20 Best Crime TV Shows on Amazon Prime Video 2026
Explore crime, mystery, and thriller series on Amazon Prime Video, from Reacher and Criminal Minds to Columbo, Dark Winds, and more.
If you’re looking for the best crime TV shows on Amazon Prime Video, this lineup gives you a wide mix of mystery, danger, and sharp character drama. You’ll find modern thrillers like Reacher and Dark Winds, tense prestige picks like The Night Manager and Time, plus long-running favorites such as Criminal Minds, Columbo, and Elementary. There’s also room for newer entries like Blue Lights, Wild Cards, and Dexter: Resurrection, along with genre-bending options including Helluva Boss and Batman: The Animated Series. Whether you want police procedurals, courtroom tension, or investigative stories with a twist, this list covers plenty of ground without wasting your time.
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01
The Rainmaker
crime · drama · mystery & thriller
Fresh out of law school, Rudy Baylor goes head to head with courtroom lion Leo Drummond as well as his law school girlfriend, Sarah. Rudy, along with his boss, Bruiser, and her disheveled paralegal, Deck, uncovers two connected conspiracies surrounding the mysterious death of their client's son.
Why watch: If you enjoy courtroom drama mixed with mystery and conspiracy, this one fits that lane well. The legal stakes and investigation angle give it a strong crime-drama pull.
Directed by Russell Lee Fine, Randy Zisk, Michael SeitzmanCast Milo Callaghan, Lana Parrilla, Madison Iseman, P.J. Byrne, Wade BriggsAmazon Prime VideoPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
02
Neagley
action & adventure · crime · drama · mystery & thriller
Neagley, drawing from her experience with Jack Reacher and the 110 Special Investigators, embarks on a perilous mission to expose a sinister threat, risking her life to unravel the mystery.
Why watch: If you like action-driven crime stories with a mystery at the center, this should be worth a look. Its setup suggests a high-stakes investigation with plenty of danger.
Directed by Phil Abraham, MJ Bassett, Gary Fleder, Sam HillCast Maria Sten, Greyston Holt, Adeline Rudolph, Jasper Jones, Matthew Del NegroAmazon Prime VideoFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
03
Reacher
action · crime · drama · thriller
Jack Reacher, a veteran military police investigator, has just recently entered civilian life. Reacher is a drifter, carrying no phone and the barest of essentials as he travels the country and explores the nation he once served.
Why watch: If you want a crime series with action and thriller energy, Reacher is a natural fit. Its drifter-and-investigation premise is ideal for viewers who like a lone-wolf lead.
Directed by Sam Hill, Omar Madha, Gary Fleder, Carol Banker, Julian HolmesCast Alan Ritchson, Maria Sten, Malcolm Goodwin, Willa Fitzgerald, Serinda SwanAmazon Prime VideoFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
04
Time
Won 2 BAFTA TV Awards 8 nominations
crime · drama
Guilt, violence and impossible choices – what does it take to survive? Tense, gritty and heartbreaking – Jimmy McGovern's award-winning prison drama, with an all-star cast.
Why watch: If gritty prison drama and tough moral choices appeal to you, this series is a strong pick. Its crime-and-drama blend suggests a heavy, character-focused watch.
Directed by Lewis Arnold, Andrea Harkin, Paul WhittingtonCast Siobhan Finneran, Sean Bean, Jodie Whittaker, Stephen Graham, Tamara LawranceAmazon Prime VideoMore details on IMDb → -
05
Dexter: Resurrection
crime · drama · thriller
Dexter Morgan awakens from a coma to find Harrison gone without a trace. Realizing the weight of what he put his son through, Dexter sets out for New York City, determined to find him and make things right. But closure won't come easy. When Miami Metro's Angel Batista arrives with questions, Dexter realizes his past is catching up to him fast. As father and son navigate their own darkness in the city that never sleeps, they soon find themselves deeper than they ever imagined - and that the only way out is together.
Why watch: If you like dark crime thrillers centered on family conflict and a past catching up fast, this may suit you. The crime, drama, and thriller mix points to a tense story.
