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If you're a fan of gripping suspense, intricate plots, and unexpected twists, mystery thrillers are the perfect genre to immerse yourself in. These series often blend crime, psychological drama, and detective work, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. Whether it's solving a murder, unraveling a conspiracy, or delving into the dark recesses of the human mind, mystery thrillers offer an endless supply of nail-biting excitement.

From classic whodunits to mind-bending psychological puzzles, here are some of the best TV series to watch if you love mystery thrillers.

1. True Detective (2014 - Present)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Psychological Thriller
Streaming On: HBO Max

True Detective is one of the most iconic mystery thrillers of the past decade, with each season offering a fresh cast and a new, twisted case. Season 1, starring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, remains a fan favorite, featuring two detectives investigating a chilling murder in rural Louisiana. The series is known for its atmospheric tone, complex characters, and philosophical musings on morality and time.

Each season dives into the darkness of human nature, with meticulously crafted plots that keep viewers guessing until the very end. The show’s slow-burn tension and focus on unraveling deep psychological mysteries make it a must-watch for fans of the genre.

2. Mindhunter (2017 - 2019)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Psychological Thriller
Streaming On: Netflix

Mindhunter takes viewers into the early days of the FBI's Behavioral Science Unit, as agents Holden Ford and Bill Tench interview notorious serial killers to understand how they think. Based on real-life events, this show is not just about solving crimes but about the psychology behind the killers' actions. The show’s slow pace and methodical approach to criminal profiling make it a fascinating, cerebral experience.

The chilling interviews with criminals like Edmund Kemper and Richard Speck, combined with the unsettling atmosphere, make Mindhunter one of the best psychological thrillers of recent years. The show was highly praised for its attention to detail, excellent performances, and the complex dynamics between its central characters.

3. Sherlock (2010 - 2017)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Streaming On: Netflix, BBC iPlayer

If you love a sharp-witted detective with a flair for solving the most perplexing cases, Sherlock is a must-watch. This modern adaptation of Arthur Conan Doyle’s Sherlock Holmes stories stars Benedict Cumberbatch as the brilliant but socially awkward detective and Martin Freeman as his loyal companion, Dr. John Watson.

Set in contemporary London, Sherlock takes the classic tales of Holmes and updates them with a thrilling pace and fresh perspective. Each episode is a masterclass in deductive reasoning, full of clever twists, hidden clues, and a healthy dose of humor. The chemistry between Cumberbatch and Freeman adds an extra layer of appeal, making Sherlock a captivating watch for fans of clever mystery thrillers.

4. The Night Manager (2016)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video

Based on the novel by John le Carré, The Night Manager is a sleek, stylish thriller that blends espionage, crime, and international intrigue. Tom Hiddleston stars as Jonathan Pine, a former soldier turned hotel manager, who is recruited by British intelligence to infiltrate the world of an arms dealer played by Hugh Laurie. What ensues is a game of cat-and-mouse filled with danger, deception, and moral ambiguity.

The series is known for its atmospheric tension, sharp writing, and complex characters. The dynamic between Hiddleston and Laurie is electric, making it a must-watch for anyone who enjoys suspenseful thrillers with a dash of international espionage.

5. Broadchurch (2013 - 2017)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Streaming On: Netflix

Broadchurch is a British crime drama set in a small coastal town where the murder of a young boy shakes the community to its core. Detectives Alec Hardy (David Tennant) and Ellie Miller (Olivia Colman) investigate the case, uncovering hidden secrets and personal tragedies along the way.

The series expertly blends mystery and emotional drama, with stellar performances from its cast and a hauntingly beautiful setting. Each season delves deeper into the consequences of the crime, exploring themes of grief, guilt, and redemption. The intense emotional stakes and complex character dynamics make Broadchurch a standout in the mystery thriller genre.

6. The Sinner (2017 - 2021)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Streaming On: Netflix

The Sinner is a psychological thriller that follows Detective Harry Ambrose (Bill Pullman) as he investigates seemingly simple crimes that reveal much darker, more complex motives. Each season of The Sinner tackles a new case, often featuring ordinary people who commit inexplicable, violent acts and are forced to confront hidden aspects of their past.

What sets The Sinner apart is its focus on character psychology, exploring why someone would commit such a crime rather than just who did it. The twists and revelations throughout each season are mind-bending, and Pullman’s nuanced performance as the troubled detective adds a layer of emotional depth to the series.

7. The Outsider (2020)

Genre: Crime, Horror, Mystery
Streaming On: HBO Max

Based on Stephen King's novel, The Outsider combines elements of crime, mystery, and horror into a chilling narrative. When a young boy is brutally murdered in a small town, all evidence points to a local teacher, Terry Maitland (Jason Bateman). However, as Detective Ralph Anderson (Ben Mendelsohn) investigates further, the case takes a supernatural turn, revealing a darker, more insidious force at play.

The series blends a traditional murder mystery with supernatural horror, offering a unique twist on the genre. The slow-building suspense, eerie atmosphere, and compelling performances make The Outsider a standout for fans of unsettling mystery thrillers.

8. Big Little Lies (2017 - 2019)

Genre: Drama, Mystery, Thriller
Streaming On: HBO Max

Big Little Lies is a compelling blend of drama, mystery, and dark comedy, set in an affluent coastal town in California. The series follows the lives of several women whose seemingly perfect lives begin to unravel after a murder occurs at a school fundraiser. The mystery of who was killed—and who did it—unfolds slowly as the story delves into themes of domestic violence, betrayal, and hidden secrets.

With an all-star cast that includes Reese Witherspoon, Nicole Kidman, and Shailene Woodley, Big Little Lies offers a deeply engaging look at the lives of its characters, all while keeping viewers on the edge of their seats with its complex mystery. The beautiful cinematography and emotional depth add to the overall experience, making it a must-watch for mystery thriller fans.

9. Luther (2010 - 2019)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Thriller
Streaming On: Hulu, Amazon Prime Video

Luther stars Idris Elba as John Luther, a brilliant but troubled detective working in the Serious Crime Unit of the London Police. Known for his intense, high-energy performances, Elba brings to life a character who is both a genius investigator and a man deeply affected by the darkness of the cases he works on.

The series is gritty, intense, and full of unpredictable twists. Luther’s own personal demons make him a flawed but compelling protagonist, and the show balances psychological depth with edge-of-your-seat thrills. Each episode introduces new cases, each more twisted than the last, making Luther a perfect choice for fans of dark, atmospheric thrillers.

10. Rellik (2017)

Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Streaming On: Amazon Prime Video

Rellik (spelled "Killer" backwards) offers a unique take on the mystery thriller genre. The show unfolds in reverse, starting with the end of the story and working backward to reveal the events that led up to a series of brutal murders. This inverted narrative structure creates a fascinating sense of suspense, as viewers are slowly piecing together the puzzle in reverse order.

The series stars Richard Dormer as Gabriel, a detective obsessed with solving the case, even as his own personal life unravels. The unconventional storytelling and slow-burning suspense make Rellik a gripping watch for fans of both psychological thrillers and crime mysteries.

Conclusion

Whether you're drawn to the complex mind of a detective, the chilling motivations behind a crime, or the slow-burning tension of a well-crafted mystery, these TV series offer some of the best mystery thrillers in recent years. Each series brings something unique to the genre, from atmospheric tension and psychological depth to shocking plot twists and unforgettable characters. So, grab your popcorn, settle in, and prepare for some edge-of-your-seat entertainment with these thrilling, mind-bending shows.