If you loved Shefali Shah’s powerhouse performance in Delhi Crime, you’re not alone. The Netflix series set a benchmark for Indian crime thrillers with its gritty realism and compelling storytelling based on the 2012 Nirbhaya case. Searching for shows like Delhi Crime? We’ve curated the ultimate watchlist of nail-biting crime dramas that deliver the same intense investigative narratives and emotional depth.
Table of Contents
Top 10 Shows Like Delhi Crime
| Top Shows | Platform | Genre | IMDb Rating |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mirzapur | Amazon Prime | Crime Drama | 8.1/10 |
| The Family Man | Amazon Prime | Thriller/Action | 8.7/10 |
| Paatal Lok | Amazon Prime | Neo-Noir Crime | 8.1/10 |
| Sacred Games | Netflix | Crime Thriller | 8.5/10 |
| Aranyak | Netflix | Mystery Crime | 7.8/10 |
| Asur | Voot/JioCinema | Psychological Thriller | 8.5/10 |
| Aarya | Disney+ Hotstar | Crime Drama | 7.7/10 |
| Breathe | Amazon Prime | Psychological Thriller | 8.3/10 |
Why Delhi Crime Set the Standard
Before diving into our recommendations, let’s appreciate what made Delhi Crime exceptional. Directed by Richie Mehta, the series won the International Emmy for Best Drama Series in 2020—a first for any Indian show. Shefali Shah’s portrayal of DCP Vartika Chaturvedi showcased the emotional and professional toll of investigating heinous crimes, while the series balanced social commentary with procedural accuracy.
1. Sacred Games (2018) – The Game-Changer
When discussing shows like Delhi Crime, Sacred Games deserves top billing as India’s first Netflix original. Based on Vikram Chandra’s novel, this Anurag Kashyap and Vikramaditya Motwane creation follows Saif Ali Khan’s honest cop Sartaj Singh racing against time after gangster Ganesh Gaitonde (Nawazuddin Siddiqui) warns him about Mumbai’s imminent destruction.
What makes it similar? The intricate crime investigation, political undercurrents, and morally complex characters mirror Delhi Crime’s approach to storytelling. Watch Sacred Games on Netflix.
2. Paatal Lok (2020) – Journey to the Underworld
Jaideep Ahlawat delivers a career-defining performance as Inspector Hathi Ram Chaudhary in this neo-noir thriller. When assigned to investigate an assassination attempt on a journalist, he descends into Delhi’s criminal underbelly—a world divided into Swarg Lok (heaven), Dharti Lok (earth), and Paatal Lok (netherworld).
Like Delhi Crime, it exposes systemic corruption and social hierarchies while maintaining a tight investigative narrative. The show’s atmospheric cinematography and nuanced character development make it essential viewing.
3. The Family Man (2019) – Balancing Duty and Family
Manoj Bajpayee’s Srikant Tiwari is a middle-class National Investigation Agency officer juggling national security threats with domestic responsibilities. Raj & DK’s creation brilliantly blends action, humor, and emotional depth—similar to how Delhi Crime humanizes its law enforcement characters.
With three successful seasons, the show tackles terrorism, cyber threats, and political conspiracies while never losing sight of its protagonist’s personal struggles. For more web series recommendations, check out Technosports’ entertainment coverage.
4. Mirzapur (2018) – The Reign of Kaleen Bhaiya
Pankaj Tripathi’s Kaleen Bhaiya rules Mirzapur with an iron fist in this Amazon Prime phenomenon. While more violent and stylized than Delhi Crime, the series shares themes of power dynamics, justice systems, and the blurred lines between law and crime.
The show’s exploration of small-town India’s crime ecosystem and its impact on ordinary lives creates a compelling parallel to Delhi Crime’s investigation of crime’s ripple effects.
