9 Similar Movies to Endeavour That Will Keep You Guessing

Inspector George Gently takes us back to the 1960s, just like Endeavour. Both shows capture the essence of the era, with their vintage feel and attention to detail. While Endeavour follows the young Morse in his early years as a police constable, Inspector George Gently introduces us to Inspector Gently and his partner DS Bacchus as they tackle crime in the same time period. The shows share a similar setting, exploring the criminal underworld and the social issues of the time. However, what sets them apart is their approach to solving crimes. Endeavour relies on intellect and reasoning, while Inspector George Gently showcases the contrast between the older, seasoned cop and the younger, gung ho cop who takes shortcuts as he learns the ropes.

October 1 takes us back to the 1960s, just like Endeavour, but in a completely different part of the world. While Endeavour is set in Oxford, England, October 1 is set in Nigeria during its transition to independence from British colonial rule. Both movies explore the theme of crime and mystery, with Endeavour following a young police constable investigating cases in Oxford, and October 1 focusing on a seasoned detective trying to catch a serial killer targeting young Nigerian women. Although they are set in different countries and time periods, both movies use the backdrop of a police investigation to delve into deeper societal issues. While Endeavour showcases the challenges faced by a young police constable and the dynamics with his senior partner, October 1 sheds light on topics such as homosexuality, tribalism, and illiteracy in Nigeria.

"Public Morals" is a series set in New York City's Public Morals Division in the early 1960s. It revolves around cops who struggle to maintain a balance between morality and criminality while dealing with various vices. If you loved "Endeavour," you'll find "Public Morals" reminiscent of it. Both shows immerse you in a specific time period, with "Endeavour" set in 1960s Oxford, England, and "Public Morals" in 1960s New York City. While "Endeavour" follows a young police constable, "Public Morals" focuses on cops working in the vice-filled streets. The shows share the key topic of policing and the 1960s era, but they differ in location, cultural context, and the specific challenges faced by the characters.

Detroit is reminiscent of Endeavour in its portrayal of a tumultuous time period and the impact of police actions. While Endeavour focuses on the 1960s in Oxford, Detroit takes us to the 1967 riots in the city of Detroit. Both movies explore the consequences of police misconduct and the tension between law enforcement and the community. However, Detroit goes a step further by delving into the motivations behind the officers' actions, highlighting the systemic racism and corruption that contributed to the events. The expert direction of Kathryn Bigelow is evident in Detroit, creating a sense of uneasiness and claustrophobia through tight shots and wobbly camera movements. Although the writing of Detroit falls a bit short, lacking in setup and depth, it still offers a well-made and powerful depiction of the events.

Unforgotten, released in 2015, is a series that shares similarities with Endeavour. Both shows fall under the Crime, Drama, and Mystery genres and are set in the UK. While Endeavour follows a young Morse in his early years as a police constable, Unforgotten revolves around London detectives investigating crimes from the past. The characters in both series are well-directed and acted, leaving viewers wanting to know what happens next. However, Unforgotten distinguishes itself by providing a more realistic and solid portrayal of detective work, with characters that are three-dimensional and relatable. Unlike typical American cop stories, Unforgotten focuses on realism, humor, and sadness, portraying its characters as real people with hangovers and emotions. If you enjoyed the charm and intrigue of Endeavour, Unforgotten offers a refreshing take on the crime genre that you won't want to miss.

Mississippi Burning is reminiscent of Endeavour because both movies take place in the 1960s and involve police investigations. While Endeavour follows the early years of a police constable in Oxford, Mississippi Burning focuses on two FBI agents investigating the disappearance of civil rights activists in Mississippi. Both films delve into the themes of crime, drama, and mystery, highlighting the social and political turmoil of the era. However, Mississippi Burning takes a more intense and thrilling approach, with its powerful portrayal of racism and its consequences. The film showcases the deep-rooted hatred and ignorance that fueled the civil rights struggle, leaving a lasting impact on the viewer. Gene Hackman and Willem Dafoe deliver exceptional performances, capturing the different approaches to justice and the shared goal of exposing the truth. With its gripping story, stellar cast, and thought-provoking themes, Mississippi Burning is a must-watch for anyone interested in the complex dynamics of race and justice during a turbulent period in American history.

