10 Best Shows Like Netflix’s 1992

Netflix’s 1992 may be a unique addition to the crime thriller genre, but viewers looking for something similar to watch have a long list of shows to choose from. Created by Jorge Guerricaechevarría and Álex de la Iglesia, 1992 centers on two characters, Richi and Amparo, who form an unlikely alliance to solve a series of interconnected murder mysteries. However, the closer they get to catching the killer, the more they realize there is more to his motives than meets the eye.

1992‘s title comes from its past timeline, which adopts Seville Expo ’92 as the primary trigger event that sets off a series of political and criminal upheavals in the future. Although the show adopts many well-worn tropes of the genre and struggles to etch its unique identity in the genre, it manages to conclude on a well-rounded note, barely leaving any plot threads hanging. Owing to this, many viewers would likely crave similar crime thrillers that not only focus on vicious serial killers but also present relatable detective characters.

10 The Sinner

Starring Jessica Biel, Bill Pullman, & Matt Bomer

Boasting a Rotten Tomatoes score of 94%, The Sinner is based on Petra Hammesfahr’s book of the same name. It primarily focuses on Detective Harry Ambrose, who sets out to solve brutal murder cases while figuring out why seemingly ordinary people are involved in some of the most vicious crimes. With some strong leads, the show not only grips viewers with its well-thought-out mysteries but also its powerful performances.

The Sinner is similar to 1992 in the sense that both shows unfold like quintessential procedurals but also delve deep into the hidden motives of their central criminal characters. Instead of establishing them as immoral monsters, both shows walk through the series of tragic events that led them to commit their respective crimes. However, The Sinner is far more compelling than 1992 because of its nuanced storytelling and ability to stand out in the crime thriller genre.

9 Broadchurch

Starring David Tennant, Olivia Colman, & Jodie Whittaker

Created by Chris Chibnall, Broadchurch walks through how the murder of a young boy in a quaint coastal town gradually tears the entire community down. It eventually comes down to D.I. Alex Hardy and D.S. Ellie Miller to solve the mystery behind the murder before it is too late. Broadchurch‘s strength lies in its deeply poignant storytelling and the dynamic of its central detective duo whose secrets surface as the show progresses.

Like 1992, Broadchurch makes good use of its small-town setting to immerse viewers in its chilling atmosphere. Similar to the Netflix detective series, it also goes back and forth between timelines to reveal the truth behind the central murder. Despite lasting for three seasons, the British drama also never experiences any major dips in quality and ends its run on a satisfying and well-rounded note.

8 The Outsider

Starring Jason Bateman, Ben Mendelsohn, & Cynthia Erivo

Despite revolving around a murder investigation like most crime dramas, The Outsider takes the unconventional approach of introducing supernatural elements. This should not be surprising since it is based on a Stephen King book of the same name. The show portrays Jason Bateman as one of its leads, Terry Maitland, who gets accused of committing a vicious murder. Detective Ralph Anderson hops on board to solve the mysteries behind the murder but struggles to find the truth when supernatural elements make him question everything he discovers.

Given its supernatural undertones, The Outsider is more like True Detective season 1 than Netflix’s 1992. However, 1992 and The Outsider are still similar in the sense that both heavily focus on the psychological and emotional toll the central crime takes on all the individuals involved. The two shows also explore similar themes surrounding redemption and the human condition.

7 A Murder At The End Of The World

Starring Brit Marling, Emma Corrin, Harris Dickinson

Created by Brit Marling and Zal Batmanglij of The OA fame, A Murder at the End of the World is a miniseries, like 1992, that does not outstay its welcome. Unlike 1992, A Murder at the End of the World unfolds through the eyes of a Gen-Z sleuth, Darby Hart, who, like a modern-day Nancy Drew, sets out to solve the mystery behind the murders of the guests gathered at a billionaire’s retreat. Although Darby is much younger than 1992‘s main female character, Amparo, both characters lose their romantic interests before setting out to solve the central murders.

Darby relies more on the internet and modern-day technology to solve all the crimes in her story. However, both Darby and Amparo prove to be brilliant investigators despite not being directly involved with law enforcement. Through their narratives, both shows explore themes of grief, loss, morality, and justice.

