10 Underrated Crime Dramas to Binge on Prime Video

Crime drama has long been a cornerstone of Prime Video’s catalog, led by mega-hits like Bosch and Reacher. These flagship series have helped define the platform’s reputation for gritty storytelling, morally complex characters, and edge-of-your-seat narratives. But while these shows command attention, they’ve also left little room for many equally compelling series to get their due recognition.

The biggest drawback of Prime Video’s crime catalog being so dominated by household names is that smaller, lesser-known gems get buried. There are obscure crime drama TV shows on Prime Video that rival the intensity, writing, and suspense of the more famous hits, yet they never quite crossed into mainstream consciousness. Despite critical acclaim, these shows often slipped under the radar, overshadowed by genre-defining blockbusters.

These hidden and overlooked shows on Amazon Prime Video may not have had the cultural footprint of the crime dramas everyone’s already talking about, but they offer gripping storytelling, unforgettable characters, and plenty of reasons to dive in.

Mouse (2021)

A Korean Psychological Thriller That Digs Deep Into The Minds Of Killers

South Korea has mastered dark thrillers, and 2021’s Mouse belongs among the best. The series stars Lee Seung-gi as Jung Ba-reum, a seemingly kindhearted rookie cop whose investigation into a string of brutal murders leads him down a path of chilling revelations. It’s a show that dives headfirst into questions of morality, genetics, and whether evil can be predetermined.

Unlike typical police procedurals, Mouse goes much deeper into psychology. The show blurs the line between detective drama and philosophical exploration, using its crimes not just as puzzles to solve but as ways to explore the human condition. For fans of crime dramas that double as psychological thrillers, this one will keep them guessing at every turn.

Though it was a hit in Korea, Mouse remains one of the more obscure crime drama TV shows on Prime Video internationally. It’s dense, unpredictable, and not afraid to push boundaries, making it a perfect watch for fans who like their crime dramas pitch-black.

Hamish MacBeth (1995-1997)

A Quirky Scottish Mystery Series With Plenty Of Charm

Based on M.C. Beaton’s novels, Hamish MacBeth stars Robert Carlyle as the titular village constable. Hamish’s small Highland community might not sound like the setting for high-stakes crime, but this offbeat British series blends gentle rural humor with darker undercurrents of mystery. It’s a rare crime drama that isn’t afraid to be eccentric while still tackling serious cases.

The charm comes largely from Carlyle, who plays Hamish as a deceptively laid-back but sharp-witted officer. His investigations deal with murders, thefts, and secrets bubbling beneath the surface of a tight-knit village, where everyone knows everyone’s business. The rural Scottish setting becomes just as much a character as the cast.

Hamish MacBeth never gained international recognition despite its quality and place among the best British crime series, which makes its Amazon Prime Video availability such a gift. It’s not only one of the most obscure crime drama TV shows on Prime Video, but also one of the most unique, proving the genre doesn’t always have to be grim or urban.

Patriot (2015-2018)

A Darkly Comic Espionage Thriller Unlike Anything Else

Patriot is one of those rare shows that defies easy categorization. It follows intelligence officer John Tavner (Michael Dorman), whose undercover mission to prevent Iran from going nuclear involves posing as a Midwestern industrial worker. What could have been a straightforward spy story becomes a surreal, tragicomic exploration of the psychological cost of double lives.

What sets Patriot apart is its tonal balance. It’s technically a spy series, but also a crime drama, a workplace satire, and a dry comedy all at once. Instead of glamorizing espionage, it highlights the absurdity, danger, and collateral damage that come with living under constant lies. Its humor only makes its moments of violence and betrayal more effective.

Though critics adored it, Patriot never reached mainstream success. That makes its spot on Prime Video essential viewing for fans of crime dramas who want something unconventional, layered, and ultimately unforgettable. It’s a crime-riddled spy thriller, but one that refuses to play by the rules.

Breathe (2018)

An Indian Psychological Crime Drama With A Unique Twist

The Indian crime drama Breathe is a tense thriller that puts ordinary people in extraordinary moral dilemmas. The series begins with Danny Mascarenhas (R. Madhavan), a desperate father who goes to extreme lengths to save his terminally ill son. His acts of vigilante justice catch the attention of detective Kabir Sawant (Amit Sadh), leading to a gripping cat-and-mouse game.

What makes Breathe stand out is its willingness to explore how far people will go when driven by love, fear, and desperation. Instead of focusing purely on criminals or detectives, it looks at ordinary men pushed into extraordinary crimes. The dual perspectives – father versus detective – give the series its unrelenting tension.

As one of the more obscure crime drama TV shows on Prime Video outside India, Breathe is an incredible hidden gem. Its morally complex storyline and powerhouse performances elevate it far above a standard procedural, making it essential for viewers who enjoy crime dramas with a psychological edge.

Penoza (2010-2017)

A Mob Drama With A Gripping Female Lead

Dutch series Penoza tells the story of Carmen van Walraven (Monic Hendrickx), a woman forced into the underworld after her husband’s assassination. What begins as a tale of survival soon transforms into Carmen’s evolution into a crime boss, navigating betrayal, rival gangs, and law enforcement while struggling to protect her family.

