20 Best Thriller TV Shows on Hulu 2026
Find suspenseful crime, mystery, horror, and sci-fi series with this guide to Hulu thriller TV shows, from Fargo and Sherlock to Lost and The X-Files.
If you’re looking for the best thriller TV shows on Hulu, this list gives you a smart mix of crime, mystery, horror, sci-fi, and tense character-driven drama. From long-running staples like Law & Order: Special Victims Unit, NCIS, and Criminal Minds to cult favorites such as The X-Files, Fringe, and Lost, there’s plenty here for different tastes. You’ll also find newer picks like Paradise and Phony alongside high-rated standouts including Fargo, Sherlock, and The Americans. Whether you want investigations, paranoia, supernatural twists, or high-stakes suspense, these titles make it easy to find a next binge.
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01
Phony
comedy · drama · mystery & thriller
After waking up from a freak car accident, Sonny discovers that his mother has been replaced by an impostor.
Why watch: If you like mystery with a strange twist, Phony may fit well thanks to its impostor premise and drama-comedy blend. It’s a good choice when you want suspense without a purely dark tone.
Directed by Nick PaleyCast Connie Britton, Sam Nivola, Maliq Johnson, Elijah Fox, Mellany BarrosHuluMore details on IMDb → -
02
American Horror Story
Won 17 Emmys 101 nominations
drama · horror · sci-fi · thriller
An anthology horror drama series centering on different characters and locations, including a house with a murderous past, an asylum, a witch coven, a freak show, a hotel, a farmhouse in Roanoke, a cult, the apocalypse and a summer camp.
Why watch: If you enjoy anthology storytelling and horror-driven tension, American Horror Story offers a mix of drama, horror, sci-fi, and thriller elements. The shifting settings make it appealing if you want variety from season to season.
Directed by Bradley Buecker, Alfonso Gomez-Rejon, Jennifer Lynch, John J. Gray, Michael UppendahlCast Sarah Paulson, Evan Peters, Denis O'Hare, Emma Roberts, Jessica LangeAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
03
The Americans
Won 4 Emmys Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2018) · 18 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Set during the Cold War period in the 1980s, The Americans is the story of Elizabeth and Philip Jennings, two Soviet KGB officers posing as an American married couple in the suburbs of Washington D.C. and their neighbor, Stan Beeman, an FBI Counterintelligence agent.
Why watch: If you prefer espionage stories with layered character dynamics, The Americans is a strong pick. Its crime, drama, mystery, and thriller mix suits viewers who like Cold War tension.
Directed by Chris Long, Daniel Sackheim, Thomas Schlamme, Daniel Attias, Stefan SchwartzCast Keri Russell, Matthew Rhys, Keidrich Sellati, Holly Taylor, Noah EmmerichHuluMore details on IMDb → -
04
Furious
crime · drama · thriller
FBI agent Alice Black is on the hunt for a mysterious and calculating female serial killer. Both walk their own paths toward justice, and as their lives start to intertwine, the line between right and wrong begins to blur.
Why watch: If you enjoy cat-and-mouse crime stories, Furious may appeal with its FBI-agent pursuit of a calculating serial killer. The thriller focus and moral blur suggest a tense, serious watch.
Directed by Destiny Ekaragha, Karena Evans, Brian KirkCast Emmy Rossum, Lola Petticrew, Quincy Tyler Bernstine, Scoot McNairy, Jake LacyHuluMore details on IMDb → -
05
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit
Won 6 Emmys Outstanding Lead Actress in a Drama Series (2006) · 25 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
In the criminal justice system, sexually-based offenses are considered especially heinous. In New York City, the dedicated detectives who investigate these vicious felonies are members of an elite squad known as the Special Victims Unit. These are their stories.
Why watch: If you want an established procedural with serious cases, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit is a natural fit. Its crime, drama, mystery, and thriller mix works well for viewers who like case-based storytelling.
Directed by Jean de Segonzac, David Platt, Peter Leto, Juan José Campanella, Norberto BarbaCast Mariska Hargitay, Ice-T, Dann Florek, Richard Belzer, Kelli GiddishHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb →
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06
The X-Files
Won 16 Emmys Outstanding Writing for a Drama Series (1996) · 62 nominations
adventure · crime · drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
The exploits of FBI Special Agents Fox Mulder and Dana Scully who investigate X-Files: marginalized, unsolved cases involving paranormal phenomena. Mulder believes in the existence of aliens and the paranormal while Scully, a skeptic, is assigned to make scientific analyses of Mulder's discoveries that debunk Mulder's work and thus return him to mainstream cases.
Why watch: If you like investigations with a paranormal edge, The X-Files is an obvious match. Its blend of mystery, sci-fi, and thriller elements suits fans of unexplained cases.
Directed by Kim Manners, Rob Bowman, David Nutter, Chris Carter, R.W. GoodwinCast Gillian Anderson, David Duchovny, Mitch Pileggi, William B. Davis, Robert PatrickHuluMore details on IMDb → -
07
NCIS
3 Emmy nominations
action · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
From murder and espionage to terrorism and stolen submarines, a team of special agents investigates any crime that has any connection to Navy and Marine Corps personnel, regardless of rank or position.
