10 best crime dramas on BritBox

In the relentless race to satiate Australia’s appetite for British crime drama, BritBox stands tall as the platform of choice, serving up a buffet of gripping whodunits, chilling procedurals, and character-driven mysteries. Whether you crave village murders or urban corruption, these 10 series rate as the best crime dramas on BritBox in August 2025 – balancing tradition with contemporary thrills, each crafted with exceptional storytelling and lead performances.

1. Line of Duty

Starring Martin Compston, Vicky McClure, and Adrian Dunbar, Line of Duty keeps viewers hooked with its intelligent plot twists and nerve-wracking tension. The story tracks the controversial police anti-corruption unit AC-12 as they probe institutional conspiracy and hard-hitting cases, never shying away from exposing the rot at the heart of policing. Its sharp writing and complex characters make it an essential binge for connoisseurs of dramatic suspense.

2. Midsomer Murders

Neil Dudgeon leads as DCI John Barnaby in this iconic, long-running series. Set in the deceptively picturesque county of Midsomer, the show pairs eccentric murder methods with rural English charm. Each episode promises a new case – be it cider-drowning or pitchfork homicide – amid lush landscapes and village secrets. The supporting cast includes Fiona Dolman and Nick Hendrix, rounding out the show’s whimsical, escapist appeal.

3. Unforgotten

This deeply affecting cold-case drama stars Nicola Walker (DCI Cassie Stuart) through series 4, and Sinéad Keenan (DCI Jessie James) thereafter. Each season maps a new buried crime, gradually peeling back decades of secrets. The team, led by Sanjeev Bhaskar’s DI Sunny Khan, brings empathy to their work- unearthing stories of betrayal, trauma, and redemption. Its sensitivity to character makes Unforgotten stand apart in the genre.

4. Vera

Brenda Blethyn imbues DCI Vera Stanhope with grit and prickly warmth, navigating the windswept moors of Northumberland. Each episode features Vera solving cases that draw on deeply buried family secrets and small-town intrigue. Blethyn’s formidable screen presence and the bleak-yet-beautiful landscapes position Vera as a beloved staple with a loyal following.

5. Shetland

Set against the rugged beauty of its islands, Shetland stars Ashley Jensen as DI Ruth Calder (from season 8, succeeding Douglas Henshall’s Jimmy Perez) and Alison O’Donnell as Tosh. New episodes see Calder return home, reluctantly investigating gangland murders and animal deaths. With its moody atmosphere and nuanced look at community and isolation, Shetland offers something lyrical and suspenseful for crime fans.

6. Grace

John Simm (Life on Mars) leads as DS Roy Grace – a dogged detective in Brighton, often chasing cases that blend police procedural grit with the supernatural. Grace is haunted by personal tragedy, which fuels his dogged pursuit of justice. Storylines include sinister organ trafficking and stadium bomb threats, with each season drawing from Peter James’ acclaimed novels and giving Simm complex material to work with.

7. DCI Banks

Stephen Tompkinson is Alan Banks, a senior detective navigating the darkness beneath Yorkshire’s surface. Banks, intuitive and brooding, tackles complex cases that probe the psychological depths of both criminals and victims. Supported by Andrea Lowe as Annie Cabbot, the series is marked by strong character development and suspenseful storytelling that make every investigation count.

8. Happy Valley

Sarah Lancashire turns in a powerhouse performance as Sergeant Catherine Cawood, investigating harrowing crimes in rural West Yorkshire while coping with personal grief. The BAFTA-winning series is celebrated for its hard-hitting realism, sardonic wit, and emotional depth. It’s both a character study and a crime drama, drawing viewers into the intersecting challenges of policing and parenthood.

9. Sister Boniface Mysteries

Lorna Watson plays the titular crime-solving nun, whose analytical mind rivals the best detectives. Set in the 1960s, this fresh spin on the genre mixes wit, science, and faith in idyllic Great Slaughter. Sister Boniface’s moped jaunts and forensic expertise offer both charm and a clever twist on village mysteries, earning cult status among BritBox loyalists.

10. In the Footsteps of Killers

Fronted by Emilia Fox and Professor David Wilson, this true-crime documentary series goes deep into unsolved British murder cases with a forensic lens and real-world urgency. As Fox and Wilson piece together old evidence, the series draws viewers into the cold cases that continue to haunt police archives – and sometimes solve them.

From corruption in the city to secrets in the countryside, BritBox’s crime drama stable serves up irresistible, world-class storytelling – driven by unforgettable leads and atmospheric settings. Whether you crave the cerebral battles of Line of Duty or the familial chaos of Happy Valley, each series promises suspense and satisfaction in equal measure.