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| Best Shows Like The Law of Beasts. |
If The Law of Beasts left you thinking about the complicated relationship between justice, public safety and the people responsible for upholding the law, there are plenty of other crime dramas worth adding to your watchlist. Netflix's Polish limited series combines a real-life criminal case with a deeply personal story about two women whose professional responsibilities destroy their friendship. Its two timelines, psychological tension and uncomfortable legal questions make it particularly appealing to viewers who enjoy crime stories that go beyond finding a culprit.
Fortunately, several international series explore similar territory, from controversial investigations and courtroom battles to institutional failures and the lasting consequences of decisions made under pressure. Some are inspired by real events, while others use fictional cases to examine equally complicated questions. Here are 23 shows like The Law of Beasts to watch next, especially if you enjoy intelligent crime dramas with plenty to discuss afterwards.
Best Shows Like The Law of Beasts
1. The Investigation (2020)
The Investigation is a Danish crime drama based on the real-life investigation into the disappearance and murder of Swedish journalist Kim Wall. Rather than focusing on sensational details, the six-part series follows Copenhagen police chief Jens Møller and his team as they work through an unusually difficult case. The investigation requires patience, forensic expertise and cooperation between different authorities.
Its similarities to The Law of Beasts are immediately apparent. Both productions draw inspiration from real criminal cases and examine how investigators navigate professional responsibilities while dealing with enormous public attention. The Investigation is particularly effective at showing the human and institutional effort behind a criminal investigation. It is also a refreshing reminder that police work rarely looks as glamorous as television usually suggests.
2. The Chestnut Man (2021)
This Danish Netflix thriller begins when investigators discover a disturbing clue at a crime scene: a small figure made from chestnuts. Detectives Naia Thulin and Mark Hess are assigned to investigate a series of connected crimes, eventually uncovering links to a missing child and a politically influential family.
Like The Law of Beasts, the series explores the relationship between criminal investigations, public institutions and the personal lives of the people involved. Both productions also use psychological tension to develop their mysteries rather than relying entirely on action. The Chestnut Man is considerably more focused on traditional detective storytelling, but its unsettling atmosphere and complicated investigation make it an excellent follow-up.
3. The Serpent (2021)
Inspired by the real crimes of Charles Sobhraj, The Serpent follows a criminal who targeted travellers across Asia during the 1970s. The story moves between different countries and timelines, showing how investigators, diplomats and ordinary people gradually uncover the truth behind a series of disappearances.
The connection with The Law of Beasts comes through its real-life foundation and examination of institutional responsibility. Both series demonstrate how difficult it can be to bring someone to justice when investigations cross professional and geographical boundaries. The Serpent also explores the psychological consequences of manipulation and the challenges faced by those attempting to expose an individual who repeatedly manages to evade accountability.
4. Unbelievable (2019)
Unbelievable is a Netflix crime drama inspired by a real investigation involving a young woman whose account of an incident is initially questioned. Years later, detectives Karen Duvall and Grace Rasmussen discover connections between separate cases and begin working together to identify the person responsible.
Its strongest connection to The Law of Beasts is the examination of professional judgement and the consequences of decisions made by authorities. Both series ask viewers to consider what happens when institutions fail to understand the people they are supposed to protect. The performances are particularly strong, while the investigation develops through careful police work rather than convenient television shortcuts. It is a thoughtful crime drama that makes its point without constantly shouting about it.
5. The Break (2016)
The Belgian crime series The Break, also known as La Trêve, follows detective Yoann Peeters after he returns to his hometown and becomes involved in investigating the death of a young footballer. What initially appears to be a straightforward case gradually exposes complicated relationships, old secrets and tensions within the local community.
Like The Law of Beasts, the series uses its investigation to explore the psychological effects of past events. Personal relationships frequently interfere with professional responsibilities, creating a story in which the truth becomes increasingly difficult to separate from individual interests. Its rural setting also gives the drama a distinctive atmosphere. If you enjoy crime stories where almost everyone seems to know something they would rather keep quiet, this Belgian production deserves attention.
6. The Valhalla Murders (2019)
This Icelandic crime thriller follows detective Kata and police officer Arnar as they investigate a series of connected murders. Their work eventually leads them towards a children's institution with a troubling history, where past events become increasingly important to the present investigation.
