18 Movies Similar to Southland: A Thrilling Crime Drama

Gang Related: As kid, Ryan Lopez got connected to gang boss Javier Acosta. He's now detective in LAPD's Gang Task Force. While secretly passing info on to Javier, he's a good cop 95% of the time.
Gang Related is reminiscent of Southland in its portrayal of the gritty and complex lives of police officers. While Southland focuses on the everyday experiences of officers working for the Los Angeles Police Department, Gang Related delves into the intricate balance between being a detective in the LAPD's Gang Task Force and secretly passing information to a powerful gang boss. Both shows provide a realistic and intense look at the challenges faced by law enforcement officers. However, Gang Related adds a thrilling twist by exploring the blurred lines between good and bad, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas.

Rookie Blue is reminiscent of Southland, but with its own unique twist. While Southland focuses on the lives of police officers working for the Los Angeles Police Department, Rookie Blue takes us to the 15th Division in Toronto, where Andy McNally and her friends are adjusting to the challenging life of a police officer. Both shows explore the experiences of rookie police officers, delving into the complexities of the job and the personal lives of the characters. However, Rookie Blue adds a touch of romance to the mix, with workplace relationships and the ups and downs of love. The characters in Rookie Blue are relatable and diverse, each with their own struggles and aspirations. It's refreshing to see how they navigate the real world after their training, learning that theory doesn't always prepare them for the harsh realities they encounter. While Southland is known for its gritty and realistic portrayal of police work, Rookie Blue offers a more lighthearted and sometimes comedic take on the genre.

Space Precinct is reminiscent of Southland because both are crime drama series that revolve around the lives of police officers. However, while Southland is set in the Los Angeles Police Department in the real world, Space Precinct takes a more fantastical approach by following former NYPD detective Patrick Brogan as he investigates crimes on the planet Altor. The similarities lie in their portrayal of police officers and their day-to-day challenges, but the differences are evident in the sci-fi elements of Space Precinct. So if you enjoyed the gritty realism of Southland and are looking for a unique twist on the genre, Space Precinct is definitely worth a watch.

"Expect the Unexpected" is a thrilling action crime drama that takes a familiar genre and injects it with fresh, new eyes. The movie follows a group of inept Mainland criminals who botch a jewelry store robbery. As the straight-laced Ken and wise-cracking Sam lead the investigation, they quickly confuse the jewel thieves with a group of hard-ass Mainland robbers staying in the same area. The film keeps you on the edge of your seat with exhilarating twists and unexpected humor, making it a pleasant surprise. One interesting touch is the portrayal of mainland Chinese characters who have come to Hong Kong due to economic difficulties back home, adding a layer of social commentary. "Expect the Unexpected" may not have the same realistic portrayal of police officers as "Southland," but it captivates with its unconventional storytelling and fresh perspective on a familiar genre.

The Dark House is reminiscent of Southland, the series about police officers working for the Los Angeles Police Department. While Southland focuses on the daily lives of officers, The Dark House takes place in two parallel time planes. The first plot follows the events of one autumn night in 1978, where a zootechnician accidentally stops at a farmhouse and forms a camaraderie with the hosts. The second plot is set during the Martial Law in Poland, where an investigating team tries to solve a multiple murder case. Both films fall under the Crime, Drama, and Thriller genres, but The Dark House adds an extra layer of complexity with its dual timelines and exploration of human nature. If you enjoyed the realistic portrayal of police work in Southland, The Dark House offers a unique perspective on crime and its consequences, set against the backdrop of Polish history.

City Homicide takes you to the Homicide floor of a police headquarters in Melbourne, Australia, where detectives work tirelessly to bring justice for the deceased. While it may not have the same gritty feel as Southland, it still captures the essence of the crime drama genre. The show boasts a well-written plot that keeps you on the edge of your seat, unlike some other crime dramas (*cough* CSI *cough*). With brilliant performances from actors like Shane Bourne and Noni Hazelhurst, City Homicide is a refreshing change from the usual predictable crime shows. So, if you're looking for a new crime drama fix, give City Homicide a go. You won't be disappointed.

