If you’re a fan of gripping crime dramas that keep you on the edge of your seat, HBO Max in Australia has a treasure trove of top-tier shows to offer. HBO has earned its reputation as the face of premium TV, and its crime dramas are no exception.
From intense police procedurals to thought-provoking mysteries, these shows showcase the creative depth and storytelling prowess of HBO. Whether you enjoy psychological thrillers, period pieces, or neo-noir crime dramas, HBO Max has something for every crime enthusiast.
Let’s dive into the best shows about police brutality on HBO Max and explore their captivating narratives, stellar casts, and impressive IMDb ratings.
True Detective
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.9/10 | Nic Pizzolatto | Vince Vaughn, Colin Farrell, Rachel McAdams | Various (Anthology) |
Description: True Detective is an anthology crime drama known for its relentless and cerebral storytelling. Season 1, featuring Matthew McConaughey and Woody Harrelson, is a standout with its engrossing grit and psychological elements.
Later seasons, like the duo of Mahershala Ali and Stephen Dorff in Season 3, continue to deliver mind-bending mysteries and star power.
Mare Of Easttown
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.4/10 | Brad Ingelsby | Kate Winslet, Julianne Nicholson, etc. | Various |
Description: Mare of Easttown follows Kate Winslet’s captivating performance as a local detective in a small town investigating the murder of a teenage mother. The show’s emotionally intimate approach and superb acting earned widespread acclaim, including an Outstanding Lead Actress Emmy for Winslet.
The Wire
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.3/10 | David Simon | Dominic West, John Doman, Deirdre Lovejoy, etc. | Various |
Description: The Wire is a gripping crime drama and police procedural that delves into the interconnected web of law enforcement institutions and local gangs. With its shockingly accurate portrayal of societal issues, this series earned acclaim for its authenticity and compelling characters.
Tokyo Vice
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.6/10 | J.T. Rogers | Ansel Elgort, Ken Watanabe, etc. | Various |
Description: Tokyo Vice is an enthralling original crime drama that follows an American journalist’s ventures into the world of Japanese organized crime. The well-rounded cast and stylish storytelling make this series a standout neo-noir crime drama.
Boardwalk Empire
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.5/10 | Terence Winter | Steve Buscemi, Kelly Macdonald, Michael Shannon, etc. | Various |
Description: Boardwalk Empire sets the crime drama against the backdrop of the Prohibition era, focusing on the exploits of criminal kingpin Enoch Thompson. With its stylish portrayal of the time and stellar cast, this period piece is an engrossing mob-themed drama.
The Sopranos
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 9.2/10 | David Chase | James Gandolfini, Lorraine Bracco, etc. | Various |
Description: The Sopranos is a must-see mobster TV drama with an iconic performance by James Gandolfini. The series serves as a psychological deconstruction of a mob boss’s life, making it a critically acclaimed and gritty portrayal of the genre.
We Own This City
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 7.6/10 | Reinaldo Marcus Green | Jon Bernthal, Wunmi Mosaku, etc. | Various (Miniseries) |
Description: We Own This City is a recent crime drama miniseries based on the non-fiction book of the same name. It delves into the deep-rooted corruption within the Baltimore Police Department’s Gun Trace Task Force.
Jon Bernthal’s compelling performance as Sergeant Wayne Jenkins highlights the scathing and cynical look into law enforcement institutions.
Barry
| IMDb Rating | Creator | Cast | Director |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8.3/10 | Alec Berg, Bill Hader | Bill Hader, Stephen Root, etc. | Various |
Description: Barry is a unique and inventive crime drama that combines dark humor with character drama. The series follows a hitman who discovers a new passion for acting, leading to internal conflict as he questions his criminal life.
Bill Hader’s outstanding portrayal and cleverly bleak humor make this show a refreshing and compelling watch.
Conclusion
HBO Max in Australia offers a diverse and thrilling collection of crime dramas that span various subgenres and time periods. From the dark psychological intensity of True Detective to the emotional intimacy of Mare of Easttown, each show delivers compelling narratives and outstanding performances.
The Wire and Tokyo Vice shed light on complex societal issues, while Boardwalk Empire and The Sopranos take viewers back in time to explore the world of organized crime.
Whether you prefer gritty police procedurals or thought-provoking neo-noir dramas, HBO Max has the best shows about police brutality to keep you entertained and captivated. Get ready to embark on a journey through the gripping world of crime and mystery with these top-tier crime dramas. Happy streaming!
