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.

The Business Behind Streaming Wars: Who’s Winning?

 

As of February 2025, the streaming industry is witnessing significant shifts and turns, with major players like Netflix and Disney+ adopting diverse strategies to capture market share.

Netflix maintains its position as a dominant force in the industry, reporting a record addition of 19 million subscribers in the last quarter of 2024, bringing its total to over 300 million globally. This surge is attributed to its strategic investments in live sports, including NFL games and high-profile boxing matches, as well as popular series like "Squid Game." To capitalize on its expanding user base, the platform has implemented price increases across various markets, with its premium plan now priced at $24.99 per month in the United States. Additionally, the introduction of an ad-supported tier has broadened its audience reach and diversified revenue streams. 

Disney+, while experiencing a slight 1% decline in subscribers, also continues to leverage its robust content portfolio. The release of "Moana 2" not so long ago, set box office records during the Thanksgiving period, significantly boosting Disney's entertainment segment profits by 95% compared to the previous year. Its strategic bundling of services, including Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+, offers consumers a comprehensive entertainment package, enhancing subscriber retention. This platform is also exploring live sports streaming, with plans to launch a standalone ESPN service, aiming to attract sports enthusiasts and further diversify its content offerings. 

The competitive landscape is further intensified by collaborations among industry giants. In July 2024, Disney and Warner Bros. Discovery introduced a bundled offering of Disney+, Hulu, and Max, priced competitively to attract a wide range of audience. This bundle has surpassed Netflix in customer retention rates, indicating a consumer preference for consolidated content offerings. 

To conclude, the streaming wars are characterized by strategic content investments, pricing adjustments, and innovative bundling approaches. Netflix's focus on live events and diversified plans has reinforced its market position, while Disney's content-driven strategy and collaborative bundles are also reshaping consumer preferences. As the industry evolves, success will depend more on adaptability and the ability to offer compelling, varied content to meet diverse consumer demands.