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10 Twisted Detective Shows on Netflix That’ll Crawl Under Your Skin — The Last One Ends with a Revelation So Disturbing, Viewers Say They Couldn’t Sleep for Days
Crime sucks, but it’s always great watching the culprits get tracked and apprehended. Such is the joy of detective shows, and Netflix has several great ones. These shows are all adored by fans and critics, offering a varied look at law enforcement, ranging from believable cases to stories that are only likely to play out on the screen. Additionally, they are packed with relevant themes that make them feel intellectually superior to others of their kind.
If you are a Netflix subscriber looking for a detective show with a punch, bet on the ones below. Some of them might leave you wanting to change professions and get a badge. Others will make you vow to never let anyone close to you enroll in a police academy. Whatever the feeling you get, you’ll still be highly entertained. Most importantly, the villains are as despicable as they usually are in tales like this, so you are likely to burst into a dance when they are finally nabbed.
Here are 10 can’t-miss detective shows on Netflix that blur the line between obsession and madness:
The Sinner (2014–2021) An anthology that follows Detective Harry Ambrose (Harry Pullman) through deeply unsettling cases. Crimes committed by the most unlikely suspects lead to shocking revelations. Its gritty realism and haunting conclusions make it unforgettable.
Aquarius (2015–2016) David Duchovny plays LAPD Detective Sam Hodiak investigating Charles Manson’s rise. Mixing historical fact and fiction, the show explores America’s darkest decade, blending political unrest and personal demons.
Dark Winds (2022–Present) Set in 1970s Navajo Nation, this show blends mysticism, tribal politics, and murder. Lieutenant Joe Leaphorn and undercover agent Jim Chee unravel a conspiracy that crosses cultural lines and moral boundaries.
The Residence (2025) Giancarlo Esposito stars as Chief Usher A.B. Wynter, murdered during a White House state dinner. Uzo Aduba’s Cordelia Cupp investigates using changing perspectives that expose the rot beneath the political elite.
Untamed (2025) Eric Bana investigates a suspicious cliffside death in Yosemite, uncovering a conspiracy with chilling implications. The show’s atmosphere is one of creeping dread — and once the truth surfaces, it’s impossible to unsee.
Dept Q. (2015) Demoted to cold cases, DCI Carl Morck finds disturbing truths in forgotten files. It’s a masterclass in psychological suspense and consequence. The more Carl digs, the more the case reflects his own unraveling psyche.
Blindspot (2015–2020) An amnesiac woman covered in cryptic tattoos becomes the key to a massive web of crimes. Each clue unfolds into deeper, darker conspiracies — and nothing is accidental.
NCIS (2003–Present) Despite being long-running, NCIS still surprises. With military ties and emotional stakes, this procedural has built a massive fan base. Corruption, sabotage, and secrets all bubble under its polished surface.
White Collar (2009–2014) A con artist turned FBI consultant helps bring down white-collar criminals. With charm, wit, and unexpected heart, this stylish series proves crime can be intellectually dangerous.
Mindhunter (2017) The darkest of them all. Based on real interviews with serial killers, this David Fincher masterpiece shows the birth of criminal profiling. It’s chilling, cerebral, and emotionally devastating. The final season ends with such an emotionally twisted revelation, even hardened true crime fans say they couldn’t sleep.
These 10 detective shows aren’t just entertainment — they’re trials of the mind. And if you think you’ve seen it all, think again. The darkness runs deeper here.
