269 Best Drama Movies to WatchMovies Like Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (Page 13)

In life and cinema, drama is everywhere. You’ll find it in thrillers, animations, romances, you name it. For entertainment that explores the human experience with sensitivity and sincerity, here’s a mixed bag of the best dramas to stream now.

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181. The Peripheral, 2022

Set in 2032, The Peripheral finds a protagonist in Flynne Fisher (Chloe Grace Moretz), a cash-strapped but ambitious woman who gets stuck between alternate timelines and realities after testing out an experimental gaming device. She stays for the money and safety promised to her, but quickly finds out that she’s getting more than what she bargained for in this twisty, action-packed thriller.

The Peripheral is worth a try if you enjoyed HBO’s Westworld (whose creators also serve as producers in this show), or if you’re just generally intrigued by all thing tech and sci-fi. The world-building is complex, sometimes to the point of confusion, but Moretz is a pro at grounding scenes and making sure she brings us along on the ride. If you’re looking to get lost in a realm at once real and unreal, then this show could be for you.

Genre: Drama, Sci-Fi & Fantasy, Science Fiction

Actor: Adelind Horan, Alex Hernandez, Charlotte Riley, Chloë Grace Moretz, Chris Coy, Eli Goree, Gary Carr, Jack Reynor, JJ Feild, Julian Moore-Cook, Katie Leung, Louis Herthum, Melinda Page Hamilton, T'Nia Miller

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182. Spy/Master, 2023

Stylishly shot and perfectly paced, Spy/Master is the kind of political thriller that will have you pressing play on the next episode as soon as possible. It starts in media res, losing no time in backgrounders (the artful opening credits efficiently fills you in on Romania’s role in the Cold War) as we follow Victor Godeanu (Alec Secareanu) simultaneously serve the Romanian dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, work with the KGB behind his back, and cooperate with the CIA behind their backs. There is a lot going on, but by keeping the focus on Godeanu, the series remains gripping through and through. I just wish that, at least in the first three episodes screened for review, the show delved deeper into Godeanu’s motivations for double-crossing and defecting. I get that it’s aiming for a brooding anti-hero in Godeanu, but there don’t seem to be enough heroic traits to justify that title. The show hints that he had a poor upbringing, leading him to learn how “game the system” at a young age: this is a potentially rich backstory that hopefully gets explored more in the future.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Drama, History, Thriller

Actor: Aidan McArdle, Alec Secareanu, Ana Ularu, Nico Mirallegro, Parker Sawyers, Svenja Jung

Director: Christopher Smith

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183. Snowfall, 2023

Created by Boyz N’ The Hood director John Singleton, Snowfall is an epic crime drama that tracks the rise of the crack epidemic in the United States, mostly through the lens of Franklin Saint (Damson Idris). Over the seasons, we follow Franklin and a host of characters separately but equally involved in the drug trade. There's someone from the government, someone from the other side of the border, and someone from a gang. These sectors and more are represented in this large-scale examination of crime and corruption, and though the show initially struggles to tie connections in a cohesive way, it eventually rises to the occasion in compelling ways.

Snowfall is the type of show that only gets better each turnout, so if you're not so sure about the first season, you might want to give the next ones a shot to make sure you don't miss out.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Actor: Alejandro Edda, Amin Joseph, Angela Lewis, Carter Hudson, Damson Idris, Devyn A. Tyler, Gail Bean, Isaiah John, Michael Hyatt, Sergio Peris-Mencheta

Rating: TV-MA

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184. Ray, 2021

Ray is a captivating anthology series that pays tribute to the genius of renowned Indian filmmaker Satyajit Ray. With four distinct stories, each directed by different acclaimed directors, the series showcases Ray's signature blend of human drama, mystery, and social commentary. The performances by the talented ensemble cast bring Ray's nuanced characters to life. From tales of love and betrayal to stories exploring the complexities of human nature, Ray offers a rich and diverse viewing experience. With its engaging narratives, stunning visuals, and thought-provoking themes, there is bound to be an entry in the series for every mystery lover.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Ali Fazal, Dibyendu Bhattacharya, Kharaj Mukherjee, Manoj Bajpayee, Manoj Pahwa, Radhika Madan

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185. Presumed Innocent, 2024

You can tell showrunner David E. Kelley, who played a part in legal dramas and mysteries like Boston Legal, Ally McBeal, and Big Little Lies, is a master of the genre. Presumed Innocent is carefully paced, confidently performed, and smartly written, making it a thrilling watch regardless if you’ve seen the 1990 feature and 1987 novel of the same name. It’s not without its misses though, the biggest one being the lack of believable chemistry between Gyllenhaal and Reinsve, who seems miscast in this series. As much as I loved her in The Worst Person in the World, she seems to exude an awkward sensuality that affects the realism of the series. On the other hand, Ruth Negga, who plays Gyllenhaal’s wife, and Peter Sarsgaard, who plays his political rival, command every scene they’re in and perfectly match Gyllenhaal’s crazed intensity. Whenever the show skews formulaic, it’s their solid performances that save the scene.Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Actor: Bill Camp, Chase Infiniti, Elizabeth Marvel, Jake Gyllenhaal, Kingston Rumi Southwick, Nana Mensah, O.T. Fagbenle, Peter Sarsgaard, Renate Reinsve, Ruth Negga
Rating: TV-MA