Directed by Marcos Siega, Monica Raymund, Erica DuntonCast Michael C. Hall, Uma Thurman, James Remar, Jack Alcott, Kadia SarafAmazon Prime VideoParamount PlusMore details on IMDb →
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06
The Night Manager
Won 2 Emmys 12 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Former British soldier Jonathan Pine navigates the shadowy recesses of Whitehall and Washington where an unholy alliance operates between the intelligence community and the secret arms trade. To infiltrate the inner circle of lethal arms dealer Richard Onslow Roper, Pine must himself become a criminal.
Why watch: If you’re drawn to espionage-tinged crime drama, this is a strong option. The mystery and thriller elements pair well with its story about infiltrating a shadowy criminal world.
Directed by Susanne Bier, Georgi Banks-DaviesCast Tom Hiddleston, Hugh Laurie, Olivia Colman, Alistair Petrie, Michael NardoneAmazon Prime VideoMore details on IMDb → -
07
Helluva Boss
animation · action · comedy · crime · drama · fantasy · horror · music · musical · romance · sci-fi
This adult animated comedy follows the misadventures, hijinks, and relationships of the Immediate Murder Professionals (or I.M.P. for short)-- a band of demon assassins from Hell who kill people on Earth for a living.
Why watch: If you enjoy adult animation with crime and comedy mixed together, this stands out from the rest. Its crime and fantasy setup makes it a good choice when you want something offbeat.
Directed by Vivienne MedranoCast Brandon Rogers, Richard Steven Horvitz, Vivian Nixon, Erica Lindbeck, Bryce PinkhamAmazon Prime VideoFreeveeMore details on IMDb → -
08
Tales from the Crypt
7 Emmy nominations Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (1992)
comedy · crime · fantasy · horror · mystery · thriller
Cadaverous scream legend the Crypt Keeper is your macabre host for these forays of fright and fun based on the classic E.C. Comics tales from back in the day. So shamble up to the bar and pick your poison. Will it be an insane Santa on a personal slay ride? Honeymooners out to fulfill the "til death do we part" vow ASAP?
Why watch: If you like anthology-style stories with crime, mystery, and horror elements, this is an easy recommendation. It suits viewers who want short bursts of dark, playful suspense.
Directed by Russell Mulcahy, Elliot Silverstein, Robert Zemeckis, Richard Donner, Tom HollandCast John Kassir, Roy Brocksmith, Miguel Ferrer, Cam Clarke, Larry DrakeAmazon Prime VideoTubiMore details on IMDb → -
09
Professor T
crime · drama · mystery
Professor Jasper Tempest, a genius Cambridge University criminologist with OCD and an overbearing mother, advises the police. British version of the Belgian crime drama of the same name.
Why watch: If you prefer British crime drama with a mystery focus, this could be a good fit. The premise around a brilliant advisor and police cases suggests an intelligent, character-led watch.
Directed by Dries Vos, Kaat Beels, Maarten Moerkerke, Joël VanhoebrouckCast Ben Miller, Barney White, Sarah Woodward, Douglas Reith, Frances de la TourAmazon Prime VideoMore details on IMDb → -
10
Columbo
Won 13 Emmys 2x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series · 39 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Columbo is a friendly, verbose, disheveled-looking police detective who is consistently underestimated by his suspects. Despite his unprepossessing appearance and apparent absentmindedness, he shrewdly solves all of his cases and secures all evidence needed for indictment. His formidable eye for detail and meticulously dedicated approach often become clear to the killer only late in the storyline.
Why watch: If classic detective stories appeal to you, Columbo is a great choice. Its mystery and thriller side works for viewers who enjoy watching a clever investigator outthink suspects.
Directed by Bernard L. Kowalski, Harvey Hart, James Frawley, Richard Quine, Leo PennCast Peter Falk, Mike Lally, Dianne Travis, Bruce Kirby, John FinneganAmazon Prime VideoTubiPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
11
Criminal Minds
3 Emmy nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
An elite team of FBI profilers analyze the country's most twisted criminal minds, anticipating their next moves before they strike again. The Behavioral Analysis Unit's most experienced agent is David Rossi, a founding member of the BAU who returns to help the team solve new cases.
