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 tension, 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 ‘whodunnit’ before even the lead does – although the best series are those where that ‘aha’ moment comes only moments before the reveal, if at all.

Though the offering of original series on Prime Video isn’t quite as broad as certain 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 an array of nail-biting mysteries from around the world. That catalog crosses over to many subgenres like 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 this series, which is set before he was discovered to be a serial killer and instead worked as a psychologist alongside the FBI, catching dangerous criminals. The show delves into gruesome murders while also exploring the fascinating relationship between Hannibal and FBI profiler Will Graham.

Though Anthony Hopkins made the role iconic in the Hannibal movies, Mikkelsen finds his own effective approach to the memorable character. The show is shockingly violent for a network crime show and that allows for Hannibal and Will to explore some truly unsettling crimes as well as criminals that rival Hannibal himself in terms of brutality.

24 Elementary (2012-2019)

Sherlock Holmes Solves Cases In Modern New York City

Bringing in perhaps the most famous detective character of all time immediately makes Elementary one of the stand-out shows in the genre. While Benedict Cumberbatch’s Sherlock series is the more famous and effective approach to bringing Sherlock Holmes into the 21st century, Elementary managed the same idea without feeling unnecessary. The twist on this take is that Sherlock travels to New York City, where he helps out 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 around with the Sherlock Holmes lore.

23 Moonlighting (1985-1989)

A Rich Model And Immature Private Eye Run A Detective Agency

Before becoming a household name thanks to the success of Die 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 Madolyn “Maddie” Hayes, a former fashion model who finds her fortune gone thanks to shading money managers. With the only investment she has left being a small detective agency run by the fun-loving and immature David Addison (Willis), she decides to run it with him.

The show has clever and interesting cases for Maddie and David to investigate each week while 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 as a comedy series. The show has clever and interesting cases for Maddie and David to investigate each week while they struggle with their love-hate relationship with each other. However, the show also breaks the fourth wall constantly, makes meta jokes, and even falls into musical numbers on occasion, making 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 rather just a memorable detective character at the center of it all. Such is the case with Bosch, which feels like a throwback detective series, exploring a hard-edged protagonist solving crimes each week. Harry Bosch is a skilled LAPD detective who refuses 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 some interesting cases with Bosch typically investigating one over-arching crime across an entire season. He is also a character who, despite his many flaws, is fun to spend time with and see how he interacts with the modern world. The series was popular enough to earn 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 from Lee Child’s best-selling book series, there is a lot of muscle included with the character’s sharp mind. The character was adapted for television with Alan Ritchson playing the large and powerful former member of the military police, who has not given up his penchant for sleuthing as he seems to find himself dragged into one mystery after another.

The character of Jack Reacher was first brought to the screen in 2012 with Tom Cruise in the lead role.

It is a lot of fun seeing this kind of detective character as Reacher 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 is also not shy about kicking down doors or punching out suspects if he thinks that is the more effective approach. Season 3 of Reacher will bring Ritchson back for more of a mix of brain power and muscle power.

20 House (2004-2012)

A Series Of Medical Mysteries With An Unlikeable 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 which can make him a hard man 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 follows the case-of-the-week format with House tackling one unusual patient after another, punctuated 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 his 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 latest actor to play Spade in Monsieur Spade, a new series that follows the detective into 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, like Out of Sight and The Lookout, as well as creating the miniseries The Queen’s Gambit. His style fits in perfectly with the noir sensibilities of the character of Sam Spade while also taking his own approach to a neo-noir. Owen makes for a compelling lead as a detective in a gripping and complex mystery.

Humphrey Bogart famously played Sam Spade in the 1941 adaptation of
The Maltese Falcon
.

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 also happens to be a solid detective show as well. Batman: The Animated Series is a beloved take on the Caped Crusader with Kevin Conroy providing the distinct vocals for the iconic hero. The show is a dark and noir-esque show that follows Batman on his various adventures in Gotham City, taking 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 this show helps to earn him that reputation more so than a lot of the blockbuster movies the character has appeared in. Episodes like “Perchance to Dream” and “Heart of Ice” see the character getting 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 hugely influenced by the 90s cartoon, but it is also its own show. The show presents Gotham as a city straight out of old noir movies with Batman in his early days of crime-fighting, being 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 each episode, while Batman is seen as a more complex character, one who seeks to take down criminals but has also lost 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 came along in the last several years, Broadchurch is one of the most popular and served as an inspiration for many of the ones that followed. Olivia Colman and David Tennant star in the series as two detectives who arrive in a small coastal town to investigate a murder that has rocked the community and torn people apart.

The grim and brooding tone of the story makes for an emotional and impactful story, with a similar feel to HBO’s acclaimed Mare of Easttown. It focuses on the complicated lives of the detectives investigating the crime while also on the community that has been so affected by the shocking murder. Colman and Tennant make for top-notch leads, avoiding 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 area, involving the colorful characters who populate these villages. While the cast has changed a couple of times over the show’s nearly three-decade run, the patient and level-headed Detective Chief Inspector Tom Barnaby was the key detective.