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186. Mary & George, 2024

After the likes of The Favourite six years ago, modern historical portrayals have now become more interested in the salacious side of real life deceased nobles, focusing on the sex, gore, and violence, so it’s unsurprising that James I, who was unpopular in part due to his alleged homosexuality, would eventually be depicted. Mary & George depicts this from the perspective of those who sought his favor, and while it is one of many of these modern period pieces, it is well done, with fantastic performances from the cast, and all the costumed social climbing that we enjoy. Mary & George is just great television.Genre: Drama
Actor: Adrian Rawlins, Alice Grant, Amelia Gething, Daniel Jordan, Jacob McCarthy, Julianne Moore, Laurie Davidson, Mark O'Halloran, Mirren Mack, Niamh Algar, Nicholas Galitzine, Nicola Walker, Rina Mahoney, Samuel Blenkin, Sean Gilder, Simon Russell Beale, Tom Victor, Tony Curran, Trine Dyrholm
Rating: TV-MA

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187. Line of Duty, 2021

Though it may be self-serious nearly to the point of parody, Line of Duty is that rare hard-boiled police show that actually works because of its commitment to being cold and clinical. As each season focuses on a new case of corruption within the police, it chooses not to focus on character but on packing as much meticulous detail as possible into its investigations. The result is a slower paced drama that may take some getting used to, but it's one whose every additional clue or revelation makes the nature of this modern police work feel that much more draining to the soul—a great change of tone from the heroic police shows we tend to see on TV.Genre: Crime, Drama, Mystery
Actor: Adrian Dunbar, Claire Keelan, Craig Parkinson, Fiona Boylan, Gina McKee, Gregory Piper, Jessica Raine, Kate Ashfield, Keeley Hawes, Kelly Macdonald, Lennie James, Martin Compston, Neil Morrissey, Nigel Boyle, Owen Teale, Paul Higgins, Saffron Davies, Thandie Newton, Vicky McClure
Rating: Not Rated, TV-MA

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188. In Limbo, 2023

There’s a pretty clever twist that happens early in the pilot that shows how much promise In Limbo has, but it never really builds on that or matches its level of suspense. But the fact that the remaining episodes are still entertaining and enlightening in their own right speaks to the series' quality. It ambitiously (though not always delicately) handles thorny topics like suicide, depression, interracial relationships, and childhood trauma, all while making you laugh at its dry sense of humor. And moving things along is a genuinely intriguing mystery that leaves you wanting more after each episode. It could be smoother, but In Limbo is another entry into the ever-growing stack of worthwhile dark Aussie comedies.

Genre: Comedy, Drama

Actor: Aaron Fa'aoso, Bob Morley, Emma Harvie, Georgina Naidu, Jane Harber, Lena Cruz, Russell Dykstra, Ryan Corr, Shabana Azeez

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189. Culprits, 2023

Before, then, and now — these are the three points in time that twisty TV heist thriller Culprits zips between. That remixed chronology (the convergent point of which is an audacious £100 million robbery) is both a strength and a stumbling block for the series. While it helps liven things up, it also takes some getting used to, which means the first episode requires more effort than expected as we work to get our bearings. By the time we’re on Culprits’ wavelength, though, the other attractions of the show reveal themselves: an intrigue-infused plot, charismatic characters, and adrenaline-pumping action.

The one constant in this whirlwind is David (Nathan Stewart-Jarrett) — or Joe, or Muscle, all names he goes by depending on the timeline. A London-dwelling bodyguard recruited to undertake a mega-heist by shady mastermind Dianne (Gemma Arterton), we actually meet him long after it’s (seemingly) completed. Now living in Washington and sporting a just-passable American accent, he’s a family man who goes by Joe and bears no signs of his criminal past. Piecing together the puzzle of his transformation — and the threats that have somehow followed him across the globe — is Culprits’ greatest pull, one that wouldn’t be possible without its nonlinear storytelling, an initial hurdle that’s worth jumping over.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Actor: Eddie Izzard, Gemma Arterton, Kamel ElBasha, Kevin Vidal, Kirby Howell-Baptiste, Nathan Stewart-Jarrett, Ned Dennehy, Niamh Algar, Tara Abboud

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190. Black Earth Rising, 2018

It starts off slowly, if a bit unevenly, but Black Earth Rising gradually finds its footing over the course of eight episodes. The series, a political thriller that takes a closer look at the legality of international war crimes, is led by the ever-commanding Michaela Coel and always-reliable John Goodman.

As the Rwandan adoptee and legal investigator Kate Ashby, Coel attempts to reconcile her internal turmoil with that of the cases she's tasked with. She's at once indignant and empathetic, shut off and loving. She wants to be grateful for surviving a genocide and finding a home in the UK, but guilt is eating away at her. On top of the dangers that she faces as a refugee and investigator, Kate is also dealing with depression, and it's a testament to the show's skill that her condition is treated with as much thought and care as the other, more excitable aspects of the show.

