WatchTree Recommendations
What to Watch After Cross
From Fresh Prequels to Timeless Thrills: Four Crime Dramas Every Cross Fan Must Watch
If you love the relentless, morally complex world of Alex Cross, you’ll want to dive into four standout crime dramas that each bring something fresh to the table. Fresh Blood‑Soaked Prequel (Dexter: Original Sin) gives you a brand‑new look at a legendary killer’s formative years, while Fan‑Fav Detective Grit (Bosch) provides a seasoned, audience‑approved marathon of gritty homicide work. Neo‑Noir Seattle Saga (The Killing) layers political intrigue over a haunting murder case, and Elba’s Dark Obsession (Luther) returns viewers to a dark, psychological cat‑and‑mouse game that never disappoints.
Together, these titles form a curated cross‑section of the genre: a recent prequel that pushes boundaries, a classic long‑running favorite, a critically praised series that hits the exact thematic notes of Cross, and a timeless masterpiece that guarantees edge‑of‑your‑seat tension. Whether you’re after fresh storytelling, deep character arcs, or the perfect blend of crime and conscience, this quartet delivers the full spectrum of what makes modern detective drama so addictive.
Why these shows are similar to Cross
Alex Cross is a brilliant but flawed homicide detective and full of contradictions. A doting father and family man, Cross is single-minded to the point of obsession when he hunts killers. He is desperate for love, but his wife’s murder has left him too damaged to receive it.
These recommendations branch out from Cross with similar tone, themes, genre elements, or audience appeal.
Dexter: Original Sin
TV • 2024
crime • drama • mystery
Why Watch Next
Dexter: Original Sin delivers a gritty, early‑career look at the iconic killer, matching Cross’s intense forensic focus while offering the newest‑era storytelling that fans of recent crime dramas crave.
Overview
In 1991 Miami, Dexter Morgan transitions from student to avenging serial killer. When his bloodthirsty urges can't be ignored any longer, Dexter must learn to channel his inner darkness. With the guidance of his father, Harry, he adopts a Code designed to help him find and kill people who deserve to be eliminated from society without getting on law enforcements' radar. This is a particular challenge for young Dexter as he begins a forensics internship at the Miami Metro Police Department.
Bosch
TV • 2015
mystery • drama • crime
Why Watch Next
Bosch is a beloved, critically‑acclaimed series that mirrors Cross’s relentless homicide hunt, pairing a hard‑nosed detective with deep personal stakes that will resonate with viewers seeking a long‑running, audience‑approved saga.
Overview
Harry Bosch, an LAPD homicide detective, stands trial for the fatal shooting of a serial murder suspect. A cold case involving the remains of a missing boy forces Bosch to confront his past. As daring recruit Julia Brasher catches his eye and departmental politics heat up, Bosch will pursue justice at all costs.
The Killing
TV • 2011
drama • crime • mystery
Why Watch Next
The Killing’s moody, politically‑charged investigations echo Cross’s thematic blend of crime and power, and its strong audience reception makes it a perfect semantic match for fans of layered mystery.
Overview
The Killing is an American crime drama television series based upon the Danish television series Forbrydelsen. Set in Seattle, Washington, the series follows the various murder investigations by homicide detectives Sarah Linden and Stephen Holder.
Luther
TV • 2010
crime • drama • mystery
Why Watch Next
Luther offers a timeless, high‑octane blend of psychological thriller and detective work, delivering the same moral ambiguity and intense character study that makes Cross compelling, and it’s a safe bet for any crime‑drama enthusiast.
Overview
A dark psychological crime drama starring Idris Elba as Luther, a man struggling with his own terrible demons, who might be as dangerous as the depraved murderers he hunts.
More shows and movies featuring actors from Cross
Looking for familiar faces? These picks include performers connected to Cross.
City on a Hill
TV • 2019
Why It’s Relevant
This gritty crime drama mirrors the intense, justice‑driven tone of 'Cross' with its focus on systemic corruption and high‑stakes investigations.
Underground
TV • 2016
Why It’s Relevant
A historically charged drama about a daring escape, it shares the high‑tension, morally complex themes of resistance and survival found in 'Cross'.
Leverage
TV • 2008
Why It’s Relevant
While adding a lighter, action‑packed edge, this series still centers on a team confronting injustice, echoing the core premise of battling powerful adversaries.
