10 shows like Adolescence by Netflix

The teen crime web drama by Netflix, "Adolescence," is of immense consequence, as this show can be a riveting watch for those looking for thought-provoking drama. With deep material, suspenseful twists, and emotionally capable performances, the show has viewers searching for other shows with profound psychological insight into human nature.

If you are looking for more shows that delve into crime, coming-of-age struggles, legal battles, and psychological tension, you have come to the right place. From the chilling real-life injustice of Unbelievable to the eerie mysteries of Yellowjackets, these shows have all been held close by some audiences too, as they are filled with morally complex characters and shocking revelations, just as in Adolescence.

Some attach the professional realms of behavioral analysis, as with Mindhunter and Criminal: UK for others, say, the likes of Top Boy and Dead to Me. There may be nothing more left for them to do other than survive and the need to conceal their truths.

In truth, these ten fine works present themselves as a wood-fired slow burn or high-stakes crime drama. They capture the often thrilling essence of the story with their intense and magnificent narratives, a study of the mind, and indelibly etched characters.

1. A Nearly Normal Family

This Swedish suspense novel tracks a seemingly ideal family broken when their adolescent daughter is charged with murder. Told from three viewpoints- daughter, father, and mother the tale delves into moral issues, secret agendas, and the loopholes of justice. Similar to Adolescence, it examines adolescence in extreme situations, asking to what extent a family will go to cover up for its own. The series' slow-burning tension and emotional complexity hold the audience at bay, and it is an engaging watch for fans of psychological drama. The multi-layered storytelling makes it such that the truth is only revealed at the end.

2. ⁠Yellowjackets

Yellowjackets combine psychological horror and survival drama in narrating the story of a high school soccer team stranded in the wilderness after a plane crash. Drawn from Adolescence, it probes the loss of innocence and moral corruption as well as the deep psychic scars that adolescence brings. Stakes of the new season raise the bar, going further down to the depths of all that happened in the past, but this time, promising new betrayals lurking within the present day. Yellowjackets will keep you on the edge of the couch shocked by shocking turns and spooky atmosphere.

3. ⁠Toxic Town

Moving into the real-life case of Corby poisoning, which resulted from toxic waste, hence birth-defected children. From families seeking justice, the series paints a vicious picture of negligence and corruption. Just like Adolescence, the show tells how the young life is affected beyond their control, obtruding on the issues of authority and accountability. There is no doubt that with the powerful cast and highly charged emotional storytelling, Toxic Town will be a hard-hitting drama that goes deep. This is a show that touches on real-life tragedies that would, therefore, interest anyone in social justice narratives.

4. ⁠Baby Reindeer

Baby Reindeer is based on the true story of Richard Gadd, a struggling comedian who was orchestrated as prey by a relentless stalker. With themes of obsession, trauma, and power, Baby Reindeer becomes akin to Adolescence in discussing psychological turmoil. A profoundly personal experience, within which Gadd's character wrestles with fear and guilt, is therefore made unsettling and deeply emotional. These qualities of raw authenticity and psychological resonance distinguish the performance from the rest, marking it as unique in the thriller genre. With storytelling discomforting yet gripping, Baby Reindeer maintains a grip on the audience long after leaving the theater.

5. ⁠Mindhunter

David Fincher's Mindhunter explores the roots of criminal profiling, where FBI agents are interviewing serial murderers to learn their psychology. Mindhunter's slow-burning pace and psychological depth make it a must-watch for Adolescence fans. Through studying real-life crimes, it looks at how intensely childhood influences the criminal, as Adolescence delves into the dark side of youth. Although a third season is in doubt, its first two seasons provide a chilling insight into criminal psychology. With its attention to detail and build of tension, Mindhunter is a must-watch for true crime fans.

6. ⁠Criminal: UK

Filmed entirely in an interrogation room, Criminal: UK is a gripping crime drama in which detectives employ psychological techniques to elicit confessions. Every episode features a new case, examining moral issues and the gray areas between guilt and innocence. Similar to Adolescence, it feeds on uncertainty, making the audience wonder who is lying. The minimalist setting of the show heightens its tension, concentrating attention on the performances and dialogue. Thanks to guest stars offering compelling performances as suspects, Criminal: UK demonstrates that serious drama doesn't need action—just cutting-edge storytelling.

7. ⁠Top Boy

A gritty and unflinching portrayal of London's drug culture, Top Boy tracks young men struggling to make it in a crime-dominated world of power struggles. Similar to Adolescence, it delves into the tough realities of teenagers trapped in violent situations, challenging the cycle of violence. The new season brings with it shocking betrayals and emotional rewards, solidifying its place as one of Netflix's most addictive dramas. With its gritty narrative and strong performances, Top Boy presents a compelling portrayal of ambition, survival, and the repercussions of decisions made at a young age.

8. ⁠Unbelievable

Literal adaptation from real-life scenarios; Unbelievable is about a young girl who gets wrongfully accused of lying about her assault, while the two detectives find the truth. Similarly to Adolescence, the show speaks about the horrors of the justice system and its emotional drag on the individuals caught in the same. Careful treatment of trauma and resilience in this series makes it an extremely touching watch. It involves a near-raw, gut-wrenching performance by Kaitlyn Dever, where the audience feels every doubt and injustice. With an enticing narrative coupled with very strong social commentary, Unbelievable stands out as one of the most serious-thinking crime dramas from Netflix.

9. ⁠The Staircase

The true-crime drama, chillingly invoking the spirits, takes us through the notorious Michael Peterson case in which a novelist was accused of killing his wife Kathleen after she died at the foot of the staircase. The show brilliantly juxtaposes forensic investigation with courtroom battles and familial strife, leaving its audiences questioning the truth at every twist and turn. Like Adolescence, it comments on how media narratives and legal tactics skew public opinion. With some electrifying performances-from Colin Firth as Peterson-the series mediates the psychological intricacies about how the truth can be manipulated.

10. ⁠Dead to Me

Though Dead to Me dips into dark comedy, it has Adolescence's common themes of grief, lies, and secrets buried deep. The series tracks two women, united by a fatal accident, whose friendship based on their differences leads to surprising turns. As their histories are exposed, guilt and betrayal become weapons that can tear them apart. The last season has emotional payoffs, showing that even the darkest secrets cannot remain hidden forever. With the mix of humor, suspense, and raw emotion, Dead to Me provides a breath of fresh air in crime and mystery, making it a must-watch for those who crave unconventional storytelling.