Why watch: If you like profiling-driven crime drama with a mystery edge, this is a strong pick. It’s aimed at viewers who enjoy case-heavy stories about tracking dangerous criminals.
Directed by Glenn Kershaw, Félix Enríquez Alcalá, Rob Bailey, Edward Allen Bernero, Matthew Gray GublerCast Kirsten Vangsness, A.J. Cook, Matthew Gray Gubler, Joe Mantegna, Thomas GibsonAmazon Prime VideoHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
12
Blue Lights
Won 1 BAFTA TV Award 4 nominations
crime · drama · mystery & thriller
Follows rookie police officers working in Belfast, a city in which being a frontline response cop comes with unique pressures and dangers.
Why watch: If you want a newer police drama set against a tense urban backdrop, this is worth considering. The crime, drama, and mystery blend suits fans of rookie-cop stories.
Directed by Gilles Bannier, Jack Casey, Angela Griffin, Declan Lawn, Adam PattersonCast Sian Brooke, Katherine Devlin, Nathan Braniff, Martin McCann, Andi OshoAmazon Prime VideoMaxMore details on IMDb → -
13
Wild Cards
drama · comedy · mystery & thriller · crime
A spirited con woman and a demoted by-the-book detective are given the chance to redeem themselves. The catch? They have to find a way to work together each using their unique skills to solve crimes.
Why watch: If you enjoy a buddy-style crime show with comedy mixed in, this one should work well. The odd-couple setup gives the crime-solving format a lighter twist.
Directed by James Genn, Alexandra La Roche, Shawn Piller, Amanda Tapping, Winnifred JongCast Vanessa Morgan, Giacomo Gianniotti, Terry Chen, Amy Goodmurphy, Michael XavierAmazon Prime VideoMore details on IMDb → -
14
Chicago P.D.
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A riveting police drama about the men and women of the Chicago Police Department's District 21 who put it all on the line to serve and protect their community. District 21 is made up of two distinctly different groups: the uniformed cops who patrol the beat and go head-to-head with the city's street crimes and the Intelligence Unit that combats the city's major offenses - organized crime, drug trafficking, high profile murders and beyond.
Why watch: If you like police procedurals with a mix of street crime and major investigations, this is a solid match. Its action, crime, and thriller elements make it a broad crowd-pleaser.
Directed by Chad Saxton, Mark Tinker, Eriq La Salle, Nick Gomez, Carl SeatonCast Jason Beghe, Marina Squerciati, Patrick John Flueger, LaRoyce Hawkins, Amy MortonAmazon Prime VideoPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
15
Person of Interest
1 Emmy nomination
action · crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
John Reese, former CIA paramilitary operative, is presumed dead and teams up with reclusive billionaire Finch to prevent violent crimes in New York City by initiating their own type of justice. With the special training that Reese has had in Covert Operations and Finch's genius software inventing mind, the two are a perfect match for the job that they have to complete. With the help of surveillance equipment, they work "outside the law" and get the right criminal behind bars.
Why watch: If you enjoy crime stories with a sci-fi angle, this stands out from the pack. The premise of preventing violent crimes gives it a smart, high-concept hook.
Directed by Chris Fisher, Richard J. Lewis, Frederick E.O. Toye, Jeffrey G. Hunt, Stephen SurjikCast Jim Caviezel, Kevin Chapman, Michael Emerson, Amy Acker, Taraji P. HensonAmazon Prime VideoPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
16
Psych
1 Emmy nomination
comedy · crime · mystery
Thanks to his police officer father's efforts, Shawn Spencer spent his childhood developing a keen eye for detail (and a lasting dislike of his dad). Years later, Shawn's frequent tips to the police lead to him being falsely accused of a crime he solved.
Now, Shawn has no choice but to use his abilities to perpetuate his cover story: psychic crime-solving powers, all the while dragging his best friend, his dad, and the police along for the ride.
