who specializes in diagnosing strange ailments That most other doctors would be baffled by. Like Holmes, he also has more than a few social issues that can make him a difficult person to get along with.

The cases and the way House breaks them down are often fascinating, proving that there are more than just murder mysteries that can work in a detective show.

The series goes on The case-of-the-week format features House tackling one unusual patient after anotherPunctuated by his often hilarious lack of bedside manner. The cases and the way House breaks them down are often fascinating, proving that there are more than just murder mysteries that can work in a detective show. Hugh Laurie makes for an entertaining and complex protagonist in the series.

19

Monsieur Spade (2024)

The latest take on the classic detective story

One of the most iconic detectives of the noir genre has its own miniseries on Prime Video. Sam Spade is a character created by acclaimed author Dashiell Hammett and served as the protagonist for the mystery novel The Maltese Falcon. Clive Owen becomes the last actor to play Spade in Monsieur SpadeA new series that follows the detective in his retirement. Now living a quiet life in France, Spade is dragged into his old world when there is a series of murders that coincide with the emergence of one of Spade’s old adversaries.

The series comes from filmmaker Scott Frank, known for writing some great crime movies, viz Out of sight And The lookoutAs well as creating the miniseries The Queen’s Gambit. His style fits perfectly with the noir sensibility of Sam Spade’s character and also took his own approach to a neo-noir. Owen makes a compelling lead as a detective in a gripping and complex mystery.

18

Batman: The Animated Series (1992-1995)

The World’s Greatest Detective… in DC Comics, at least.

One of the most acclaimed superhero series of all time is available on Prime Video and it’s also a solid detective show. Batman: The Animated Series is a beloved take on the Caped Crusader with Kevin Conroy providing the outstanding vocals for the iconic hero. The show is A dark and noir-esque show that follows Batman on his various adventures in Gotham CityTaking on some of his most famous villains, such as Two-Face, Mr. Freeze, and the Joker, voiced by Mark Hamill.

Batman is often referred to as the world’s greatest detective In his stories and the show helps to earn him the reputation more than many of the blockbuster movies that the character appeared in. Episodes like “Perchance to Dream” and “Heart of Ice” see the characters get to the bottom of mysteries in some thrilling ways.

17

Batman: Caped Crusader (2024)

A new noir take on a Batman animated series

While Batman: The Animated Series is often regarded as the best superhero animated series of all time, Batman: Caped Crusader has managed to impress many fans of the original with a new take that is heavily influenced by the 90s cartoon, but is also its own show. The show presents Gotham as a city straight out of old noir movies Batman in his early days of crime fighting, pursued by the police as a vigilante while taking on the criminal element of the city.

The series is aimed at an older audience than even the surprisingly serious Batman: The Animated Series, So it’s perfect for those who grew up with the original show. There is violence and death in every episode, while Batman is seen as a more complex character, one who seeks to take down criminals but also loses a part of his humanity in the process.

16

Broadchurch (2013-2017)

A tense murder mystery in a coastal town

Among the wave of British murder mystery series that have come along in the past few years, Broadchurch is one of the most popular and served as an inspiration for many of those who followed. Olivia Colman and David Tennant star in the series as Two detectives arrive in a small coastal town to investigate a murder that has rocked the community and torn people apart..

The gritty and brooding tone of the narrative makes for an emotional and impactful story, with a similar feel to HBO’s acclaimed More from Easttown. It focuses on the complicated lives of the detectives who investigate the crime while also on the community that was so affected by the shocking murder. Colman and Tennant make top-notch leadsAvoiding the typical stoicism of TV detectives and creating more authentic characters.

15

Midsomer Murders (1997-)

A classic murder mystery series

Midsomer Murders is a nice mix of murder mystery and cozy small-town stories. Taking place in the fictional English region of Midsomer, The show follows detectives who investigate the various murders that crop up in the areaAmong the colorful characters that populate the villages. While the cast has changed a couple of times over the show’s nearly three-decade run, patient and level-headed Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby has been the key detective.

The best Midsomer Murders Episodes showcase the unique tone of the show. It often features brutal deaths at the beginning of the episode but maintains a cheerfulness and even a dark sense of humor that suits the show. It feels Heavily inspired by the works of Agatha Christie with a similar sharpness and sharpness. With the series starting in 1997 and still going, there are plenty of episodes to binge.

