2025's Must-Watch Crime Dramas as Ranked by Realism and Rotten Tomatoes

This year, both true crime fans and casual viewers alike are going to various streaming platforms in hordes just to watch the best, or their favorite crime shows. Leading the trend is Netflix's Adolescence (2025), which is highly acclaimed for its psychological depth and perfect 99% Rotten Tomatoes rating. 

Apple TV+'s Criminal Record (2024) earns credibility for its complex characters and gripping justice system portrayal, holding a solid 90% score in ratings. The same platform also has Black Bird (2022), which is based on a true story, with a chillingly real narrative and a perfect 98% in ratings that reflects highly on its critical acclaim. 

Still on Apple TV+ is Women in Blue (2024 - Present). This show is based on the 1970s Mexico’s first female police unit with authenticity and also boasts a 100% score. A perfect rating by all standards. 

These shows don’t only seek to entertain, they also engage and thrill their audiences with real-world themes, accurate storytelling, and socially relevant issues. As the demand for these true crime shows increases, these series in turn set a high bar for each crime content produced each time.

Crime Thrillers that Got the Facts Right and Those That Didn’t

 

Every crime thriller captivate audiences with its intense narratives, but its portrayal of real events usually varies between fact and fiction. Some films excel in their authenticity, while others prioritize entertainment over accuracy.

An example of getting the facts right is 2007's  "Zodiac", which meticulously follows the true story of the infamous Zodiac Killer. The film's attention to detail, from the police investigations to media involvement, provides a chilling and realistic portrayal of one of America's most notorious unsolved cases. Director David Fincher's commitment to factual accuracy creates a gripping narrative grounded in reality.

In contrast to the aforementioned, "The Black Dahlia" (2006) takes significant creative liberties. This film is influenced by the real-life murder of Elizabeth Short, an American woman found dead in the Leimert Park neighborhood of Los Angeles, California, on January 15, 1947. Short's case became highly publicized owing to the gruesome nature of the crime, which included the mutilation and bisection of her corpse. "The Black Dahlia" ventures into speculative territory with convoluted plot twists and fictional characters. The sensationalized storyline undermines the gravity of the actual crime, leaving audiences with a distorted version of the case.

Another example is the 1990 biographical gangster film titled, "Goodfellas", praised for its raw depiction of organized crime. Based on Nicholas Pileggi’s book, it captures the gritty realities of mob life with chilling precision. On the other hand, "The Untouchables" (1987) dramatizes the pursuit of Al Capone, exaggerating key events and introducing fictional characters to heighten tension.

While creative license is essential for storytelling, the balance between fact and fiction also determines a crime thriller's credibility. When filmmakers prioritize authenticity, they offer compelling insights into real criminal cases, making the genre a more impactful one.