Why watch: If you want a crime series with comedy and mystery rather than pure seriousness, this is a fun pick. It’s a good match for viewers who like clever, lightly absurd detective work.
Directed by Mel Damski, Steve Franks, James Roday Rodriguez, Stephen Surjik, John BadhamCast James Roday Rodriguez, Dulé Hill, Timothy Omundson, Corbin Bernsen, Maggie LawsonAmazon Prime VideoPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
17
Dark Winds
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
This psychological thriller follows two Navajo police officers, Leaphorn and Chee, in the 1970s Southwest as their search for clues in a grisly double murder case forces them to challenge their own spiritual beliefs and come to terms with the trauma of their pasts.
Why watch: If you’re interested in crime drama with a strong mystery and thriller mood, this is a good option. Its setting and psychological focus make it appealing to fans of atmospheric investigations.
Directed by Chris Eyre, Michael Nankin, Sanford Bookstaver, Billy Luther, Steven Paul JuddCast Zahn McClarnon, Kiowa Gordon, Jessica Matten, Deanna Allison, A MartinezNetflixAmazon Prime VideoAMC+More details on IMDb → -
18
Elementary
2 Emmy nominations
crime · drama · mystery
A modern-day drama about a crime-solving duo that cracks the NYPD's most impossible cases. Following his fall from grace in London and a stint in rehab, eccentric Sherlock escapes to Manhattan where his wealthy father forces him to live with his worst nightmare - a sober companion, Dr. Watson.
Why watch: If you like modern detective stories with a classic Holmes-and-Watson setup, this should fit nicely. The crime and mystery mix makes it easy to recommend to procedural fans.
Directed by Guy Ferland, Christine Moore, John Polson, Ron Fortunato, Seith MannCast Jonny Lee Miller, Lucy Liu, Aidan Quinn, Jon Michael Hill, Jordan GelberAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
19
Batman: The Animated Series
Won 1 Emmy
animation · action · adventure · crime · family · mystery · sci-fi
Vowing to avenge the murder of his parents, Bruce Wayne devotes his life to wiping out crime in Gotham City as the masked vigilante "Batman".
Why watch: If you enjoy animated crime stories with action, adventure, and mystery, this classic is easy to recommend. It’s a good fit for viewers who want a superhero take on crime-fighting.
Directed by Kevin Altieri, Boyd Kirkland, Frank Paur, Dan Riba, Dick SebastCast Kevin Conroy, Efrem Zimbalist Jr., Bob Hastings, Loren Lester, Robert CostanzoAmazon Prime VideoMaxMore details on IMDb → -
20
Prime Suspect
Won 4 BAFTA TV Awards 9 nominations
drama · crime · mystery & thriller · romance · made in europe
Highly skilled Detective Inspector Jane Tennison battles to prove herself in a male dominated world.
Why watch: If you like police drama centered on a determined lead, this is an excellent choice. Its crime and mystery elements suit viewers who want a serious, character-led investigation series.
Directed by Christopher MenaulCast Helen Mirren, Tom Bell, John Benfield, Craig Fairbrass, Jack EllisAmazon Prime VideoTubiPeacock PremiumFreeveeMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
From classic detectives to newer crime dramas, these picks make it easy to find a series that fits your mood. Some lean into police work and case-solving, while others focus on conspiracies, undercover missions, or morally complicated characters. Bookmark this page and check back when you want a fresh recommendation, because it’s updated regularly with new titles and returning favorites. If you’re building a watchlist, this is a solid place to start and revisit.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the top 10 series on Amazon Prime?
Our top 10 right now: The Rainmaker (2025), Neagley (2026), Reacher (2022), Time (2021), Dexter: Resurrection (2025), The Night Manager (2016), Helluva Boss (2019), Tales from the Crypt (1989), Professor T (2021) and Columbo (1971), all streaming on Amazon Prime Video.
How often is this list updated?
We refresh this list regularly as titles are added or removed from streaming catalogs, so rankings and availability stay current.
Do I need an Amazon Prime Video subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Amazon Prime Video. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these crime shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the crime titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.