15 Must-Watch Movies Similar to Luther

The Sinners is a movie that will remind you of Luther, but with its own unique twist. While Luther is a gripping series about a near-genius murder detective, The Sinners takes a different approach by focusing on the mysterious murder of a girl and the varying perspectives of the people who knew her. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller, and share key topics such as police, murder, and detective work. However, Luther's plot revolves around a brilliant detective battling his own passions, while The Sinners delves into the complexities of a murder investigation in Iran. Despite their differences, fans of Luther will appreciate The Sinners for its intriguing storyline and the way it explores the different facets of the crime. So, if you're looking for a movie that will keep you on the edge of your seat like Luther, The Sinners is definitely worth a watch.

The Last Detective is reminiscent of Luther in its portrayal of a detective who doesn't fit the typical mold. Just like DCI John Luther, Dangerous Davies is a character who is often overlooked and underestimated by his colleagues. While Luther's brilliance and passion for solving murders is overshadowed by his dangerous tendencies, Davies' old-fashioned decency and dogged determination are often dismissed by his colleagues. Both characters face challenges in their personal lives as well; Luther's dangerous violence of his passions affects his relationships, while Davies' niceness seems to be the reason for his failed marriage. However, despite their shortcomings, both detectives prove that their unconventional approaches can lead to success. The Last Detective combines humor and drama to create a compelling storyline, with Peter Davison delivering a great performance as the "everyman" character of Dangerous Davies. If you enjoyed Luther's unique portrayal of a detective and want to see another unconventional investigator in action, The Last Detective is definitely worth a watch.

Red Herring is reminiscent of Luther in terms of genre, as both are crime dramas with elements of mystery and thriller. However, that's where the similarities end. While Luther is a highly acclaimed series with a near-genius murder detective as the protagonist, Red Herring falls short in comparison. The plot of Red Herring revolves around a detective investigating his best friend and uncovering an assassin in Las Vegas's power elite. Unfortunately, the execution fails to deliver any decent action or thrills. The movie's attempts to create a brooding detective story are marred by subpar production aspects and uninspired acting. The characters come across as bored, and the incorporation of Russian henchmen with a poorly executed accent further detracts from the viewing experience. Red Herring ultimately becomes a repetitive police procedural with little appeal. Despite their shared genre, Luther stands out as a superior choice for those looking for a gripping and well-acted crime drama.

Sherlock is reminiscent of Luther because both shows are crime dramas featuring brilliant detectives. In Luther, we follow DCI John Luther, a near-genius murder detective whose brilliant mind can't always save him from the dangerous violence of his passions. Similarly, Sherlock gives us a quirky spin on Conan Doyle's iconic sleuth, portraying him as a "high-functioning sociopath" in modern-day London. Both shows excel in creating complex characters that are flawed yet extraordinary in their abilities. While Luther is more focused on Luther himself, Sherlock pairs him with Afghanistan War vet John Watson, who assists him in his investigations. The dynamic between the two characters adds an extra layer of depth to the storytelling. Another similarity between the two shows is their ability to maintain a high level of suspense while also incorporating elements of humor. However, what sets Sherlock apart is its modernized setting and the clever way it adapts the original Sherlock Holmes stories into the 21st century.

The Hunter is reminiscent of Luther in many ways. Both shows fall under the crime, drama, mystery, and thriller genres, and they both revolve around a detective investigating murder cases. However, while Luther is set in the gritty streets of London, The Hunter takes place in Egypt, bringing a unique cultural perspective to the story. The main characters in both shows are highly skilled detectives with brilliant minds, but they differ in their approaches. Luther is a near-genius detective whose passion often puts him in dangerous situations, while the protagonist in The Hunter is a young man working for the security services who is called back into action after an accident. The Hunter adds an additional layer of intrigue by incorporating elements of blindness and a serial killer into the plot. If you enjoyed Luther and are looking for a thrilling crime drama with a fresh setting and new twists, The Hunter is definitely worth a watch.

Baantjer. In this Dutch police detective series, Detective Jurriaan 'Jurre' de Cock is the 'Columbo' of a Dutch city's police department. While Baantjer may not have the same level of brilliance as Luther, it still manages to captivate audiences in the Netherlands and Belgium. The show has been a mega hit since its beginning in 1995, with De Cock and Vledder becoming beloved characters. Although the main cast actors may not deliver the most inspired performances, the show compensates with its guest stars, who are well-known in the Netherlands. However, the real reason to watch Baantjer is for its mindless and simple entertainment value. With each episode following a familiar formula, there are no surprises or interesting motives for the killings. Yet, this predictability allows viewers to shut down their brains and enjoy the show for what it is.

Blue Murder is reminiscent of Luther in the sense that both shows revolve around a brilliant detective solving murder cases. However, while Luther focuses on the intense and dangerous world of DCI John Luther, Blue Murder offers a refreshing perspective with its protagonist, DCI Janine Lewis, who is not only a detective but also a single mother struggling to raise four children. This unique blend of crime-solving and family dynamics adds depth and complexity to the show, making it both relatable and inspiring. In addition, Blue Murder also injects humor into its storytelling, lightening the series in a delightful way. The talented cast, including Caroline Quentin as Janine Lewis, Ian Kelsey, and Paul Loughran, brings the characters to life and makes the show worth watching. Although Luther is widely praised, if you're looking for a crime drama with a twist and a touch of humor, Blue Murder is definitely a show to consider.

