7 best female-driven crime thrillers to binge right now on Netflix, JioHotstar & more

If you enjoy crime thrillers packed with suspense, emotional depth, and powerful women taking control of their narratives, then this curated list is for you. 

These shows feature fierce detectives, complicated anti-heroes, morally grey protagonists, and women who refuse to be victims—each leading stories layered with tension, mystery, and high-stakes drama. 

Whether you're discovering crime dramas for the first time or looking for your next intense binge-watch, these female-led crime series offer some of the most compelling storytelling available today.

Also Read: New on OTT this week: Major releases across Netflix, JioHotstar, ZEE5 & more (Dec 8–14)

1. Delhi Crime – Netflix

Widely praised for its authenticity and emotional intensity, Delhi Crime stands as one of India’s strongest crime dramas. The first season follows DCP Vartika Chaturvedi (Shefali Shah), who leads a relentless investigation into the 2012 Nirbhaya case, a crime that shook the nation and exposed deep systemic issues. Season 2 shifts focus to the resurgence of the Kaccha-Baniyan gang-inspired crimes, exploring the pressure, exhaustion, and courage of officers dealing with unpredictable threats. Season 3 examines a human trafficking case inspired by the horrific Baby Falak incident, further showcasing the compassionate yet gritty resolve of women on the police front lines. Each season highlights not just the procedural side of policing but also the emotional and psychological toll on those who dedicate their lives to seeking justice.

2. Saas, Bahu Aur Flamingo – JioHotstar

This fiery crime drama flips the traditional saas-bahu narrative, giving it a dark, rebellious twist. Rani Ba (Dimple Kapadia) appears to run a simple household business with her daughters-in-law Bijlee (Isha Talwar) and Kajal (Angira Dhar), and her daughter Shanta (Radhika Madan). But beneath that façade lies a fearsome drug empire run entirely by women. Packed with gunfights, betrayals, and flamboyant style, the series showcases powerful female anti-heroes who operate with precision, intelligence, and ruthless determination. What stands out is how the show turns domestic stereotypes into weapons of power, placing women at the centre of crime-laden chaos and proving they can dominate any battlefield—even one ruled traditionally by men.

3. Aarya – JioHotstar

Sushmita Sen delivers one of her most compelling performances as Aarya Sareen, a woman thrust into the dangerous world of organized crime after her husband is murdered. Initially stepping in only to protect her family, Aarya soon finds herself navigating alliances, threats, betrayals, and moral dilemmas as she transforms into a powerful crime boss. Inspired by the Dutch series Penoza, the show beautifully captures Aarya’s evolution—from a trusting spouse to a woman who must outsmart criminals and law enforcement alike. Her struggle to safeguard her children while retaining her humanity adds rich emotional complexity to this fast-paced thriller.

4. Dabba Cartel – Netflix

Dabba Cartel offers a fresh, exciting premise centred on five women—Sheila Jagtap (Shabana Azmi), Raji Jagtap (Shalini Pandey), Mala (Nimisha Sajayan), Varuna Dasgupta (Jyothika), and Shahida (Anjali Anand)—who run a tiffin service in Thane. What appears to be a harmless food business soon spirals into a high-stakes drug operation when the women unexpectedly become middlemen for narcotics concealed within lunchboxes. As their accidental cartel expands, they find themselves facing rival gangs, internal conflicts, and intense police scrutiny. The show blends humour, tension, and realism while celebrating the resilience and courage of everyday women thrust into extraordinary circumstances.

5. Mare of Easttown – JioHotstar

Kate Winslet delivers a gripping, award-winning performance as Mare Sheehan, a small-town detective grappling with personal loss and emotional wounds. When a teenage girl is murdered, Mare is pushed into an investigation that uncovers buried secrets, strained relationships, and the troubled heart of her community. What sets the show apart is its deeply human portrayal of grief, trauma, and resilience. As twists unfold and suspects emerge from unexpected corners, Mare of Easttown becomes more than a crime thriller—it becomes an intimate study of a woman trying to hold her life together while solving a case that threatens to break her further.

6. Griselda – Netflix

This stylish, intense crime drama stars Sofía Vergara as Griselda Blanco, the infamous "Godmother of Cocaine." After fleeing a violent past in Colombia, Griselda arrives in Miami with her children and an audacious plan to rebuild her life through the drug trade. Rising rapidly through the criminal underworld, she battles rivals, law enforcement, and her own demons. The show reveals how one woman carved a feared empire in a brutal, male-dominated world—using strategy, manipulation, and sheer willpower. The storytelling, combined with Vergara’s transformative performance, makes Griselda a thrilling portrait of ambition and survival.

Also Read: 7 mind-bending psychological thrillers you must watch on OTT

7. Sharp Objects – JioHotstar

Based on Gillian Flynn’s bestselling novel, Sharp Objects is a haunting psychological crime drama. Camille Preaker (Amy Adams), a journalist, returns to her hometown to investigate the murder of one girl and the disappearance of another. As she digs deeper, she is forced to confront her traumatic past, her toxic relationship with her mother Adora (Patricia Clarkson), and the unsettling behaviour of her half-sister Amma. The show weaves mystery with psychological complexity, slowly unveiling the chilling truth behind the town’s dark secrets. It’s bold, emotional, and unforgettable.