Inspector Morse, the similar movie, is a delightful crime series set in Oxford and follows Chief Inspector Morse and Detective Sergeant Robert Lewis as they solve intriguing cases. While the main movie, Endeavour, focuses on the early years of Morse as a police constable in the 1960s and 1970s, Inspector Morse presents a more seasoned version of the character. Morse, portrayed brilliantly by John Thaw, has an ear for Western classical music, a taste for beer, and a nose for crime. The show's refreshing take on the crime genre, with its absence of car chases and fights, makes it stand out from the typical cop show. Morse's character as a total loser with the ladies, combined with his love for a drink and tragic operas, adds a unique charm to the series. Sitting in the pub, downing a beer in the middle of the day, is his great way of solving murders.

Grudge, also known as Kin, is a movie that shares some similarities with Endeavour. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and involve police officers in their plotlines. However, that's where the similarities end. While Endeavour takes us back in time to the 1960s and explores the early years of police constable Morse in Oxford, Grudge is a contemporary film set in present-day Istanbul, focusing on the captain of the police who becomes the target of someone seeking revenge. Despite their shared themes, Grudge offers a different perspective on police work and presents a more modern take on crime-solving. So, if you enjoyed the nostalgic charm and intrigue of Endeavour, you might find Grudge a refreshing and thrilling watch as it delves into the complexities of a police officer's life in the present day.

Prisoners: If you think of someone being a prisoner, you automatically might think of someone behind bars. But apart from a physical prison, a prisoner can also be trapped mentally, either by his own doing or by someone else. This movie that starts off pretty light gets very heavy. And it is carried by its actors. Gyllenhalls characters might seem odd and out of place at the beginning, even like a cardboard cutout. But he does have more to do as the movie progresses. Still front row seat is Hugh Jackman. And while some might argue that a female should have a bigger role in this, you only have so much time to tell a story. And this is perfectly told and cut together. It might not fit your description of entertainment (and I don't think the filmmaker would love it described as such), but the movie is really great. If you like dramas in general you should be cherishing this .... and you will.

The Eagle is reminiscent of Endeavour because both shows fall under the Crime, Drama, and Mystery genres. While Endeavour is set in 1960s Oxford, The Eagle takes place in Denmark and incorporates an international criminal investigation team. Both shows feature police officers solving crimes, but Endeavour focuses on the early years of Morse's career, while The Eagle explores the challenges of cross-border crime. The characters in both shows are well-developed and engaging, with Shaun Evans and Jens Albinus delivering strong performances. The Eagle offers a unique perspective into other cultures and benefits from the absence of commercials, making it a great choice for fans of Endeavour who are looking for a thrilling crime series with an international twist.

Crime Evidence, also known as R.I.S. - Delitti imperfetti, is reminiscent of Endeavour in its exploration of crime and mystery. While Endeavour follows the early years of a police constable in 1960s Oxford, Crime Evidence focuses on the cases tackled by a scientific police team led by Riccardo Venturi. Both shows delve into the world of police investigations, captivating viewers with intriguing storylines and compelling characters. However, their differences lie in the setting and tone. Endeavour takes us back to the 1960s, immersing us in the nostalgia of typewriters and letters, while Crime Evidence brings us into the present day. Additionally, Endeavour is set in Oxford, known for its rich history and academic atmosphere, whereas Crime Evidence takes place in Italy. So, if you enjoyed the charm and wit of Endeavour but crave a different backdrop and a modern twist on crime-solving, Crime Evidence is definitely worth a watch.

