Looking for a Polish crime drama that hooks you from the very first scene? Here’s Netflixmania Polska’s handpicked selection of the best Polish crime dramas to stream right now — including eight gripping series and two critically acclaimed films. Each title offers a unique mix of thriller, action, and psychological depth, brought to life through compelling storytelling, dark atmospheres, and strong performances that have won over viewers both in Poland and internationally.
Curious about viewer favourites? Check out the Top 10 Most Popular Polish Films and Series on Netflix.
Best Polish Crime Thrillers to Watch on Netflix
Step into the dark, compelling world of Polish crime thrillers on Netflix, where eerie towns, shadowy forests, and emotionally charged interiors create a suspenseful atmosphere that rivals the best of Nordic noir. These stories blend mystery, action, and psychological depth, brought to life through sharp writing, powerful performances, and unforgettable tension.
Don’t wait: some titles may soon leave Netflix. Dive into the world of Polish crime cinema and see why it’s becoming a global sensation.
► You might also like: Top 10 Most Popular Polish Shows on Netflix
Colours of Evil: Red
With 25.4 million hours watched and 13.6 million global views, the crime thriller Colours of Evil: Red (Kolory zła: Czerwień) has become a hallmark of Polish Netflix. Set in the moody, windswept landscapes of Tricity, this gripping film pulls viewers deep into the shadows of Poland’s northern coast.
The story begins with a chilling discovery: the body of Monika Bogucka, a young woman from a prominent family, is found on the beach in Gdańsk. Her mother, Helena, is a respected judge; her father, a well-known lawyer. Prosecutor Leopold Bilski, assigned to the case, soon realises the murder mirrors an unsolved crime from nearly 20 years earlier.
Determined to uncover the truth, Bilski teams up with Helena, still haunted by grief. Together, they enter a dangerous investigation that leads them into the heart of a criminal network operating out of a seaside nightclub — a world of secrets, power, and buried trauma. With sharp twists and a brooding atmosphere, Colours of Evil: Red is a standout in Polish crime cinema, featuring powerful performances by Maja Ostaszewska and Jakub Gierszał.
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Colours of Evil: Red is currently available to stream on Netflix in both the UK and the USA.
Curious about the real setting? Explore Tricity’s top 10 must-see attractions and discover the haunting beauty behind the story.
Stay updated with Netflix’s new releases this week! Check out the premieres this week on Netflix Poland (in Polish)
Forst
Forst is a gripping 2024 Polish crime thriller series that unfolds in the shadow of the Tatra Mountains, where stunning natural beauty conceals unspeakable violence. The six-episode Netflix series follows Wiktor Forst (Borys Szyc), a brilliant but volatile investigator, who is drawn into a string of brutal murders marked by strange symbols and echoes of the past. When a body is found atop Giewont, Forst suspects the killings are linked to a deeper, more sinister conspiracy rooted in World War II-era secrets.
Suspended for his reckless methods, Forst refuses to walk away. Teaming up with investigative journalist Olga Szrebska, he embarks on an unauthorized investigation that takes him deep into the moral grey zones of justice, history, and state power. Shot on location in Zakopane, Nowy Targ, and Warsaw, the series turns the Tatra landscape into a brooding, atmospheric character of its own—shaping the mood, danger, and emotional weight of the story.
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Forst is currently available to stream on Netflix in both the UK and the USA.
Go Ahead, Brother (Bracia)
Go Ahead, Brother (Bracia) is a tense and visceral 2024 Polish crime‑action thriller miniseries spanning six gripping episodes. It follows Oskar Gwiazda (Piotr Witkowski), a former elite tactical unit officer who, after suffering a panic attack during a high‑stakes mission, is reassigned as a security guard. When his father tragically commits suicide—leaving behind crippling debts—Oskar must protect his family while navigating the dangerous underworld linked to his new role.
The series features standout performances from Piotr Witkowski, Marcin Kowalczyk, Konrad Eleryk, Aleksandra Adamska, and Piotr Adamczyk, delivering an emotionally charged narrative of loyalty, desperation, and survival. Its compelling mix of action and psychological drama propelled it to the top of Netflix Poland’s charts.
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Go Ahead, Brother (Bracia) is currently available to stream on Netflix in both the UK and the USA.
The Mire (Rojst)
Rojst (The Mire) is a haunting Polish crime‑thriller series that spans three seasons (17 episodes total), set against the bleak, noir‑tinged backdrop of an early‑’80s People’s Republic of Poland. The story kicks off in a swamp‑like provincial city when two brutal murders—a prostitute and a youth activist—are uncovered in the Gronty forest. Young journalist Piotr Zarzycki (Dawid Ogrodnik) teams up with seasoned reporter Witold Wanycz (Andrzej Seweryn) and becomes entangled in a dark web of political corruption, mafia ties, and long‑buried secrets. With standout performances from Magdalena Różczka, Łukasz Simlat, and Magdalena Różczka, the series is elevated by its gritty atmosphere, authentic period details, and suspenseful storytelling
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Rojst (The Mire) is currently available to stream on Netflix in both the UK and the USA
Signs (Znaki)
Signs (Znaki) is a haunting Polish crime drama (2 seasons, 16 episodes) set in the enigmatic Owl Mountains, in the fictional town of Sowie Doły. Commissioned by newcomer Michał Trela (Andrzej Konopka), the series begins with a chilling murder—a young woman found dead by a local mine—which echoes a mysterious unsolved case from years earlier. With the aid of his assistant Ada (Helena Sujecka), Trela uncovers a labyrinth of community secrets, dark rituals, and local superstitions that blur the lines between myth and reality.
