The Nordic Noir genre originated in Scandinavia, but has gained fans around the world. It is often characterized by its dark, moody atmosphere, morally complex characters, and slow-burning, and often psychologically intense storytelling. Nordic noir series often focus on crime, particularly murder. Beyond the surface of crime and suspense, Nordic noir often critiques social issues such as gender inequality, immigration, political corruption, and the destruction of the welfare state.
While this genre is primarily set in Scandinavian countries, it isn’t difficult to see why these series have appealed to audiences all over the world. Although these stories provide critiques and unique perspectives on issues facing these countries, they ask broad, existential questions that viewers from all backgrounds can appreciate.The best Nordic noir series use the crime genre to introduce compelling characters who are morally complex and lean into this nuance.
10’Deadwind' (2018)
Deadwindis a Finnish crime dramathat introduces Sofia Karppi (Pihla Viitala), a recently widowed detective in her 30s with a young son and teenage stepdaughter. When she returns to work, she is partnered with rookie detective Sakari Nurmi (Lauri Tilkanen), whose background is in financial crime. The series follows these two detectives as they manage their obvious differences and focus on solving a different murder in each episode.
Deadwindis an essential Nordic Noir series, because it highlights one of the genre’s most memorable protagonists. Detective Sofia Karppi embodies so much of what makes this genre so unique. The way she navigates her personal grief while still displaying grit and determination makes her a protagonist who’s easy to empathize with. Like the best series in the genre,Deadwindhandles universal themes like grief, isolation, and betrayal.
9’Arctic Circle' (2018-2025)
Arctic Circleis a German-Finnish seriesthat follows Nina Kautsalo (Iina Kuustonen), a Finnish police officer tasked with investigating the murder of a sex worker. She hits a roadblock when it’s revealed that the murder victim tested positive for a rare, deadly virus. Kautsalo’s investigation expands as she has to consult with medical experts. The team works together to uncover the truth about the virus’s origin and what it means for the community.
Arctic Circleis such an essential Nordic noir series because it stays true to the genre while offering a unique take on it. The series' setting immediately stands out, sinceArctic Circletakes place in Finnish Lapland, a remote area near the Russian border. The use of bioterrorism also provides the series with a distinctive feel. The fact that the series is able to be both a crime drama and a medical thriller makes it stand out.
8’The Chestnut Man' (2021- )
The Chestnut Manis a Danish seriesthat begins with the murder of an entire family on a farm in 1987. More than thirty years later, a young woman is found murdered in a playground in Copenhagen. Detective Naia Thulin (Danica Ćurčić) and her reluctant partner Mark Hess (Mikkel Boe Følsgaard) are assigned to the murder, where the murderer leaves chestnut dolls at every crime scene they touch. The series moves at a breakneck speed and feels like a ghost story.
The Chestnut Manis such an important Nordic Noir series because it subverts expectations from the beginning. Every time one of those creepy dolls makes an appearance, it signals to the viewers that things are about to get real. The fact that the series is so twisted is what makes it stand out from other Nordic Noirs. Additionally, the series makes use of the fact that the two lead detectives have completely opposite personalities, which adds depth to the overall story.
7’Trom' (2022)
Tromintroduces Hannis Martinsson (Ulrich Thomsen), a journalist who receives a mysterious message from a woman, Sonja, who he doesn’t know, and who claims to be his daughter. When Sonja is murdered, Hannis finds himself embroiled in the case. He discovers that his daughter’s death may have had something to do with her anti-whaling activities. He also begins to suspect that a local businessman, Ragnar (Olaf Johannessen), is somehow involved.
Tromis such a notable Nordic Noir series because it centers the story of a journalist rather than police officers. This is a much-needed perspective shift for a genre that’s focused on crime. It’s important for fans of Nordic Noirs to watch this series to appreciate the fact that characters who are cops are not the only ones who can carry crime stories.Trom’s commitment to telling a grounded, often horrifying story makes it stand out.
6’White Sands' (2021-2025)
White Sandsis a lighter seriesthat introduces two Danish police detectives who pose as a married couple while investigating the murder of a German man. Thomas (Carsten Bjørnlund), a former soldier, and Helene (Marie Bach Hansen) integrate into the tight-knit community and dig deeper into the case. As secrets begin to surface, their fake relationship is tested personally and professionally. The second season follows Maj (Anne Louise Hassing), a detective who moves to White Sands to find peace.