14

Murder, She Wrote (1984-1996)

A murder mystery writer uses her skills to solve real crimes

One of TV’s most charming detectives is available to watch on Prime Video. Murder, she wrote Starring Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, A mystery writer who decides to use her skills for a more active role in murder mysteries as she attempts to become a lovable sleuth in her small community of Maine..

Jessica is a very charming and kind detective, Different from the kind of hard-boiled and rude heroes which are usually depicted in the genre. It makes for another cozy and oddly comforting mystery show with each episode detailing a new complex case that Jessica approaches as if it were a puzzle she was working on during a quiet afternoon at home. The show ran for more than a decade and with over 250 episodes, all of which featured Lansbury as the only lead actor. The show maintains a lasting legacy as a Murder, she wrote Movie is in the works.

13

Colombo (1971-2003)

An LA police detective solves murders in his unique way

One of the best TV detectives of all time is also one of the most unusual that Prime Video users can verify for themselves. Colombo is a funny, intelligent and exciting mystery series that Star Peter Falk as the titular detectiveA Los Angeles police detective who investigates various murders in his own unique and highly effective way. Although Columbo comes off as a bit of a scattered and bumbling investigator, only for the personality to gradually reveal that he is playing the suspects.

Unlike many shows in the genre, Colombo Never try to hide who the killer is from the audience. Each episode begins with the murder and clearly shows who is responsible. The fun of the show is not in finding the truth, but in seeing Columbo pick away and the seemingly foolproof plan the killers have constructed to get away with it.

12

Gracepoint (2014)

The US it. Remake of Broadchurch

An American remake of the British crime drama broadchurch, Gracepoint See David Tennant reprise his role as Detective Emmett Carver (Alec Hardy in Broadchurch) In the ten-part series. Tennant appears opposite Breaking bad Starring Anna Gunn, as the two Investigate the death of a local boy after his body is found washed up on a nearby beach. both exciting and tense, Gracepoint Shine a light on trusting the local community, and how one death changes a small town forever.

David Tennant’s portrayal of Detective Emmett Carver brings a nuanced depth to the character, balancing his professional acumen with personal challenges.

in GracepointThe Gripping narrative weaves together the complexities of small-town relationships with the procedural intricacies of crime-solvingOffering viewers a deep dive into the emotional turmoil and psychological ramifications of a child’s tragic death. David Tennant’s portrayal of Detective Emmett Carver brings a nuanced depth to the character, balancing his professional acumen with personal challenges. Anna Gunn, as his counterpart, delivers a compelling performance that captures the resilience and determination of a local detective faced with the ultimate test of her career.

11

Harlan Coben’s Shelter (2023)

A schoolboy goes in search of a missing classmate

By author Harlan Coben, Protect is based on the novel of the same name, and follows the story of Mickey Boliter (Jaden Michael). After his father’s death, Mickey moves across the country, and when he joins his new school, he immediately becomes involved in the mysterious disappearance of his classmate. Harlan Coben’s shelter Masterfully transitions from the written page to the screenEncapsulating the essence of Coben’s gripping narrative with the addition of a visual depth that enriches the narrative.

Starring Jaden Michael as Mickey Bolitaro, the series quickly immerses viewers in a complex web of mystery, teenage angst and the search for truth in the aftermath of personal tragedy. As Mickey delves into his classmate’s disappearance, The series explores the themes of loss, identity and the resilience of the human spirit Against the backdrop of high school’s tumultuous social hierarchy. The first season was eight episodes and ended in August 2023. Unfortunately, Harlan Coben’s shelter Season 2 will not be moving forward as the show has been cancelled.

10

Grimm (2011-2017)

A detective battling supernatural elements

After a homicide detective discovers that he is a descendant of a group of hunters who spend their days chasing supernatural creatures, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) reluctantly finds himself pulled into the new world. grim Combines elements of a typical detective drama with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, Follow Nick as he battles an array of dangerous, mythical creatures to protect humanity. The show ran for six seasons, from 2011 to 2017, and was praised for its use of humor with a chilling, airy atmosphere.

grim Stands out as a genre-blending series that married the procedural structure of detective dramas with the fantastical elements of supernatural folkloreCreating a unique storytelling alchemy that captivates the audience’s imagination. David Giuntoli’s portrayal of Nick Burkhardt provides a grounded entry point into this world where fairy tales are not just stories, but warnings. As Nick grapples with his newfound identity and the responsibilities that come with it, grim Delve into themes of destiny, morality and the thin line between humanity and monsters.