The cast – including Magdalena Żak, Mirosław Kropielnicki, and Piotr Trojan – enhances a tense, atmospheric narrative that fuses small-town crime drama with elements of psychological thriller. Filmed amidst eerie forested landscapes, This mysterious, tension-filled narrative explores crime, guilt, and secrets within the local community, Signs delivers slow-burn suspense that grips from the first frame. Hurry — Signs (Znaki) will be removed from Netflix on June 25, 2025!
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Signs (Znaki) is currently available to stream on Netflix in both the UK and the USA.
In the Woods (W głębi lasu)
In the Woods (W głębi lasu) is a chilling 2020 Polish crime thriller miniseries that spans six suspenseful episodes. Set in two timelines — the eerie forests of the 1990s and present-day Poland — the story follows prosecutor Paweł Kopiński (Grzegorz Damięcki), who revisits a long-cold case after human remains surface, hinting that his missing sister might still be alive. Alongside Laura Goldsztajn (Agnieszka Grochowska), he uncovers buried truths and dark family secrets that threaten to unravel his life.
Adapted from the novel by Harlan Coben, the series captivates with its dual-timeline narrative, somber forest atmosphere, and emotional intrigue, delivered through strong performances and immersive storytelling.
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In the Woods (W głębi lasu) is currently available to stream on Netflix in the UK, USA, Canada, and other regions.
Hold Tight (Zachowaj spokój)
Hold Tight (Zachowaj spokój) is a tense and atmospheric 2022 Polish crime thriller miniseries spanning six episodes. Based on the novel by Harlan Coben, it unfolds in an affluent Warsaw suburb where the disappearance of teenager Adam — shortly after his friend’s death — shatters the illusion of safety. His mother, Anna Barczyk (Magdalena Boczarska), and stepfather (Leszek Lichota) find themselves pulled into a web of secrets, lies, and concealed dangers lurking behind closed doors.
The tension unravels the facade of perfect lives, intertwining with themes from In the Woods. This thriller, rich in twists and psychological drama, explores the thin line between safety and paranoia.
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Hold Tight (Zachowaj spokój) is currently available to stream on Netflix in the UK, USA, Canada, and other regions.
The Fan
Football rivalry turns into a brutal battle for survival in The Hooligan (Kibic), a gritty 2025 Polish crime thriller miniseries (5 episodes) directed by Łukasz Palkowski. When 17-year-old Kuba (Grzegorz Palkowski) reunites with his father—an infamous hooligan just released from prison—he’s pulled into the violent underworld of football fan wars, where loyalty to the team means crossing the line into organised crime.
Set against the charged atmosphere of Poland’s football culture, the series features powerful turns from Marta Żmuda-Trzebiatowska, Wojciech Zieliński, Mila Jankowska, and Karol Pocheć. Raw realism, tight pacing, and emotional stakes make this a must-watch for fans of intense Polish storytelling.
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The Hooligan (Kibic) is currently available to stream on Netflix in both the UK and the USA.
How I Became a Gangster. A True Story
How I Became a Gangster (Jak zostałem gangsterem. Historia prawdziwa) offers a thrilling exploration of ambition, loyalty, and the true cost of dreams. Widely recognised as one of the best Polish gangster films, it achieved 10.53 million hours of viewing on Netflix, dominating the non-English film category.
The story follows a nameless protagonist, who grows up in Warsaw dreaming of the gangster life. Over the decades, he rises through the criminal ranks, building his own crew and forging a makeshift family—set against the backdrop of Poland’s changing social and political landscape. The film delves deep into his personal highs and lows, exploring his relationships, internal conflicts, and the steep price of ambition.
The nameless protagonist, growing up in Warsaw, dreams of the gangster life. Over decades, he ascends the criminal hierarchy, forming his own group and family, amidst Poland’s socio-political backdrop. This film explores his highs and lows, relationships, and the price of ambition.
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How I Became a Gangster (Jak zostałem gangsterem. Historia prawdziwa) is currently available to stream on Netflix in the UK, USA, and other regions.
A Grain of Truth
A Grain of Truth (Ziarno prawdy) is a haunting 2015 Polish crime thriller based on Zygmunt Miłoszewski’s bestselling novel. When prosecutor Teodor Szacki (Robert Więckiewicz) relocates to the historic town of Sandomierz, he is drawn into a disturbing murder case marked by ritualistic elements. As the investigation unfolds, it forces him to confront deep-rooted anti-Semitic myths and long-buried local legends.
Featuring strong performances from Magdalena Walach, Jerzy Trela, and others, the film stands out not only for its gripping crime narrative but also for its reflection on historical memory and social prejudice. With its brooding atmosphere and moral complexity, it’s one of the most thought-provoking entries in Polish crime cinema.
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► Watch on Netflix
A Grain of Truth (Ziarno prawdy) is currently available to stream on Netflix in both the UK and the USA — but only until June 15, 2025.
These were the best Polish crime thrillers on Netflix!
If you’re wondering what else is worth watching on Netflix, check out: The best Polish TV series on Netflix, gripping dramas and dark mysteries. Must-watch!
This article was originally published in Polish on Netflixmania Polska.