Bloodlands is reminiscent of Southland in its focus on the lives of police officers and the gritty realities of their work. Both shows delve into the emotional impact of the job, highlighting the shock and adrenaline dump that officers experience after using their weapons. However, Bloodlands takes a darker turn as DCI Tom Brannick investigates crimes while hiding a dark secret from his past. The show keeps viewers hooked with a steady stream of twists and reveals, without becoming overly complex or dragging. While Southland impressed with its realistic portrayal of officers, Bloodlands captivates with its intriguing storyline set in Northern Ireland. So if you enjoyed Southland and are looking for a solid police show with a touch of mystery, Bloodlands is definitely worth watching.

If you enjoyed the intense and gripping world of "Southland," then you should definitely check out "Maria Wern." Set on the Swedish Island of Gotland, this series follows a determined policewoman as she confronts crime in a unique setting. While "Southland" delves into the lives of police officers in Los Angeles, "Maria Wern" takes us on a thrilling journey through the Swedish criminal underworld. Both shows share the genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, delivering suspenseful storylines that will keep you on the edge of your seat. With its beautifully shot scenes and intriguing plot, "Maria Wern" is a must-watch for fans of crime dramas looking for a fresh and captivating experience. So grab your popcorn, get comfortable, and immerse yourself in the thrilling world of "Maria Wern.

Aakrosh: The Central Bureau of Investigation deputes two officers to investigate the disappearance of three medical students, which they believe to be an incident of 'honour killing' in a small, closed community. Aakrosh boasts of a very good star-cast. But in the past we have seen many movies falter despite having a great star-cast. The reason (very obvious)----Lack of a good Story Line. Well, its this aspect in which Aakrosh takes the lead from others. In India, the movies are made around the Interval. Its often that a movie builds its mood up-to the interval and then takes pace. But Aakrosh takes just initial 5 minutes in building the mood and manages (with aplomb)in keeping it up. The story is gripping. The action sequences are top-notch. The songs are few and well placed. The background score is terrific and the performances are fantastic.

Dark Blue is reminiscent of Southland because both are crime dramas set in Los Angeles that follow the lives of police officers. However, there are some notable differences between the two. While Southland focuses on the realistic impact of the job on the officers, Dark Blue takes a more undercover approach, with Officer Carter Shaw and his team going deep into the criminal world. Additionally, Southland has a higher average rating and more nominations than Dark Blue. Nevertheless, if you enjoyed Southland and want to see a different perspective on police work in Los Angeles, Dark Blue is worth a watch. Keep in mind that Dylan McDermott's portrayal of Lt. Carter Shaw may not be for everyone, but if you're a fan of his, you'll likely enjoy the series.

Detroit 1-8-7 is reminiscent of Southland in its portrayal of the gritty and challenging lives of police officers. Both series delve into the everyday trials and tribulations faced by law enforcement personnel, offering a realistic and unfiltered look at their experiences. While Southland focuses on the Los Angeles Police Department, Detroit 1-8-7 takes us to the streets of Detroit, showcasing the struggles of the city's homicide unit. Both shows capture the raw emotions and adrenaline experienced by officers in the line of duty, highlighting the impact of their work on their personal lives. Detroit 1-8-7, like Southland, stands out among other cop shows by delivering a dose of reality. The settings, lighting, camera angles, and storylines all contribute to the authentic portrayal of policing. If you enjoyed the intense and immersive world of Southland, Detroit 1-8-7 is a worthy watch.

Prime Suspect is reminiscent of Southland because both shows revolve around the lives of police officers. However, while Southland is set in the Los Angeles Police Department, Prime Suspect takes place in a tough New York precinct dominated by men. The similarity lies in their exploration of the challenges faced by female police officers in male-dominated environments. Both shows also delve into the gritty realities of police work, but Prime Suspect stands out with its exceptional casting. Maria Bello delivers a standout performance as the lead character, showcasing her own interpretation of the flawed yet gifted detective Jane Timoney. The supporting actors, particularly Kirk Acevedo and Tim Griffin, provide refreshing and natural camaraderie, unlike contrived "buddy" teams seen in other police dramas. Moreover, Prime Suspect's storytelling is firmly grounded in reality, depicting procedural aspects accurately and avoiding clichés often found in other police dramas.