6 The Woman In The Wall

Starring Ruth Wilson & Daryl McCormack

Similar to Netflix’s 1992, The Woman in the Wall features an unlikely duo as its central detective characters. In both shows, only one character (Colman in Woman in the Wall and Richi in 1992) has a background in law enforcement. Meanwhile, the other only gets embroiled in the central mystery drama because of their personal connection to the case.

Both The Woman in the Wall and 1992 are not based on true stories. However, the two shows adopt real historical events into their overarching narratives to make their stories more immersive and relatable. The Woman in the Wall‘s portrayal of Magdalene Laundries in Ireland is arguably more hard-hitting than 1992‘s crime drama, which makes it the perfect follow-up series to watch after the Netflix show.

5 Mindhunter

Starring Holt McCallany & Jonathan Groff

Created by David Fincher, Mindhunter is often ranked among the best-written crime thriller shows of all time, and rightfully so. Owing to this, it is not surprising that both of its seasons have a near-perfect Rotten Tomatoes critics score. Unfortunately, despite its critical success, Mindhunter was prematurely canceled by Netflix after season 2. Even though Mindhunter never got to reach its natural conclusion, it serves as the perfect series for viewers looking for meticulously crafted crime thrillers that seamlessly combine true crime with fiction.

4 Dexter

Starring Michael C. Hall And Jennifer Carpenter

Although Dexter unfolds like a typical procedural thriller, it primarily focuses on its central titular series killer. This approach makes it significantly different from most shows of the genre. 1992 dedicates some of its runtime to exploring its main serial killer’s backstory. However, unlike Dexter, it unfolds primarily from the perspective of its two main investigators, Richi and Amparo.

The two shows seem similar when they explore their serial killer characters’ pasts. Both Dexter Mogan and 1992‘s Flamethrower Killer watched their mothers die when they were much younger. This childhood event seemingly triggered their violent tendencies and turned them into serial killers. After growing older, the two characters also cross paths with guiding figures who recognize their true violent nature and encourage them to use it for morally questionable reasons.

3 Sharp Objects

Starring Amy Adams, Patricia Clarkson, & Chris Messina

Based on Gillian Flynn’s book of the same name, Sharp Objects is far darker and more disturbing than Netflix’s 1992. However, like Sharp Objects, 1992 features an investigator who struggles to deal with his own demons and mental health conditions as he sets out to solve a murder mystery. With many Emmy and Golden Globe nominations under its belt, Sharp Objects is a slow-burner that perfectly pays off as it ends its run with eight taut episodes. It may not be for the weak-hearted but should be on the watchlist of those who enjoy seeing shows with anti-hero detective characters.

2 Mare Of Easttown

Starring Kate Winslet And Evan Peters

Created and written by Brad Ingelsby for HBO, Mare of Easttown focuses on a troubled detective who must solve the murder of a teenage mother. While the case itself presents its own set of challenges, her personal struggles hold her back from getting to the bottom of the murder mystery. Richi’s journey in 1992 is reminiscent of Mare’s from Mare of Easttown. Like the Kate Winslet character, he, too, finds it hard to deal with his recent divorce, and even his peers doubt his abilities as a detective. However, both characters eventually redeem themselves in their respective narratives by proving what they are capable of.

1 True Detective

Starring Matthew McConaughey, Woody Harrelson, Colin Farrell, & Jodie Foster

1992 may not come close to matching the brilliance of True Detective season 1, but it shares some thematic parallels with the HBO series. For instance, one of 1992‘s two main characters struggles with alcoholism and even ends up losing his wife and child to his cycles of toxic habits like True Detective‘s Martin Hart. Like all the detective duos featured in True Detective‘s different seasons, the two investigators, Richi and Amparo, in 1992, also have a complex and often fraught relationship.

Since True Detective takes more of an anthology approach, it experiences a fair share of dips in quality as it progresses. However, when it solely comes to its first installment, True Detective stands as a masterclass in storytelling, with its performances further elevating the impact of its philosophical underpinnings and crime drama.