10 Best Shows To Watch If You Like Criminal Minds Update 04/2024

Shows To Watch If You Like Criminal Minds

From Dexter to NCIS, we’ve compiled a list of the best shows for Criminal Minds fans.

You always feel sad when one of your all-time favorite shows comes to a close. When it comes to some things, though, we have to move on because we’ve received all we can from it. Seasons 13 through 14 of Criminal Minds took us on some of the most terrifying journeys we’ve ever been on. If you’re looking for a show to watch while you wait for the final season of Breaking Bad, you’ll have to wait until 2017.

For your convenience, we conducted the research for you. Of course, each show is unique and exciting in its own right. However, there are a few shows worth your time and attention despite the fact that no show will ever be able to match the success of Criminal Minds. The following is a list of ten shows that are sure to please fans.

Mariana Fernandes updated this page on March 31, 2020. Crime shows like Criminal Minds are gaining in popularity among viewers. As a result, there are so many great shows in the genre that fans can’t keep up! After rewatching all the shows we listed at first (and perhaps a few sneaky ones in between), we’ve updated this list for your convenience. IfCriminal Mindsis your go-to show, then take a look at these other must-see series.

15. Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders

Criminal Minds Beyond Borders

In general, sequels and spin-offs don’t always match the quality of their predecessors. Everything from books to movies to television shows adheres to this rule. However, despite the fact that Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders only lasted two seasons, it’s still worth a watch.

The reason we’re saying this is because this particular spin-off takes a similar premise, but this time around takes it one step further by removing borders and sending the characters on exciting hunts outside of their comfort zone. Criminal Minds: Beyond Borders, starring Gary Sinise and Alana De La Garza, may surprise you.

14. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation

It’s rare for a show to become a cult classic right out of the gate.

It worked so well for Criminal Minds that it lasted for more than a decade. CSI: Crime Scene Investigation, on the other hand, was already a household name five years before it aired.

In addition to being nominated for six Golden Globes, the show lasted an impressive fifteen years and had numerous spinoffs. If you’re a fan of crime shows, especially those with more than three hundred episodes, then CSIshould be on your list.

13. Numb3rs

Numb3rs

Number3rs, which aired between 2005 and 2010, was a show that a lot of people missed while it was on the air. Because of its moderate success and six seasons on the air, the series doesn’t get the attention it deserves. What happened to the genre? We’ll never know for sure, but we can speculate.

However, if you’re a fan of plots involving FBI investigations involving outsiders with exceptional talents, thenNumb3rsis is for you. Mathematicians use equations to help solve several crimes in this story. We’ve never seen anything like it, and we’re willing to bet you haven’t either!

12. Lie To Me

Lie To Me is a groundbreaking new show that follows in the footsteps ofNumb3rs.

There are numerous reasons why you should watch this show. Tim Roth’s portrayal of Cal Lightman, the film’s protagonist, is a standout. First and foremost, there are three distinct seasons to look forward to.

Everything comes down to how you act. To help solve cases, Cal employs his expertise in body language and facial expressions. Why would a show that delves even further into criminals’ and witnesses’ behavior be better for a Criminal Minds fan?

11. Castle

What happens when you combine a well-known mystery novelist and a New York City police officer? Castle is yours! Yes, the show is a far cry from the seriousness of the other shows on this list. Because of their incredible chemistry and their ability to tell a compelling story, this show is a standout.

There are eight seasons of gruesome and fascinating crimes, often paired with conspiracies and governments and even the supernatural, ready to binge-watch. If nothing else, make sure to tune in to see Nathan Fillion and Stana Katic’s wonderful chemistry as the show’s main characters.

10. The Blacklist

The Blacklist

Check out The Blacklist if you’re still in the FBI’s sphere of influence and haven’t yet left. In order to avoid spoilers, let’s just say that the story of a government spy who becomes a witty and ruthless mastermind is intriguing.

James Spader’s outstanding performance alone is reason enough to watch the show, but it also features a diverse cast of memorable characters. This seven-season-long series combines crime, drama, and mystery in a way that is sure to enthrall new viewers.