Why watch: If you prefer military-connected crime cases, NCIS may be the right choice. It combines action, mystery, and thriller elements with investigations tied to Navy and Marine Corps personnel.
Directed by Dennis Smith, Terrence O'Hara, Tony Wharmby, James Whitmore Jr., Thomas J. WrightCast Sean Murray, David McCallum, Mark Harmon, Brian Dietzen, Rocky CarrollNetflixHuluParamount PlusMore details on IMDb → -
08
9-1-1
action · drama · thriller
Explore the high-pressure experiences of police officers, paramedics and firefighters who are thrust into the most frightening, shocking and heart-stopping situations. These emergency responders must try to balance saving those who are at their most vulnerable with solving the problems in their own lives.
Why watch: If you like urgent, high-pressure situations, 9-1-1 offers action and thriller energy around emergency responders. It suits viewers who want suspense mixed with disaster-response storytelling.
Directed by Bradley Buecker, John J. Gray, Brenna Malloy, Jennifer Lynch, David GrossmanCast Angela Bassett, Oliver Stark, Aisha Hinds, Kenneth Choi, Jennifer Love HewittHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
09
The Mentalist
1 Emmy nomination Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series (2009)
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Patrick Jane, a former celebrity psychic medium, uses his razor sharp skills of observation and expertise at "reading" people to solve serious crimes with the California Bureau of Investigation.
Why watch: If you enjoy a clever investigator who relies on observation, The Mentalist is a solid pick. Its crime and mystery setup makes it a good option for fans of character-led procedural drama.
Directed by Chris Long, Eric Laneuville, John F. Showalter, Charles Beeson, Randy ZiskCast Simon Baker, Robin Tunney, Tim Kang, Owain Yeoman, Amanda RighettiHuluMore details on IMDb → -
10
Fargo
Won 7 Emmys 70 nominations
crime · drama · thriller
A close-knit anthology series dealing with stories involving malice, violence and murder based in and around Minnesota.
Why watch: If you like dark anthology crime stories, Fargo should be high on your list. Its crime, drama, and thriller elements make it a strong fit for viewers who want tense, self-contained seasons.
Directed by Noah Hawley, Michael Uppendahl, Dana Gonzales, Keith Gordon, Dearbhla WalshCast Allison Tolman, Billy Bob Thornton, Colin Hanks, Jason Schwartzman, Martin FreemanHuluMore details on IMDb → -
11
Law & Order
Won 6 Emmys Outstanding Drama Series (1997) · 52 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
In cases ripped from the headlines, police investigate serious and often deadly crimes, weighing the evidence and questioning the suspects until someone is taken into custody. The district attorney's office then builds a case to convict the perpetrator by proving the person guilty beyond a reasonable doubt. Working together, these expert teams navigate all sides of the complex criminal justice system to make New York a safer place.
Why watch: If you enjoy classic procedural storytelling, Law & Order delivers crime cases with a legal follow-through. It’s a good choice if you like a steady mystery-to-trial format.
Directed by Constantine Makris, Edwin Sherin, Jace Alexander, David Platt, Richard DobbsCast Sam Waterston, S. Epatha Merkerson, Jerry Orbach, Steven Hill, Jesse L. MartinNetflixHuluPeacock PremiumMore details on IMDb → -
12
Coven Academy
action & adventure · comedy · drama · fantasy · horror · kids & family · mystery & thriller · romance
Teen witch apprentices band together to defend New Orleans against an approaching dark force.
Why watch: If you want fantasy with a thriller edge, Coven Academy may appeal through its teen witch-apprentice setup. The mix of horror, mystery, and adventure makes it a fit for viewers who like supernatural stakes.
Directed by Aprill Winney, Shannon Kohli, Alexis Ostrander, Amanda Row, Tim FederleCast Malina Pauli Weissman, Malachi Barton, Jordan Leftwich, Ora Duplass, Louis ThresherHuluMore details on IMDb → -
13
Paradise
Won 1 Emmy 2x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Drama Series · 11 nominations
action · drama · thriller
The tranquility in a serene, wealthy community inhabited by some of the world's most prominent individuals explodes when a shocking murder occurs and a high stakes investigation unfolds.
Why watch: If you like thrillers set in seemingly peaceful places, Paradise may be worth a look. Its murder-and-investigation premise suits viewers who enjoy tension hiding inside a polished community.
Directed by Glenn Ficarra, John Requa, Hanelle M. Culpepper, Gandja Monteiro, Liza JohnsonCast Sterling K. Brown, Sarah Shahi, Nicole Brydon Bloom, Julianne Nicholson, Aliyah MastinHuluMore details on IMDb → -
14
Sherlock
Won 9 Emmys 39 nominations
crime · drama · mystery · thriller
A modern update finds the famous sleuth and his doctor partner solving crime in 21st century London.
Why watch: If you enjoy sharp detective stories, Sherlock is a top option with its modern take on a famous sleuth. Crime, mystery, and thriller elements make it a strong match for puzzle-oriented viewers.