As Kate digs deeper into the mystery of who she is and exposes, along the way, the bloody involvement of different countries and institutes in African affairs, we’re forced to confront ethical questions (difficult but necessary) that stay with us long after the credits have rolled.

Genre: Crime, Drama

Actor: Abena Ayivor, Danny Sapani, Emmanuel Imani, Harriet Walter, John Goodman, Lucian Msamati, Michaela Coel, Noma Dumezweni, Ronald Guttman, Tamara Tunie, Tyrone Huggins

Director: Hugo Blick

Rating: TV-MA

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191. Becoming Karl Lagerfeld, 2024

Becoming Karl Lagerfeld gets many things right—the fashion is spectacular, the drama is gripping, and the details feel true to the time. It’s never over-the-top and cartoonish, which seems to be a problem in most other biopics. But for all it has going for it, Brühl is the real star of the show. He seems to operate on a level beyond his peers where he’s no longer acting but simply inhibiting. Lagerfeld is a distant and wealthy designer, unavailable even to those closest to him, but Brühl manages to ground him with deeply relatable traits, like bitter jealousy, crushing loneliness, and unapologetic ambition. He doesn’t need a big scene or wordy dialogue to get these across, either, just a flicker of the eyes will do the trick. The only downside to the show is the occasional uneven tone. It’s as if the directors were unsure how to maximize the wealth of material they have on hand, so they crammed and juggled as much as they could into six episodes. Still, if you’re a fan of period pieces, powerfully subtle performances, and luxury fashion, then you’re in for a treat.

Genre: Drama

Actor: Agnès Jaoui, Alex Lutz, Anouk Feral, Arnaud Valois, Daniel Brühl, Féodor Atkine, Jeanne Damas, Julia Faure, Lisa Kreuzer, Paul Spera, Sunnyi Melles, Théodore Pellerin, Victoire Du Bois

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192. Will Trent, 2023

Will Trent is a crime procedural that tackles a new mystery every few episodes. It doesn't differ from other detective shows in that way, but what makes Will Trent interesting is that the intrigue of each case never takes away from the intrigue of the personal lives of the lead characters.

Will Trent, in particular, remains the biggest mystery in the series. Much like Sherlock Holmes or Monk before him, he's troubled but kindhearted, gifted but hated by all. He's one of the most awkward detectives you'll meet, but what he lacks in social graces he more than makes up for in outstanding smarts. Unraveling Trent, his colleagues, and his subjects is a fun ride, one that makes the 40 minutes or so of watching well worth it.

Genre: Drama, Mystery

Actor: Erika Christensen, Iantha Richardson, Jake McLaughlin, Ramón Rodríguez, Sonja Sohn

Director: Paul McGuigan

Rating: TV-14

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193. The Magicians, 2020

Despite a particularly rocky and self-serious freshman season (not to mention a less-than-optimal finale), The Magicians overcame the budget constraints typical of a series on Syfy and found a heart and a sense of humor that only grew across its five seasons. So even if its story can get convoluted and its adventures a little corny, it anchors itself on a core cast of likable characters whom the show isn't afraid to separate, hurt, or throw into impossible situations. And once you get used to its tone, its themes become easier to appreciate—of magic being a finite resource that ultimately hurts more people than it helps.Genre: Action & Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi & Fantasy
Actor: Arjun Gupta, Hale Appleman, Jade Tailor, Olivia Taylor Dudley, Stella Maeve, Summer Bishil
Rating: TV-14

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194. Take This Waltz, 2012

Take this Waltz is a movie that wants you to have a problem with it. It's about a woman (Michelle Williams, Blue Valentine) torn between her husband (played by Seth Rogan) and a new man who entered her life. It's an emotional and honest account as well as a mature slice-of-life film that you will appreciate either if you are familiar with a similar situation in real life, or if you give the film a chance, which I recommend you do.Genre: Comedy, Drama, Romance
Actor: Aaron Abrams, Albert Howell, Cheryl MacInnis, Ciaran MacGillivray, Damien Atkins, Danielle Miller, Diane D'Aquila, Diane Flacks, Graham Abbey, Jean-Michel Le Gal, Jennifer Podemski, John Dunsworth, Luke Kirby, Mary Pitt, Matt Baram, Michelle Williams, Samantha Farrow, Sarah Silverman, Seth Rogen, Vanessa Coelho
Director: Sarah Polley
Rating: R

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195. My Name, 2021

If there's one thing South Korea has a lock on, it's great revenge stories. This thrilling and intense series follows the journey of a determined woman turning to a powerful crime ring to help her seek revenge for her father's death. With a fast-paced storyline and expertly executed action sequences, the show keeps you on the edge of your seat from start to finish within a neat eight episodes.

Supported by Han So-Hee's strong performances, a tight script, and the unrelenting bloody fights, My Name delivers a satisfying blend of suspense and drama making it a must-watch for fans of crime thrillers.

Genre: Action & Adventure, Crime, Drama, Mystery

Actor: Ahn Bo-hyun, Back Joo-hee, Chang Ryul, Han So-hee, Im Gi-hong, Kim Sang-ho, Park Hee-soon

Director: Kim Jin-min

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