10 Crime Dramas Like ‘Secrets We Keep’ You Must Watch Now

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The recently debuted Danish miniseries by Netflix, titled “Secrets We Keep,” has earned a perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes, placing it among Netflix’s acclaimed crime television shows. This gripping drama is set in an upscale, secluded community north of Copenhagen, where the protagonist Cecile (Marie Bach Hansen) resides with her husband Mike (Simon Sears) and son Viggo (Lukas Zuperka). Their neighbors, Katarina (Danica Ćurčić) and Rasmus (Lars Ranthe), along with their son Oscar (Frode Bilde Rønsholt), live next door.

Regularly, the women and their kids assemble with their Filipino nannies, Angel (Excel Busano) and Ruby (Donna Levkovski), whom they consider family members. One evening after supper, Ruby (Donna Levkovski) implores Cecile for aid, explaining she must escape Katarina’s home. Cecile declines to intervene. The following day, Ruby vanishes without a clue, having left her possessions and passport untouched. Cecile strives to unravel the mystery, growing convinced that those surrounding her are not as they seem.

Secrets We Keep captivates viewers not only through its intricate plot but also by exploring deeper themes such as class, race, and misogyny. If you find yourself yearning for more series that share a similar tone following the gripping finale, this collection should satisfy your cravings.

10 outstanding crime dramas you shouldn’t miss out on, especially if you found Netflix’s “Secrets We Keep” captivating.

10
‘Quicksand’ (2019)

The Swedish crime drama titled “Quicksand” is based on Malin Persson’s well-known novel. The storyline centers around a tragic shooting incident taking place within a Stockholm preparatory school’s classroom. The primary suspect in this case is Maja (portrayed by Hanna Ardéhn), yet her best friend, Amanda (Ella Rappich), and boyfriend, Sebastian (Felix Sandman), are found deceased at the scene. The narrative unfolds through a combination of flashbacks from the past and current events, revealing the sequence of events that culminated in the shooting, starting with Maja’s intense romance with Sebastian.

Will Grip You Like Quicksand

Similar to the miniseries “Secrets We Keep,” this production delves deep into themes of class, the distorted perception of the privileged towards less fortunate individuals, and the disconnection between the affluent and reality. However, its primary focuses are domestic abuse, gun violence, and mental health issues – topics it fearlessly tackles. “Quicksand” doesn’t flinch from confronting these harsh realities, making for a thought-provoking and intensely captivating viewing experience.

9
‘Defending Jacob’ (2020)

In addition to being adapted from a novel, this Apple TV+ series combines elements of murder mystery and legal drama. Chris Evans portrays the character Andy Barber, who is both a district attorney and a father. His 14-year-old son, Jacob (played by Jaeden Martell), stands accused of murdering one of his classmates in the woods. Despite mounting evidence against him, Andy remains convinced of his son’s innocence and embarks on his own investigation to clear his name. This pursuit puts a significant strain on Andy’s marriage with his wife Laurie (Michelle Dockery).

A Compelling Watch With an Unsettling Ending

Although the concept of a parent doubting the innocence of their own child, who could possibly be a violent sociopath, has been explored often before, “Defending Jacob” manages to breathe new life into this theme. The series effectively combines elements of family drama and courtroom suspense. In a way that’s reminiscent of “Secrets We Keep,” it’s character-driven, creating a deeply moving portrayal of a family that will be forever changed by these events. Like the successful Danish miniseries, it also delves into just how far some parents might go to shield their child, even when that child may be past the point of redemption.

8
‘The Chestnut Man’ (2021 – Present)

This gripping Netflix miniseries is based on Søren Sveistrup’s own 2019 novel, titled the same as the series. This author is famed for creating the critically acclaimed Danish show “The Killing,” which was also remade in America. The storyline of “The Chestnut Man” unfolds around a chilling mystery that started back in 1987, when a family was brutally murdered on their secluded farm. In contemporary times, multiple women are discovered dead under disturbingly similar circumstances, and at each crime scene, there’s an enigmatic figurine made from chestnuts.