The Valhalla Murders shares The Law of Beasts' interest in institutional responsibility, psychological trauma and the lasting consequences of decisions made by people in positions of authority. Both stories gradually connect earlier events with a present-day investigation, giving the narrative a wider emotional dimension. The Icelandic setting also contributes to its bleak atmosphere, although the real source of tension comes from the characters and their discoveries rather than the weather doing all the dramatic work.
7. The Asunta Case (2024)
Netflix's Spanish limited series The Asunta Case is based on the real disappearance and death of Asunta Basterra, an adopted girl whose parents become central figures in the subsequent investigation. The story follows the police inquiry, media attention and legal proceedings as the case develops.
This is one of the closest recommendations for viewers interested in the real-life inspiration behind The Law of Beasts. Both productions examine controversial criminal cases, public reaction and the difficulty of reaching reliable conclusions under intense scrutiny. The Asunta Case also explores how a high-profile investigation can affect families, legal professionals and the wider community. Its combination of crime investigation and courtroom developments makes it particularly suitable for fans of serious European crime dramas.
8. The Snow Girl (2023)
The Snow Girl is a Spanish mystery thriller about the disappearance of a young girl during a public celebration in Málaga. Journalist Miren Rojo becomes increasingly involved in the case, determined to discover what happened despite the passage of time and the difficulties surrounding the investigation.
Like The Law of Beasts, the series uses different stages of a case to explore how unresolved events affect the people involved. Its focus on institutional limitations, investigative persistence and the psychological consequences of disappearance gives it a similar dramatic foundation. The Snow Girl also demonstrates how a mystery can become more complicated as new information emerges. Viewers who enjoy following a case across several years should find plenty to appreciate.
9. The Long Shadow (2023)
The Long Shadow is a British crime drama based on the investigation into the Yorkshire Ripper murders. The series follows police officers and the wider communities affected by the case, highlighting the difficulties encountered during an extensive investigation.
Its connection to The Law of Beasts lies in the examination of policing, institutional mistakes and the consequences of investigative decisions. Both productions revisit real events to explore how authorities respond when public confidence is under pressure. The Long Shadow is particularly interested in the experiences of the people affected and the limitations of the police response. It is a serious, carefully constructed drama that places institutional accountability at the centre of its storytelling.
10. Des (2020)
Starring David Tennant, Des is a British three-part drama about Scottish serial killer Dennis Nilsen and the police investigation following his arrest in 1983. The story examines the investigation, the criminal's interactions with authorities and the difficult process of establishing the full extent of his crimes.
The similarities with The Law of Beasts are especially strong because both series draw from real criminal cases and explore the responsibilities of investigators and other professionals. Des also considers the psychological challenges involved in dealing with a convicted offender and understanding the circumstances surrounding his crimes. Its restrained storytelling makes it an effective choice for viewers who prefer serious crime dramas over productions that turn every scene into an unnecessarily dramatic spectacle.
11. The Pembrokeshire Murders (2021)
This British miniseries tells the story of the investigation into two unsolved murders in Wales and the police efforts to connect them to convicted criminal John Cooper. Detective Steve Wilkins leads a team that uses advances in forensic technology and renewed investigative work to revisit evidence from decades earlier.
Like The Law of Beasts, The Pembrokeshire Murders is interested in the relationship between past crimes and present-day legal consequences. Both productions show how investigators must reassess earlier decisions when new evidence or circumstances emerge. The series also highlights the importance of forensic expertise and cooperation between different areas of law enforcement. Its real-life foundation makes it another compelling option for anyone interested in European and British crime stories.
12. The Victim (2019)
The Victim is a Scottish legal thriller centred on a mother accused of revealing the identity of a man she believes is responsible for her son's death. As the case moves through the legal system, the series examines the complicated relationship between grief, justice and personal responsibility.
Its thematic connection to The Law of Beasts is particularly interesting. Both dramas question how society should respond when the legal process appears unable to satisfy public expectations. They also examine the difficult position of professionals who must distinguish personal feelings from their responsibilities under the law. The Victim is a strong choice if you enjoyed the moral uncertainty of The Law of Beasts and want another series that refuses to provide simple answers.