9. Dexter

To see a serial killer’s brain in action may be what truly captivates you about Criminal Minds. Yes, it’s frightening and upsetting, but that’s only half of the appeal. If that’s the case, then there’s no better show to watch thanDexter, which features one of the most well-known serial killers on television.

It’s still a favorite for fans of the genre, even though the show has already ended. The way the story is told allows you to gain a deeper understanding of how a criminal’s mind functions.

8. NCIS

NCIS

It stands for “Naval Criminal Investigative Service.”

Perhaps a little more lighthearted thanCriminal Minds has ever dared to be. Despite this, it’s a fantastic show that seemed to connect well with viewers. As a result, the show has lasted for seventeen seasons, with most of the original cast still in place.

Fans ofCriminal Minds cite the BAU’s core group and the dynamics among its members as the show’s primary draw. With regard to solving crimes, theNCISjust seems to have a knack for it!

7. Without A Trace

It isn’t just the BAU that makes up the FBI. Without a Traceis the show for you if you know this and are a fan of any Bureau unit. This FBI unit specializing in missing persons investigations is the focus of a show that is every bit as suspenseful and unsettling asCriminal Minds.

It’s a great show to watch in one sitting, with seven seasons that aired from 2002 to 2009. As a bonus, it provides a glimpse into a different side of investigative work.

6. Law & Order: Special Victims Unit

Law & Order Special Victims Unit

Law & Order was a hugely popular television show that led to a number of spin-offs that were equally popular. However, Law & Order: Special Victims Unit was the most popular. In its twenty-first season, the show has been widely praised for its portrayal of the justice system.

I don’t think it’s meant to be a happy show. It’s a well-researched collection of stories about victims of some of the most heinous crimes. A must-see for anyone who enjoys hard-hitting, relentlessly gritty television.

5. Cold Case

To say that Cold Case leaves you with an unpleasant taste in your mouth would be an understatement. On the one hand, it’s thrilling to see the unit crack cases from 10, 20, and sometimes even 50 years ago. On the other hand, learning about the ins and outs of these heinous crimes is still extremely upsetting.

It has the same team spirit as Criminal Minds and the same eerie atmosphere throughout the show. If you’re a fan of being engulfed in mystery, you’ll enjoy this series despite the fact that the formulas are very different.

4. The Following

The Following

The Following is another fantastic show to watch if you want to get a better understanding of serial killers’ minds.

These characters are depicted in the film as fearsome and formidable men who have managed to build up an army of other dangerous men who follow their every command.

The show only lasted two seasons and didn’t receive the same level of critical acclaim as the other shows on this list, which are all considered classics. As a character study, however, Criminal Minds is still a worthwhile viewing experience for those who simply enjoy watching the criminals.

3. Luther

As the crime series Luther demonstrates, Idris Elba has a remarkable range as an actor. The show features a brilliant detective who develops an unlikely and unnerving friendship with a homicidal psychopath.

Fans ofCriminal Minds will be delighted by the main character’s obsession with his work, and even more so by the relationship he establishes with this strange ally. It’s a must-see, in my opinion!

2. Dark

Dark

You’ve never seen anything quite like it. It’s a far cry from the formula of Criminal Minds, but it somehow manages to fit into this list like a glove. The gruesome murders may be to blame. Perhaps it’s because of the inescapable sense of doom.

If you’ve missed the thrill of Criminal Minds, this German television show should be at the top of your list.

Despite the fact that it’s not about serial killers, it has a lot in common withCriminal Minds in terms of being gruesome, scary, and suspenseful.

1. Mindhunter

It’s hard to find a better show to watch if you’re a fan ofCriminal Minds. The BAU’s origins can be traced back to its inception in this Netflix series. The show’s events are based on real-life events and feature some of the best actors in the business.

There are cases here that are even more terrifying (and the setting is even more gloomy) than what we’ve seen on Criminal Minds, so if you’re in the mood for more serial killers and FBI action, this is the show for you.