9

Upload (2020-present)

In a virtual reality afterlife, the dead seeks to find its own killer

In the near future, Nathan Brown (Robbie Amell) suddenly dies at the age of 27 and finds his consciousness uploaded to a virtual afterlife. Struggling to adjust to his new digital world, Nathan befriends his support agent Nora (Andy Allo), who is still alive. As the two grow closer, Nora begins to suspect that Nathan was murdered, which leads her down a rabbit hole to find out the truth. Coincidentally Combines crime drama with science fictionDevelop a modern and futuristic terror throughout.

Robbie Amell’s Nathan Brown presents a sympathetic and complex protagonist, whose untimely death and subsequent digital resurrection offer A unique lens through which the series explores themes of existence, love and the ethical quandaries of technology. Andy Allo’s Nora shines as the living link to Nathan’s past and present, her determination to uncover the truth about Nathan’s death adding layers of suspense and emotional depth to Coincidentally narrative.

8

Carnival Row (2019-2023)

A Victorian fantasy, intertwined with murder mystery

Carnival Row Follows a group of repressed mythical beings living alongside humans, with the two species trying to coexist amid tension and fear of one another. Hybrid human-fey detective Philo (Orlando Bloom) is left to investigate a string of murders connected to the mythical beings, while trying to avoid revealing his origin to his human counterparts. Carnival Row provides a rich tapestry of fantasy, noir and socio-political commentarySet against the backdrop of a Victorian-inspired dystopian world where mythical creatures and humans grapple with coexistence between prejudice and fear.

Carnival Row Ran for two seasons and ended in March 2023, following delays in filming due to the coronavirus pandemic.

Orlando Bloom’s portrayal of Philo, a hybrid human-fae detective, offers a compelling narrative core as he navigates the complexities of his identity while solving murders that threaten the fragile balance between species. The series excels in its world-building, creating a visually stunning and emotionally charged environment. Where themes of love, betrayal, and the quest for equality are explored with depth and nuance. Carnival Row Ran for two seasons and ended in March 2023, following delays in filming due to the coronavirus pandemic.

7

Absentia (2017-2020)

An FBI agent with amnesia tries to figure out what happened to her

Absentia Weaves a gripping tale of mystery, identity and survival, anchored by Stana Katic’s compelling performance as FBI agent Emily Byrne. Found after disappearing for six years with no memory of her past, Emily’s quest to recover her identity and unravel the truth of her abduction is full of twists, turns and deep emotional turmoil. The series skillfully balances the personal struggle of a woman piecing together her shattered life With the high-stakes tension of a crime thriller, as Emily becomes entangled in a murder investigation where she is the prime suspect.

His exploration of themes such as memory, trust, and redemption is handled with sensitivity and depth, engaging viewers in a complex narrative that questions the very essence of identity and the possibility of starting over. Despite its cancellation after three seasons, Absentia remains a standout series for its deep storytellingRich character development, and the way it maintains tension and emotional resonance throughout its run. It left a lasting impression on audiences, cementing its place as a well-received addition to the pantheon of detective series on Amazon Prime Video.

6

Unforgotten (2015-Present)

A British cold case drama series

Unforgotten Distinguishes itself in the crowded field of British crime drama by its meticulous attention to detail, deep emotional resonance, and the stellar performances of its cast, especially Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stuart. Each season’s narrative is crafted around a cold caseWhich not only challenges the skills of the detectives, but also delves into the deep impacts of unresolved grief, secrets, and the search for justice on both the victims’ families and the investigators themselves.

The series is celebrated for Its nuanced portrayal of complex characters and the moral dilemmas they faceSet against the backdrop of meticulously plotted mysteries. Walker’s departure in the fourth season is a sharp turn in the series, which shows the high stakes and personal toll involved in such deeply immersive investigative work. Unforgotten s The ability to blend suspenseful storytelling with a compassionate exploration of human frailty and redemption has secured its status as a beloved and critically acclaimed staple of the genre, leaving a lasting legacy on the landscape of British television.