Killer Instinct is reminiscent of Endeavour in that both are crime drama mystery series. While Endeavour is set in 1960s Oxford, Killer Instinct takes place in San Francisco. The two shows share the key topic of police work, but Killer Instinct adds a twist with a focus on bizarre crimes. While Endeavour follows a young Morse and his partner Thursday, Killer Instinct features a female police officer and a new unit tackling the city's most unusual cases. Both shows have captivating storylines, but Killer Instinct brings a darker and more gruesome tone to the table. Despite its cancellation, fans of crime dramas should definitely give Killer Instinct a chance, especially if they enjoyed the charm and intrigue of Endeavour.

Los hombres de Paco is reminiscent of Endeavour because both are crime drama series that follow police officers in their daily investigations. While Endeavour is set in 1960s Oxford, Los hombres de Paco takes place in a contemporary Spanish setting. The main characters in both shows are portrayed by talented actors who bring depth and charm to their roles. Shaun Evans does a remarkable job portraying a young Morse, while Paco Tous brings humor and wit to the character of Francisco "Paco" Miranda. Both shows have a mix of drama and comedy, but Los hombres de Paco incorporates a satirical element that adds an extra layer of entertainment. While Endeavour focuses on detective work and mysteries, Los hombres de Paco explores funny cases and incorporates elements of satire. The Spanish show also goes through different seasons, with the quality of the episodes fluctuating. However, the recent return of the show in its eleventh season has been highly praised for its remodeled and funny sarcastic approach.

Spiral is a French crime drama that will remind you of Endeavour, the British series set in 1960s Oxford. Both shows follow the lives of police officers as they investigate crimes. While Endeavour focuses on a young Morse and his partnership with DI Fred Thursday, Spiral takes us through criminal investigations in Paris from multiple perspectives. What sets Spiral apart is its execution. The intertwining stories become more engrossing with each twist and turn, keeping you on the edge of your seat. The pace is engaging, and the well-written script intelligently surprises the viewer without resorting to clichés. The cast is fantastic, bringing alive flawed characters with depth. And unlike some police dramas, Spiral doesn't hold back, giving us a raw and unfiltered look at the French legal system. If you enjoyed Endeavour, Spiral offers a fresh perspective on crime investigations, with compelling characters and a captivating storyline.

Five Days is reminiscent of Endeavour in its gripping portrayal of a crime investigation. While Endeavour focuses on the early years of a police constable in Oxford, Five Days revolves around the disappearance of a young mother in a quiet British suburb. Both series showcase the dedication and tenacity of the police force as they unravel complex mysteries. However, Five Days distinguishes itself by delving deeper into the emotional impact of the crime, leaving the audience on the edge of their seats for a staggering five-part mini-series. Though Five Days may seem lengthy, its captivating storyline and compelling performances by Suranne Jones, Lee Massey, and David Oyelowo make it a must-watch for anyone seeking an intense and suspenseful crime drama.

Holby Blue is reminiscent of Endeavour because both are crime drama series set in the UK. However, while Endeavour focuses on a young police constable, Holby Blue takes place in and around a police station, involving the collaboration between the police, doctors, and paramedics. Endeavour has a higher average rating of 8.6 compared to Holby Blue's 6.8, indicating a stronger fan base. Additionally, Endeavour's plot is set in the 1960s and 1970s, giving it a nostalgic feel, while Holby Blue is more contemporary, released in 2007. Despite their differences, if you're a fan of crime dramas with a touch of British charm, Holby Blue is worth a watch.

The Chestnut Man is reminiscent of Endeavour in its gripping portrayal of crime, mystery, and drama. Both series take viewers on a thrilling journey as they delve into complex investigations. While Endeavour follows a young Morse and his senior partner in 1960s Oxford, The Chestnut Man centers around the brutal murder of a young woman, with a small man made of chestnuts as a haunting symbol. The Chestnut Man keeps you on the edge of your seat with its suspenseful plot and clever twists, just like Endeavour does with its intriguing storylines. However, The Chestnut Man puts its own unique spin on the genre, incorporating elements of a thriller and a missing hand that adds a macabre touch. If you loved the charm and intensity of Endeavour, The Chestnut Man is a must-watch that will keep you guessing until the very end.