The best Midsomer Murders episodes showcase the show’s unique tone. 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 well. It feels heavily inspired by the works of Agatha Christie with a similar sharpness and quaintness. With the series beginning 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 television’s most charming detectives is available to watch on Prime Video. Murder, She Wrote stars Angela Lansbury as Jessica Fletcher, a mystery writer who decides to use her skills for a more active role in murder mysteries as she endeavors to become an amateur sleuth in her small community of Maine.

Jessica is a very charming and kind detective, differing from the kind of hardboiled and brooding heroes that 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 like 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 principal actor. The show maintains a lasting legacy as a Murder, She Wrote movie is in the works.

13 Columbo (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 which Prime Video users can confirm for themselves. Columbo is a funny, intelligent, and exciting mystery series that stars Peter Falk as the titular detective, a Los Angeles police detective who investigates various murders in his own unique and highly effective way. Though Columbo comes off as a bit of a scatter-brained and bumbling investigator, only for that personality to gradually reveal that he is playing the suspects.

Unlike a lot of shows in the genre, Columbo never attempts 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 out the truth but in seeing Columbo pick away and the seemingly foolproof plan these killers have constructed to get away with it.

12 Gracepoint (2014)

The US Remake Of Broadchurch

An American remake of the British crime drama Broadchurch, Gracepoint sees David Tennant reprise his role as Detective Emmett Carver (Alec Hardy in Broadchurch) in the ten-part series. Tennant appears opposite Breaking Bad star 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 shines 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 Gracepoint, the gripping narrative expertly weaves together the complexities of small-town relationships with the procedural intricacies of crime-solving, offering 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

From author Harlan Coben, Shelter is based on the novel of the same name, and follows the story of Mickey Bolitar (Jaden Michael). Following his father’s death, Mickey moves across the country, and upon joining his new school, immediately gets wrapped up in the mysterious disappearance of his classmate. Harlan Coben’s Shelter masterfully transitions from the written page to the screen, encapsulating the essence of Coben’s gripping storytelling with the addition of a visual depth that enriches the narrative.

Starring Jaden Michael as Mickey Bolitar, the series quickly immerses viewers in a complex web of mystery, teenage angst, and the quest for truth in the aftermath of personal tragedy. As Mickey delves into the disappearance of his classmate, the series adeptly explores themes of loss, identity, and the resilience of the human spirit against the backdrop of high school’s tumultuous social hierarchy. The first season ran for eight episodes and concluded in August 2023. Sadly, Harlan Coben’s Shelter season 2 will not be moving forward as the show was canceled.

10 Grimm (2011-2017)

A Detective Battling Supernatural Elements

After a homicide detective finds that he’s a descendant of a group of hunters who spent their days chasing down supernatural creatures, Nick Burkhardt (David Giuntoli) reluctantly finds himself pulled into this new world. Grimm combines elements of a typical detective drama with Buffy the Vampire Slayer, following Nick as he battles against 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, eerie atmosphere.

Grimm stands out as a genre-blending series that marries the procedural structure of detective dramas with the fantastical elements of supernatural folklore, creating a unique narrative 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, Grimm delves into themes of destiny, morality, and the thin line between humanity and the monstrous.

9 Upload (2020-Present)

In A Virtuality Reality Afterlife, The Dead Seeks To Find His Own Killer

In the very 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 Nathan was murdered, leading her down a rabbit hole to find the truth. Upload combines crime drama with science fiction, developing a modern and futuristic terror throughout.

Robbie Amell’s Nathan Brown provides 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 connection to Nathan’s past and present, her determination to uncover the truth about Nathan’s death adding layers of suspense and emotional depth to Upload’s narrative.

8 Carnival Row (2019-2023)

A Victorian Fantasy, Intertwined With Murder Mystery

Carnival Row follows a group of oppressed mythical beings living alongside humans, with the two species trying to coexist among tension and fear of one another. Hybrid human-fae 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 presents a rich tapestry of fantasy, noir, and socio-political commentary, set against the backdrop of a Victorian-inspired dystopian world where mythical creatures and humans grapple with coexistence amidst prejudice and fear.

Carnival Row
ran for two seasons and concluded 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 concluded 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 reclaim her identity and unravel the truth of her abduction is fraught with 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.

Its 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 cancelation after three seasons, Absentia remains a standout series for its intense storytelling, rich character development, and the way it maintains suspense and emotional resonance throughout its run. It has 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 within the crowded field of British crime drama through its meticulous attention to detail, deep emotional resonance, and the stellar performances of its cast, particularly Nicola Walker as DCI Cassie Stuart. Each season’s narrative is crafted around a cold case, which not only challenges the detectives’ skills but also delves into the profound impacts of unresolved grief, secrets, and the quest 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 face, set against the backdrop of meticulously plotted mysteries. Walker’s departure in the fourth season marks a poignant turn in the series, showcasing the high stakes and personal toll involved in such deeply immersive investigative work. Unforgotten’s 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 in the landscape of British television.