Chase is reminiscent of Southland because both are gripping crime dramas that revolve around the lives of police officers. While Southland focuses on the Los Angeles Police Department, Chase takes place in Houston, Texas. The main characters in both shows are female police officers, bringing a fresh and unique perspective to the genre. However, there are some differences between the two. Southland has a higher average rating and has garnered more nominations and wins. Additionally, Southland has a longer runtime of 2520 seconds compared to Chase's 3600 seconds. Despite these differences, if you enjoyed Southland, Chase is definitely worth a watch as it combines thrilling action, complex characters, and a touch of Texan charm. Plus, it's always refreshing to have a strong leading lady like Kelli Giddish in Chase to keep you hooked. Give it a try, and you might find yourself fully engaged, just like the reviewer's family.

The Killing takes you on a gripping journey through a police investigation, a grieving family, and a mayoral campaign all intertwined after the discovery of a teenager's body. Reminiscent of Southland, this series also explores the lives of police officers and the impact of their job. However, The Killing adds an extra layer of mystery and suspense with its focus on a murder case. The emotional commitment from stars Mireille Enos and Joel Kinnaman is stunning, and their performances are complemented by excellent supporting work from Billy Campbell and Brent Sexton. The series is unflinching in its portrayal of tough police work and tough cases, with scenes that are often stomach-churning. Despite the heavy subject matter, The Killing finds moments of humor, love, and home within the mess, making it a rewarding and emotional watch. The best season, Season 4, is both heartbreaking and breathtaking, and the ending will leave you cheering through your tears.

True Justice is reminiscent of Southland in its portrayal of law enforcement officers and their experiences on the job. However, while Southland focuses on the realistic impact of the job on the officers, True Justice takes a more brutal and intense approach to law enforcement. The main character, Elijah Kane, played by Steven Seagal, is an ex-special forces operative and martial arts expert who carries out a often brutal style of law enforcement on the streets. This is similar to the gritty and realistic portrayal of police work in Southland, where the officers face the harsh realities of their job. Both shows delve into the personal and professional lives of the officers, showcasing the challenges and sacrifices they make. However, True Justice takes it to another level with its martial arts action and intense fight scenes, which adds an extra layer of excitement to the show. If you enjoyed the realistic portrayal of police work in Southland but are looking for something with more action and intensity, True Justice is the perfect choice.

The Tunnel is reminiscent of Southland in its gripping portrayal of law enforcement. Both shows delve into the lives of police officers, revealing the real impact of the job on these individuals. While Southland focuses on the Los Angeles Police Department, The Tunnel explores the collaboration between the U.K. and France to solve a murder. Both series feature strong female police officers, highlighting the important roles women play in law enforcement. However, The Tunnel adds a unique twist by incorporating bilingual elements and exploring the complexities of British-French relations. With its intriguing plot and well-developed characters, The Tunnel is a must-watch for fans of Southland who crave a thrilling crime drama with an international twist.

Stalker is reminiscent of Southland in that both are gripping crime dramas that take place in Los Angeles. While Southland focuses on the lives of police officers and explores the real impact of their job, Stalker delves into the dark world of stalking and follows a team of detectives investigating these dangerous individuals. Both shows share the same genres of Crime, Drama, and Thriller, keeping you on the edge of your seat with their suspenseful storylines. Additionally, both series boast talented casts, with Southland featuring Michael Cudlitz, Shawn Hatosy, and Regina King, and Stalker showcasing Dylan McDermott, Maggie Q, and Victor Rasuk. However, despite their similarities, Stalker offers a unique twist by delving into the psychological aspects of stalking, making it a must-watch for fans of crime dramas who crave a darker and more chilling narrative.