A Gripping, Twisted Scandinavian Crime Thriller

Danica Curcic, portraying Katarina in “Secrets We Keep“, takes on the role of Naia Thulin, the detective handling the case. This six-episode Nordic noir has garnered significant acclaim within its genre. Right from the opening scene, it hooks viewers with its gripping dark crime narrative, making for an excellent choice for a binge-watching session. Initially conceived as a limited series, plans for a second season have been announced, said to serve as a self-contained addition to the storyline.

7
‘Alba’ (2021)

This Spanish limited series, modeled after a Turkish show, ranks as one of the streaming service’s toughest viewings due to strong adult content advisories. The main character, Alba, portrayed by Elena Rivera, is a university student who awakens on a beach, devoid of memories from the previous night, having been drugged and assaulted sexually. Her attackers are none other than her boyfriend Bruno’s (Eric Masip) closest friends, who belong to Madrid’s elite and powerful social circle.

Portrays the Struggles of Real-Life Victims

Similar to the film Secrets We Keep, the movie Alba showcases how the affluent often remain immune from punishment, while it explores the twisted, misogynistic thoughts prevalent in certain minds. The protagonist’s struggle against the atrocious crimes inflicted upon her invites viewers to connect with rape victims, highlighting the hardships and biases they face when seeking justice. Despite being painfully intense and nauseating at times, this narrative serves as a profound character study that will strike a chord with and motivate numerous people.

6
‘Two Summers’ (2022)

Two Summers is a five-episode Belgian miniseries that alternates between the years 1992 and 2022. The narrative unfolds with a wealthy politician being blackmailed via texts, revealing a video of a crime he and his male companions from their friend circle had committed three decades ago – an act of sexual assault against one of their female friends. Immediately following this shocking revelation, these very same friends gather at the politician’s private island for a luxurious weekend birthday celebration when he turns 50.

A Suspenseful Drama With Much to Say

The thrilling-drama series delves deep into the intricate pasts of the group, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats. As the show progresses, yet another mystery unfolds, captivating audiences even more. Similar to other shows mentioned previously, Two Summers tackles significant themes related to sexual assault. In this series, it provides a harsh criticism of the “boys will be boys” mindset, while debunking excuses for sexual abuse and highlighting the fact that perpetrators seldom face consequences. It becomes an engaging watch during the summer if you’re seeking something thought-provoking when you want something more profound during the season.

5
‘A Nearly Normal Family’ (2023)

Based on a novel, this limited series chronicles the Sandell family, who appear to be a typical, content household residing in a picturesque Swedish suburb. Mother Ulkira (Lo Kauppi) is a lawyer, while father Adam (Björn Bengtsson) serves as a minister. Their daughter Stella (Alexandra Karlsson Tyrefors), who endured a harrowing ordeal several years ago, seems to be recovering and making strides towards a new life. However, their tranquility is once more disrupted when Stella, now 19, is apprehended for the murder of her boyfriend, Chris Olsen (Christian Fandango Sundgren), who was 32 years old.

An Explosive Crime Drama About Family Dynamics

The series, “A Nearly Normal Family,” switches between characters’ viewpoints and timeframes to construct a gripping tale, much like “Secrets We Keep.” With its captivating plotline and running for under five hours, it offers an equally compelling binge-watching experience. Moreover, it delves into the lengths parents will go to shield their kids, shedding light on the complex nature of family bonds and the darker implications behind the concept.

4
‘Black Snow’ (2021 – Present)

Black Snow

“Black Snow” is an Australian crime drama that revolves around the life of James Cormack, a diligent and tormented cold case detective, who is still haunted by the disappearance of his brother from decades past. The narrative unfolds in two distinct seasons:

In the first season, we delve into the 1994 murder of Isabelle Baker, a 17-year-old girl, as an old clue found inside a time capsule reactivates the case and leads us deep into the heart of North Queensland’s South Sea Islander community.