13. The Twelve (2019)
The Belgian legal drama The Twelve follows twelve ordinary people selected to serve on a jury in a murder trial. As the proceedings develop, their personal histories, relationships and individual beliefs begin influencing how they approach the evidence.
Although it is less focused on police investigations, the series shares The Law of Beasts' interest in the legal system and the people responsible for making difficult decisions. Both productions explore the tension between personal judgement and legal responsibility, particularly when a case attracts considerable attention. The Twelve also demonstrates how complicated it can be to reach a collective decision when everyone brings different experiences into the courtroom. It is an especially good recommendation for viewers who enjoy legal dramas with psychological depth.
14. The Woods (2020)
Another Polish Netflix production, The Woods is based on Harlan Coben's novel of the same name. The story follows prosecutor Paweł Kopiński, whose memories of a disappearance at a summer camp in 1994 return when new evidence suggests that one of the missing teenagers may still be alive.
The connection to The Law of Beasts is particularly noticeable in its dual timelines and exploration of unresolved events. Both series move between the past and present, showing how earlier decisions continue to shape people's lives decades later. The Woods also combines personal relationships, investigative developments and hidden information within a carefully structured mystery. For viewers who appreciate Polish crime dramas, this is an obvious next addition to the watchlist.
15. The Night Of (2016)
The Night Of is an American crime drama following Nasir Khan, a young man who becomes involved in a murder investigation after spending an evening with a woman who is subsequently found dead. As the legal process begins, the series examines the police investigation, the criminal justice system and the experiences of people caught within it.
Like The Law of Beasts, it explores the distance between public assumptions and the complicated realities of legal proceedings. Both dramas question how institutions make decisions when the pressure to reach an outcome is considerable. The Night Of is particularly effective at showing how an investigation and subsequent legal process can change someone's life. Its measured storytelling and excellent performances make it essential viewing for fans of courtroom thrillers.
16. The Staircase (2022)
The Staircase is an American limited crime drama inspired by the case of Michael Peterson, a novelist accused of murdering his wife after she is found dead at their home. The series follows the investigation, legal proceedings and the complicated relationships surrounding the case.
Its similarities to The Law of Beasts come from its real-life inspiration and interest in the relationship between evidence, professional judgement and public opinion. Both productions explore how criminal cases can develop into wider debates about the justice system and the reliability of individual assessments. The Staircase also uses different perspectives to create uncertainty around the events at its centre. If you enjoy crime dramas that encourage viewers to question what they think they know, this one belongs on the list.
17. When They See Us (2019)
Created by Ava DuVernay, When They See Us is a four-part Netflix drama based on the Central Park Five case. It follows five teenagers who become involved in a high-profile criminal investigation and the subsequent legal proceedings, exploring the effects of the case on their lives and families.
The series shares The Law of Beasts' interest in institutional responsibility and the consequences of decisions made during criminal investigations. Both productions examine what happens when the pursuit of a conviction becomes entangled with public expectations and pressure on authorities. When They See Us is more directly focused on the personal consequences of the legal process, but its examination of justice, evidence and professional accountability makes it a particularly relevant recommendation.
18. The People v. O. J. Simpson: American Crime Story (2016)
The first season of American Crime Story examines the famous O. J. Simpson murder trial, following the investigation, courtroom proceedings and media coverage surrounding the case. Its ensemble cast portrays the lawyers, investigators and other figures whose decisions helped shape one of the most widely discussed trials in American history.
Much like The Law of Beasts, the series explores the complicated relationship between criminal justice, public opinion and institutional authority. Both productions demonstrate how a high-profile case can become much larger than the original investigation, placing enormous pressure on the people involved. The legal arguments and competing perspectives also make it an excellent option for viewers who enjoy dramas where the courtroom is just as important as the crime itself.
19. Criminal Record (2024)
This British crime thriller begins when an anonymous phone call draws two detectives into a complicated investigation involving an old murder conviction. Peter Capaldi plays Detective Chief Inspector Daniel Hegarty, while Cush Jumbo portrays Detective Sergeant June Lenker, whose questions about the original case create tension between them.
