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| Loved Elite Force? Here Are 21 Gritty Action and Crime Series Worth Binge-Watching Next. (Photo: Netflix) |
If Elite Force (GIGN) left you wishing there were more than eight episodes, you're definitely not alone. The French action thriller has quickly become a favourite among viewers thanks to its tense tactical missions, emotionally driven characters and realistic portrayal of elite police operations. Rather than relying on endless explosions every five minutes, it mixes calculated action with family drama, making every mission feel like it actually matters. Now that the credits have rolled, plenty of fans are asking the same question: what should they watch next?
The series follows veteran GIGN commander David, played by Tomer Sisley, as he is forced out of retirement plans after a devastating attack wipes out much of his team. Alongside dangerous hostage rescues and counter-terrorism missions, the story explores loyalty, grief, mentorship and family struggles. It's essentially what happens when elite tactical operations refuse to leave the emotional baggage at the front door.
Fans have responded positively to the show's grounded approach. Many praised the realistic military tactics, while others enjoyed that the biggest battles often happened away from the battlefield. Of course, some viewers joked that David's retirement plans were about as successful as trying to leave a group chat without getting dragged back in five minutes later.
Shows Like ELITE FORCE
If you're searching for another series that delivers the same combination of tactical action, crime investigations and personal stakes, these 21 shows deserve a place on your watchlist.
1. Ganglands (Braqueurs) (2021)
Created by many of the same creative minds behind Elite Force, this French crime thriller follows experienced robbers who become trapped in a brutal conflict with a powerful drug organisation. Like Elite Force, every operation feels carefully planned before everything inevitably goes spectacularly wrong.
2. The Bureau (Le Bureau des Légendes) (2015)
Instead of tactical police raids, this acclaimed French drama dives into intelligence operations. It focuses on undercover agents living double lives while balancing dangerous missions with complicated personal relationships. The realism and emotional depth make it an easy recommendation.
3. S.W.A.T. (2017)
The American procedural follows a specialised tactical police unit responding to hostage situations, armed stand-offs and city-wide emergencies. Fans of elite team dynamics and fast-moving operations will find plenty to enjoy here.
4. Line of Duty (2012)
This British crime drama replaces military assaults with internal police investigations, but the tension remains just as high. Every episode delivers twists, interrogations and moral dilemmas that keep viewers constantly second-guessing everyone.
5. Fauda (2015)
This internationally praised thriller follows an undercover special forces unit carrying out dangerous counter-terrorism missions. Like Elite Force, it balances explosive operations with the emotional consequences faced by those involved.
6. Strike Back (2010)
An elite military unit travels across the world tackling international threats through dangerous covert missions. The action rarely slows down, though the characters still carry emotional scars beneath the body armour.
7. SEAL Team (2017)
Following one of America's most elite military units, the series explores both battlefield operations and the strain military life places on families. The personal drama echoes many of Elite Force's strongest moments.
8. The Unit (2006)
This military drama combines classified operations with the hidden lives of soldiers and their families. Like David's story, the missions are only half of what makes the characters compelling.
9. Bodyguard (2018)
Richard Madden stars as a decorated war veteran assigned to protect a controversial politician. Political conspiracies, terrorism and psychological trauma blend together in one of Britain's most gripping thrillers.
10. Tehran (2020)
This espionage thriller follows a Mossad hacker operating deep inside hostile territory. Every decision carries enormous consequences, making it ideal for viewers who appreciate intelligent suspense over mindless action.
11. Echo 3 (2022)
When a scientist disappears in South America, two elite soldiers launch a dangerous rescue mission that quickly spirals into international conflict. Military precision meets emotional storytelling throughout the series.
12. Reacher (2022)
Although centred on one former military investigator rather than an entire tactical unit, Reacher delivers strategic combat, clever investigations and relentless action wrapped around a charismatic lead character.
13. Special Ops: Lioness (2023)
Inspired by real military programmes, this thriller follows operatives infiltrating dangerous criminal organisations. Like Elite Force, success depends on planning, discipline and keeping emotions under control—at least most of the time.
14. Condor (2018)
A young CIA analyst unexpectedly becomes the target of a deadly conspiracy. The blend of intelligence work, survival and emotional conflict makes it a strong follow-up for thriller fans.
15. ZeroZeroZero (2020)
Rather than following law enforcement, this crime drama examines the global cocaine trade from multiple perspectives. The realism, international settings and tense storytelling create a similarly gripping atmosphere.
16. Bosch (2014)
Detective Harry Bosch tackles complex investigations while wrestling with his own personal history. It trades tactical raids for detective work but delivers equally mature storytelling.
17. Mayor of Kingstown (2021)
Crime, corruption and impossible decisions dominate this gritty drama set in a prison town. Every episode explores how violence affects families and entire communities.
18. The Brave (2017)
An elite military intelligence team undertakes dangerous rescue missions across the globe. Teamwork, sacrifice and high-risk planning place it firmly within the same action-thriller territory.
19. 24 (2001)
Jack Bauer's race against time remains one of television's defining action thrillers. Counter-terrorism, impossible decisions and relentless pacing make it an obvious recommendation for Elite Force fans.
20. Homeland (2011)
Espionage, intelligence operations and deeply flawed characters drive this award-winning political thriller. While less focused on tactical raids, it captures the same emotional intensity and constant sense of danger.
21. Gangs of London (2020)
If what impressed you most about Elite Force was the realistic combat choreography, then Gangs of London deserves your attention. Brutal action scenes, organised crime and emotionally driven storytelling combine into one unforgettable series.
One reason viewers have connected with Elite Force is that it refuses to turn its characters into indestructible action heroes. They make mistakes, carry emotional baggage and occasionally look like they could really use a holiday that doesn't involve bullets flying past their heads. That grounded approach is exactly what many of these recommendations also deliver.
Fans remain divided over which series comes closest. Some argue Ganglands is the obvious successor because of its shared creative DNA, while others believe Fauda, Line of Duty or The Bureau capture the same realistic tension even better. Then there are those who insist 24 is still the gold standard, proving that some television debates are apparently destined to outlive civilisation itself.
Next: Where Elice Force Was Filmed
Whichever title you choose next, these series all share the same ingredients that made Elite Force memorable: believable action, intelligent storytelling, complex characters and enough tension to keep you telling yourself "just one more episode" until suddenly it's two in the morning. Which one would you recommend first, and is there another hidden gem that deserves a place on this list?