Un-Go is a series that will transport you to a post-war Japan, where an experienced detective tackles challenging cases with the help of his supernatural assistant. While Luther and Un-Go may seem worlds apart, they share a common thread of mystery and intrigue. Both shows delve into the intricate world of crime-solving, with Luther's near-genius detective and Un-Go's seasoned investigator. However, Un-Go adds a unique twist with its supernatural element, adding an extra layer of complexity to the mysteries at hand. The music by LAMA in Un-Go is also worth mentioning, as it grows on you and leaves you wanting more. So, if you're a fan of Luther's captivating storytelling and brilliant performances, give Un-Go a chance to immerse yourself in a different world of mystery and crime.

Strangers on a Train is a fascinating film that will surely captivate anyone who enjoys a good thriller. The movie revolves around the idea of two strangers swapping murders, a concept that is both intriguing and thought-provoking. The conversations between the two main characters, Bruno and Guy, aboard a train are some of the most compelling in cinema history. The film explores the notion of the "perfect murder" and raises the question of whether such a crime could actually exist. What makes Strangers on a Train even more chilling is that the events that unfold could happen to anyone, making it relatable and terrifying at the same time.
The performances in this film are outstanding, particularly that of Robert Walker as the mentally unstable Bruno Anthony. He brings an eerie and malevolent presence to the character, making him both captivating and believable. Farley Granger also delivers a solid performance as Guy Haines, portraying him as a normal person caught up in a nightmarish situation.

Luther: The Fallen Sun, set to release on March 10, 2023, is a film that bears resemblance to its predecessor, Luther. Both movies fall under the Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller genres, and feature the brilliant detective, John Luther. However, while the original Luther series is praised for its excellence and impressive cast, The Fallen Sun falls a bit short in execution. The film attempts to explore complex themes surrounding technology, humanity, and morality, but fails to do so as effectively as other films and TV shows, such as Black Mirror. Nevertheless, Luther fans will still be drawn to Idris Elba's terrific performance and the presence of the talented Andy Serkis. So, if you're a die-hard Luther enthusiast craving more of the charismatic detective, The Fallen Sun might just satisfy your curiosity.

Lonely Hearts, released in 2006, is reminiscent of Luther. Both movies fall under the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, and they revolve around detective work and murder investigations. While Luther focuses on the brilliant mind of DCI John Luther, who is a near-genius murder detective, Lonely Hearts tells the true story of two homicide detectives tracking down Martha Beck and Raymond Martinez Fernandez, also known as the "Lonely Hearts Killers." The similarities between the two lie in their exploration of the dark and dangerous world of crime and murder. However, the differences arise in the execution of the stories. Luther, as a series, allows for a deeper exploration of the character's passions and struggles, while Lonely Hearts, as a cinema movie, condenses the narrative into a single film, highlighting the pursuit of justice.

Lady Vengeance is reminiscent of Luther because both movies explore the theme of revenge. In Luther, the main character, DCI John Luther, is a near-genius murder detective whose dangerous passions often lead him to violent situations. Similarly, Lady Vengeance tells the story of a woman who seeks revenge through increasingly brutal means after being wrongfully imprisoned for thirteen years and having her child taken away from her. While Luther focuses on the detective genre, Lady Vengeance delves into the realms of crime, drama, and thriller. Despite their differences in genre and setting, both movies captivate viewers with their intense narratives and impeccable acting. If you enjoyed Luther's gripping storyline and brilliant performances, you shouldn't miss Lady Vengeance, a foreign cinema masterpiece that will leave you awed by its sheer brilliance.

Confession of Pain is a movie that reminisces about Luther in many ways. Both films fall into the crime and detective genres, exploring murder mysteries and the dark underbelly of society. However, Confession of Pain takes on a more melancholic tone, immersing viewers in a deep sense of moodiness. While Luther showcases the brilliance of DCI John Luther as a near-genius detective, Confession of Pain focuses on the friendship between two cops, played by Tony Leung Chiu-wai and Takeshi Kaneshiro, who are investigating the mysterious death of one of their fathers-in-law. The chemistry between Leung and Kaneshiro is a standout, lifting the movie from mediocrity. The film's strengths lie in its cinematography, brilliantly capturing the moody loss and melancholy of the city's endless nights. The effects used for crime recreation are some of the best to come out of Hong Kong.

Broadchurch, released in 2015, is strikingly reminiscent of Luther. Both are British crime dramas that captivate audiences with their intense and unpredictable storylines. While Luther revolves around a near-genius murder detective named DCI John Luther, Broadchurch focuses on the murder of a young boy in a small coastal town. The similarities between the two shows lie in their ability to immerse viewers in a world of crime and mystery, where the actions of the characters have far-reaching consequences. However, Broadchurch takes a different approach by delving into the impact of the murder on the community, creating a media frenzy that threatens to tear it apart. This unique perspective adds an extra layer of depth and relatability to the show. If you enjoyed the brilliance of Luther, I highly recommend watching Broadchurch for its realistic portrayal of the aftermath of a crime and its ability to keep you on the edge of your seat.

"C.I.D." takes us back to the good old days of crime-solving shows. Just like in "Luther," we see a group of dedicated officers working for the Crime Investigation Department, but this time, they seek the help of a professional forensic expert to solve various criminal cases. While "Luther" is set in the gritty streets of London, "C.I.D." takes us to the bustling city of Mumbai, giving us a taste of the Indian crime-solving world. Both shows belong to the Crime, Drama, Mystery, and Thriller genres, keeping us on the edge of our seats with their intriguing plotlines. "Luther" captivates us with its near-genius murder detective, portrayed brilliantly by Idris Elba, while "C.I.D." captures our attention with its ensemble cast, including Shivaji Satam and Dayanand Shetty. Although "C.I.D.