Directed by Paul McGuigan, Jeremy Lovering, Nick Hurran, Coky Giedroyc, Euros LynCast Benedict Cumberbatch, Martin Freeman, Una Stubbs, Rupert Graves, Louise BrealeyHuluAMC+More details on IMDb → -
15
Only Murders in the Building
Won 7 Emmys 3x Outstanding Lead Actor in a Comedy Series · 61 nominations
comedy · crime · drama · mystery · thriller
Three strangers share an obsession with true crime and suddenly find themselves wrapped up in one.
Why watch: If you like crime stories with humor and a central mystery, Only Murders in the Building is a good fit. It blends comedy, drama, and thriller elements for viewers who want suspense with personality.
Directed by Jamie Babbit, John Hoffman, Cherien Dabis, Chris Koch, Shari Springer BermanCast Steve Martin, Martin Short, Selena Gomez, Michael Cyril Creighton, Jackie HoffmanHuluDisney PlusMore details on IMDb → -
16
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’re drawn to profiling and psychological crime stories, Criminal Minds is an easy recommendation. Its focus on twisted criminal behavior fits viewers who like tense episodic investigations.
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 → -
17
Jujutsu Kaisen
animation · action · adventure · fantasy · thriller
Yuji Itadori is a boy with tremendous physical strength, though he lives a completely ordinary high school life. One day, to save a classmate who has been attacked by curses, he eats the finger of Ryomen Sukuna, taking the curse into his own soul. From then on, he shares one body with Ryomen Sukuna. Guided by the most powerful of sorcerers, Satoru Gojo, Itadori is admitted to Tokyo Jujutsu High School, an organization that fights the curses... and thus begins the heroic tale of a boy who became a curse to exorcise a curse, a life from which he could never turn back.
Why watch: If you want action-driven anime with supernatural stakes, Jujutsu Kaisen is a strong match. Its fantasy and thriller blend works for viewers who enjoy danger, curses, and fast-moving conflict.
Directed by Shouta Goshozono, Sunghoo Park, Yôsuke Takada, Takeru Satoh, Ryôhei TakeshitaCast Jun'ya Enoki, Adam McArthur, Yuma Uchida, Yûichi Nakamura, Asami SetoNetflixAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
18
Fringe
3 Emmy nominations
drama · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
FBI Special Agent Olivia Dunham, brilliant but formerly institutionalized scientist Walter Bishop and his scheming, reluctant son Peter uncover a deadly mystery involving a series of unbelievable events and realize they may be a part of a larger, more disturbing pattern that blurs the line between science fiction and technology.
Why watch: If you like mysteries that lean into sci-fi questions, Fringe is a great pick. It combines drama, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller elements for viewers who enjoy strange events and larger patterns.
Directed by Joe Chappelle, Brad Anderson, Frederick E.O. Toye, Jeannot Szwarc, Charles BeesonCast Anna Torv, Joshua Jackson, Jasika Nicole, John Noble, Lance ReddickAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
19
Sleepy Hollow
1 Emmy nomination
action · adventure · crime · drama · fantasy · horror · mystery · thriller
Ichabod Crane is resurrected and pulled two and a half centuries through time to unravel a mystery that dates all the way back to the founding fathers.
Why watch: If you like supernatural crime stories, Sleepy Hollow offers a blend of action, fantasy, horror, mystery, and thriller. It’s a fit for viewers who want folklore-style suspense with investigation.
Directed by Russell Lee Fine, Paul A. Edwards, Doug Aarniokoski, Ken Olin, Marc RoskinCast Tom Mison, Lyndie Greenwood, Nicole Beharie, Orlando Jones, Katia WinterAmazon Prime VideoHuluMore details on IMDb → -
20
Lost
Won 10 Emmys 2x Outstanding Supporting Actor in a Drama Series · 51 nominations
adventure · drama · fantasy · mystery · sci-fi · thriller
Stripped of everything, the survivors of a horrific plane crash must work together to stay alive. But the island holds many secrets.
Why watch: If you enjoy survival stories with secrets underneath the surface, Lost is a strong choice. Its adventure, mystery, sci-fi, and thriller elements suit viewers who like ensemble suspense.
Directed by Jack Bender, Stephen Williams, Paul A. Edwards, Tucker Gates, Eric LaneuvilleCast Jorge Garcia, Josh Holloway, Yunjin Kim, Evangeline Lilly, Terry O'QuinnHuluMore details on IMDb →
Wrapping Up
This roundup brings together a wide range of thriller series, from grounded investigations to stories with horror, sci-fi, and mystery elements. If you want a reliable place to start, bookmark this page and come back whenever you’re ready for a new suspenseful series. The list is updated regularly, so it’s worth checking again for fresh options and changing rankings. With so many strong picks in one place, you can quickly narrow down what fits your mood and move straight to the next watch.
Frequently Asked Questions
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 a Hulu subscription to watch these?
Yes. Every title on this list is currently available on Hulu. Availability can change, so we recommend checking the streaming link on each title before you start watching.
How are these thriller shows ranked?
We rank by a combination of audience rating and current popularity, so you're seeing the thriller titles people are actually watching right now, not just an old fixed list.