The second season shifts its focus to a small town outside Brisbane, where we follow the events surrounding Zoe Jacobs’ disappearance from her 21st birthday party in 2003. Amidst this, James Cormack remains relentless in his pursuit for answers about his brother’s disappearance.

A Mystery Driven By Important Sociopolitical Topics

A significant aspect that keeps Black Snow intriguing is its employment of two separate timelines to gradually reveal each secret. Fimmel’s portrayal offers a compelling act that sets his character apart from other TV detectives. Similar to Secrets We Keep, it’s the societal, political, and cultural aspects that propel the narrative. The inaugural season delves into the lasting effects of Australia’s dismal past involving blackbirding, colonialism, and the mistreatment and dehumanization of immigrants. Season 2 delves into how urban development affects disadvantaged communities.

3
‘Adolescence’ (2025)

When it debuted on Netflix, the miniseries titled “Adolescence” dominated streaming charts in numerous countries and garnered acclaim from viewers and reviewers alike. Co-created by the talented duo Stephen Graham and Jack Thorne, this four-part series introduces Owen Cooper as Jamie Miller, a 13-year-old boy who is arrested for fatally stabbing his classmate Katie Leonard (Emilia Holliday). At first, Jamie’s father, portrayed by Graham, maintains his belief in his son’s innocence. However, the evidence that surfaces paints a different picture.

A Portrayal of How Toxic Masculinity Shapes Young Minds

As a dedicated movie enthusiast, I can’t help but be drawn into this gripping series that delves deep into the reasons behind a chilling crime. It’s not just about the act itself, but also the heart-wrenching ripple effects it creates within the family. The cinematography is remarkable, with its single, continuous take, creating an intensely immersive and unsettling atmosphere.

The show tackles several thought-provoking themes, including the dark corners of incel culture, the poisonous nature of toxic masculinity, the alarming trend of cultural misogyny becoming more accepted, and the potential perils lurking within the “manosphere” online. It’s a powerful exploration that leaves a lasting impact on the viewer.

2
‘The Åre Murders’ (2025)

This Scandinavian crime drama is adapted from Viveca Sten’s murder mystery books titled “Hidden in Snow” and “Hidden in Shadows”. The story unfolds in a secluded ski resort town situated in the frosty north of Sweden. A local teenage girl goes missing, and when Stockholm detective Hanna Ahlander (played by Carla Sehn), seeking solitude following a breakup and suspension, arrives in town, she finds herself drawn into the investigation. She teams up with local investigator Daniel Lindskog (Kardo Razzazi) to solve the mystery.

One of the Best Crime Shows on Netflix

The chilly, snow-covered landscape of the series will whisk you away to a magical winter scene, but don’t let its beauty deceive you – hidden beneath is a world full of mysterious secrets. Right from the start, the plot keeps you on your toes and leaves you eagerly waiting for more. In true Nordic style, the protagonist Hanna struggles with her inner turmoil, adding depth to an engaging character. With just five episodes, it’s perfect for a short yet satisfying viewing experience.

1
‘The Glass Dome’ (2025)

As a young girl, Léonie Vincent (Lejla) was kidnapped and found herself trapped in a mirror-like glass enclosure, with no knowledge of who had taken her. Later, the police chief, Johan Hedenberg (Valter), adopted her. Now, as an adult and a behavioral scientist living in the United States, Lejla is drawn back to her tiny Swedish hometown of Granås after receiving news of her adoptive mother’s passing. Shortly afterward, the daughter of her childhood friend goes missing, compelling Lejla to delve into her past as she becomes involved in the search for the girl. The question arises in both the minds of the characters and the audience whether history is about to repeat itself once more.

A Dark, Gripping Watch

Renowned Swedish crime novelist Camilla Läckberg is responsible for both crafting and overseeing this captivating series, ensuring it delivers a tale brimming with unexpected surprises and dramatic turns. Consisting of six episodes, this production faithfully embodies the essential elements of Nordic Noir: a tormented hero, an oppressive ambiance, complex small-town connections, and a perplexing enigma shrouded in darkness.

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2025-06-03 00:34