7 Underrated Crime ThrillersTo Watch On Netflix, JioHotstar, and More

If you’re looking for something that actually rewards your attention instead of just providing background noise, I’ve pulled together a list of crime and thriller series that deserve a spot on your watch list. We’re talking about proper, "just one more episode" television.

Presumed Innocent

Apple TV+ has been on a bit of a tear lately, and 'Presumed Innocent' is a prime example. Starring Jake Gyllenhaal, this remake of the classic legal thriller feels fresh, claustrophobic, and genuinely puzzling. It follows a prosecutor who finds himself accused of murdering a colleague with whom he was having an affair.

The Night Of

This HBO limited series starts with a panicked young man (Riz Ahmed) fleeing a crime scene and turns into a brutal examination of the American criminal justice system.

It is grim, but it’s also incredibly human. John Turturro is phenomenal as the world-weary, eczema-suffering lawyer who takes on the case. It’s the kind of show that lingers in your mind for weeks, making you question how any of us would fare if the system decided we were guilty.

Black Bird

Taron Egerton and the late, great Ray Liotta lead this powerhouse of a series. 'Black Bird' is based on the true story of a convicted drug dealer who is offered a deal: go to a maximum-security prison for the criminally insane, befriend a suspected serial killer, and get a confession. The chemistry between Egerton and Paul Walter Hauser (who plays the suspect) is chilling.

Asur

'Asur' is a hidden gem that blends modern forensic science with ancient Hindu mythology. It’s a unique serial killer cat-and-mouse game where the murderer believes they are the reincarnation of a demon (Asura) meant to bring about the end of the world. Arshad Warsi is brilliant as the seasoned forensic expert pushed to his breaking point. It’s a dense, intellectual thriller that manages to be both culturally specific and universally gripping. 

Tokyo Vice

'Tokyo Vice' is a gorgeous, neon-soaked dive into the 1990s Japanese underworld. Based on the memoirs of Jake Adelstein, it follows an American journalist who manages to get a job at a major Tokyo newspaper and starts poking his nose into Yakuza business. The show is fantastic at capturing the clash of cultures and the rigid social hierarchies of Japan.

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Kohrra

'Kohrra' is a masterclass in atmospheric storytelling. Set in rural Punjab, it begins with the discovery of a murdered bridegroom just days after his wedding. While the whodunnit is strong, the show is really about the rot beneath the surface of a community, the patriarchy, the generational trauma, and the secrets people kill to keep.

The Recruit

It stars Noah Centineo as a fledgling CIA lawyer who gets dragged into a dangerous world of international power politics after a former asset threatens to expose the agency. It’s fast-paced, funny, and doesn’t take itself too seriously, yet it still manages to keep the stakes high.

Whether you’re in the mood for a gritty legal battle or a deep dive into international crime, these seven shows prove that the best stories aren’t always the ones everyone is shouting about.

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Image Courtesy: IMDb