The show’s strength lies in its blend of crime drama and family saga. It explores both the brutality of organized crime and the deeply personal cost of living within it. Carmen isn’t just fighting criminals; she’s battling to keep her children safe while her world grows increasingly dangerous.

Though it inspired the American adaptation Red Widow, the original Penoza remains criminally underrated internationally. As one of the best obscure crime drama TV shows on Prime Video, it’s a must-watch for fans who enjoy crime dramas centered on complex female leads and layered storytelling across multiple seasons.

Goliath (2015-2021)

A Legal Thriller That Doubles As A Neo-Noir Crime Drama

Goliath follows disgraced lawyer Billy McBride (Billy Bob Thornton), who takes on powerful corporations and corrupt systems in a battle for justice. While marketed as a legal drama, it’s much darker than that – each season blends courtroom battles with noir-inspired crime storytelling, filled with violence, conspiracies, and morally ambiguous characters.

Thornton gives one of his best performances as McBride, a man beaten down by the system but unwilling to give up. What makes the show shine is how it frames legal battles as crime dramas in disguise. Each case is a war, with villains every bit as ruthless as mob bosses.

Despite its high-profile star, Goliath never got the mainstream attention of Prime Video’s bigger titles. For those looking for obscure crime drama TV shows on Prime Video with a sharp legal twist, this series is a gem. Its gritty tone and unpredictable arcs make it unforgettable.

Too Old To Die Young (2019)

A Neon-Soaked Noir That Blends Crime Drama With Art-House Surrealism

Directed by Nicolas Winding Refn, Too Old To Die Young is among Prime Video’s most polarizing originals – and one of its most daring. The series follows Martin Jones (Miles Teller), a morally compromised Los Angeles deputy sheriff who descends deeper into the criminal underworld after a tragedy. Across ten episodes, the show explores cartel violence, vigilante justice, and spiritual decay.

Unlike most crime dramas, this series unfolds at a glacial, dreamlike pace. Refn’s signature neon-soaked visuals and haunting sound design turn Los Angeles into a surreal nightmare, making every scene feel both hyper-stylized and deeply unsettling. The crimes here aren’t just procedural puzzles – they’re existential explorations of violence, power, and corruption.

While divisive, Too Old To Die Young has gained cult status among fans of unconventional storytelling. It’s easily one of the most obscure crime drama TV shows on Prime Video, though it shouldn’t be with its unique blend of noir and experimental cinema. For crime drama enthusiasts willing to embrace something radically different, it’s essential viewing.

Wire In The Blood (2002-2008)

A Psychological Thriller That Digs Into Serial Killers’ Minds

Robson Green stars in Wire In The Blood as Dr. Tony Hill, a clinical psychologist who assists Detective Inspector Carol Jordan (Hermione Norris) in tracking serial killers. What sets Wire In The Blood apart from typical police procedurals is its deep psychological focus – similarly to the likes of Criminal Minds, each case isn’t just about catching killers, but understanding their darkest impulses.

The series is unflinching in its portrayal of violence and trauma. It doesn’t shy away from disturbing subject matter, yet its commitment to psychological accuracy makes it more than just shock value. Hill’s fragile but brilliant character becomes the emotional center of the series, grounding even its darkest moments.

Although highly regarded in the UK, Wire In The Blood flew under the radar internationally. On Prime Video, it stands as one of the best obscure crime drama TV shows available, offering a smart, unsettling, and gripping alternative for fans who enjoy cerebral crime dramas.

Line Of Duty (2012-2026)

An Addictive British Series About Police Corruption

Few shows tackle institutional corruption with as much tension as Line Of Duty. The series follows Detective Sergeant Steve Arnott (Martin Compston) as he joins AC-12, an anti-corruption unit investigating police officers. With Superintendent Ted Hastings (Adrian Dunbar) leading the unit, each season explores a different officer whose loyalties may not be what they seem.

The brilliance of Line Of Duty lies in its structure. Every episode ratchets up the suspense through interrogations, betrayals, and cliffhangers that rival the best thrillers. Its slow-burn approach makes its shocking twists hit even harder, while its focus on systemic corruption gives it depth beyond the usual crime drama.

Line Of Duty hasn’t reached the same status internationally as it deservedly has in the UK. That makes its Prime Video availability all the more valuable. For fans seeking obscure crime drama TV shows on Amazon Prime Video, this series is among the most gripping and addictive.

Spooks (2002-2011)

A Tense British Espionage Series That Mixes Crime And Politics

Spooks (also released internationally as MI-5) is one of the most riveting espionage-focused crime dramas of the 2000s. Centered on MI5 counter-intelligence officers like Tom Quinn (Matthew Macfadyen) and Harry Pearce (Peter Firth), it blends espionage with crime drama as its team faces terrorism, political conspiracies, and betrayals from within.

The show became notorious for its willingness to kill off major characters, keeping audiences in a constant state of uncertainty. It’s also lauded for its realism, avoiding flashy spy gadgets in favor of grounded tradecraft and the moral compromises of intelligence work. Each season weaves political intrigue with deeply personal stakes.

Despite lasting nearly a decade, Spooks remains a hidden gem outside the UK. On Prime Video, it’s one of the most essential obscure crime drama TV shows available, combining procedural intensity with high-stakes espionage. For fans who crave a smart, unpredictable, and pulse-pounding series, Spooks delivers.