Top 10 Danish TV Series and Films You Should Watch

Today’s Post

Hello everyone! Today’s post highlights some of our favorite Danish TV series and films. Scandinavian television often leans toward dark, dramatic stories, so you’ll find plenty of crime dramas here. We also included lighter fare—comedy-dramas and more uplifting series—plus three notable Danish films. Several entries feature Mads Mikkelsen.

Whether you want an engaging plot, a way to practice Danish, or a comforting connection to home through a dark comedy or intense drama, there should be something here for you. Streaming availability varies by country, so search for each title on your preferred streaming service or check IMDb for more details. Enjoy!

TV Series

1. Kastanjemanden

Released in 2021 and adapted from Søren Sveistrup’s novel, Kastanjemanden (The Chestnut Man) is classic Scandinavian noir. The plot follows detective Naia as she investigates a string of murders connected to a politician’s missing daughter. The series is atmospheric and suspenseful, with a haunting motif that lingers long after an episode ends. While reasonably predictable in places, it remains a gripping watch for crime-drama fans.

2. Borgen

Borgen is a standout political drama that follows Birgitte Nyborg, Denmark’s first female prime minister, as she navigates power, compromise, and personal sacrifice. The show’s realism and careful character development make it compelling; you quickly become invested in the political and personal stakes. It also offers a clear window into Denmark’s political system, making it educational as well as entertaining.

3. Rita

Rita is a comedy-drama centered on a outspoken, unconventional high school teacher whose personal life is often chaotic. Her fierce loyalty to her students and blunt personality create both comedic moments and thoughtful drama. The supporting cast, including the endearing and awkward Hjørdis, adds warmth and depth. Rita balances humor with real-life themes, making it both entertaining and emotionally resonant.

4. Dicte

Dicte is a crime drama about a determined crime reporter who frequently becomes personally involved in her investigations. The series mixes investigative suspense with the protagonist’s complicated personal life and frequent clashes with police authorities. It’s engaging, character-driven, and full of twists that keep you watching.

5. Sygeplejersken

A 2023 series (The Nurse) based on true events, Sygeplejersken follows a nurse who begins to suspect a colleague of harming patients. Told from another nurse’s perspective as she uncovers disturbing truths, the short four-episode format makes this a tense, bingeable watch that is both creepy and compelling.

6. The Rain

The Rain is a post-apocalyptic thriller following siblings Rasmus and Simone as they survive in the wake of a deadly virus and search for a cure. The series blends emotional stakes with suspenseful plotting. While some dialogue and plot choices can feel uneven at times, the overall journey and character arcs make it an engaging watch across its three seasons.

7. Broen

Broen (The Bridge) is a Danish–Swedish co-production that begins when a body is found on the Øresund Bridge, right on the Denmark–Sweden border. The ensuing investigation pairs a Danish inspector with a Swedish detective, producing a tense, character-driven procedural that inspired several international remakes. The cross-border backdrop and moral complexity make it a standout crime series.

Films

8. Jagten

Jagten (The Hunt) is a powerful drama about Lucas, a kindergarten teacher falsely accused of inappropriate behavior. The film examines how a small, tight-knit community reacts and how quickly social trust can collapse. Emotionally wrenching and beautifully acted, Jagten earned international recognition, including an Oscar nomination for Best Foreign Language Film. It’s a challenging but rewarding watch.

9. Flammen og Citronen

Flammen og Citronen (Flame & Citron) dramatizes the lives of two members of the Danish resistance during World War II. Based on real figures, the film explores the moral ambiguities of resistance work—how people on the “right” side of history can still make brutal choices. Its nuanced approach and artistic presentation make it distinctive among war dramas.

10. Druk

Druk (Another Round) is a 2020 black comedy-drama about four high-school teachers who test a psychiatrist’s theory by keeping their blood alcohol concentration at 0.05% throughout the day. The experiment produces surprising changes in their friendships, careers, and personal lives. The film is both moving and provocative; it won the Oscar for Best International Feature Film and carries a powerful emotional weight behind the scenes.

Thanks for Reading!

Thanks for reading today’s roundup. We hope this list gives you inspiration for what to watch next—each pick has something unique to offer. We’d love to hear your recommendations: what Danish or Scandinavian shows and films are you watching right now? Share your favorites in the comments below!