Crime dramas and true crime stories draw viewers for a reason — the tension, mystery, moral ambiguity, and sometimes the real-life impact. Amazon Prime offers some excellent picks. Below are Best 5 Crime Series on Amazon Prime (five original + a bonus) you should consider, each with what they do well, what to expect, and their IMDb rating.

---

City on a Hill (2019 – 2022)

City on a Hill is a gritty crime drama set in early 1990s Boston. The plot follows Assistant District Attorney Decourcy Ward and FBI agent Jackie Rohr as they team up (reluctantly) to confront rampant crime and corruption within the criminal justice system.

Why it stands out: It is morally complex — not just good guys vs bad guys. The characters are flawed, the institutions are deeply flawed, and there is tension around race, justice, and loyalty. Strong performances, period detail, evolving character arcs, and multiple seasons make it bingeable.

What to watch out for: Because of its complexity and subplots, it can feel dense. Some story arcs are slower, and it can be heavy emotionally.

IMDb rating: City on a Hill has a rating of 8.2/10 on IMDb. IMDb

---

Ballard (2025)

Ballard is a new spinoff in the Bosch / Bosch: Legacy universe. The series features Detective Renée Ballard (played by Maggie Q) taking charge of an underfunded Cold Case unit in the LAPD. She and her team reopen long-dormant homicide cases, including ones that expose corruption within the department itself.

Why it stands out: It merges classic detective procedural work (cold cases, mystery solving) with a larger, serialized conspiracy plot. Maggie Q delivers a strong lead performance, and the show connects nicely to the Bosch universe while forging its own identity.

What to watch out for: As a newer show, it has less history of character relationships; some procedural episodes may feel formulaic. If you are not familiar with Bosch, some callbacks or tone might be less impactful.

IMDb rating: Ballard (TV Series 2025) is rated 7.8/10 on IMDb. IMDb

---

Becoming Evil: Serial Killers (2019)

This is a true-crime documentary series. Each episode investigates a different serial killer (or mass murderer), looking at motivations, psychology, victims, and the media’s handling of the crimes.

Why it stands out: For fans of true crime, it gives the deep dive without being purely sensational. It tries to contextualize, explore the psychological aspects, and engage with the impact on victims.

What to watch out for: Some episodes are stronger than others; the subject matter is disturbing and intense. If you prefer lighter crime stories or fiction, this may be heavy.

IMDb rating: Becoming Evil: Serial Killers has an IMDb rating of 6.6/10. IMDb

---

Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography (2017)

This two-part documentary/miniseries charts the kidnapping of Elizabeth Smart at age 14, her rescue nine months later, and her life afterward. Elizabeth Smart’s own perspective, as well as that of her family and law enforcement, frame the story.

Why it stands out: The first-person voice, authenticity, and focus on survival, recovery, and purpose make it powerful. It’s not just about the crime but also about the long-term aftermath.

What to watch out for: It is emotionally heavy. Some viewers may find parts triggering. Also, because it’s real events, certain details are sparse or emotionally painful.

IMDb rating: Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography is rated 8.0/10 on IMDb. IMDb

Also Read – The Conjuring: Last Rites (2025) – Full Movie Explanation

---

High Potential

High Potential follows Morgan Gillory, a single mom with an exceptionally high IQ (160), who works as a cleaner for the LAPD. Her remarkable observational skills catch the attention of detectives, and she becomes a civilian consultant for the Major Crimes unit, partnering with a more conventional detective.

Why it stands out: It’s a lighter take on crime drama; there’s warmth, character interplay, and uniqueness in using an outsider’s perspective. It mixes procedural crime-solving with character moments and some lighter tones.

What to watch out for: If you want hardcore realism or gritty crime, this is lighter. Sometimes episodes are somewhat formulaic. Also, depending on licensing, not all episodes may be included with Prime membership.

IMDb rating: High Potential holds 7.6/10 on IMDb. IMDb

---

Bonus Show: Countdown (2025)

What it’s about

Countdown (2025) is a crime-thriller/drama created by Derek Haas. When a Department of Homeland Security officer is murdered in broad daylight, LAPD detective Mark Meachum (Jensen Ackles) is recruited into a secret task force that includes undercover agents from multiple law enforcement agencies. What begins as an investigation into a single murder unfolds into a much larger and more sinister plot. Wikipedia+1

Why consider it

If you want action, suspense, crime conspiracies, and high stakes, this one delivers. It has a more thriller feel, mixed with procedural work, and offers some notable names in the cast. Good if you like fast pacing and large scope plots.

What to watch out for

Some critics find it derivative — pulling from many crime/thriller tropes, sometimes predictable. Also, pacing can lag, especially in episodes that build background more than action. If your tolerance for clichés is low, some parts may feel familiar.

IMDb rating: Countdown (TV Series 2025) is rated 6.9/10 on IMDb. Amazon+2IMDb+2

Also Read – Top 10 HBO Series Ranked by Tomatometer

---

Final Thoughts

Here’s a quick guide to match a show to a mood:

• If you want something intense, morally grey, with strong character arcs → City on a Hill or Ballard
• If you prefer real stories that provoke thought and emotion → Elizabeth Smart: Autobiography or Becoming Evil: Serial Killers
• If you want something lighter but still crime-oriented, with unique premises → High Potential
• If you want action, mystery, conspiracy, and suspense as a bonus thrill → Countdown