The series has a particularly strong connection to The Law of Beasts because it examines professional disagreements within law enforcement and the possibility that an earlier investigation may not have reached the correct conclusion. Both productions explore the consequences of institutional decisions and the difficult balance between loyalty, evidence and professional ethics. Criminal Record is also an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys watching experienced investigators disagree rather than conveniently solve everything together.
20. The Capture (2019)
The Capture is a British thriller that begins with the case of a former soldier accused of a serious crime. Detective Inspector Rachel Carey becomes involved in investigating the evidence, particularly the reliability of surveillance footage and the growing influence of technology on criminal investigations.
While its premise is more contemporary than The Law of Beasts, the two series share an interest in the relationship between evidence, public confidence and institutional power. Both question how authorities should respond when the information available to them becomes difficult to interpret. The Capture also explores the professional and ethical consequences of decisions made within the justice system. If you enjoy crime dramas with a strong investigative foundation and plenty of uncomfortable questions, this is worth watching.
21. The Killing (2007)
The original Danish series The Killing, known as Forbrydelsen, follows detective Sarah Lund as she investigates the murder of a young woman. What initially appears to be a single criminal investigation develops into a complicated case involving political figures, family relationships and institutional interests.
Its similarities to The Law of Beasts include the use of long investigations, shifting perspectives and the consequences of decisions made under pressure. Both productions also use a carefully developed atmosphere to explore the personal lives of people connected to a criminal case. The Killing is particularly rewarding for viewers who appreciate European crime dramas that take their time developing characters and evidence. It is not exactly a quick weekend watch, but apparently solving one complicated case was never going to be a five-minute job.
22. Broadchurch (2013)
Broadchurch is a British crime drama set in a coastal community where detectives Alec Hardy and Ellie Miller investigate the death of a young boy. As the case develops, the investigation exposes secrets within the town and places enormous pressure on the families, police officers and residents involved.
Like The Law of Beasts, Broadchurch explores the emotional and social consequences of a criminal investigation. Both series show how public attention can influence the people responsible for handling a case and complicate their professional relationships. Its focus on community reactions also adds another dimension to the familiar detective format. The performances of David Tennant and Olivia Colman make the series particularly memorable, while its storytelling offers much more than a straightforward mystery.
23. The Fall (2013)
The Fall is a British-Irish psychological crime thriller starring Gillian Anderson as Detective Superintendent Stella Gibson, who travels to Belfast to investigate a series of murders. The investigation gradually develops into a psychological contest between the detective and the person responsible.
Its connection to The Law of Beasts comes through its examination of criminal psychology, investigative methods and the responsibilities of professionals dealing with dangerous offenders. Both series are interested in the distinction between understanding an individual's behaviour and holding that person accountable for their actions. The Fall also explores the psychological pressure experienced by investigators as they attempt to balance professional judgement with the demands of a difficult case. Its restrained tension and character-driven storytelling make it a fitting final recommendation.
My Opinion: Which Shows Are Actually Worth Watching After The Law of Beasts?
Honestly, The Law of Beasts has a rather specific appeal. It is not simply another crime drama where investigators follow clues, discover a suspect and wait for the final episode to reveal everything. Its strongest element is the complicated relationship between personal ethics and professional responsibility, particularly when the law cannot easily provide the answer everyone wants. That is precisely why I would put The Investigation, The Victim and The Night Of near the top of this watchlist. They understand that a criminal case can leave behind questions that are much harder to resolve than the investigation itself.
The Woods also deserves special attention, especially if you enjoyed the Polish setting and the two-timeline structure. Meanwhile, The Chestnut Man and The Killing are excellent choices when you want a more traditional detective mystery with plenty of psychological tension. Personally, I think the best crime dramas are those that leave you questioning the decisions made by the characters rather than simply asking who committed the crime.
Not every series needs a shocking twist every ten minutes, thankfully. Sometimes a difficult conversation in a courtroom is considerably more gripping than another dramatic chase. If you have finished The Law of Beasts, start with The Investigation and see where the questions take you. Which of these 23 shows is already on your watchlist, and which one would you recommend to other fans? Share your picks and let us know which crime drama deserves a place on the next list.