White Sandsis another example of a unique series within the Nordic Noir genre. While the series mainly focuses on crime, like other Nordic Noirs, White Sands also adds a layer to the protagonists by having them pretend to be married. This makes these characters more human, and easier to empathize with as they do their job and navigate their respective personal lives. Additionally,White Sandsis an example of a series that stands out in this genre by showcasing how well different cultures can make these stories work.
5’River' (2015)
Riveris a British Noir starringStellan Skarsgårdas Detective Inspector John River of the Metropolitan Police Service. He’s haunted by the voices of the dead, which is a manifestation of the trauma he’s experienced on the job. After the murder of his colleague and close friend, DS Jackie “Stevie” Stevenson (Nicola Walker), River becomes obsessed with uncovering the truth behind her death while reckoning with his fragile mental state.
Riveris another example of a series that demonstrates the international appeal of Nordic Noirs. London is a perfect setting to tell a story in this genre, since it lends itself to a gray, rainy, and quietly oppressive aesthetic.Riverstands out by focusing on the human psyche, and exploring themes of grief, guilt and trauma rather than strictly on the procedural elements of the story. Like the best Nordic Noirs,Rivernever shies away from exploring existential themes like the true nature of justice.
4’Occupied' (2015-2020)
Occupiedis a Norwegian thrillerthat depicts a near-future where the country’s Green Party has stopped the country’s oil and gas production in response to catastrophic events related to global warming. In response, in this hypothetical future, Russia occupies Norway to secure oil and gas for itself. The series mainly follows Prime Minister Jesper Berg (Henrik Mestad), and those around him who are also trying to navigate this massive crisis.
Occupiedis an essential Nordic Noir because it successfully expands the genre and highlights how diverse it can be from a narrative perspective. The series is also an important one in that it highlights how necessary morally gray stories and characters are to Nordic Noirs. No one in this story is presented as totally good or evil. This ethical complexity is a hallmark of Nordic Noir, and invites viewers to consider their own values.
3’Wisting' (2019- )
Wistingis a Norwegian seriesthat follows Detective William Wisting (Sven Nordin), a senior police detective in Larvik, his daughter Line (Thea Green Lundberg), who’s a crime journalist, and FBI Special Agent Maggie Griffin (Carrie-Anne Moss). The series is based on the novels “The Caveman” and “The Hunting Dogs” byJørn Lier Horst. The series follows these three as their personal and professional lives become increasingly entangled.
Detective Wisting represents so much of what makes this genre so compelling with his quiet and methodical approach to his job and his family life.Wistingis an essential Nordic Noir because it makes the family dynamics between the characters an essential part of the story. The series is also an important entry in the genre because it adds FBI agents entering the mix and explores how crime transcends borders.
2’The Killing' (2007-2012)
The Killingis a Danish police proceduralset in Copenhagen. Detective Inspector Sarah Lund (Sofie Gråbøl) is the focus of the series, and each episode represents 24 hours of her and her team’s investigation into a crime. The first season chronicles the investigation of the murder of a young woman found in a car connected to a local official. Lund establishes herself as a dedicated detective who will stop at nothing to get to the truth, no matter how challenging the case is.
The Killingis an essential watch for any Nordic Noir fans because it gives equal emphasis to the stories of the murdered victim’s family along with the actual police investigation.Additionally, the series explores how crime so often has political implications, and how those in power often see themselves as being above the law.The Killinggoes beyond being a simple procedural, and is instead a meditation on power dynamics and how there are real human consequences of crime.
1’The Bridge' (2011-2018)
The Bridgeis a Swedish-Danish crime dramathat begins with a body being discovered at the center of the Øresund Bridge, which connects Copenhagen, Denmark, and Malmö, Sweden. The first season mainly follows Swedish detective Saga Norén (Sofia Helin) and her Danish counterpart Martin Rohde (Kim Bodnia) as they work together to solve this crime. The series highlights the cross-cultural challenges and opportunities that the police from Sweden and Denmark encounter while working together.
The Bridgeis one of the most influential Nordic Noir series, which makes it an essential watch for anyone exploring the genre. As a testament to how influential this series is, it was adapted into a series following American and Mexican law enforcement.The Bridgeultimately serves as an example of everything that makes this genre so thrilling to watch. The brooding atmosphere, morally challenging cases, and emotionally rich characters combine to make an unforgettable viewing experience.