5. Aranyak (2021) – Mystery in the Mountains
Raveena Tandon marks her digital debut as SHO Kasturi Dogra investigating a teenage girl’s murder in Himachal Pradesh’s fictional town of Sironah. The show weaves folklore about a bloodthirsty entity called the “leopard-man” into a procedural investigation.
What connects it to Delhi Crime? A strong female protagonist navigating systemic challenges while pursuing justice, combined with the exploration of how crimes expose societal fault lines.
6. Asur (2020) – Ancient Evil Meets Modern Crime
This psychological thriller starring Arshad Warsi and Barun Sobti follows forensic experts tracking a serial killer who uses mythology to justify murders. The cat-and-mouse investigation and the protagonists’ personal demons create tension similar to Delhi Crime’s emotional heft.
The series stands out for blending Indian mythology with contemporary crime investigation—a unique approach that keeps viewers engaged across two seasons.
7. Aarya (2020) – From Housewife to Crime Boss
Sushmita Sen’s comeback vehicle follows a woman thrust into her husband’s illegal drug business after his murder. While transitioning from victim to protector, Aarya must shield her family from dangerous criminals.
The show’s focus on moral compromises in desperate situations and a woman navigating male-dominated criminal spaces echoes Delhi Crime’s themes of resilience and duty.
8. Breathe (2018) – Desperate Measures
R. Madhavan’s portrayal of a father bending every moral rule to save his son’s life creates an intense psychological thriller. Amit Sadh plays the cop investigating mysterious deaths linked to organ transplants.
Like Delhi Crime, it questions how far people will go when systems fail them, while maintaining empathy for characters on both sides of the law.
9. Jamtara: Sabka Number Aayega (2020) – Small Town, Big Scams
Based on true events from Jharkhand, this series follows young boys running elaborate phishing scams. The show’s grounded approach to crime and its socioeconomic context mirrors Delhi Crime’s realistic storytelling.
It explores how poverty, lack of opportunities, and systemic failures create criminals—themes central to understanding crime beyond sensationalism.
10. She (2020) – Undercover and Underestimated
Aaditi Pohankar plays Bhumika Pardeshi, a constable going undercover as a prostitute to infiltrate Mumbai’s drug mafia. The show examines gender dynamics in policing and society while delivering a tense crime narrative.
Its focus on a female officer facing professional and personal challenges resonates with Delhi Crime’s portrayal of women in law enforcement.
What Makes These Shows Worth Watching?
All these shows like Delhi Crime share common elements: strong performances, realistic storytelling, social commentary, and investigations that reveal deeper truths about Indian society. They avoid glorifying crime while maintaining gripping narratives that keep viewers engaged.
For more reviews and recommendations on Indian web series, visit Technosports.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What makes Delhi Crime different from other Indian crime shows?
Delhi Crime stands apart due to its documentary-style realism and focus on the procedural and emotional aspects of police work. Unlike sensationalized crime dramas, the series humanizes law enforcement while maintaining respect for the victim’s dignity. Based on the 2012 Nirbhaya case, it won the 2020 International Emmy for Best Drama Series—India’s first Emmy win in this category. Director Richie Mehta’s extensive research included interviewing actual officers involved in the case, resulting in authentic portrayals of investigative challenges, bureaucratic pressures, and the psychological toll on officers. Shows like Delhi Crime that prioritize realism over melodrama include Paatal Lok, The Family Man, and Sacred Games.
Q: Are these shows suitable for family viewing like Delhi Crime was?
While Delhi Crime handled sensitive content with maturity, it contained graphic violence and disturbing themes suitable for mature audiences only. Among similar shows, The Family Man offers relatively lighter content with humor balancing intense moments, making it more accessible for family viewing with adults. However, shows like Mirzapur, Sacred Games, and Breathe contain explicit violence, strong language, and adult themes that exceed Delhi Crime’s intensity. Aranyak and Jamtara offer moderate content levels suitable for older teens with parental guidance. Always check individual ratings and content warnings before watching. Most streaming platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Disney+ Hotstar provide detailed content advisories for informed decisions.
