Nordic noir is an ever-growing genre, with a gritty, moody take on the crime genre that caters to those millions of viewers who like their mysteries served with a side of bitter realism. Typically set in Scandinavia, in recent years, crime media outside the region has adopted the Nordic noir style, showcasing the ever-growing reach of this beloved genre. With that in mind, the streamers were never going to miss an opportunity to latch onto popularity, with Netflix one platform that hosts some of the best Nordic noir movies in recent memory.

For more recommendations, check out our list of the best Nordic noir shows on Netflix or Prime Video or the best movies and shows on Netflix across all genres.

This 2022 Danish drama film directed by follows Leonora () as she suddenly gains suspicion that her engineer husband Christian () is having an affair. However, as small puzzle pieces slowly fit together to create a terrifying picture, the stakes heighten, and the lives of these once- are put in danger. Salim and Richter are delightfully unlikeable as Leonora and Christian, making for an energetic trip through a hellish relationship that is never short of thrills. Not only that, but the supporting cast is just as strong in this well-crafted Nordic noir with all the trimmings. - Jake Hodges

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This gritty crime flick follows Kari Sorjonen (), a grizzled veteran of policing who is about to embark on the most difficult case of his career. After serial killer Lasse Maasalo ()'s face and a chilling message are painted in blood on an underpass, it is up to Sorjonen to piece together this terrifying puzzle. Packed full of twists and turns that keep you on your toes from the very first moment, is a sequel to the successful series that was fashioned into a feature-length movie and is all the better for it. Starring Virtanen at his captivating best, this is a Nordic noir you won't want to miss. - Jake Hodges

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Although not set in Scandinavia, follows many of the tropes of Nordic noir and is a perfect showcase of the genre's wide reach. Based on the true story of serial killer , the man responsible for the deaths of at least 16 women in Iran, Holy Spider follows the journey of Arezoo Rahimi (), a journalist tasked with investigating the aforementioned crimes. A selection for the Palme d'Or prize at the 2022 , Holy Spider is a poignant, thrilling tale rooted in the truth of its real-life inspiration. Not only that, but the movie features one of the best lead performances of the year from Ebrahimi, who even won the Cannes prize for Best Actress for her trouble. - Jake Hodges

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Set in the terrifying aftermath of a nuclear disaster, follows the family of Leonora (), Jacob (), and their little daughter Alice (), who search for safety among the horrors of their environment. However, after thinking they had found a path to solace through hotel owner Mathias (), the realities of his twisted business become horrifyingly true. A psychological horror with all the trimmings,s Cadaver features several clever twists on the road to a gutsy finale. Not only is this an eye-catching Nordic noir, but it is also the first-ever Netflix original to come from Norway. - Jake Hodges

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Co-written by, starring, and directed by,follows a trip through the blaring hot sun of a Swedish summer, with Fares portraying police officer Lukas, who is on the hunt for divorced couple Artan () and Louise (). However, this is no simple chase, with Artan the abductor of Louise, as he plans to reunite with his daughter by any means necessary. A tense trip through the terrifying lengths some may go to get what they want, A Day and a Half marks the directorial debut of Fares, who truly gives himself an enormous task with this project. Although the characters may be difficult to find relatable, let that take nothing away from the sheer energy and entertainment on display. - Jake Hodges

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This Swedish thriller directed by follows the pregnant Nadja () as she and David (Anastasios Soulis) look to relight their old flame for the sake of their unborn child. However, a trip to the snowy peaks of northern Sweden sparks much more than romance, with a terrifying truth about to be found. By every sense of the word, Red Dot is thrilling. Not only is it deliciously easy to follow, but it also marks the first-ever Netflix original film to hail from Sweden, marking an important milestone that perfectly captures the ever-growing influence of Nordic noir on worldwide viewing habits. - Jake Hodges

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